Molly McGuire endowed scholarship grows larger with two big donations

Endowment fund principal is now more than $300,000

By Troy Moon, Pensacola State College

Pensacola State students served up a wee bit of Irish food and flavor at a reception last week for family, friends and supporters of the College’s Culinary Arts Program.

But the main course was two donations that will grow the Molly McGuire Culinary Arts Endowed Scholarship fund and help more students pursue their dreams.

The Irish Politicians Club, a social club based at McGuire’s Irish Pub, presented a $35,000 check to the College for the scholarship fund, which began in June 2015. Then McGuire Martin presented a $25,000 check to the endowment scholarship fund named for his late wife, who died in 2014.

The endowment principal now is more than $300,000.

“Let’s all raise a glass to the McGuire Martin family,” Pensacola State President Ed Meadows requested of the crowd who gathered in the Molly McGuire Culinary Arts Dining Room on Thursday. “And especially to Molly.”

Molly McGuire Martin was the matriarch of the large McGuire’s Irish Pub restaurant family, and her memory is still honored at McGuire’s, Pensacola State College and by much of the community.

“I’m sorry Molly isn’t here,” an emotional McGuire Martin told the group. “She would certainly be very proud of this. It’s just a shame, but it’s a wonderful thing for Molly. I did stop at her grave this afternoon over at Bayfront there (Bayfront Memorial Park, a Pensacola cemetery) and told her everything that’s happening.”

Since its establishment four years ago, the endowment has awarded more than $13,000 in scholarships to 16 culinary arts students. Only interest on the principal sum can be used for any endowment scholarship. The new donations will increase that amount of interest to help fund more students entering the College’s culinary arts program. More than 200 local businesses and individuals contributed funds to establish the endowment at its inception.

Reeves said the scholarship endowment is a perfect tribute to Molly McGuire Martin.

“She was so sweet and took such good care of her customers,” Reeves said. “It’s hard (on friends and family.) She still has her desk at McGuire’s and no one has touched it.”

Michael Flake is a scholarship recipient who has worked at McGuire’s Irish Pub for four years. On Thursday, he was draped in black formal wear and served as “manager of the day” for the reception.

He said the PSC culinary arts program has “taught me to be proud of the food I serve, and how to do it correctly. The things the culinary program has taught me over the last year are unbelievable. I greatly appreciate everything Pensacola State College and (the Martin family) do for this community.”

In his four years at McGuire’s, the 21-year-old Flake has done numerous jobs ─ from dishwasher to food runner.

“I plan on moving into the (McGuire’s) kitchen after graduation,” he said. “I know I’ll be ready and prepared.”

Flake supervised while a number of culinary arts students moved through the room with trays of hors d’oeuvres, some with a familiar McGuire’s influence, such as the mini-Reubens and Irish Coffee Cream Cake.

“If you can find room,” said Chef Jimmie Langham, PSC culinary instructor, “please have some more to eat.”

Reeves said the quality of food was “outstanding.”

“They did a great job, but that’s what we expected,” Reeves said. “PSC has a wonderful culinary arts program here, and that’s one reason we support it. It’s just a great legacy to Molly.”

To learn more

Molly McGuire Culinary Arts Endowed Scholarship recipients must demonstrate a financial need and be enrolled full-time or part-time in the Pensacola State College’s Culinary Management Associate in Science Degree or Culinary Arts Certificate programs. Student must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Recipients may receive funds for up to two years if pursuing a certificate or associate degree. Scholarship funds can cover tuition, fees, books and supplies required by the syllabus.

For more information, contact Chef Jimmie Langham at 850-484-1422, or email at jdlangham@pensacolastate.edu.