Florida College Magazine

Spring 2013

A Life Well-Conducted

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Falcon Days is an opportunity for high school juniors, seniors and their parents to visit the campus of Florida College. Join us and 100 of your soon-to-be closest friends for an overnight visit to Florida College. You’ll go home exhausted, but educated about what to expect here on campus. Come experience the Florida College difference! • Attend morning chapel and classes of your choosing • Spend two nights in the dorms and eat in the dining hall • Schedule music auditions and athletic tryouts • Meet with faculty, staff and advisors • Learn about admissions and financial aid

Space is limited. Register now at floridacollege.edu/falcondays!

2013–14 DATES: October 3–5, 2013 November 7–9, 2013 March 20–22, 2014

Florida College Magazine is presented to you by: Editor Jared Barr ’01

Art Director Brian Harber ’09

Staff Writer Chase Ray ’12

Staff Photographer Samuel Ward ’13

Proofreader Sharon Clark ’70

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.

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. © 2013 Florida College.

Friends Summer Tour Florida College’s musical public relations group will be performing in cities and summer camps across the nation. Check their tour schedule for the performance nearest you.

2 My Corner of the World 3 Looking Ahead 4 Admit One 5 Learning His Way

Florida College Oratory Union From its inception under Bob Owen to its expansion and championship-winning season under Dr. Guy Warner, Florida College speech and debate holds a longstanding tradition of excellence.

A Life Well-Conducted When James “Dudy” Walker signed a one-year contract with Florida College, he began a career in which he became a pillar of Florida College and fulfilled his ambitions far beyond his expectations.

Acknowledging Dedicated Lives February 5 marked the second annual Florida College Society luncheon, Society Circle dedications and dessert reception held on behalf of Society members.

7 Living His Way 9 Leading His Way 15 Labor Camp / Alaskan Cruise 16 Leadership Dinner

My Corner of the World Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne ’65 | President

The spring semester has come to a close and once again

Within the pages of this digital edition you will find a host

our students have departed for home or other exciting

of helpful information regarding upcoming events and

summer travels.

important dates. You’ll also read stories of success about

While our record spring enrollment marked a new achieve-

several of our students and student organizations.

ment of growth, we enjoyed another year of the same special memories. It is a privilege to watch our young students become lifelong learners, forge lasting relationships and grow in their Lord. As always, I cannot address our alumni and friends with-

You will also read of a very special soul who has gone on to be with our Lord, brother Dudy Walker. I hope you will enjoy our tribute to the great impact he made on all our lives. Warm regards,

out stating a public thank-you for your support and for entrusting us with the education of your students.

I’m also very grateful to our esteemed faculty and staff for

H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Jr., Ph.D.

their service and sacrifice.

President

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Looking Ahead Dr. Doug Northcutt ’63 | Vice President

I arrived at Florida College as a sophomore in the fall of

Before our students arrive in the fall, College Hall will be a

1961 during the campus’ first phase of expansion. Then,

beautiful, Mediterranean-style residence hall designed for

the now-iconic Hutchinson Auditorium stood out as brand

upper-division women, and the Akin Building will be on its

new, and ushered in the construction of the Akin Science

way to becoming a modern science facility equipped with

Building and C-Dorm.

four labs, two classrooms and faculty offices.

Today we have recognized again that it is time to expand.

Now, 52 years later, I look back on the College’s expansion

We are excited that our growth in enrollment has recently demanded that we renovate C-Dorm into College Hall,

since the erection of C-Dorm and the Akin Science Building, and look forward to the growth in years to come.

the latest women’s dormitory. Likewise, the addition of a health science component to our popular Liberal Studies program has resulted in the need to renovate the Akin

Dr. Doug Northcutt

Science Building.

