Florida College Magazine
Spring 2012
A Culture of Service
page 10
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Contributing Authors Miranda Nerland ’00 Ralph Walker ’74
Photographer Samuel Ward ’13
Florida College Magazine is published three times a year by Florida College, and distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Florida College. The printed magazine has a circulation of approximately 18,500. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
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Postmaster: Please send address changes to the Florida College Marketing Department, 119 N. Glen Arven Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors or the editor and do not necessarily represent the official position of the College. © 2012 Florida College.
Teach for America Daniel Broadwell is moving to Oklahoma in a few months. But he’s not moving to be closer to family, to go to school, to live with friends, or to take a high-paying job.
10 A Culture of Service Society Circle is a tangible way to say “thank you” to lifetime and charter members of the Florida College Society.
2 My Corner of the World 3 Admit One 4 2012 Summer Camps 5 Friends Summer Tour 7 Learning His Way 9 Living His Way 13 Leading His Way
16 Florida College Academy All Florida College alumni know the address 119 North Glen Arven Avenue. What fewer may know is that, just down the street on Temple Terrace Highway, sits Florida College Academy.
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Unearthing History When Luke Chandler ’91 began a personal blog to chronicle recent discoveries in Biblical archeology, he never expected to get the chance to uncover artifacts himself.
Follow us online: facebook.com/floridacollege twitter.com/floridacollege floridacollege.edu/linkedin
19 Labor Camp
My Corner of the World Dr. H. E. “Buddy” Payne ’65 | President
The close of the spring term fills me with mixed emotions.
You’ll also read of our beloved President Emeritus Bob
While commencement activities highlight the academic
Owen to whom Society Circle has been dedicated.
accomplishments of our fine young people, after the cel-
I offer a special word of thanks to our friends and alumni
ebration concludes we must say goodbye and bid God-
across the nation who serve this institution through finan-
speed to those who will not return. I have enjoyed the
cial and volunteer support. You make it possible for Florida
opportunity to serve the Florida College community for
College to serve her students.
another season.
If you see members of our faculty or staff this summer, be
In this edition of Florida College Magazine, I wish to turn
sure to thank them for a job well done. They are the heart
our focus to the culture of service that is so pervasive
and soul of this institution. I am blessed to support them as
among our students, faculty and staff. You’ll read about a student leader who graduated with his bachelor’s degree
they serve our students. Warm regards,
and will put his career on hold to serve others. You’ll read about a very special staff member who serves every stu-
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dent and faculty member of this institution with remark-
H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Jr., Ph.D.
able determination.
President
Spring 2012
floridacollege.edu
Admit One Paul Casebolt ’99 | Director of Enrollment Management
Falcon Days is a great opportunity to visit Florida Col-
The dates for the 2012–13 school year are set! You can
lege and learn more about what we have to offer pro-
get more information at floridacollege.edu/falcondays.
spective students. This year, over 250 students took
Mark your calendar and sign up early for your preferred
advantage of those opportunities. In fact, at our March
program. We reached our capacity at both the November
2012 program, we had the most students ever attend a
and March Falcon Days in 2011–12 and maintained a wait-
Falcon Days event!
ing list for both of those programs. So, the earlier you sign up, the better. Registration will open in June and we will
The March event also saw a bit of a face-lift in comparison
notify prospective students via mail and email.
to previous programs. Back in December, the staff in the Office of Enrollment Management redesigned the Falcon
I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer. We look for-
Days program from the ground up. New activities included
ward to seeing many of you at our camps and welcoming
more opportunities to meet with students pursuing four-
all of you seniors to the Florida College campus in the fall!
year degree programs at Florida College, a campus scavenger hunt, a community service project on Saturday, and an informational fair during check-in to learn more about
Paul Casebolt
extracurricular opportunities at Florida College.
Director of Enrollment Management
2012–13 Falcon Days October 4–6 | November 8–10 | March 21–23 Register today at floridacollege.edu/falcondays.
