florida college magazine - spring 2012
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The Spring 2012 Issue of Florida College MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Florida College MagazineSpring 2012
A Culture of Service page 10
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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
19 Labor Camp
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Florida College Magazine is presented to you by:
Editor Jared Barr ’01
Contributing Authors Miranda Nerland ’00 Ralph Walker ’74
Art Director Brian Harber ’07/’09
Photographer Samuel Ward ’13
6 Teach for AmericaDaniel 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 ServiceSociety Circle is a tangible way to say “thank you” to lifetime and
charter members of the Florida College Society.
16 Florida College AcademyAll 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.
18 Unearthing HistoryWhen 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.
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. © 2012 Florida College.
My Cornerof the World
Dr. H. E. “Buddy” Payne ’65 | President
The close of the spring term fills me with mixed emotions.
While commencement activities highlight the academic
accomplishments of our fine young people, after the cel-
ebration concludes we must say goodbye and bid God-
speed to those who will not return. I have enjoyed the
opportunity to serve the Florida College community for
another season.
In this edition of Florida College Magazine, I wish to turn
our focus to the culture of service that is so pervasive
among our students, faculty and staff. You’ll read about a
student leader who graduated with his bachelor’s degree
and will put his career on hold to serve others. You’ll read
about a very special staff member who serves every stu-
dent and faculty member of this institution with remark-
able determination.
You’ll also read of our beloved President Emeritus Bob
Owen to whom Society Circle has been dedicated.
I offer a special word of thanks to our friends and alumni
across the nation who serve this institution through finan-
cial and volunteer support. You make it possible for Florida
College to serve her students.
If you see members of our faculty or staff this summer, be
sure to thank them for a job well done. They are the heart
and soul of this institution. I am blessed to support them as
they serve our students.
Warm regards,
H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Jr., Ph.D.
President
2 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
Admit OnePaul Casebolt ’99 | Director of Enrollment Management
Florida College Magazine 3
Falcon Days is a great opportunity to visit Florida Col-
lege and learn more about what we have to offer pro-
spective students. This year, over 250 students took
advantage of those opportunities. In fact, at our March
2012 program, we had the most students ever attend a
Falcon Days event!
The March event also saw a bit of a face-lift in comparison
to previous programs. Back in December, the staff in the
Office of Enrollment Management redesigned the Falcon
Days program from the ground up. New activities included
more opportunities to meet with students pursuing four-
year degree programs at Florida College, a campus scav-
enger hunt, a community service project on Saturday, and
an informational fair during check-in to learn more about
extracurricular opportunities at Florida College.
The dates for the 2012–13 school year are set! You can
get more information at floridacollege.edu/falcondays.
Mark your calendar and sign up early for your preferred
program. We reached our capacity at both the November
and March Falcon Days in 2011–12 and maintained a wait-
ing list for both of those programs. So, the earlier you sign
up, the better. Registration will open in June and we will
notify prospective students via mail and email.
I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer. We look for-
ward to seeing many of you at our camps and welcoming
all of you seniors to the Florida College campus in the fall!
Paul Casebolt
Director of Enrollment Management
2012–13 Falcon DaysOctober 4–6 | November 8–10 | March 21–23
Register today at floridacollege.edu/falcondays.
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.
4 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
A Florida College Camp
Florida College Magazine 5
FRIENDS TOUR 201222 DAYS | 7 CAMPS | 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)
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. 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
which I have no experience. But that sort of
adventure is the reason I wanted to do this
program,” Daniel says.
That program is called Teach For America,
an organization that recruits high-achiev-
ing individuals to “expand educational
opportunity” by teaching in low-income
areas of the United States.
The application process is rigorous—paper-
work, of course, and then an all-day inter-
view requiring sample lessons, group dis-
cussions, and an hour of face-to-face time
with interviewers.
Daniel calls it “challenging and exciting.”
Daniel believes he has been working to-
ward this challenge for a long time. His
experience leading high school devotions
and working as a Supplemental Instruction
Leader have all pushed him toward other
opportunities to serve—but volunteer-
ing as a Florida College Camp Friend really
fanned the flame.