Vice President

Florida College Magazine

Admit One Paul Casebolt ’99 | Director of Admissions

When your office is in the Student Center, summers get

And don’t forget to join us next year for Falcon Days! These

quiet. While we’re thankful that our students get this

programs present a fantastic opportunity to learn more

well-deserved break from their studies, the void they leave

about what awaits you at Florida College, and allow you

reminds us that they are the ones that make this place

the chance to meet other Future Falcons. Our 2013–2014

Florida College.

dates are October 3–5, November 7–9 and March 20–

As the summer begins, it brings the annual excitement of our preparations for our summer camp travel! In June, six Camp Friends teams will be hitting the road to meet fu-

22. Visit floridacollege.edu/visit-campus to learn more or to schedule a personalized campus tour. We hope you have a great summer. We can’t wait to see you!

ture generations of the Florida College family as we visit 22 summer camps scattered throughout the country. If you or

someone you know would like to attend an FC Camp, visit

Paul Casebolt

floridacollege.edu/camp-schedule to find one near you.

Director of Admissions & Retention Services

Spring 2013

floridacollege.edu

Amanda Spires is learning His way. Music had always played a major role in Amanda’s life. She started playing violin when she was six, and joined a community orchestra in middle school. Upon entering high school she took a hiatus from orchestra to focus more on academics and her other interest, theater. When Amanda finally arrived at Florida College, she declared a music major without hesitation, joining Chorus, String Orchestra and performing in a master class. “She is a very talented violinist whom I have watched develop this year,” said Chorus and String Orchestra director Dr. Jon Bas-

violin at USF, to play in her violin studio. But she found her niche in the Friends group, which she says satisfies both her love for music and her knack for performance. “It’s the closest thing I want to do as a career,” she said, speaking of her longtime dream of pursuing a music career in Nashville while composing music. Amanda’s academic and musical excellence has positioned her for an early graduation. But as she reflects on her past two years, the prospect of graduating a year early seems bittersweet.

sett. “Especially in the amount of time she has devoted to devel-

“Looking back, I always imagined college being so far away,”

oping her technique on the instrument.”

she said. “I’ve been at Florida College two years now and the

After her successful performance in this year’s master class, Amanda received an invitation from Carolyn Stuart, professor of

time has flown by.” That’s how Amanda is learning His way.

Florida College Magazine

Left to right: Rody Davis (sound), Hannah Finley (vocals), Nathan Lee (guitar), Amanda Spires (violin), Bryce Cline (vocals), Josh Willis (guitar), Krystle Rodriguez (vocals), Harrison Reagan (bass), Luke Metzger (drums) Tallahassee, Fla. . . . . . . . . June 9 Dry Creek Camp . . . . . . . June 10 Arkansas Camp . . . . . . . . June 11 Louisville, Ky. . . . . . . . . . June 12 Ohio Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . June 13

Paden City, W.V. . . . . . . . . June 14 Indianapolis, Ind. . . . . . . June 15 Chicago, Ill. . . . . . . . . . . . . June 17 Minnesota Camp . . . . . . . June 18 St. Louis, Mo. . . . . . . . . . . June 20

Columbus, Ind. . . . . . . . . . Bowling Green, Ky. . . . . . Kamp Kennessee . . . . . . Cullman, Ala. . . . . . . . . . . Florida Camp . . . . . . . . . .

June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25

Melody Baughman is living His way. Melody Baughman is thoroughly involved in student life

ing, oral interpretation, dramatic duos, extemporaneous speak-

and extracurricular activities, a stand-out member in the

ing and communication analysis.

College’s Oratory Union and a straight-A student—and she’s only a sophomore.

In addition to her academic and career goals, Melody is pursuing a minor in Music. She has talent vocally and instrumentally,

Her major, Liberal Studies, is as versatile as her many interests.

and landed the role of “Sister Bertha” in the College’s produc-

And with components in Communication and Mathematics,

tion of The Sound of Music. She also plays piano and violin and is

she’s enjoying the program’s breadth to the fullest.

a member of the Florida College String Orchestra.

