Florida College Magazine
Summer 2011
The 1967–68 Varsity Falcons (see roster below) The generosity of Mr. Fred Conn (right) is recognized by President James R. Cope (left) at the 1968 dedication of Conn Gymnasium.
Larry Schales takes a jump shot in the 1968 St. Pete home opener.
1967–68 Varsity Falcons 20 Joey Fernandez
42 Harold Green
24 Steve Niemeier
12 Jackie Fowler
44 Dennis Fink
34 Larry Schales
82 Gary Owens
40 Harold Brandstetter
32 Frank Allen
30 Ken Weliever
Score for the Floor
This summer, the original hardwood of Conn Gymnasium was replaced with a brand new floor.
AL MO ST SO LD OU T We have nearly reached our seating capacity of 1,000. To purchase one of the few remaining seats, call 813.988.5131 x193.
2011 Florida College Leadership Dinner An Evening with Mike Huckabee September 27, 2011 | floridacollege.edu/leadership
Florida College Magazine is presented to you by: Editor Jared Barr ’01
Photographers Sam Ward ’12
Contributing Authors Tim Greiving ’05/’07 Miranda Nerland ’00
Web Content Manager Aaron Clayton ’03/’05 Proofreader Nathan Ward ’99/’06
Art Director Brian Harber ’07/’09
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. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors or the editor and do not necessarily represent the official position of the College. © 2011 Florida College.
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Longstreth Family When Jason Longstreth arrived at Florida College as a pre-engineering major, he quickly found that his true passion lay in preaching and teaching the Gospel.
8
Dr. Morgan Tharp
2 My Corner of the World
Following a lifelong interest in medicine, Dr. Tharp ('83) graduated from medi-
3 Things to Come
cal school at Indiana University and now works as a radiation oncologist. Yet Morgan's career plans did not stop him from attending Florida College first.
4 Admit One 5 Learning His Way
10 Score for the Floor Since 1967, the gym floor has seen a lot of Florida College history—and carries just as many memories—but this past year, it was time to see a new floor go down in Conn Gymnasium.
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floridacollege.edu/twitter floridacollege.edu/linkedin
12 Gym Floor Dedication 13 An Open Letter
In adopting the United States Constitution for our “Common Reading,” we
14 Florida College Society
liberty and freedom, and what limits of power are placed on our government.
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9 Leading His Way
An Un-Common Reading challenge our community of scholars here to consider anew the meanings of
Follow us online:
7 Living His Way
My Corner of the World Dr. H. E. “Buddy” Payne ’65 | President
Greetings! I trust the summer months are treating you and yours well. Summer brought a great deal of change and improvement to nearly every corner of our beloved campus, from the Student Center and Dicus Hall all the way across the river to Conn Gymnasium. New Floor for Conn
More Social Space in Student Center The Student Center has also seen significant additions this summer, including more seating and conversation areas. Thanks to the hard work of the 2011 Labor Camp and the Sophomore Class gift, it’s now an even better place to grab a cup of coffee, study for classes, and enjoy the company of our student body.
I am happy to report that Florida College has installed a state-of-theart floor in Conn Gymnasium, thanks to incredible support and help
While my aim is to grow our dear FC and provide opportunities for
of the Florida College Athletic Association. Work on the floor was com-
positive change, you can rest assured that our commitment to our
pleted in June and is sure to provide an additional home-field advan-
core values remains unchanged. And so, again, I ask you to join us in
tage to our players for years to come.
Learning, Living and Leading His Way. The principles on which Florida College was founded steadfastly provide us with a unique opportu-
Improved Space for Faculty in Dicus
nity for influencing young people toward Christ-centered lives.
In addition, we began a full remodeling project this summer in Dicus Hall, in order to provide our faculty and staff with necessary space for
Warm regards,
student advising, course preparation, and research. Many of you remember Dicus as a classroom building, and some of you may have
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lived here while it served as a dorm. Now, this facility will be home to
Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Jr.
16 faculty offices as well as the new faculty lounge.
