Florida State University and The Jim Moran Foundation have recognized first-year students Guillaume Toussaint and Efrata Woldmariam as the 2023 Jim Moran Scholars.
Jan Moran, chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation, and FSU President Richard McCullough celebrated the scholars during a reception at the Jim Moran Building in downtown Tallahassee on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
In partnership with Florida State University, The Jim Moran Foundation annually recognizes up to two African American high school seniors from North and South Florida as Jim Moran Scholars. Each receives a four-year, needs-based scholarship with funding provided through the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.
Established by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, this legacy scholarship provides hardworking students who are role models for others and have been admitted to FSU with an opportunity to succeed through education regardless of their financial barriers.
This year’s South Florida Jim Moran Scholar, Guillaume Toussaint, graduated from Deerfield Beach High School’s International Baccalaureate program. He played varsity soccer and was active in Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and Chess Club. After earning his degree in biomedical engineering, Guillaume aspires to research and develop lifesaving surgical equipment in the health care industry.
“I want to do something that will better lives and allow families to continue being together,” he said.
The North Florida Jim Moran Scholar Efrata Woldmariam graduated from Paxon School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville with a love for math and science. In addition to playing volleyball, she was involved in the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. Efrata plans to major in nursing and continue her education to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. She said with the scholarship she can work hard, make her mom proud and “become the person and nurse she wants to be.”
For more information, visit jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/programs/jim-moran-scholars.
About the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship cultivates, trains and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. Jim Moran started his business career in Chicago selling soda pop at sandlot baseball games at the age of seven, and went on to become one of America’s most successful business owners. A 1995 contribution from Jim and Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises established the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship to help others become successful entrepreneurs. Since 2011, further enhancements to the Jim Moran Institute and its outreach have been made possible by Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation.
About The Jim Moran Foundation
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $240 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.