Florida College Magazine
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Alabama Junior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 15–21 Alabama Senior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 15–21 Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 24–29 Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 10–16 Northern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 24–30 Southern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 22–28 Carolinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 29 – August 3 Chicagoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 8–14 Dry Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 10–16 Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 17–22 Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1–7 Greater Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1–6 Greater Northwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 29 – August 4 Kamp Kennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1–6 Northland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 24–30 Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 22–27 Northeast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1–7 Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 10–16 Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 28 – August 3 Texas Junior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 8–14 Texas Senior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 15–21 Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 29 – August 4
For a complete listing of camp directors, websites and other information about Florida College summer camps, go to floridacollege.edu/camps. A Florida College Camp
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Spring 2012
floridacollege.edu
FRIENDS TOUR 2012 22 DAYS | 7 CA MPS | 8 CITIES July 18
Alabama Jr./Sr. Camps
July 20
Texas Senior Camp
July 21
Greenwood, Ark.
July 23
Missouri Camp
July 24
St. Louis, Mo. (National anthem at St. Louis Cardinals game)
July 26
Tucson, Ariz.
July 27
Southern California Camp
July 28
San Jose, Calif.
July 30
Greater Northwest Camp
August 2
Colorado Camp
August 3
Kansas City, Mo.
August 4
Conway, Ark.
August 6
Nashville, Tenn.
August 7
Atlanta, Ga.
Left to right: Bryce Cline (Scranton, Penn.), Krystle Rodriguez (Perth Amboy, N.J.), Nathan Lee (Bowling Green Ky.), Courtney Bruns (Alpharetta, Ga.), Chase Ray (Woodstock, Ga.), Ismaelena Serrano (San Diego, Calif.), Amanda Spires (Lake Butler, Fla.), Will Geer (Temple Terrace, Fla.), Dustin Merkle (Milledgeville, Ga.), Beau Kirkwood (Pasadena, Texas)
Florida College Magazine
5
TEACH FOR AMERICA Daniel Broadwell is moving to Oklahoma in a
ing as a Florida College Camp Friend really
few months. But he’s not moving to be closer
fanned the flame.
to family, to go to school, to live with friends, or to take a high-paying job. He’s moving to teach underprivileged children—and right now, he’s not even a teacher. “In less than three months, I’ll be moving to a totally new place, living with people I don’t know, and starting a new job with
fueled my passion for teaching,” he says. When another friend applied and was accepted to Teach for America, Daniel thought, “Why not me?” “There is so much need we aren’t aware of,”
adventure is the reason I wanted to do this
he says. “If you are able to help, why wait?” This experience means a lot to Daniel for
That program is called Teach For America,
many reasons. He expects it will make him a
an organization that recruits high-achiev-
better teacher and will be a stepping stone
ing individuals to “expand educational
to other professional opportunities. But
opportunity” by teaching in low-income
more than anything, it’s a chance to shine
areas of the United States.
Jesus’ light through service.
The application process is rigorous—paper-
“I’m going to have to be a light in a dark
work, of course, and then an all-day inter-
area. By the end of the two years, I hope I’ve
view requiring sample lessons, group dis-
learned to be that light and let the Gospel
cussions, and an hour of face-to-face time
shine through me.“
with interviewers.
Spring 2012
with them, having fun with them—it really
which I have no experience. But that sort of program,” Daniel says.
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“Talking to campers, building relationships
If that light reaches just a few, then Daniel
Daniel calls it “challenging and exciting.”
will call this experience a success.
Daniel believes he has been working to-
“If I can motivate these children to have a
ward this challenge for a long time. His
deeper love for learning, build their con-
experience leading high school devotions
fidence, and take life seriously, they will
and working as a Supplemental Instruction
begin to make better choices,” he says.
Leader have all pushed him toward other
“Helping them develop their life skills and
opportunities to serve—but volunteer-
watching them succeed—I just love that.”
floridacollege.edu
Grace Bassett is learning His way. For many Florida College students, the first week of the fall se-
Her dual focus in education and behavioral science is setting her
mester sets up the entire freshman year. It kick-starts the friend-
up for a career in marriage and family counseling. “People have
making, the society pride, and the dorm-life experience. These
come to me to talk about things for as long as I can remem-
are the first moments when college life becomes reality.
ber—and I love that,” she says. “There is so much in this field
And junior Grace Bassett missed it.
that I’m interested in tapping into.”