President
Summer 2011
floridacollege.edu
Things to Come Dr. Dan Petty ’72 | Academic Dean
I began my new role as Academic Dean this summer. Although I’ve
great role models and examples of Christian men and women for
only been in this position for a few weeks, I can already say that I am
our students. In my role as Dean, I aim to continue fostering that
both humbled by the responsibility and excited about opportunities it affords.
culture of excellence and supporting the professional development of the faculty.
One of my principle goals is to ensure that the academic programs already in place perform well, and that we continue to open doors
The mission and purposes of Florida College include providing
for all students who wish to take advantage of the wonderful oppor-
higher education with a Biblical perspective. The College strives to
tunities made possible at Florida College. We recently added new
accomplish these aims by offering academic opportunities where
majors in New Testament, Biblical Education, and Communication,
students can realize their full intellectual potential, by helping stu-
as well as concentrations in pre-law and pre-medicine. Additional majors and specializations will provide even more opportunities for our students.
dents to develop their abilities in critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving, and by integrating the study of the Bible as God’s word into the total curriculum. Above all, I remain
A priority, as always, is maintaining the high level of academic ex-
committed to this purpose.
cellence that has come to be expected of the College. We have an outstanding faculty who are dedicated to serving students and helping them succeed. We take pride in the service we provide our students in the form of academic advising and mentoring. In addi-
Dr. Dan Petty
tion to academic and professional advising, our professors serve as
Academic Dean and Biblical Studies Department Chairman
Florida College Magazine
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Admit One Paul Casebolt ’99 | Director of Enrollment Management
One of the first assignments often completed at the beginning of
I finished my summer by visiting several of our summer camps to
each school year was the “what I did on my summer vacation” es-
see what was happening “in the trenches” of our largest outreach
say. During my first summer “vacation” at Florida College, I spent
effort over the last few decades. Including the camps on the Friends
quite a bit of time traveling across the country meeting prospective
tour, I was able to visit 13 of our 22 camps and talk with camp di-
students, their families, alumni and friends of our wonderful school.
rectors, staff, and campers about the impact Florida College camps
Some were familiar faces, but many were new connections that I
have had on their lives. Described by many as the “best week of
look forward to developing. However, all of them welcomed me
the year,” these camps provide spiritual encouragement, whole-
(and my traveling companions) with open arms and open homes.
some activities, and a small taste of the kinds of relationships and
For that, the College and I cannot thank them enough.
memories that will be formed during a Florida College education. To learn more about our summer camps and find one near you, visit
My travels began by accompanying the Florida College Friends on
floridacollege.edu/camps.
their “Extra Mile” tour. Over the course of 13 days, these talented performers gave 13 shows in 8 cities and 5 of our summer camps. These exceptional young people entertained almost 2,200 people and traveled almost 4,300 miles together. More importantly, they proved that you can have a good time without doing the things their counterparts at other colleges and universities do. Watching
As the summer and its adventures end and we enter a new school year, we invite all high school juniors and seniors and transfer students to attend a Falcon Days program. These programs provide opportunities to learn more about the experiences awaiting you at Florida College. We look forward to hosting you on our campus.
these individuals display their talents every night and their love for the Lord constantly was an encouragement to me and for that I
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say thank you to Courtney, Ismaelena, Jamie, Beau, Cameron, Chase,
Paul J. Casebolt
David, Jeff, and Trent.
Director of Enrollment Management
Summer 2011
floridacollege.edu
Caleb Liggin is learning His way. Nothing inspires junior Caleb Liggin quite like clean
And the opportunity to major in communication
lines, contemporary furniture, and a well-designed
came at a good time for Caleb, who was not ready
floor plan.
to leave Florida College at the end of his sophomore
“I’ve just always seen things that way,” he says. “And I can’t seem to go more than a couple of months without rearranging [my room],” he says. Caleb is looking forward to carrying his passion and personal style into a career in interior design—but
year. A broad, practical degree like communication was the perfect solution. “All of us communicate every single day: verbally, nonverbally, through email, text messages,” said Caleb. “To really learn about that is a very worthwhile endeavor.”
only after graduating from Florida College with a
After graduation, Caleb plans to further his educa-
bachelor’s degree in communication. Before attend-
tion through an interior design program. He calls his
ing design school, Caleb plans to learn how to pro-
personal style “comfortable modern”—a fun, livable
mote himself and his ideas successfully to clients.
alternative to colder contemporary styles.
