The Pensacola State College (PSC) Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Vincent John Whibbs Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship, a $50,000 fund created to support students pursuing careers in automotive or diesel-related programs at PSC. The scholarship includes a $12,500 matching contribution from the Pensacola State College Alumni Association.
Surrounded by family, including his wife Rachael, siblings, children and grandchildren, John Paul “JP” Whibbs shared his inspiration for establishing this endowed scholarship. Though he never attended college, JP’s father, Vincent “Vince” John Whibbs Sr. supported many students in their pursuit of higher education. In some ways, his father’s example inspired JP to endow this scholarship. Over 20 Whibbs family members joined JP to honor the legacy of their patriarch, Mayor Emeritus Vincent Whibbs Sr., a devoted public servant, successful businessman, and tireless advocate for the Pensacola community.
Elected to the Pensacola City Council in 1976, Whibbs went on to serve seven consecutive terms as mayor from 1977 to 1991, making him the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. During his 14-year tenure, he oversaw numerous transformative projects, including the construction of a new City Hall and police headquarters, the expansion of Pensacola Regional Airport, and the revitalization of downtown Pensacola—laying the foundation for the vibrant cityscape enjoyed today…