Helen Gilbart

Helen Gilbart spent her life doing what she loved most—teaching, mentoring, and helping students succeed. Her connection to St. Petersburg College ran deep. She was an alumna, a longtime professor, and a passionate supporter of the College's mission. And thanks to a gift she included in her will, Helen's impact continues to be felt by students today.

Helen first came to SPC in 1964 as a student at what was then St. Petersburg Junior College. After earning her master's degree, she returned to teach English composition, creative writing, and humanities on the Clearwater Campus. Over the years, she became known not just as a dedicated educator, but as someone who truly cared—about her students, her colleagues, and the future of the College.

She led the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Communications programs, guided SPC's literary magazine The Obelisk, and even authored several textbooks. Her poem Come, Voyagers, a reflection on growth and exploration, is still printed in every commencement program, a quiet reminder of her lasting presence.

When Helen retired in 1997, she and her late husband, Don, made a meaningful decision: they included SPC in their estate plans. Their bequest created a scholarship endowment that continues to help students pursue their dreams. It was just one of many ways Helen gave back. She helped launch the "We're on the Way" program, supported the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, and later established Study Abroad Scholarships to help students experience the world beyond the classroom.

Even after retiring, Helen stayed involved, serving on committees, supporting the Foundation, and cheering on students every step of the way. In 2014, she was honored as SPC's Outstanding Alumnus and named Professor Emerita.

Helen's final gift, a bequest to the College, is a powerful reminder that one person's generosity can echo for generations. Her legacy lives on in every student who receives a scholarship, studies abroad, or walks across the stage at graduation.

You Can Leave a Legacy, Too
Including St. Petersburg College in your will is a simple way to make a lasting impact. Just like Helen, you can help future students succeed—long after your lifetime.

To learn more about planned giving and how to include SPC in your estate plans, visit www.spcgiving.org or reach out to our team. We’d love to help you create a legacy that reflects what matters most to you.