She hopes to enter the field of sales and public relations, serv-

Melody was recently selected by her peers as this year’s

ing as a logistics liaison between manufacturers and buyers,

Spring Queen, an honor bestowed upon the College’s lady

which would utilize her approachable personality with her apti-

of utmost beauty, poise and grace. In the ceremony she was

tude for math and problem solving.

praised for her consistent effort of reaching out to others and

Melody is an exceptional communicator as well, a trait demonstrated by her two years in the Florida College Oratory Union. The Union showcased Melody’s oral versatility as well. She portrayed communication as a science and art, competing and winning in virtually every category: debate, after-dinner speak-

showing kindness. What defines her success is not her many commitments, but how she engages in them, joined with her resolve to put others before herself. That’s how Melody is living His way.

Florida College Magazine

Florida College Oratory Union

The 2012–2013 FC Union, from left to right: Nash Freesmeyer, Grace McCormick, Colton Oetting, Andrew Gass, Dr. Matt Johnson (Coach), Greg Kline, Jonah Alvarez, Valerie Deering and Melody Baughman From its inception under speech professor Bob Owen to its expansion and championship-winning season during the Dr. Guy Warner era, Florida College speech and debate holds a longstanding tradition of excellence. This year under the direction of Dr. Matt Johnson, the program continued in this tradition under the title Oratory Union, a designation that better incorporates the program’s variety of oral competition. The Union competes in an array of oratory events, including parliamentary debate, limited preparation speaking, prepared public address and several interpretation events. This year the Union improved upon last season with a 200% increase in individual tournament awards, a second-place finish in the Ocean City, Maryland tournament, and a highly successful showing at the Pi Kappa Delta Centennial National Championship Tournament, where they returned from the event with six awards in a field of 89 schools and over 900 participants.

Spring 2013

But according to Dr. Johnson, the Oratory Union has greater aspirations than competition. He describes the Union as being designed to equip his students to be “cultural warriors, ready to defend the right worldview in art and argument.” Former members of the College’s forensics organization have gone on to careers in journalism, politics and theater, a trend Dr. Johnson hopes will continue under the Oratory Union. “Whether in law, media or performance arts, these are areas where entering students have the opportunity to influence a much larger circle of the world than would otherwise be possible,” he said. “Now more than ever we need communicators of character who are equipped to passionately articulate reason and truth.” For more information on the Oratory Union, contact Dr. Matt Johnson at johnsonm@floridacollege.edu.

floridacollege.edu

Saif Alsafeer is leading His way. A typical Florida College student’s path to Temple Terrace be-

needed to do, and that for me it was just a simple matter of

gins at a summer booster camp or during a campus tour. For

making that commitment.”

Saif Alsafeer, it began with a very specific Google search.

On track to graduate in the spring with a bachelor’s in Elemen-

“I remember sitting down at my computer and typing:

tary Education, Saif was fully focused on preparing to re-enter

‘Christian colleges in Florida with soccer teams’ into my search

the classroom as a teacher.

engine,” he recalled. Saif, a Muslim at the time, had never heard of Florida College, but was open to exploring the Christian faith and learning why Christians believe the things they do.

Then an unexpected opportunity presented itself. On March 1, Saif officially signed with Tampa Marauders FC (Football Club), a professional soccer team in the National Premier Soccer League. He is currently training with the squad dur-

“When I first arrived on campus, I was actually taken aback by

ing their spring pre-season while he finishes his degree.

the atmosphere of kind, genuine people,” he said. “I wanted to

“Well, I’ll have a four-year degree, and I’d like to use it,” he said,

know why all of these people were this way.” Saif’s freshman Bible class, taught by Mr. Jason Longstreth,

smiling. “I plan on teaching full-time during the fall while continuing to pursue professional soccer during the summers.”

further piqued that interest. During that time, his concern for

A three-year captain of the men’s soccer team, Saif’s skill and

spiritual things had started to grow and he began studying

leadership were instrumental in the Falcons’ run to the cham-

with Mr. Longstreth outside the classroom, a crucial step in his

pionship game of the 2011 USCAA National Tournament. Now,

decision to follow Jesus.

as he transitions to the world of professional soccer, he looks to

“I remember we were just finishing the Gospels,” he said. “And the way Mr. Longstreth told the story of Jesus was as if he knew exactly where I was in my life. He helped me realize what I

lead others by example, always mindful of the many examples that led to his own understanding of the Gospel. That’s how Saif is leading His way.

