Monday February 4th, 2008 - 10:36PM

The University of West Florida announced this evening that a record-setting $2.25-million donation to the Maritime Museum, matched by a grant from the State of Florida, will mean the Maritime Museum is now $4.5-million closer to reality.

"This is the largest donation ever given by a living donor," Dr. John Cavanaugh, UWF's president, told a crowd of 250 persons gathered at the gazebo in Seville Square for the event organized to formally announce the gift. "We thank Quint and Rishy Studer for their commitment to our community."

Tonight's announcement comes on the heels of a similar gathering on Palafox Pier January 25, when Dr. Cavanaugh accepted a $1-million dollar donation from three prominent families related to the Lamar Advertising fortune. A state grant program will also match it so that the Maritime Museum will enjoy a total of $2-million from their generosity.

Together, the Maritime Museum gathered $6.5-million in just 10 days.

Miller Caldwell, who is spearheading the architectural effort for the Community Maritime Park, introduced the event by reminding everyone to keep his or her eyes - and their hearts - on the late Vice Admiral Fetterman.

"He was the person with a vision for us," Mr. Caldwell reminded the crowd.

Mr. Caldwell then directed the audience's attention to something else seen nowhere else but in Pensacola.

"Quint has signed a lease agreement for the Pelicans that represents the highest lease fees found anywhere in his baseball league," Mr. Caldwell explained. "And all the profits of the team go directly to the park. No other professional sports franchise is doing this. It is without equal anywhere else in professional sports."

Dr. Cavanaugh took to the podium next, thanking all who are giving what they can to fund the museum.

"We see the big donations," Dr. Cavanaugh noted, "but there are dozens of others that represent a project that touches throughout our community, inspired by the life and dedication of Admiral John H. Fetterman.

"Every gift is a gift from the heart. No matter what size, they speak to the commitment we all have to our community, and to the university's special purpose - to bring the best opportunities possible to all who live and work here."

Dr. Cavanaugh also reminded the audience of another aspect to Mr. Studer's participation in the park.

"He is financing a $12-million office complex that will generate more than $250,000 a year in property taxes."

Unsaid, but highly significant, is that the park will generate 1,500 jobs, adding more than $39-million annually to the local economy.

Mr. Studer recalled the late admiral's courage, and the example he set for us to follow in our own lives.

"Admiral Fetterman understood that there are times when you must take a risk, and turn it into a call to action. The result is an improvement in the quality of life for everyone."

Specifically noted was the success of the Naval Air Museum, and the Oriskiny projects, both now recognized as runaway success stories. But when Adm. Fetterman began working on them, he met strong resistance from those who couldn't grasp his thinking.

"As we move forward with revitalizing our community," Mr. Studer continued, "we need to remember that Admiral Fetterman was willing to take a risk, and turn it into an opportunity for action. The result is an increase in the quality of our lives.

"The Community Maritime Park is a risk voters told their city council to turn into action. It will mean guaranteed waterfront access for everyone, jobs, and those are both increases in our quality of life.

"It is," Mr. Studer closed, "exactly what the admiral wanted for the community he loved."