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Â鶹ֱ²¥ proudly announces that Mr. Joe Leitch, the college’s Outstanding Alumnus for 2025–26 and a member of the Class of 1967, will serve as the keynote speaker at Chipola’s Commencement Ceremony on May 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center.
Leitch’s journey at Chipola began with a work-study scholarship, where he served as Director of Sports Publicity. Reflecting on his time at the college, Leitch recalls, “I had a small desk in the office of Coach Milton Johnson. I had many educational and enjoyable conversations with Coach Johnson in that office.” He credits Chipola as an essential institution within the Florida College System, providing students with an accessible and affordable pathway to higher education.

Following his time at Chipola, Leitch earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and later completed his MBA at the Wharton Graduate School. A summer internship with Salomon Brothers launched a distinguished 24-year career in global finance, with positions in Philadelphia, New York, London, and the Channel Islands. He later co-founded a global macro hedge fund based in London, which he helped lead for 21 years. After a remarkable 45-year career in international financial markets, Leitch has since retired.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Leitch has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to giving back to his alma mater. As a founding member of the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Legacy Society Board of Advisors, he recently established an endowed scholarship fund through the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Foundation.

“It is truly an honor to give back to a community and an institution that means so much to me,” said Leitch. “This is something I have thought about doing since my time at Chipola. My hope is that this scholarship fund will open doors, ease financial burdens, and inspire young people to pursue their education with confidence. By investing in students, we are investing in the future.”
The endowed fund will provide lasting scholarship support in perpetuity, awarding up to ten students annually with scholarships of approximately $3,500 each. Eligible recipients must be graduates from Â鶹ֱ²¥’s five-county service district, hold a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, and enroll as incoming freshmen.

“Mr. Leitch’s extraordinary generosity reflects his deep commitment to the mission and future of Â鶹ֱ²¥,” said Dr. Sarah Clemmons, President of Â鶹ֱ²¥. “This endowment will create life-changing opportunities for students for generations to come.”

Leitch’s leadership, generosity, and vision exemplify the spirit of Â鶹ֱ²¥ and its mission of “Changing Lives and Creating Futures.” His selection as Outstanding Alumnus recognizes not only his professional success, but also his enduring impact on the college and the community it serves.

Â鶹ֱ²¥ invites the community to join in celebrating the Class of 2026 at Commencement on May 5 at 7 pm at the Dothan Civic Center, Dothan, AL.