Thyrie Bland; tbland@pnj.com

Quint Studer wore a pair of John Fetterman's Navy wings Monday night during a ceremony at Seville Square announcing a gift of $2.25 million to the University of West Florida to help build a center in the late vice admiral's name.

"I asked ... if I could wear something of Jack's when I spoke because I sort of wanted him to be with us," said Studer, founder of the Studer Group.

The gift from Studer and his wife, Rishy, is the largest gift from living donors in the University of West Florida's 40-year history, UWF President John Cavanaugh said.

The Vice Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center will anchor the Vince Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park. The museum, which will be owned and operated by the University of West Florida, will include an interactive theater, education center and hands-on exhibits.

The Studers' donation will be submitted for a dollar-for-dollar match through Florida's Alec P. Courtelis program, translating into $4.5 million in support for the design and construction of the museum.

The center will cost about $18 million to build.

UWF also announced last week that the Lamar, Switzer and Reilly families gave $1 million to name the ocean aquarium exhibit at the park.

The C.W. Lamar Sr. Ocean Aquarium will be named in honor of Charles W. Lamar Sr., who founded his namesake advertising company in Pensacola in 1908.

Fetterman spent 38 years in the Navy and served as president and chief executive officer of the Naval Aviation Museum for 13 years.

Fetterman, who died in 2006, also was a key player in the planned Community Maritime Park. Fetterman's wife, Nancy, is one of the honorary campaign chairs for the museum and research center.

The Studers made the $2.25 million donation in December, keeping a promise the couple made a few years ago to support the center.

"I never thought I would be blessed enough to even have that much money and blessed enough to give it away," Quint Studer said. "I'm glad I did."

Studer said it was a privilege for he and his wife to be involved in the museum project.

"I just think we are grateful of the opportunity to do it," he said.