After graduating from high school a semester early, Grace made
For Grace, this line of work comes down to being a people
a last-minute decision to enter FC in the spring—after fall orien-
person—and Florida College is the perfect place to cultivate
tation, after first-week activities, and after everyone had settled
those social skills.
in for a whole semester. “At first, I felt like I was the only one breaking in,” she says. “But it’s not as impossible as you think. It’s all about putting yourself out there.” And so, she did. She buckled down and got busy getting to know everyone. “Don’t be scared to go up to these people and ask to sit with
“I see people every day, study with them and sit with them in chapel. If I’m not studying or sleeping, I’m with people all the time and I love it,” she says. “They are the glue to your whole experience.” Now, as she gears up for her senior year, Grace is ready to move on and see how she can make a positive impact wherever she goes. But she is also confident that making those lifelong friendships at Florida College has been worth all of the work.
them. Don’t be scared to ask for a ride. Don’t pre-judge the situation. It’s about having confidence in yourself and looking
“I wanted desperately to have friends who started where I start-
for the good in everything.”
ed; who would be there for me no matter what. And now, I
Before long, Grace easily fit in with the FC students, thanks to a friendly disposition and listening ear. In fact, these gifts are one reason why she’ll graduate as a four-year Liberal Studies student.
have support from an entire student body who cares about me and supports me.” That’s how Grace Bassett is learning His way.
Florida College Magazine
7
Service with a
SMILE “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …” (Mark 10:45) You expect Florida College to be filled with servants—employees and students alike. In such an environment, it’s hard to stand out as a “servant of servants.” Yet some do. In the annual student surveys, certain individuals receive accolades for user-friendliness or excellence in meeting needs. Such an individual is Donald McLendon, mailroom supervisor. “On a campus full of helpful people with a servant’s attitude, Donald McLendon stands out,” says Dr. Thaxter Dickey. Donald is not an FC alum. He was working with troubled youths when he met Buddy Payne, who later suggested Donald for a maintenance supervisor position at the College. He also became dorm parent of Boswell Hall before assuming his current position. The Florida College Mailroom, located in the Student Center, is where you’re always greeted with a smile and by someone who knows your name. Donald takes a personal interest in its condition, frequently cleaning, rearranging and suggesting improvements. He also turned a small, empty back room into a comfortable, quiet proctoring area for students to make up tests. Donald works in a department which garners warm emotions from the campus. That’s because the mailroom dispenses ‘happy mail’ and gifts between students, as well as care
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Spring 2012
packages and mail from home. Donald has an infectious sense of humor. He is “always prepared to light-heartedly make any situation fun,” said Bookstore manager Jeff Nunley. He is likely to break into song as he delivers mail across campus. He relishes his work and finds time to develop relationships with students and staff. While he is only called to oversee the mailroom, Donald takes personal responsibility for many other aspects of the campus. He often picks up trash and debris as he delivers mail to buildings. He is very knowledgable about landscaping and is often found edging, weeding, watering and planting just because he sees a need. During Lectures, Donald oversees a crew of handpicked young men in directing the evening parking around the gym. He also organizes the shuttles which ferry students to the gym day and night to retrieve their cars. When a driver isn’t available, Donald jumps behind the wheel himself. Donald is also a volunteer in the Good Samaritan projects for incoming students, leading groups of freshmen into the wooded areas around campus to help the city clear out debris and invasive plants. Loretta Atherton mentions, “Donald is a man of many talents, and he is more than willing to share them with anyone who needs him.”
For decades, Donald has been counselor to the youngest campers at FC Florida Camp. He has a special talent for calming homesick boys and quickly involving them in chores and activities. Beth Moorer says, “He was counselor to both of my boys when they first started coming. He was wonderful!” Some of Donald’s greatest fans are professors, who frequent the mailroom to make copies for their classes. “Donald often suggests ways to meet our needs that we hadn’t thought of,” says Dr. David McClister. “‘The Donald’ will go the second or even the third mile to help with any project, great or small,” says Dr. Norene MacDonald. Dr. Colly Caldwell adds, “He even remembers how many copies I need for each of my classes. I really don’t know what we did before he developed his position into what it is today.” Hope Chandler is always impressed that “Donald never says, ‘I can’t right now,’ even when he’s swamped. He just jumps up and asks what I need. (Little known fact: Donald keeps Play-Doh available in case little ones come by and need something to do for a few minutes.)” In the midst of many who desire to emulate the Master in serving others, Donald is an example of one who, outside the classroom, teaches profound lessons in servitude. According to President Payne, “Without a doubt, Donald is one of FC’s finest resources.”