Florida College Magazine

Dudy Walker

A Life Well-Conducted Remembering Florida College’s James “Dudy” Walker “To be a faithful Christian, to marry a good wife, and to teach in a college operated by Christians …” These were the utmost ambitions of James Gwinnup “Dudy” Walker. When he signed a one-year to contract teach music at Florida College, it began a four-decade career in which he became a pillar of Florida College and fulfilled those ambitions far beyond his expectations. 10

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Dudy, Wanda, Meladie and Grady Walker

Dudy with one of the earliest choral groups

Born August 13, 1928 in Memphis, Tenn., James “Dudy” Walker graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1946, where he served as an officer in the ROTC program, a member and eventual president of the National Forensics League and a valued member of the high school chorus. Though he excelled as a debater and an academician, Dudy’s prime aptitude was in music. While still in high school, he made multiple appearances at the Memphis Open Air Theater in various operas and operettas. Dudy received his associate’s degree from Freed-Hardeman College in 1948 and his bachelor’s degree from Harding in 1950, where he met Wanda Farris. While she continued her degree at Harding, Dudy completed his Master of Fine Arts degree from George Peabody University while serving in the Phi Mu Alpha Honorary Music Fraternity. At the time of his graduation, Florida Christian College President James R. Cope was searching for a music teacher. He contacted the recently-graduated (and recently-engaged) Dudy Walker, who accepted the position for an annual salary of $2,600—a one-year contract that began his storied 41-year tenure at Florida College. On August 31, 1952, James Walker and Wanda Farris married in Alma, Ark. Their subsequent arrival at Florida Christian College served as their honeymoon.

Dudy Walker, Colly Caldwell, Buddy Payne and Bob Owen

Dudy and Wanda

During that fall Dudy began his position as the College’s chorus director and music professor. He oversaw a fledgling program that averaged 24 new members each year, most of whom were not music majors. Through great persistence and patience he produced 41 years of quality choruses, which he promoted every year through a concert tour. Despite the exhausting annual tours (spanning the College’s entire spring break) and great determination his work required, former students recall Dudy’s patience, kindness and overall love for his students and his work. After 43 years of marriage, Wanda Walker passed away in April 1995. In addition to working 33 years in the Hillsborough County school system and caring for their children Meladie and Grady, she served alongside Dudy during his entire tenure as chorus director, especially as he worked many late nights or toured with the chorus. Her efforts “behind-the-scenes” gave his work a level of success it would not have known otherwise. Dudy had retired from Florida College in 1993, but his passion for music continued in the Florida College Alumni Chorus, a volunteer assembly of former students who rehearsed and recorded during each annual Lectureship week. For 19 years, Dudy and others sacrificed countless hours preparing and mixing the alumni sessions, which were sold at the College’s bookstore with all sales profiting the College.

Dudy Walker and Bob Owen catch some much-needed sleep on the Chorus tour bus.

Dudy steals a student’s only comfort during a grueling bus trip.

Dudy leads a hymn at the College’s opening ceremonies.

Dudy with student Jessica (Harber) Rice ’85

As determined as Dudy was to producing quality musical performances and skilled music students, his ultimate goal was to mold the lives of young people into the image of Jesus. His celebrated career was outshined by his commitment as a servant to others and to the Lord.

for many years as an elder at the Seminole Heights church in Tampa, where he continued to attend after his eldership concluded. His musical aptitude served the congregation well, and it was only a few short years before his passing that he gave up his beloved song leading.

During the 1991–1992 school year, he received the Special Dean’s Award for his dedication and inestimable contributions to the musical direction of Florida College. In 1996 he received the Friend to Youth Award, the College’s highest honor.