“Talking to campers, building relationships
with them, having fun with them—it really
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,”
he says. “If you are able to help, why wait?”
This experience means a lot to Daniel for
many reasons. He expects it will make him a
better teacher and will be a stepping stone
to other professional opportunities. But
more than anything, it’s a chance to shine
Jesus’ light through service.
“I’m going to have to be a light in a dark
area. By the end of the two years, I hope I’ve
learned to be that light and let the Gospel
shine through me.“
If that light reaches just a few, then Daniel
will call this experience a success.
“If I can motivate these children to have a
deeper love for learning, build their con-
fidence, and take life seriously, they will
begin to make better choices,” he says.
“Helping them develop their life skills and
watching them succeed—I just love that.”
TEACH FOR AMERICA
6 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
Florida College Magazine 7
For many Florida College students, the first week of the fall se-
mester sets up the entire freshman year. It kick-starts the friend-
making, the society pride, and the dorm-life experience. These
are the first moments when college life becomes reality.
And junior Grace Bassett missed it.
After graduating from high school a semester early, Grace made
a last-minute decision to enter FC in the spring—after fall orien-
tation, after first-week activities, and after everyone had settled
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
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
for the good in everything.”
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.
Her dual focus in education and behavioral science is setting her
up for a career in marriage and family counseling. “People have
come to me to talk about things for as long as I can remem-
ber—and I love that,” she says. “There is so much in this field
that I’m interested in tapping into.”
For Grace, this line of work comes down to being a people
person—and Florida College is the perfect place to cultivate
those social skills.
“I see people every day, study with them and sit with them in cha-
pel. 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.
“I wanted desperately to have friends who started where I start-
ed; who would be there for me no matter what. And now, I
have support from an entire student body who cares about me
and supports me.”
That’s how Grace Bassett is learning His way.
Grace Bassett is learning His way.
8 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
“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 individu-
als receive accolades for user-friendliness or
excellence in meeting needs. Such an individ-
ual is Donald McLendon, mailroom supervisor.
“On a campus full of helpful people with a ser-
vant’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, qui-
et proctoring area for students to make up tests.
Donald works in a department which garners
warm emotions from the campus. That’s be-
cause the mailroom dispenses ‘happy mail’
and gifts between students, as well as care
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 mail-
room, 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, weed-
ing, watering and planting just because he
sees a need.
During Lectures, Donald oversees a crew of
handpicked young men in directing the eve-
ning parking around the gym. He also orga-
nizes 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 Samari-
tan 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 ac-
tivities. Beth Moorer says, “He was counselor
to both of my boys when they first started com-
ing. 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 devel-
oped his position into what it is today.”
Hope Chandler is always impressed that “Don-
ald 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.”
Service with a
SMILE
Florida College Magazine 9
When sophomore Alex Staton decided to attend Florida College
instead of a school in his home state of Arkansas, he was banking
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 gain-
ing the broad wealth of knowledge he needed to “get out there;”
specifically, into his own business, where he can work indepen-
dently, 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.
What could be better?
“Society sports are my favorite,” he says. “It brings people together
for fun, for competition, and for fellowship. Sometimes it’s hard to
get people together, but society sports does it—everybody wants
to be on a society. On a society, you’re given the chance, some-
times 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
late night talks in the guys’ dorm, Alex has extracurricular opportu-
nities to learn and grow nearly every day.
“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 sur-
rounded 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 pic-
ture: 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.
“The Personal Finance class is the most practical class I’ve ever
had,” he says. “We’ve talked about everything from the stock mar-
ket to taxes to the financial responsibilities of a working adult. Every
student should take this class.”
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.
Alex Staton is living His way.
Every effort at Florida College is layered with purpose. Every stone is laid
with people in mind; every class is taught with spiritual focus; and each
piece of the Florida College education has been carefully crafted to aug-
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,
building efforts like this say, “We are proud to be a part of the rich history
of this quaint little city on the Hillsborough River.”
Yet, the deeper need for a permanent place to honor service and sacrifice
is as clear as the hundreds of names engraved on the pavilion’s bronze
plaque. Society Circle is a tangible way to say “thank you” to lifetime and
charter members of the Florida College Society—and to specially honor
President Emeritus Bob Owen, an individual who is as much a fixture at
Florida College as any building, new or historic.