“If you can’t sell your work, you don’t have a job,” he
But design is also about togetherness—time, love,
says. “[And] a communication degree teaches you how to present ideas to people.” Florida College had always been a part of Caleb’s plan, following in the footsteps of his parents, sister, aunts and uncles—and 11 summers of Florida College camp helped solidify his decision to attend. A Christianfocused education with like-minded classmates and professors was very appealing.
Benefits of the Communication Degree Expert faculty with Ph.D.s in communication and professional experience in the discipline Faculty with open-door policies Student/teacher ratio of 15:1 Internship experience
and family—and learning how to communicate his ideas in a positive, encouraging way is important to Caleb. “A properly designed room can really bring a family together,” he says. “And I like to show people that they can have a really nice house and not spend thousands of dollars.” That’s how Caleb Liggin is learning His way. Florida College Magazine
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The Longstreth Family When Jason Longstreth (’94) arrived at Florida College as a preengineering major, he quickly found that his true passion lay in preaching and teaching the Gospel. So he changed his major to Biblical Studies, completed an additional master’s degree in New Testament, and began a decade-long preaching career in Kentucky. This change was ultimately motivated by a sincere love for God’s Word or, as Jason calls it, “the best material.” “You really have to work to make the Bible uninteresting, and it’s always practical,” he says. Three years ago, his passion for the Scriptures led him back to Florida College to teach full-time as a member of the Biblical Studies faculty. It was an opportunity to “teach the teachers,” and a chance for him, his wife, and his children to be a part of Florida College again. “It’s really about family,” says wife Stephanie (Stewart ’93). “We’re a family. The College is a family. And it is a family decision to be a part of the College.” This is especially true when Jason is also the faculty sponsor for Psi Beta Gamma and co-sponsor of the Sophomore Class. The Longstreth household has quickly become a haven for student meetings, dinners, and more—which is the best part, they say. “[The students] become a part of your life,” says Jason. “They are the best young people on earth and I get to call a lot of them my friends.” The student involvement is also a real perk for the Longstreth children: Hannah (8), Kira (6), and Jonathan (nearly 2). “Our kids are influenced by the college students and that’s great,”
“We’re a family. The College is a family. And it is a family decision to be a part of the College.”
says Stephanie. “It gives them good role models.” Still, for Jason, the job really comes down to his passion: imparting a deep love and understanding of God’s word and inspiring the next generation of teachers and evangelists. “Teaching the Bible should never be boring and it’s never irrelevant,” he says. “And it’s a responsibility to God and something that you’ve got to take extremely seriously.”
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Summer 2011
floridacollege.edu
Chris Hagemo is living His way. “I wanted to be an architect,” Chris Hagemo (’01) recounts, “and one day my architecture teacher told me, ‘You don’t want to be an architect; they don’t make any money. You should be a chemical engineer like my son.’ Although I had no clue what chemical engineering was, I said, ‘Okay!’” So Hagemo came to Florida College in 1999 from Anoka, Minn., with his aims set on a career in chemical engineering. After obtaining the necessary math and science courses at Florida College, he transferred to the University of South Florida and graduated in 2004. Hagemo is now the production superintendent of the sulfuric acid department at Mosaic—a global fertilizer producer—in Riverview, Fla. He oversees a team of fifty-five people, managing everything from safety details to environmental concerns to the payroll. He started out at Mosaic (then Cargill) as a co-op while a full-time student, and over the course of seven years held eight positions at three different chemical plants and mines across Florida. Even though he’d considered going into management, he never imagined getting his current job. After applying and interviewing, he received a call one day from the plant manager letting him know that he was their top candidate. Hagemo’s response: “You’re kidding me, right?” He was the youngest person to get the job by ten years— jumping two pay grade levels and over people with three times his experience.