At the close of every chorus concert during his 41 years, Dudy would invite his former students to accompany him on stage and join with the chorus in singing “The Lord Bless You And Keep You”—a tradition that is still carried out today at Florida College. The hymn’s lovely parting words are synonymous with the compassionate, Christ-like heart of Dudy Walker. At the conclusion of his memorial service, and at the request of his wife Martha, the assembly (comprised of many former students and friends) sang the familiar song once again.

Around that time, Dudy met a previous acquaintance, Martha Dix of Colorado Springs, Colo., through mutual friends. Like Dudy, Martha had also lost her spouse of many years. They began a long-distance courtship that carried on to 1997 when they were married on Florida College’s campus. Martha quickly joined in with Dudy’s passion for music and directing, taking every opportunity to learn and assist in his work with the Alumni Chorus and various endeavors. She lovingly continued to care for Dudy through his final years until his passing on December 25, 2012 in their Temple Terrace home. Dudy was not only dedicated to hymn worship, but was also dedicated to the Lord’s family and his local church. He served

The Lord bless you and keep you The Lord lift His countenance upon you And give you peace The Lord make His face to shine upon you And be gracious unto you Amen

Dudy Walker is survived by his wife Martha, his two children, Grady Walker and Meladie Kay (Walker) Mann, and his grandchildren, Ethan Mann, Hayley (Mann) Puterbaugh, and Isaac Walker. In memory of a life well-conducted, Martha encourages donors to give to the Walker Endowed Scholarship (opposite). Dudy receives the Friend To Youth Award in 1996

Spring 2013

Dudy with President Emeritus Colly Caldwell

floridacollege.edu

Elizabeth Jenkins, Dudy Walker, Irven Himmel, Becky Barlar, Dorris Himmel, Wanda Walker, Doug Barlar

The Wanda, Dudy & Martha Walker

Endowed Scholarship

In 1995, Florida College established the Wanda Walker Endowed Scholarship in memory of Dudy’s first wife and in honor of his innumerable services to the school. Dudy and Martha dedicated an entire summer to contacting and encouraging Dudy’s former students to contribute to this worthy fund for current voice and chorus students at Florida College, following in the footsteps left by Dudy’s remarkable career. Later, at Dudy’s request, the scholarship was renamed to include Martha for her years of service. There is still much potential for growth in this scholarship, and anyone wishing to give in honor of Dudy’s memory may do so by contacting the Florida College Development Office at 813.988.5131 x193 or by visiting floridacollege.edu/giving.

Fellow Seminole Heights elder Buck Warren gives Dudy his regular haircut.

Florida College Magazine

President Emeritus Bob Owen, Mrs. Janelle Owen, Mrs. Joella Pickup and Mr. Harry Pickup, Jr.

Acknowledging

Dedicated Lives

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 marked the third annual Florida College Society luncheon at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.

Marty Pickup and Mrs. Janelle Owen

The Society gave special attention to honoring John and Rosemary Brown (Portage, Mich.), James and Wanda Hodges (Temple Terrace, Fla.) and William and Maryann Roper (Chapel Hill, N.C.) as new lifetime members. (Lifetime status is eligible when members’ total giving exceeds $100,000.)

Mr. John & Mrs.Jennifer Barr

After that, members of the Society honored several others with a dedication ceremony surrounding the Society Circle. Mrs. Janet Polk

The Willis family honored John Harlan Willis (U.S.N.), who died on Iwo Jima, sacrificing his life for others. His family was awarded his posthumous Medal of Honor on December 30, 1945. Mrs. Janet Polk of Murfressboro, Tenn. honored her late husband, Dr. Allen Polk. John and Jennifer (Haworth) Barr honored Jennifer’s late uncle, James L. Finney, for “introducing [her] to Florida College.”

Martha (Willis) Reynolds, Robin Willis, Peggy Willis, David Willis & Mark Willis

President Payne addresses the ceremony’s attendees.