floridacollege.edu
Alex Staton is living His way. When sophomore Alex Staton decided to attend Florida College
late night talks in the guys’ dorm, Alex has extracurricular opportu-
instead of a school in his home state of Arkansas, he was banking
nities to learn and grow nearly every day.
on at least two things: high-quality academics and the chance to be around more young Christians. “I realized that a community college or a university would not offer me the same caliber of education.” And when he chose Business as a major, he was banking on gaining the broad wealth of knowledge he needed to “get out there;” specifically, into his own business, where he can work independently, determine his own hours, and have more time for family. But Alex got more than he bargained for at Florida College— especially socially, spiritually and personally. First, there’s society sports. Alex loves athletics and loves people.
“If you want to get involved, you’d have no problem,” he says. “I don’t know how to describe it. It’s been such a blessing to be surrounded by these people. A blessing—and so encouraging.” And then, of course, there are the classes. Alex is only three courses into the Business program, but he is already seeing the bigger picture: discovering how the financial system works, the ways that people make money, and how they learn to be responsible with it. “I’ve gotten an idea of what the program is going to be like— it’s going to be challenging. But I’ve loved it so far,” he says. And for Alex, it hasn’t just been theory so far.
What could be better?
“The Personal Finance class is the most practical class I’ve ever
“Society sports are my favorite,” he says. “It brings people together
had,” he says. “We’ve talked about everything from the stock mar-
for fun, for competition, and for fellowship. Sometimes it’s hard to
ket to taxes to the financial responsibilities of a working adult. Every
get people together, but society sports does it—everybody wants
student should take this class.”
to be on a society. On a society, you’re given the chance, sometimes three or four times a week, to spend time with your friends.” Then, there are the opportunities for spiritual growth both in and out of the classroom. Every student attends chapel and a Bible class each day. But between Monday night devotions in local Christians’ homes, co-ed Tuesday and Thursday devos in Sutton Lobby, and
So, Alex is getting everything he wanted from his education and more—and he can’t wait to use what he knows. “It’s just one of those things that I can’t really describe. I’m excited to get started because I’m ready to get out there.” That’s how Alex Staton is living His way.
Florida College Magazine
9
A Culture of Service
Miranda Nerland ‘00
Every effort at Florida College is layered with purpose. Every stone is laid
charter members of the Florida College Society—and to specially honor
with people in mind; every class is taught with spiritual focus; and each
President Emeritus Bob Owen, an individual who is as much a fixture at
piece of the Florida College education has been carefully crafted to aug-
Florida College as any building, new or historic.
ment the layered elements of every student—the parts that can learn, that can teach, that can love, and that can serve. Last February during the annual Lectureship, a large crowd gathered in front of historic Sutton Hall to witness the dedication of Society Circle, a dual-purpose park area that pays homage to Florida College’s past and reaches forward to its future. Society Circle is beautiful. The pavilion and the paved area that surrounds it is one more way for Florida College to improve the aesthetics as part of a larger Temple Terrace revitalization project. According to President Payne,
For more than sixty years, Bob Owen served Florida College and the city of Temple Terrace. After marrying his wife Janelle—whom he met in Sutton Hall itself—the couple returned in 1952 to begin a life of dedication to FC. Bob served as a faculty member, Dean of Students, Administrative Assistant for Finance, and ultimately President for nine years, and he was awarded the distinction of President Emeritus in 2011. The Circle’s plaque reads: “This structure stands as a tribute to a life well lived and one that encourages everyone who reads these words to leave
building efforts like this say, “We are proud to be a part of the rich history
their own positive legacy in this life in preparation for the life to come.”
of this quaint little city on the Hillsborough River.”
So, as Society Circle beautifies the campus and pays tribute to the sacrific-
Yet, the deeper need for a permanent place to honor service and sacrifice
es of the last 66 years, it is also intended to inspire the students who ben-
is as clear as the hundreds of names engraved on the pavilion’s bronze
efit from decades of freely offered time and money. That’s why, this year,
plaque. Society Circle is a tangible way to say “thank you” to lifetime and
Society Circle will become an integral part of the Senior Legacy Ceremony.