He attributes the promotion to the company’s desire to bring in a fresh perspective, but his character and reputation no doubt played an enormous role. “You don’t move anywhere quickly unless you have solid work ethic,” Hagemo says. For him, that includes honoring and supporting your boss, treating everyone around you with respect, and bringing excellence to everything you do. Ever since he was a 12-year-old caddy for a country club, Hagemo has held deep convictions about having a strong work ethic. His father taught him the principle of working hard, and later, his conversion to Christ made his ethic even stronger. Florida College further cultivated his moral grounding and gave him the opportunity to practice debate and impromptu speaking—skills that have served him immensely in the business world. “A typical manager has ten people reporting to him,” he says, “and maybe two out of ten are responsible, hardworking. The vast majority put the minimum amount of effort in. They’re not thinking, ‘How do I make this department better? How do I make sure I’m delivering a value and a service to my boss and to my customers?’” “It makes you stand out,” he says. “Just showing up for work on time, having a good attitude, doing what your boss tells you without griping and complaining. And doing it really well—that goes so far.” The impact of Hagemo’s character makes him not only an outstanding asset to Mosaic, but a fine example of a Florida College alumnus who is living His way.
Florida College Magazine
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Morgan (’83) and Jenny (Underwood) (’88) Tharp
Daughters Rachel, Jessica, and Lauren
Dr. Morgan Tharp Morgan Tharp (’83) has always been a high achiever. Following a lifelong interest in medicine, he graduated from medical school at Indiana University and now works as a radiation oncologist. Yet Morgan’s career plans did not stop him from attending FC first. In addition to a strong academic foundation, Morgan wanted one year to focus on friends, service to God, and an increase in Bible knowledge. “There is a strong focus [at FC], and rightfully so, on the friendship and spiritual aspect. But academically, I was
“For anyone who has an idea to go into a very specific field, it may be difficult,” he admits. “It would have been easy for me to get lost in achievements and the things I was doing.” Fortunately, Morgan’s prior year at Florida College had solidified not only his faith but also some solid spiritual friendships that carried him through. “Friends are important. That’s how God made us,” he says. “And if you surround yourself with [good] people, it is going to have an effect on your life.”
very well prepared for Rose-Hulman [Institute of Tech-
And even now, Morgan will be the first to tell you that
nology], so that says something about the needed prep
success is less about academic achievement and more
I got in Calculus, Chemistry, and Bio,” he says. “It’s all
about an honest, compassionate, faith-focused ap-
integrated. Whether it’s the academic side or the social
proach to people and work—a focus he reinforced at
side, FC is a great way to make that transition.”
Florida College.
A dose of careful planning never hurts either, and just
“There are a lot of ‘smart’ people in the world. But those
one college visit to Rose-Hulman before reaching Flori-
that stand out in day-to-day life generally do so because
da College made possible his successful transfer to one
of their interactions with other people,” he says. “People
of the most prestigious technical schools in the country.
pick up on that, whether they realize it or not, and I be-
Morgan did feel a natural pull towards “worldly intellec-
lieve that’s helpful in any career.”
tualism”—that temptation to put full focus on intellect and science and leave more important things behind.
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Summer 2011
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Jonathan Barlar is leading His way. Jonathan Barlar graduated from Florida College’s Elementary Education program in 2002—and he is now the first program graduate to become a school principal. Barlar did not always know his future lay in leadership, since he was initially so focused on being the best teacher he could be in the classroom. To Barlar, teaching is an essential and vital role of service, and he credits Florida College for inspiring that desire. “I think the program definitely made us take pride in what we were doing,” he says. “You’re not just going in to a job and working 40 hours because you have to put food on the table. You want to go because it is a good thing to do.” But it wasn’t long before Barlar also began to find enjoyment in other aspects of his job, as well: committees, advisory councils, and school-wide initiatives. “I really enjoyed doing things that had an impact on the whole school,” he says. He also felt a strong desire for personal improvement, and to help other teachers be their best. “The [Elementary Education] program really emphasized improvement,” he says. “They wanted us to work to get better.”