President Emeritus Bob F. Owen and his wife, Janelle, dedicated two benches: The first was to Harry and Elizabeth Pickup, Sr. and to Harry and Joella Pickup, Jr. for their years of “unselfish dedication” to the College. The Owens’ second bench was dedicated to Melvin and Shirley Curry for their “humble service to all.” For more information on The Florida College Society or to join its growing legacy, visit floridacollege.edu/fcsociety or contact the Development Office at 813.988.5131 x193 or reynoldsm@floridacollege.edu.

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JUNE 16–21, 2013 Commandants Craig and Tami Bean will oversee an assortment

You make your way down to the campus on your own, and

of skilled, semi-skilled and skill-challenged volunteers through

we’ll take care of your daily needs once you get here. Come

a week of cleaning, weeding, repairing and replenishing. Make

for all or part of the week. (Please, no children and no pets.

your plans to join the 50-plus alumni and friends who give a

This is a camp for alumni and adult friends of the college. Why

week of sweat and toil in return for food, lodging and some

should the kids—summer campers—have all the fun?)

challenging Bible studies and great social interaction. For details, contact Sharon Clark at 813.988.5131 x172 or clarks@floridacollege.edu.

Spend a week sailing on the Golden Princess through Alaska’s Inside Passage round-trip, July 7–14, 2013. Based out of Seattle, Washington, this round-trip cruise promises breathtaking scenery, wonderful fellowship with more than 100 Florida College alumni and friends, and daily devotion periods. Cabins are available from $999 per person and each booked cabin results in a donation to Florida College. Call Becci McKinney (’99) at 813.241.5600 or email catchawavetravel@gmail.com soon before the best cabins are taken.

2013 ALUMNI

Alaskan Cruise

SOL DO UT

Save the Date

The 2013 Florida College Leadership Dinner

Cal Ripken, Jr.

Thursday, September 19, 2013 Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland on August 24, 1960 to Cal Sr. and Violet Ripken, Cal Ripken, Jr. grew up to become one of the best infielders in baseball history, shattering Lou Gehrig’s “unbreakable” consecutive games record of 2,130 by more than 500 games. Today his name is synonymous with perseverance, character and integrity. Since retiring from the game in 2001, Ripken has become a bestselling author, an inspirational public speaker, studio analyst for MLB playoffs on TBS and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc., whose goal is to grow the love of baseball from a more grassroots level. Ripken has always placed a strong emphasis on giving back to the community. In 2001 he and his family established the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in memory of the family’s patriarch. The founda• 19-time All-Star

tion works throughout the country serving America’s most distressed communities.

• World Series Champion (1983) • 2-time Golden Glove Award (1991, 1992) • 8-time Silver Slugger Award

Ripken married his wife of 26 years, the former Kelly Geer, in 1987. They have two children, Rachel and Ryan.

• 2-time American League MVP • 1982 Rookie of the Year • 2-time MLB All-Star MVP (1991, 2001) • 1992 Roberto Clemente Award • 1992 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award

Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference by Cal Ripken, Jr.

• 1991 Home Run Derby winner • Baltimore Orioles, #8 retired • MLB All-Century Team • Holds record for 2,632 consecutive games played • First-ballot Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2007)

For more information or to reserve your table for next year, visit floridacollege.edu/leadership .

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Wo r l d Wa r s To u r f r o m L o n d o n t o B ava r i a

May 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15, 2014 Travel Abroad with Florida College For more information, contact Dr. Brian Crispell, tour leader, at crispellb@floridacollege.edu.

Florida College 119 N. Glen Arven Avenue Temple Terrace, FL 33617

Friedrich von Trapp hits his high note during the iconic song “Do-Re-Mi” from this spring’s The Sound of Music. The cast starred both current and future students of the College, including (from left to right) freshman Emma Walker (“Maria”), freshman Kristina Bunting (“Liesl”), Timothy Chandler (“Friedrich”), sophomore Sarah Smith (“Louisa”), Aden Bassett (“Kurt”), Anna Bassett (“Brigitta”), Audrey Lopez (“Marta”) and Lily Johnson (“Gretl”).