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Dorm life might seem like a small part of a college education. But at Florida College, it’s a powerful bond that holds our campus together. Kate Gregory, Lauren Tharp, Caitlyn Stockton and Emma Bingham live together in College Hall. For them, this year has created new memories, strengthened existing friendships and forged a collective relationship that will stay with them forever. The following pages tell a special story about these four young ladies. They are Suite 3.
K A T E S E N I O R , B U S I N E S S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N BIRMINGHAM, ALA.
Kate decided to attend Florida College just six days before classes began, and only meant to stay one semester. Today, she’s grateful for that last-minute decision—and that one semester turned into four years. As a sophomore, Kate met Emma Bingham, and the two roomed together the following year. That’s when she met Caitlyn Stockton and Lauren Tharp, two lifelong friends from Indianapolis. As their floor monitor, she remembers being offered cookies or cupcakes nearly every time she visited. The three grew closer as members of Phi Sigma Chi, where Kate would eventually pass the torch of secretary to Caitlyn. Kate knows that these relationships would not have been possible without supporters of the James R. Cope Adopt Program.
“The amount of financial help I received allowed me to stay three more years. That has been overwhelming to me and my family.�
“Kate and Emma are like my big sisters. As a senior, I’ll have the chance to be one to others.”
L A U R E N JUNIOR, HISTORY (MINOR IN ENGLISH) INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Lauren is the firstborn of three, and Florida College gave her the chance to be a little sister. She remembers meeting Kate Gregory, her floor monitor, during her freshman year. Over time, she came to regard Kate as an older sister who knew the ropes of college life and was always willing to offer advice. This fall, all three Tharp sisters will be enrolled at Florida College—and Lauren, who will be a senior, will be a full-time big sister once more, having the chance to reciprocate the spirit of campus sisterhood. “It’s a comforting feeling knowing you have friends willing to help who have gone through it all before. Kate and Emma are like my big sisters. As a senior, I’ll have the chance to be one to others.”
C A I T L Y N J U N I O R , L I B E R A L S T U D I E S ( P R E - P R O F E S S I O N A L H E A LT H S C I E N C E T R A C K ) INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Caitlyn believes attending Florida College is one of the best decisions she has ever made. She joined the College’s Britain and Ireland travel abroad tour in 2013. While there, she grew closer to Emma, her future suitemate. Months later, Caitlyn experienced a moment she’ll never forget. “One night I had to go to the emergency room, and the entire suite dropped everything to make sure I was alright … We’ve been through a lot together.” As the first in her family to attend Florida College, Caitlyn had no idea what to expect. Now, three years in, she looks back on a wonderful year, and tries not to think about this upcoming May.
“We don’t talk about graduation or next year because we just start crying. I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made with these three.”
“I don’t yet know where my love of history will take me, but my journey at Florida College has taught me that I love to learn and that I can achieve my goals.”
E M M A S E N I O R , H I S T O R Y ( E M P H A S I S I N A M E R I C A N C I V I L I Z AT I O N ) SEFFNER, FLA.
As the fourth Bingham to attend Florida College, Emma still carved out a four-year experience uniquely her own. She won the academic award in history her sophomore and senior years. She has since declared a major in American civilization and will be the College’s first history program graduate this spring. Last summer in Washington, D.C., Emma completed a full-time internship in research and lesson-planning for the Ford’s Museum education department. The move sparked an interest in a career in museum studies. Emma especially appreciates that she’s been able to reach beyond her academic major and learn life lessons from both the examples of her fellow students and the guidance offered by her professors.
The ladies of Suite 3 are unique, but their stories are not uncommon. Each year, between Boswell Hall, Terrace Hall, Hinely Hall and College Hall, Florida College is home to over 120 suites, each of which is a special slice of the Florida College educational experience. Since 1946, young men and women have come together from all over the nation, creating new relationships based on their mutual love for Christ, while learning from professors who provide a quality education founded on biblical principles. Consider the difference you can make this year with your gift of financial support. Adopt a student, give to the scholarship partner fund or direct your gift to a program of your choice. Make your gift today by visiting floridacollege.edu/suite and help create suite relationships that last a lifetime.
floridacollege.edu/suite