By James Smithwick
Music industry icon and philanthropist Mike Curb entertained attendees February 13th as part of the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series, speaking about a wide range of topics, from his own history to the future of Daytona State College.
Curb lectured for over an hour, describing his history in the recording industry, NASCAR racing circuit and politics. His endowment to Daytona State College provides for the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Arts. His Curb Family Foundation has committed to supporting arts education to make sure the history of music and entertainment combines with present technologies to secure a solid future for the industry.
“I hope (students) are encouraged to follow their dreams and to complete their education. We hope to provide them with music, film and arts education that isn’t available at most of the institutions in Florida at this time,” Curb said.
Curb’s philanthropic donations and endowments support music and arts education at several colleges and universities across the country, including California State University Northridge, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University and Baylor University. The only school in the state of Florida to receive funding and support from the Curb Family Foundation is Daytona State College.
“I think success is when good preparation meets good luck,” said Curb. “If they (students) are prepared with a good education, they increase their chances of having a bit of luck. When those two come together, you’re bound for success.”
When asked if students should work hard or work smart, Curb replied “Both. I think you’ve got to do both or you’ll never make it.”
Curb knows quite a bit about being successful. His NASCAR team has a storied history of wins with such acclaimed drivers as Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. His political resume includes being the Lt. Governor of California and chairing the Republican National Finance Committee under President Ronald Reagan. He has worked alongside the likes of Harvey Milk as a leading conservative advocate for gay rights since the 1970’s.