Published March 24, 2025
Melissa Cole, Pensacola State College Foundation
There are few who understand the transformative power of quality education better than dedicated advocates like Patricia (Baker Shaw) Drlicka.
Pat has witnessed firsthand how knowledge can be a tool to unlock a person’s highest potential in ways that span generations.
After graduating from Pensacola High school, Pat attended Pensacola State College, formerly Pensacola Junior College, shortly after it first opened. She quickly became enamored with the educational opportunities provided by the College in her favorite subjects, journalism and baking.
During her time at PSC, Pat developed dear friendships with classmates, Edward and Ginger Moore and Jean Norman who shared her love for learning, as well as her enthusiasm for the community connections and resources offered by the College.
As the years passed, Pat’s success, and that of her fellow alumni, became inextricably tied to the College and the students who passed through its doors. Their selfless generosity has continued to change the lives of others through scholarships, and through their decades-long participation with the College.
“We enjoyed Pensacola Junior College, but we were there because it provided a good education and a good foundation before going to university,” Pat shared.
From teaching in inner-city classrooms to coordinating emergency school supply drives and advocating for voluntary prekindergarten, Pat has devoted much of her life to early learning and education. Her faith in the transformative power of education has not only shaped her life’s work, but also motivates her to ensure that others have the same opportunities that she had.
Pat treasures her family more than anything. Her three sons, their significant others, and several grandchildren bring joy to her life. They inspired her to consider ways in which she could make a long-term impact in the community. In November of 2022, the native Pensacolian, educator, and PSC alumna established the Shaw Family Endowed Scholarship in her family name to support first-generation college students at PSC.
Her family history with Pensacola State College made establishing the endowment an easy choice.
All three of Pat’s sons attended Pensacola State College before continuing to prosper at four-year universities. Like their mother, Ronald, Eric, and Todd Shaw credit PSC with preparing them to excel later in life.
Pat’s grandson-in-law, Reid Torgersen, also believes in doing his part to provide quality service to PSC. Reid serves on the Big Break Golf Classic committee, helping plan one of the Pensacola State College Foundation’s annual fundraisers. Reid’s valuable efforts over the past four years have helped raise over $390,400 for the greatest needs of the College.
Soon after its establishment, the Shaw Family Endowed Scholarship was awarded to a deserving student, Angelina Mullen.
“Your investment in my education is not only financial, but also a source of motivation and inspiration,” Angelina expressed. “I hope to one day be in a position to pay it forward and help others achieve their goals, just as you have helped me.”
Pat has spent her life spreading positivity with her friends, family, and community. This tenacity to create strength in the lives of others arises from Pat’s own resilient outlook. Her positivity was put to the test on multiple occasions as she battled cancer. Despite her challenges, Pat remains dedicated to supporting others.
Through her work, advocacy, friendships, and philanthropy, Pat Drlicka shows that equal access to education is the foundation for brighter futures. Her family’s legacy is embodied in the Shaw Family Endowed Scholarship, which will carry forward their tradition of opening doors for others.
For more information about supporting scholarships at Pensacola State College, visit https://foundation.pensacolastate.edu/opportunities-to-support-psc/scholarships/ or contact Director of Foundation Scholarships, Mikenzie Francis-Opperman, at (850) 484 – 1788 or mfrancis-opperman@pensacolastate.edu.
For more information about applying for scholarships and other forms of financial support at Pensacola State College, visit https://www.pensacolastate.edu/financial-aid/ or contact the Financial Aid Department at (850) 484-1680 or fava@pensacolastate.edu.