florida college magazine - spring 2013

Florida College MagazineSpring 2013

A Life Well-Conductedpage 10

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, 2013March 20–22, 2014

Falcon Days is an opportunity for high school juniors, seniors and their parents to visit the campus of Florida College.

2 My Corner of the World

3 Looking Ahead

4 Admit One

5 Learning His Way

7 Living His Way

9 Leading His Way

15 Labor Camp / Alaskan Cruise

16 Leadership Dinner

Follow us online:

facebook.com/floridacollege

twitter.com/floridacollege

floridacollege.edu/linkedin

Florida College Magazine is presented to you by:

Editor Jared Barr ’01

Staff Writer Chase Ray ’12

Proofreader Sharon Clark ’70

Art Director Brian Harber ’09

Staff Photographer Samuel Ward ’13

6 Friends Summer TourFlorida 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.

8 Florida College Oratory UnionFrom 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.

10 A Life Well-ConductedWhen 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.

14 Acknowledging Dedicated LivesFebruary 5 marked the second annual Florida College Society

luncheon, Society Circle dedications and dessert reception

held on behalf of Society members.

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.

My Cornerof the World

Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne ’65 | President

The spring semester has come to a close and once again

our students have departed for home or other exciting

summer travels.

While our record spring enrollment marked a new achieve-

ment of growth, we enjoyed another year of the same

special memories. It is a privilege to watch our young stu-

dents become lifelong learners, forge lasting relationships

and grow in their Lord.

As always, I cannot address our alumni and friends with-

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

their service and sacrifice.

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

of helpful information regarding upcoming events and

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

several of our students and student organizations.

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 en-

joy our tribute to the great impact he made on all our lives.

Warm regards,

H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Jr., Ph.D.

President

2 Spring 2013 floridacollege.edu

Florida College Magazine 3

Looking AheadDr. Doug Northcutt ’63 | Vice President

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

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

the now-iconic Hutchinson Auditorium stood out as brand

new, and ushered in the construction of the Akin Science

Building and C-Dorm.

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

We are excited that our growth in enrollment has recently

demanded that we renovate C-Dorm into College Hall,

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

Science Building.

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

beautiful, Mediterranean-style residence hall designed for

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

way to becoming a modern science facility equipped with

four labs, two classrooms and faculty offices.

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

since the erection of C-Dorm and the Akin Science Build-

ing, and look forward to the growth in years to come.

Dr. Doug Northcutt

Vice President


Admit One

When your office is in the Student Center, summers get

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

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

reminds us that they are the ones that make this place

Florida College.

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-

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

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

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

programs present a fantastic opportunity to learn more

about what awaits you at Florida College, and allow you

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

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

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!

Paul Casebolt

Director of Admissions & Retention Services

Paul Casebolt ’99 | Director of Admissions

Amanda Spires is learning His way.


Music had always played a major role in Amanda’s life. She start-

ed 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 Orches-

tra 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-

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

oping her technique on the instrument.”

After her successful performance in this year’s master class,

Amanda received an invitation from Carolyn Stuart, professor of

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.

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

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

time has flown by.”

That’s how Amanda is learning His way.

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. . . . . . . . . June 21

Bowling Green, Ky. . . . . June 22

Kamp Kennessee. . . . . . June 23

Cullman, Ala. . . . . . . . . . June 24

Florida Camp. . . . . . . . . . June 25

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)

Melody Baughman is thoroughly involved in student life

and extracurricular activities, a stand-out member in the

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

only a sophomore.

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

And with components in Communication and Mathematics,

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

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

ing as a logistics liaison between manufacturers and buyers,

which would utilize her approachable personality with her apti-

tude for math and problem solving.

Melody is an exceptional communicator as well, a trait demon-

strated by her two years in the Florida College Oratory Union.

The Union showcased Melody’s oral versatility as well. She por-

trayed communication as a science and art, competing and

winning in virtually every category: debate, after-dinner speak-

ing, oral interpretation, dramatic duos, extemporaneous speak-

ing and communication analysis.

In addition to her academic and career goals, Melody is pursu-

ing a minor in Music. She has talent vocally and instrumentally,

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

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

a member of the Florida College String Orchestra.

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

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

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

praised for her consistent effort of reaching out to others and

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.