And so Barlar landed on the fast track to the top. He completed a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at USF in 2005, and then moved seamlessly into a five-year career as an assistant principal at Lee Elementary School. Then, in January 2011, Barlar began his new career in charge at Morgan Woods Elementary. While many people identify “the principal’s office” with discipline, Barlar sees the role differently: as a way to serve, evaluate, and train teachers. He feels that if the teachers are performing at their best, then the students will too. And he is also looking forward to having a positive relationship with the students in his new school. In his first week at Morgan Woods, he was already making a point to get into the classrooms every day. “My goal is for the students to know that I am here to help them succeed,” he says. “I want the students to smile and wave when they see me. I want them to know I care.”
Benefits of the Elementary Education Major Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Fully approved by the Florida Department of Education Graduates automatically eligible to receive K–6 teacher certification Dedicated faculty with significant experience in various educational environments Engaged student learning, including tutoring, internship & field experiences Follow-up services beyond graduation
And thanks to Florida College, Barlar—and the teachers and students at Morgan Woods—can see a bright future. “My education gave me a good foundation to be a good teacher. It set me up well to be successful.” This is how Jonathan Barlar is leading His way. Florida College Magazine
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Score for the Floor 1968. FC versus Daytona Beach. Ken We-
shout about at Florida College—especially a
And with no permanent sports facility to call
liever still clearly remembers the best game in
win in the brand new Conn Gymnasium.
its own, the team was often at the mercy of
his college basketball career.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Florida Col-
“I remember coach saying, ‘Weliever, I’m going
lege supported a men’s basketball team in the
to put you back in the game. Stand under the
best way possible: with walk-on players and
basket and we’re going to throw the ball over
borrowed practice space.
that press and you’re going to put it in.’”
“We were just piecing it together,” says Florida
Fortunately, he did, assisting the team’s win
College President Buddy Payne, who cap-
with 27 points and 19 rebounds. And in the
tained his team in the early 1960s. “There were
1960s, a basketball win was something to
no scholarships and we were all just walk-ons.”
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Summer 2011
other local schools with gym space. Sometimes, Weliever remembers that even borrowed space was not available. “I remember one time we couldn’t get in either gym,” he says. “The coach took us out on an outdoor court FC used to have where the library is now.” Needless to say, the lack of structured practice
floridacollege.edu
The original 1967 floor of Conn Gymnasium is removed, piece by piece.
time and novice players took its toll on the fledgling teams, who struggled to win even a few games a season. Still, even when losing, the team had an incredible draw of support from the students. Even at away games, there would regularly be more FC fans in the stands than students from the home team. “It was a wonderful experience,” says Payne, “Even though we were losing all our games, we had huge fan support. They would follow us anywhere.” Yet, everything seemed to solidify when they opened the doors to Conn in 1968. Athletes know—there is just something special about your space. Your stadium. Your field. Your gymnasium. And a permanent place to practice and play worked wonders for Florida College basketball. The program grew and improved through the 1970s and 1980s, and achieved several championship wins. Since 1968, the Conn Gym floor has taken quite a beating—and not just from basketball drills. Some of the wear and tear can be attributed to
FC’s award-winning women’s volleyball team. Some goes to the hundreds of face-painted, jersey-clad society members stomping out cheers at Midnight Madness. And some credit goes to the thousands of Christians who have walked “the floor” each February during the Lectureship events. In fact, last year’s Lectureship was especially emotional for President Payne, who remembers years of Lectureships in the gym. “It was like we brought our family back together on campus,” he says. The gym floor has seen a lot of FC history— and carries just as many memories—but this past year, it was time to see a new floor go down in Conn Gymnasium. Even now, the gymnasium is “inundated with need,” according to President Payne. In the absence of a multi-purpose facility, the College uses the gymnasium for all kinds of school events, and so the facilities needed an update to accommodate the need. With the help of the Florida College Athletic Association and many dedicated donors, construction was completed in the gym on June 21, 2011.
