P H I LANTHROPY
LEGACY OF GIVING
Keith Appleby J.D./M.B.A. ’04 and family
endow Kiana Lynne Appleby Memorial Scholarship
BY KATHRYN E. BONTI
“I want to be remembered as a person who made someone’s life a
little better – no matter how small the gesture,” said Keith Appleby
J.D./M.B.A. ’04.
In 2018, Stetson University College of Law awarded Appleby the
Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award to recognize his years of
service in support of the Alumni Association and Florida’s first law
school through contributions of his time and gifts.
Appleby said he knows that sometimes the little things are needed
the most. He brings new toys and clothes, shampoo and soap to
orphanages around the world.
Appleby’s legacy of giving has family roots. In 2002, with the
support of his wife Diana and daughter Kiana, Appleby left a
successful career in banking and consulting to follow his lifelong
dream of becoming a lawyer.
Although not technically enrolled at Stetson, daughter Kiana
quickly became everyone’s favorite honorary classmate. Whether
studying alongside her dad in the library or cheering him on at
intramural games, Kiana was proud of her father and supported
him every step of the way.
In the spring of 2005, the Applebys celebrated Keith’s graduation
by taking a European vacation. Keith recalled that one of his life’s
proudest moments was when Kiana asked to give her own money to
an elderly homeless woman outside of a church in Paris.
“After giving the woman a couple of euros, the joy on Kiana’s face was
overwhelming. She was so happy to help others and her smile was
contagious,” said Appleby.
He remembers this as the defining moment when all of the sacrifices
and hard work during law school resulted in success. His family had
enjoyed a life-changing trip and they were about to begin a new
chapter.
On April 25, 2005, Kiana spent the afternoon in the federal
courthouse in Tampa watching her father being sworn in as an attorney.
“That afternoon was the best moment of my life,” said Appleby. “I
was surrounded by family and friends celebrating my admission to
the Florida Bar, but I really felt like I was the one honoring their love
and support.”
Keith had no idea that 10 days later, he and
Diana would live every parent’s worst nightmare.
On May 5, 2005, Keith and Diana lost
their daughter in a drowning accident during
her swim team practice.
At only eight years old, Kiana Lynne Appleby
left behind a legacy of kindness, charity and
hope for a better world, something her parents
strive to carry out in her absence.
“Kiana would save all of her new unopened toys from birthday
parties, school celebrations, and kid’s meals to take and give away
when we traveled to Colombia,” said Appleby. “She recognized that
most kids were less fortunate than her and always wanted to do
something nice for them. She started collecting the toys all by herself
– that’s just the kind of kid she was.”
The Applebys are endowing the “Kiana Lynne Appleby Memorial
Scholarship” to honor Kiana’s memory and spirit by doing what she
would have done – helping someone who needs help along the way.
The scholarship will be needs-based to support student parents.
Keith and Diana have added 12-year-old Lucas and 9-year-old Keira
to their family since 2005. They continue to follow Kiana’s lead,
collecting necessities for children, and honoring her legacy.
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The Appleby family accept the Paul M. May award.
Kiana Lynne Appleby