The Rist Family Foundation recently made a $500,000 donation to FSW’s Respiratory Care Program. On hand for the check presentation were, from left, FSW President Dr. Jeff Allbritten, Kim Rist and Brian Rist. PHOTO PROVIDED

Florida SouthWestern State College’s Respiratory Care program has received a $500,000 donation from Brian and Kim Rist and the Rist Family Foundation. The funds will be used to provide enhancements to the program including equipment, technology and additional instructional staff.

“After the last year and all of the things that happened with the pandemic, it made us all aware that respiratory therapy is key and critical,” said Brian Rist. “Then to find out there is a shortage of people who have these skills made it a simple decision for us to try to help. Many of these students stay local once they graduate, and we want them to have the best training and education they can so that they can help Fort Myers and Southwest Florida.”

Additionally, the FSW respiratory care lab and classroom will be named the “The Rist Family Foundation Respiratory Laboratory and Classroom.”

“We’ve watched FSW for a number of years and have seen the great things they do, and we want to help them in any way we can,” Rist said.

Florida SouthWestern State College annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally. FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests.

Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.