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Spring 2012
floridacollege.edu
According to David Curry, Director of Annual Giving, the Senior Legacy
this firsthand, learning to serve full-time in medical school at the Univer-
Ceremony is a chance for President Payne and others to privately address
sity of Illinois. “We’re here to help other people and serve God—and it’s
the seniors one more time before they graduate, and to call to mind the
a blessing to do it, to give my health to others who aren’t as healthy as I.
subjects of service, donorship, leadership, and the value of giving oneself
Medicine is a great opportunity to use what God has blessed me with.”
to any cause greater than oneself. It is also a chance for each senior to personally reflect on service by choosing one individual to honor publicly— first with a speech, then with a personal token of thanks. And this year, the seniors will get a little more pomp and circumstance—a quiet walk through Society Circle before the ceremony begins. Regardless of their youth, these graduates “get it.” Since the first Senior Legacy Ceremony in 2010, the tearful and heartfelt public displays of gratitude for individuals who have helped them along prove that Florida College graduates understand.
And like most of the seniors who will cross the stage this year, Brian is keenly aware of the sacrifices made for him while at FC—strangers who donated money so he could attend, and teachers who teach more, for less, and “give of themselves to the students.” Becca, Caitlin, and Brian will all participate in this year’s Senior Legacy Ceremony. They will walk through Society Circle and bestow their legacy coins on people who are, as Becca calls them, “most cherished blessings.” But it won’t stop at words for any of this year’s graduates, because they have learned more than facts through their Florida College experience.
“One serves another by putting the other’s needs over their own so that
“The past four years have offered the choice for all of us to become self-
the other person can better himself,” says Business major and senior Becca
centered and excuse any lack of servitude based on how stressed we are
Ellis. “It’s being the aid that people need in their lives even when they don’t
about class, or conflicts with friends, or overwhelming responsibilities in
ask for it, or don’t know how.”
extracurricular activities,” says Becca. “But we realize, regardless of how
To senior Caitlin Miles, service is more than just lending a helping hand.
hectic life can be, serving others is possible and essential.”
At Florida College, it’s part of the culture. “Everyone is showing love and
That is why Florida College builds memorials like Society Circle, and hon-
helping someone out somehow. And FC really fosters that service—it’s a
ors servants like Bob Owen and the members of the Florida College Soci-
huge presence,” she says. “And it has a huge impact on the students. You are looking out for ways to help and allow God to use you. It teaches you to put God first and how to put others in front of you. It’s part of becoming who you are supposed to be as a Christian.” Caitlin has learned service because she has seen it every day at Florida College, studied it as a part of her Business curriculum, and experienced it as an Adopt student. Liberal Studies major Brian Higdon will graduate this year to experience
ety. These plaques and these people exemplify to students what it means to throw everything behind a noble cause—and they encourage every class of graduates to rise up and recognize their role as the next generation of servants to God, their families, their communities, and Florida College. “Living a life of service means that if someone needs help, and I can help, then I will,” says Becca. “When all is said and done, I want to have done everything I possibly could to ensure that the people around me know that I am someone to count on.”
Honoree Bob Owen addresses the gathering at Society Circle with President Payne and Mr. Curry behind.
The crowd recognizes Mr. Owen.
Florida College Magazine
11
Alpha Chi Inauguration Tuesday, March 27, 2012 marked the induction of the very first Florida
for Truth and Character. The motto of the organization is taken from
College students into the Florida Xi Chapter of the Alpha Chi National
the Gospel of John: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall
College Honor Scholarship Society.
make you free” (John 8:32 KJV).
Since its beginning, the purpose of Alpha Chi has been to promote
Congratulations to these outstanding students who became charter
academic excellence and exemplary character among four-year
members of the Florida Xi Chapter:
college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Membership is limited to the top ten percent of juniors, seniors, and graduate students at colleges and universities that have a chapter of Alpha Chi. Alpha Chi’s name is derived from the initial letters of the Greek words
David Bunting Lauren Harber Andrea Johnson Zachary Johnson Caleb Liggin
Nicole Mackey Jordan Mitchell Justin Mitchell Jenny Moorer
Amanda Schaefer Hannah Sewall David Smelser Rebecca Warren
Alpha Chi is a coeducational academic honor society that was founded on February 22, 1922 by representatives of five Texas institutions of higher learning. Today, the society has more than 300 chapters located in 45 states and Puerto Rico. About 11,000 new members are inducted into the society each year. Alpha Chi is an active member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
From left to right: President Payne, Dean Petty, Alpha Chi Executive Director Dennis Organ and Dr. Bingham.
