Image:Earl and Thelma.jpg

Earl Hodges and Thelma Hodges; The beneficiaries of Hodges University (formerly known as International College) in Naples, Florida, after whom the university was renamed.

Founded in 1990 as International College, Hodges University has established itself as one of the premier private universities in the State of Florida. The name was changed to Hodges University in May, 2007 to honor a generous gift by Earl and Thelma Hodges, long-time residents of Naples and avid supporters of the institution.

Earl and Thelma Hodges have been married for nearly 50 years and have been actively involved in a wide variety of local civic and charitable causes and have been long-time supporters of International College. The couple has contributed to the capital campaign for the Naples Campus and Earl Hodges serves on the International College Foundation Board. They also were instrumental in establishing the Veteran's Scholarship fund.

A native of Tennessee, Earl Hodges moved to Naples in 1956. He is a veteran of World War II and the Korean War and was a successful businessman and owner of the Earl G. Hodges Funeral Chapel as well as the Johnson-Hayes Funeral. In addition to building the funeral home business, Hodges founded the Naples Vault Company, Naples Crematorium, and Naples Memorial Gardens and Cemetery. He also has actively served on the boards of several local banks. In 2001, Hodges was honored as the International College Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his contributions. He also is a past recipient of the Naples Daily News Outstanding Citizen Award and the Junior Achievement Business Leadership Award.

Originally from Lawrence, Massachusetts, Thelma Hodges moved to Naples in late 1955. She was a Registered Nurse and was one of the three original employees at the Naples Community Hospital (hired just three months prior to the hospital's official opening in 1956). Thelma Hodges worked at the hospital for more than 20 years and at different times was in charge of the emergency room, central supply and operating room.

In recognition of their significant gift as well as their years of community service, Earl and Thelma Hodges have been bestowed honorary doctorates from Hodges University.

www.hodges.edu http://www.florida-weekly.com/news/2007/0524/Top_News/008.html

See below.