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 Sut-
ton 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
their own positive legacy in this life in preparation for the life to come.”
So, as Society Circle beautifies the campus and pays tribute to the sacrific-
es of the last 66 years, it is also intended to inspire the students who ben-
efit from decades of freely offered time and money. That’s why, this year,
Society Circle will become an integral part of the Senior Legacy Ceremony.
10 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
A Culture of ServiceMiranda Nerland ‘00
According to David Curry, Director of Annual Giving, the Senior Legacy
Ceremony is a chance for President Payne and others to privately address
the seniors one more time before they graduate, and to call to mind the
subjects of service, donorship, leadership, and the value of giving oneself
to any cause greater than oneself. It is also a chance for each senior to per-
sonally 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.
“One serves another by putting the other’s needs over their own so that
the other person can better himself,” says Business major and senior Becca
Ellis. “It’s being the aid that people need in their lives even when they don’t
ask for it, or don’t know how.”
To senior Caitlin Miles, service is more than just lending a helping hand.
At Florida College, it’s part of the culture. “Everyone is showing love and
helping someone out somehow. And FC really fosters that service—it’s a
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 Col-
lege, 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
this firsthand, learning to serve full-time in medical school at the Univer-
sity of Illinois. “We’re here to help other people and serve God—and it’s
a blessing to do it, to give my health to others who aren’t as healthy as I.
Medicine is a great opportunity to use what God has blessed me with.”
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.
“The past four years have offered the choice for all of us to become self-
centered and excuse any lack of servitude based on how stressed we are
about class, or conflicts with friends, or overwhelming responsibilities in
extracurricular activities,” says Becca. “But we realize, regardless of how
hectic life can be, serving others is possible and essential.”
That is why Florida College builds memorials like Society Circle, and hon-
ors servants like Bob Owen and the members of the Florida College Soci-
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.”
Florida College Magazine 11
Honoree Bob Owen addresses the gathering at Society Circle with President Payne and Mr. Curry behind. The crowd recognizes Mr. Owen.
Alpha Chi InaugurationTuesday, March 27, 2012 marked the induction of the very first Florida
College students into the Florida Xi Chapter of the Alpha Chi National
College Honor Scholarship Society.
Since its beginning, the purpose of Alpha Chi has been to promote
academic excellence and exemplary character among four-year
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
for Truth and Character. The motto of the organization is taken from
the Gospel of John: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free” (John 8:32 KJV).
Congratulations to these outstanding students who became charter
members of the Florida Xi Chapter:
From left to right: President Payne, Dean Petty, Alpha Chi Executive Director Dennis Organ and Dr. Bingham.
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.
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
SBGA Vice President for 2012–13 … former Kappa Omicron
officer … member of the new women’s basketball team …
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
necessary for success. And she feels like she has drastically im-
proved in both ways since coming to FC.
“This school really breeds leadership,” she says. “You have to
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 in-
volved. But she admits there was room for improvement when
it came to communication—and for her, the best way to learn
is to be “thrown into situations where you have to sink or swim.”
“When it comes to expressing myself, I’m not the best at get-
ting the right words out. But I have learned how to communi-
cate 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
group played 20 shows in 20 days at camps and alumni gather-
ings. And the students in Friends don’t simply put on a great
show; they are expected to be ambassadors for Florida Col-
lege—and are required to overcome shyness, insecurity and
nerves in order to promote the school.
“The more people you meet and the experiences you have, the
more you’re going to change. You just have to believe in yourself
and what the school stands for.”
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-
lationships with teachers who provide more than just academ-
ics, and experiences that help her become bolder, ultimately
won her over.
“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.
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 DateThe 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 help-
ing 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 peo-
ple 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 15
16 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
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 commit-
tee of faculty and administrators from some of the area’s most high-
powered 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, visit-
ing 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 recom-
mendation 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
Miranda Nerland ’00
Florida College Magazine 17
less intense accreditation process in five years and the school is
doing a lot of things right.