Courtney Bruns is leading His way. SBGA Vice President for 2012–13 … former Kappa Omicron
group played 20 shows in 20 days at camps and alumni gather-
officer … member of the new women’s basketball team …
ings. And the students in Friends don’t simply put on a great
Alpha Club volunteer … faculty secretary … Friends vocalist … If you look at Courtney Bruns’ Florida College resume, you’d think she was a born leader. But, according to Courtney, it takes work to develop the leadership and communication skills
show; they are expected to be ambassadors for Florida College—and are required to overcome shyness, insecurity and nerves in order to promote the school.
necessary for success. And she feels like she has drastically im-
“The more people you meet and the experiences you have, the
proved in both ways since coming to FC.
more you’re going to change. You just have to believe in yourself
“This school really breeds leadership,” she says. “You have to
and what the school stands for.”
step up if you want to be a part of what’s going on here, and I really like learning those lessons.” Courtney’s not shy, and she certainly has no trouble getting involved. But she admits there was room for improvement when
In fact, Courtney believes so strongly in Florida College that she chose to stay for four years as a Business major. This is a big leap for a student who just wanted a one-year FC experience. But re-
it came to communication—and for her, the best way to learn
lationships with teachers who provide more than just academ-
is to be “thrown into situations where you have to sink or swim.”
ics, and experiences that help her become bolder, ultimately
“When it comes to expressing myself, I’m not the best at get-
won her over.
ting the right words out. But I have learned how to communicate better than I ever have. It comes from seeing people all the time. You just have to learn how to talk to people.” Perhaps no experience was more refining than spending a month on tour with the Friends. Last summer, the musical
“I feel like I’m getting everything I need here, and this is such a special place—so I’m going to take advantage of the time I have. I know I’ll be a better person for it.” That’s how Courtney Bruns is leading His way.
Florida College Magazine
13
Are you enjoying the benefits of Society membership? • Annual Society Luncheon • Bi-Monthly Society Newsletters • Invitations to Special Society Red-Tie Events • Annual Membership Listing in Society Circle • Free Shipping on all FC Bookstore Orders • Collectable Page Marker with Every Annual Membership Renewal Your foundational annual support will provide long-term financial security for Florida College. To join or renew, call 813.988.5131 x193 or visit floridacollege.edu/society. The
Florida College Society
Save the Date
The 2012 Florida College Leadership Dinner
Benjamin Carson, M.D. September 27, 2012 The son of a single mother in a tough urban neighborhood, Carson was running with the wrong crowd and failing in school, feeling he had no way out. He could easily have spiraled downward, but he chose another path. Driven by a passion for science and helping those less fortunate, Carson pursued medicine, and ultimately became one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world. Carson’s riveting presentation inspires audiences to take charge of their lives, no matter what obstacles confront them. Soft-spoken yet charismatic, Carson commands the stage. He captivates people with a compelling presentation that’s humorous, insightful and thought-provoking, showing them the keys to turning great challenges into still greater triumphs.
Dr. Carson is an author, a professor of neurosurgery, plastic surgery, oncology and pediatrics, and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
“Some say he would be a great man even if he never picked up a scalpel.” (PARADE) “Dr. Ben Carson has conquered many risky situations in his lifetime, both personally and professionally. In ‘Take the Risk,’ he explains how he looks at life and why God put us here on earth.” (Tony Dungy) “Read Ben’s advice, and you won’t just be more willing to accept risk, you’ll want to embrace it as something that can make your life better and more fulfilling.” (George Lucas)
To read more, visit floridacollege.edu/leadershipdinner.
