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Roskamp gives Ringling gift of $1 million

Bob Roskamp

Sarasota developer Bob Roskamp and his wife, Diane Roskamp, gave $1 million in September to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, operated by Florida State University in Sarasota.

"For the past two years, Diane and I have had the privilege to be part of the Ringling Museum family," Roskamp said in a letter outlining the gift to FSU President Sandy D'Alemberte. "In that short period we have witnessed and enthusiastically supported the changes and development of this treasure. The magnitude of support that has come from our association with FSU is so much greater than this optimist could have imagined-and the results are only at the beginning of a new era for the museum."

D'Alemberte said the gift was "extremely generous in cash and even more important in spirit."

"When the 2000 Florida Legislature partnered FSU with the Ringling, the Ringling's total endowment after 60 years of existence was $1.8 million," D'Alemberte said. "Through the state's matching funds program for endowment, Bob and Diane Roskamp's single $1-million gift can generate a total of $1.75 million, significantly enhancing the Ringling's resources."

Roskamp has developed luxury adult retirement and related care facilities in Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania. He is a member of Ringling's Board of Directors and chairman of its development committee. Both Roskamps are active as volunteers and donors in community, non-profit organizations. Roskamp's other philanthropic interests include research at the University of South Florida to discover cures for diseases of the mind, with a strong focus on Alzheimer's disease. He holds a master's degree in education and administration from Loyola University in Chicago.

On Sept. 20, the FSU Board of Trustees voted to direct $43 million, appropriated by the 2002 Legislature, to the Ringling Museum. Lawmakers earmarked the money for new construction at the Ringling-but assigned the Board of Trustees the job of distributing the money.

The construction will include a new visitors' pavilion, restoration of the 18th century Italian Asolo theater, a new education/conservation building and expansion of the Ringling's art galleries.

FSU's Board tied $21 million of the construction funds to the Ringling's success in raising $l0 million in endowment within a year-with the goal of raising $50 million in five years.

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Copyright ©2002 Florida State Times