Though no one doubted that it was time, tearing up the old floor was emotional for some of the folks who had spent a great deal of time on it. “The new floor looks great,” says Kenny Moorer, former FC basketball player and Florida College head basketball coach. “But before they took the old floor out, I went down to the gym one night and walked the floor with the lights off just to see how many creaks I could recognize just by the feel and sound.” Ken Weliever had his last moment too, when he and son Kenny squeezed an hour of hoops in during the last week in April. “Now I can say I played on that floor when I was 19 and when I was 63,” he says. But even newly refurbished, Conn Gymnasium will continue to be a rallying point and cheering place for the Florida College family. “Athletics helps a school’s spirit—that’s just a fact,” says Weliever. “It gives students something to rally around and get excited about. And it’s not just for the athletes. It’s for the students, and for the Pep Band, and for all the people who draw the enjoyment out of it.”
New wood is carefully laid throughout the gym, then sealed, then brightly colored with Falcon red, black and white.
Florida College Magazine
11
Thank you for making a
Score
for the Floor
The Florida College Athletic Association would like to thank the proud supporters of Falcon sports who graciously donated more than $100,000 to provide a new floor for Conn Gymnasium!
Please join us for the formal dedication of the new gymnasium floor. This spring, following the Lectureship, join us at the Homecoming game where the FCAA will host a special dedication of the new gymnasium floor to all past coaches, players and cheerleaders. If you have dribbled, dunked, bumped, set, or waved pom-poms, you’re invited to Conn Gymnasium on February 10, 2012. See you there!
If you’re not a member of the FCAA, now is the perfect time to show your support for Florida College Athletics! Join today at floridacollege.edu/fcaa.
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Summer 2011
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wilsher, Instead of saying “thank you,” I want to tell you everything you have made possible in my life by your generosity. You have personally given me an opportunity to get an education—which will, hopefully, lead to a successful career. By helping me go to a school away from home, you have given me the chance to learn how to do things on my own—like buying groceries and deciding how to spend my own money. I have been able to do everything from my own
being financially comfortable for the majority of my life has not been easy. Satan has pressured my family with that type of secular uncertainty. The stress of not having as much money as you need, however shallow that may seem, is incredibly heavy. One of the things I love most about being a Christian is the constant sense of community—knowing you belong wherever you are because you are a child of God. Praise God for that! There are people all over the world being tripped by Satan. But the second they
laundry to waking myself up for class. I have
are down, silently tormented by evil, there is a
a responsibility to keep my room fairly neat.
Christ-like hand to help them stand. You have
I am going to church because that is what I
helped me stand. You have been such an in-
am choosing to do. I am making my own de-
credible servant to me and to God that now I
cisions, growing every day. At the beginning
can start to know what it means to stand on my
of the academic year I was becoming less de-
own. I have tried very hard this year to not take
pendent on my parents and more dependent
what I’ve been given for granted.
on myself. Now, I am becoming less dependent
I wish there was a way to express just how
on myself and more dependent on God. I try to love Christ and let that show in my life everyday. I’m far from where I should be but I’m also far from where I’ve been. And the reason behind that change is because I was given the chance to be immersed in the environment that Florida College has to offer.
much your generosity means—not just to me, but to students like me all over campus. Many of us would not be here without financial support from our “parents,” and I know that is true for my case. There is an American proverb that says, “Blessed are those who give without remembering and blessed are those who receive
I want to make something known: I am in love
without forgetting.” Know that I will not forget.
with my life. How could someone as blessed as
Know that later in life, when I think about my
I am not be? I love my parents, and my entire
experiences and friendships here, I will also re-
family. I love my friends that strengthen me and
member that they would not have been possi-
I love the friends that give me the opportunity
ble without you. I cannot say thank you enough.
to strengthen them. Because of relatives and
For your servitude, your generosity, your benev-
other Christians, I have never truly lacked a thing
olence I am forever grateful. From hundreds of
a day in my life. I love the problems I’ve faced—
miles away, your kindness has reached me in
they’ve made me stronger. l love the wonderful
such a way that it would be impossible to forget.
chance I’ve been given to further my educa-
Thank you.
tion. I love my God. I love what I’ve seen of the
Katie Gregory
“From hundreds of miles away, your kindness has reached me in such a way that it would be impossible to forget.” Business major Katie Gregory is one of many students benefiting from Florida College’s unique Adopt program. To learn more
world—I love knowing that I haven’t seen it all. That being said, I would also like to say that not
An Open Letter...
about how to help students like
Katie Gregory
Katie, call 813.988.5131 x193 or visit floridacollege.edu/adopt.