Florida College Magazine
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Miranda Nerland ’00 All Florida College alumni know the address 119 North Glen Arven Avenue. What fewer may know is that, just down the street on Temple Terrace Highway, sits Florida College Academy. This hidden gem in Temple Terrace just got some very big news: a perfect score from the Florida Consult of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Florida Kindergarten Consult (FKC). Florida College Academy just wrapped up its required accreditation process in January, finishing with the standard site visit by a committee of faculty and administrators from some of the area’s most highpowered private schools—schools with exclusive military programs, name recognition, and tuition rates as high as $25,000 a year. The visitors combed the Academy, observing every teacher, visiting every classroom, and reviewing everything from curriculum and teacher certification to the school’s finances and library set-up. The verdict? According to Principal Lynn Wade, it was something he had never seen in his 37 years in the public school system. “They came in with their team and had not a single required recommendation for improvement,” he said. “We are all stunned and it’s a breath of fresh air.” Receiving no recommendations from the committee means several positive things for FCA: it means the school can look forward to a
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floridacollege.edu
less intense accreditation process in five years and the school is doing a lot of things right.
were. They are already reading!” Elementary team leader Sherri Nunley has been at FCA for a very
While the committee’s report cited things like an outstanding media
long time: seven years as a student, nine years as the parent of
center, a committed and dedicated faculty, and high student morale,
students, and eleven years as a teacher. She is even teaching first
it is still hard to nail down the secret to FCA’s success. For Amy Hol-
grade in her own first grade classroom.
lis, pre-K teacher and parent of two FCA students, it’s about care for the kids.
While Mrs. Nunley echoes a number of the things specifically mentioned by the committee, she expands on one in particular: lead-
“In the schools I’ve been a part of, the children were just num-
ership. According to Nunley, one of the school’s biggest assets is
bers,” she says. “From a mom’s point of view, FCA is a place where
Principal Wade. “He gives us the resources and encouragement to
my kids are loved, nurtured and guided. And once you are there,
develop ourselves into better teachers,” she says.
you’re hooked.” Quality instruction, best practices and professional development are Of course, academics play a big part too.
the main reasons why the average FCA student is performing nearly
“I love the curriculum,” she says. “In the public school systems, ev-
two years above grade-level. It’s also why students are traveling from
erything is geared toward testing. At FCA, the curriculum is great.
three counties to attend.
There’s a lot of science, a lot of math—things that aren’t taught just for the FCAT.”
That success is why “enrollment is absolutely exploding,” says Wade. FCA is on the edge of elite school status, with a waiting list already in
Amy was hooked enough to take over FCA’s pre-K program, which
place for next year. But it is not just about grades. The school’s “three
is now performing at the same level as some of the biggest schools
Rs”—reverence for God, responsibility for actions, and respect for
in the district.
fellow man—have a lot to do with FCA’s strong and vibrant culture.
“I’d put our pre-K program up against any other program,” she says.
“We protect the culture at the Academy,” says Wade. “And what
“These kids honestly are even further along than my kindergarteners
we’ve got going is pretty strong.”
Florida College Magazine
17
Unearthing History Florida College professors Hope Chandler, Loretta Atherton and Dr. Norene MacDonald in the ruins of the Capernaum synagogue.
When Luke Chandler ’91 began a personal blog to chronicle recent discoveries in Biblical archeology, he never expected to get the chance to uncover artifacts himself. But when an excavation staffer from the Khirbet Qeiyafa project stumbled across Luke’s blog, he got a hands-on opportunity. And, since 2008, Luke and other Florida College faculty and alumni have traveled to participate in what has become one of the most fruitful archeological digs in history. In fact, Khirbet Qeiyafa was just named one of the greatest archeological finds in Israel. The site—which dates to ca. 1000 BC and overlooks the field where David battled Goliath—has yielded many valuable artifacts, including what may The 2011 group led by Luke Chandler (center), seen here on the Temple Mount, also visited the Elah Brook (where David gathered his five stones) and “waded through the icy water of Hezekiah’s tunnel with only a flashlight,” says Dr. MacDonald. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work at a site that had already done so much to prove the biblical account of David’s reign,” says Atherton, center, sifting excavated soil with Dr. MacDonald and Royce Chandler.
be the oldest Hebrew inscription ever found. The ink inscription discovered on a piece of pottery dates between 800 to 1,000 years older than the Dead Sea Scrolls. The site also produced compelling evidence that has reignited a long-standing debate about Israel during the reign of King David: was Israel the powerful planned state with a centralized government the Bible describes, or merely an illiterate society ruled only by a regional chieftain? The evidence gleaned from Khirbet Qeiyafa indicates Israel was indeed successful and powerful enough to be a significant opposing force to the Philistines—and this evidence has been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic and Biblical Archaeology Review, as well as on CNN, the BBC and PBS. According to Luke, there’s nothing like touching a piece of history. “Unearthing an artifact is a remarkable experience,” he says. “You are the first person in 3,000 years to see and touch the object. By working at the site, you become a part of its history.” To participate in a future expedition, contact Luke Chandler at 813.504.3372 or lukechandler@verizon.net.
