History of the U.F. Gibbs
Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.

Following the passing of Mr. Ulysses Franklin Gibbs, also known as Mr. U. F. Gibbs, “U.F.”, “Prof”, or “Doc”, on August 25, 1998, discussion began concerning the establishment of a scholarship in his name. Mr. Gibbs was a retired educator who was dearly loved by Stone School personnel, students, and members of the South Melbourne Community. He was a firm believer in the importance of continuing education and participated in many scholastic and learning pursuits. He served as principal of Stone High School, which eventually became Stone Middle/Magnet School, for 25 years. This scholarship fund is a tribute to Mr. Gibbs commemorating his years of work and service in education and the Brevard community.

Several years later, the scholarship “dream” and its value to the community reemerged but this time with sheer determination. In fact, there was not only talk but tenacity and resolve to get the job done. Therefore, plans were set into motion for a meeting. A few of Mr. Gibbs’ former teachers and staff members from Stone, whom he had hired, requested a meeting at the home shared by Mr. Gibbs and his lovely wife , Mrs. Sara M. Gibbs. Those present included Valene Croskey, Jr., Richard Black, J. Albert Diggs, Roosevelt Holmes, and John Swilley. Dennis Jefferson was unable to attend. This meeting proved very productive.

The U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund was organized exclusively for educational purposes, and is a vehicle designed to assist those graduating high school seniors who matriculated at Stone Middle/Magnet School and applied for the U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship. The applicant must have a 2.5 GPA, be of good character, compose an essay, and must be enrolled in a college or university.

Information concerning the development of this Fund was first announced publicly in 2005 by Roosevelt Holmes at a dedication event for the Head Start Association in Palm Bay. On October 21, 2006, the first luncheon of the U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund was held at Stone School Cafeteria/Auditorium in Melbourne. The luncheon served as the venue for the official announcement of the Fund. Attendance was great and several staff members, teachers, former Stone School students and local community members volunteered to serve on the committee.

The Fund’s first officers were elected in 2008. Ms. Ruby Jackson was elected the Fund’s first President and Mr. Valene Croskey, Jr. the Fund’s Director. In March 2009, the organization applied for nonprofit incorporation in the State of Florida through the submission of the Articles of Incorporation. In February 2012, the status was granted; and the fund became U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund, Incorporated. Corporate officers were: President- Richard Black, Vice President- J. Albert Diggs, Secretary- Elsenna D. Jordan, Treasurer- Harriet Harris and Registered Agent- Valene Croskey, Jr. Elsenna D. Jordan has served as President since 2015.

The first U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship was presented to Alex B. Byrd in 2007 (pictured at the top of this webpage). To date, the organization has presented 43 scholarships and more than $60,000 to those graduating high school seniors who applied and fit the criteria.

The U.F. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501©(3) organization. Funds for its annual scholarships are provided through fundraising activities and generous donations from businesses, community supporters, former students and staff, and friends. Should you wish to donate, please indicate your preferred method and remit via the DONATE button found at the bottom of the page.

All donations are tax-deductible. We solicit and thank you kindly for the sharing of your treasures and your assistance in this worthwhile endeavor.

Photo: Alex Byrd • First Scholarship Recipient • 2007

History of the U.F. GibbsMemorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.

History of the U.F. Gibbs
Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.