While the committee’s report cited things like an outstanding media
center, a committed and dedicated faculty, and high student morale,
it is still hard to nail down the secret to FCA’s success. For Amy Hol-
lis, pre-K teacher and parent of two FCA students, it’s about care
for the kids.
“In the schools I’ve been a part of, the children were just num-
bers,” she says. “From a mom’s point of view, FCA is a place where
my kids are loved, nurtured and guided. And once you are there,
you’re hooked.”
Of course, academics play a big part too.
“I love the curriculum,” she says. “In the public school systems, ev-
erything is geared toward testing. At FCA, the curriculum is great.
There’s a lot of science, a lot of math—things that aren’t taught just
for the FCAT.”
Amy was hooked enough to take over FCA’s pre-K program, which
is now performing at the same level as some of the biggest schools
in the district.
“I’d put our pre-K program up against any other program,” she says.
“These kids honestly are even further along than my kindergarteners
were. They are already reading!”
Elementary team leader Sherri Nunley has been at FCA for a very
long time: seven years as a student, nine years as the parent of
students, and eleven years as a teacher. She is even teaching first
grade in her own first grade classroom.
While Mrs. Nunley echoes a number of the things specifically men-
tioned by the committee, she expands on one in particular: lead-
ership. According to Nunley, one of the school’s biggest assets is
Principal Wade. “He gives us the resources and encouragement to
develop ourselves into better teachers,” she says.
Quality instruction, best practices and professional development are
the main reasons why the average FCA student is performing nearly
two years above grade-level. It’s also why students are traveling from
three counties to attend.
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
place for next year. But it is not just about grades. The school’s “three
Rs”—reverence for God, responsibility for actions, and respect for
fellow man—have a lot to do with FCA’s strong and vibrant culture.
“We protect the culture at the Academy,” says Wade. “And what
we’ve got going is pretty strong.”
When Luke Chandler ’91 began a personal blog to chronicle recent discov-
eries 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 trav-
eled to participate in what has become one of the most fruitful archeologi-
cal digs in history. In fact, Khirbet Qeiyafa was just named one of the great-
est 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
be the oldest Hebrew inscription ever found. The ink inscription discov-
ered 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-stand-
ing debate about Israel during the reign of King David: was Israel the pow-
erful 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 Geograph-
ic 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
Unearthing HistoryFlorida College professors Hope Chandler, Loretta Atherton and Dr. Norene MacDonald in the ruins of the Capernaum synagogue.
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.
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.
“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.
Florida College Magazine 19
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 [email protected].
JUNE 10–15, 2012
A Final ThoughtDr. Phil Yoho | Business Department Chair
The need for ethical business leaders has never been greater.
Florida College’s Business Department recognizes this need
and is uniquely positioned to shape the minds of young
men and women who will be called on to make tough
choices for our business community in the coming years.
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 two-
fold: 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.
Students in the Business program at Florida College come
to us from across the United States as well as internation-
ally. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows the faculty to
work closely with students academically. It also enables
students to participate in business simulations, develop
business plans, work with small businesses and enhance
their communication skills. Our academic program focuses
on teaching our students to think logically and creatively in
practical work environments.
Our emphasis on applied learning, ethics and global
studies means that when a company hires a Florida Col-
lege Business graduate, it is hiring someone trained to be
a leader, prepared to hit the ground running, and taught
that there is a lot more to business than just the bottom
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 orga-
nization, 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-
tions and internships have not been disappointed.
If you would like to consider a Florida College graduate for
employment or a current student for an internship, please
contact me at [email protected].
Phil Yoho, Ph.D.
Chair of Business Department
20 Spring 2012 floridacollege.edu
Britain & Ireland
Enjoy a 16-day tour of England, Scotland and Ireland with friends, students and faculty of Florida College! Tour highlights include:
For more information, visit floridacollege.edu/travel. For pricing, itinerary and registration, contact Dr. Mark Bingham at 813.988.5131 x306 or [email protected].
• 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
Travel Abroad with Florida College MAY 6–21, 2013
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.
Florida College119 N. Glen Arven AvenueTemple Terrace, FL 33617
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