The Florida College professors cleaned and processed animal bones and other special finds in the offices each day. In less than two weeks, they cleared a backlog of artifacts stretching to before the previous year’s season.
JUNE 10–15, 2012 No, children—this camp is for adults. As the Labor Camp motto says, “Why should the kids have all the fun?” Camp Commandants Craig and Tami Bean are organizing the 7th annual Labor Camp, for all alumni and friends who: 1) Want to give back to the College we love in practical ways 2) Have more sweat to give than money 3) Enjoy being with other campers in a week of fun, fellowship and fervent work Over the past few years, this group has contributed over $134,000 in labor to the College. All accommodations and food are free to those working. To learn more about Labor Camp or to register online, visit floridacollege.edu/labor-camp, or contact Sharon Clark at 813.988.5131 x172 or clarks@floridacollege.edu.
Florida College Magazine
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A Final Thought Dr. Phil Yoho | Business Department Chair
The need for ethical business leaders has never been greater.
Our emphasis on applied learning, ethics and global
Florida College’s Business Department recognizes this need
studies means that when a company hires a Florida Col-
and is uniquely positioned to shape the minds of young
lege Business graduate, it is hiring someone trained to be
men and women who will be called on to make tough
a leader, prepared to hit the ground running, and taught
choices for our business community in the coming years.
that there is a lot more to business than just the bottom
For more than sixty years, Florida College has believed that each individual choice our graduates make is a direct reflection of their character and a strong indicator of our collective future. The Business Department’s goal is twofold: to provide our students with the most practical and rigorous business curriculum available, and to provide our business community with honest, ethical leadership for years to come.
line. Our graduates will bring fresh and innovative ideas to any organization. They are enthusiastic and productive and have the benefit of a Bible-based business education that emphasizes ethics and social responsibility. I ask, as employment or internship needs arise in your organization, that you consider a graduate from Florida College. Our students want to continue to have a positive impact across the country. This impact is already evident in that employers who have hired our students for full-time posi-
Students in the Business program at Florida College come
tions and internships have not been disappointed.
to us from across the United States as well as internation-
If you would like to consider a Florida College graduate for
ally. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows the faculty to
employment or a current student for an internship, please
work closely with students academically. It also enables
contact me at yohop@floridacollege.edu.
students to participate in business simulations, develop business plans, work with small businesses and enhance their communication skills. Our academic program focuses
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on teaching our students to think logically and creatively in
Phil Yoho, Ph.D.
practical work environments.
Chair of Business Department
Spring 2012
floridacollege.edu
Britain & Ireland Travel Abroad with Florida College
MAY 6–21, 2013
Enjoy a 16-day tour of England, Scotland and Ireland with friends, students and faculty of Florida College! Tour highlights include: • The British Museum • St. Paul’s Cathedral & Westminster Abbey • The Tower of London • The reconstructed Globe Theatre • Stonehenge • Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Edinburgh Castle • Chatsworth House • Stirling Castle & the Scottish Trossachs • Scenic Lake District • Ferrying across the Irish Sea • St. Patrick’s Cathedral & Trinity College
For more information, visit floridacollege.edu/travel. For pricing, itinerary and registration, contact Dr. Mark Bingham at 813.988.5131 x306 or binghamm@floridacollege.edu.
Florida College 119 N. Glen Arven Avenue Temple Terrace, FL 33617
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TAMPA, FLORIDA PERMIT NO. 108
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Town gossip Mrs. Hopkins (Amanda Kirby ’14) cagedly informs Alfred P. Doolittle (Cody Barth ’13) of his daughter Eliza’s whereabouts— specifically, in the care of Henry Higgins, a wealthy phonetics professor—but Doolittle is not a fan. Dr. Matt Johnson (Communication, Forensics) teamed with Mr. Tim Moore (Music) this past spring to direct the beloved Broadway musical My Fair Lady.