Florida College Magazine
13
The
Florida College Society
On behalf of Florida College and over 400 Society members, I invite you to join The Florida College Society and become a pillar of our dear FC.
Buddy Payne President
Visit floridacollege.edu/society today.
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Summer 2011
floridacollege.edu/society
Florida College Magazine
15
Our Constitution
An Un-Common Reading:
The year 2012 will mark 225 years since the production of an
ington, Alexander Hamilton, and the other “framers” to agree on
exceptional political document. The United States Constitution
a constitutional form during a hot Philadelphia summer in 1787.
is the longest-serving framework for government in the world.
Still, the uncertainty in that season caused Washington—pre-
In contrast, the French have employed five different forms of re-
siding as he did in quiet dignity over the constitutional conven-
publican government since their 1789 revolution. The very idea
tion—to remark later that “it was little short of a miracle” that
of “constitutional” government in that violent context was based
the states’ delegates finally agreed to a plan to provide “a more
on nearly the same set of political philosophy that had spurred
perfect union.”
the American rebellion against British control: the thinking of “Enlightenment” writers instructed those seeking individual liberty on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet, the constitutional framework in America has suffered far less damage than similar efforts to restrain governmental power in other societies. Indeed, because the very nature of constitutionalism is bound together with the desire to limit a government’s power over individuals within a free society, a constitution is always at risk from would-be despots, dictators, or power elites. So, in nearly every example we
Finally, in the best American traditions, our Constitution was subject to spirited debate as the various states considered ratification. “Federalists”—led in print by Hamilton, Madison and John Jay—justified the constitution as a stronger bond for the states; “Anti-Federalists” counted Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams among their ranks—and pointed to obvious risks in entrusting protection of individual liberty to a larger, more centralized and removed, federal government.
can point to, constitutions have been either impossible to create,
In adopting the United States Constitution, along with a very
or impractical to enforce. Not so in America. Still, in this republic,
small sampling of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments,
our constitution is only as possible and practical as we Americans
for our “Common Reading,” we challenge our community of
decide it to be: our votes determine its future; our insistence on
scholars here to consider anew the meanings of liberty and free-
the rule of law—and not of mere human opinion or whim—will
dom, and what limits of power are placed on our government.
render our constitution either meaningful or as simply a collection of discarded governmental machinery. Unshackled by stifling social tradition or the vestiges of medieval
Dr. Brian Lewis Crispell
nobility, it was an easier task for James Madison, George Wash-
Professor of History and Dean of Students
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Summer 2011
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2012 Florida College
Lectureship This spring, the theme of our annual Lectureship will be
burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The daytime lessons will
Of First Importance: He Died and was Buried.
focus on the significance of the cross in God’s plan—what it shows about God, how it was foreshadowed in the Old
The title reminds us of a statement made by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our
Testament, and how it secures our redemption. Each lesson will emphasize the practical implications of living in the shadow of the cross.
sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the
The series will end with a lesson on the resurrection of
Scriptures …” (vv. 3–4). The death, burial, and resurrection
Christ. This will be a message of victory and hope, and will
of Christ are facts that all Christians regard as the core of
anticipate the theme of the 2013 Lectureship, which will
the gospel message, so this year’s series takes a hard look
consist of studies in the resurrection of Jesus.
at the first part of these key events—the cross of Christ. The evening lectures are structured around the death,
The Lectureship will be held February 6–9, 2012, and we look forward to meeting the many visitors on our campus.
To help us be the best possible hosts during Lectures, we ask all attendees to register online in advance using a new, easy-to-use process at floridacollege.edu/lectures.
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Florida College
119 N. Glen Arven Avenue Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Luke Moyer (’09), Monica (Witherington) Moore (’03), Sean Malone (’01) and Miranda (Wilemon) Nerland (’00) rehearse a scene from The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, this fall's eccentric alumni production, which attempts to reenact every Grimms fairy tale in its original form … in less than two hours.