Melody Baughman is living His way.


From its inception under speech professor Bob Owen to its ex-

pansion and championship-winning season during the Dr. Guy

Warner era, Florida College speech and debate holds a long-

standing tradition of excellence.

This year under the direction of Dr. Matt Johnson, the program

continued in this tradition under the title Oratory Union, a des-

ignation 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% in-

crease 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 Champion-

ship Tournament, where they returned from the event with six

awards in a field of 89 schools and over 900 participants.

But according to Dr. Johnson, the Oratory Union has greater as-pirations 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 larg-er 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 [email protected].

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

Florida College Oratory Union


Saif Alsafeer is leading His way.


A typical Florida College student’s path to Temple Terrace be-

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

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

“I remember sitting down at my computer and typing:

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

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.

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

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

know why all of these people were this way.”

Saif’s freshman Bible class, taught by Mr. Jason Longstreth,

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

spiritual things had started to grow and he began studying

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

decision to follow Jesus.

“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

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

making that commitment.”

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

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

the classroom as a teacher.

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 Pre-

mier Soccer League. He is currently training with the squad dur-

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

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

smiling. “I plan on teaching full-time during the fall while con-

tinuing to pursue professional soccer during the summers.”

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

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

pionship game of the 2011 USCAA National Tournament. Now,

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

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.

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 Col-lege, it began a four-decade career in which he became a pillar of Florida College and fulfilled those ambitions far beyond his expectations.

A Life Well-ConductedRemembering Florida College’s James “Dudy” Walker

Dudy, Wanda, Meladie and Grady Walker

Dudy Walker, Colly Caldwell, Buddy Payne and Bob OwenDudy Walker and Bob Owen catch some much-needed sleep on the Chorus tour bus.

Dudy and WandaDudy with one of the earliest choral groups

Born August 13, 1928 in Memphis, Tenn., James “Dudy” Walk-er 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 vari-ous operas and operettas.

Dudy received his associate’s degree from Freed-Hardeman Col-lege 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 Col-lege served as their honeymoon.

During that fall Dudy began his position as the College’s cho-rus director and music professor. He oversaw a fledgling pro-gram 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 an-nual 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 re-corded during each annual Lectureship week. For 19 years, Dudy and others sacrificed countless hours preparing and mix-ing the alumni sessions, which were sold at the College’s book-store with all sales profiting the College.

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

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.

Around that time, Dudy met a previous acquaintance, Mar-tha 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 contin-ued 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

for many years as an elder at the Seminole Heights church in Tampa, where he continued to attend after his eldership con-cluded. 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.

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 Flori-da 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 stu-dents and friends) sang the familiar song once again.

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

Dudy receives the Friend To Youth Award in 1996

Dudy with President Emeritus Colly Caldwell

Dudy leads a hymn at the College’s opening ceremonies. Dudy with student Jessica (Harber) Rice ’85

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).

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 encour-

aging 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 re-

markable 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 Devel-

opment Office at 813.988.5131 x193 or by visiting floridacollege.edu/giving.

Fellow Seminole Heights elder Buck Warren gives Dudy

his regular haircut.

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


AcknowledgingDedicated Lives

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 marked the third annual Florida College Society

luncheon at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.

The Society gave special attention to honoring John and Rosemary Brown

(Portage, Mich.), James and Wanda Hodges (Temple Terrace, Fla.) and Wil-

liam and Maryann Roper (Chapel Hill, N.C.) as new lifetime members. (Life-

time status is eligible when members’ total giving exceeds $100,000.)

After that, members of the Society honored several others with a dedication

ceremony surrounding the Society Circle.

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.”

President Emeritus Bob F. Owen and his wife, Janelle, dedicated two bench-

es: 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 [email protected].


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

Mr. John & Mrs.Jennifer Barr Mrs. Janet Polk

President Payne addresses the ceremony’s attendees.

Marty Pickup and Mrs. Janelle Owen

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

Alaskan Cruise

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 [email protected] soon

before the best cabins are taken.

2013 ALUMNI

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

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

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

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

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

challenging Bible studies and great social interaction.

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

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

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

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

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

For details, contact Sharon Clark at 813.988.5131 x172 or [email protected].

Save the DateThe 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 best-

selling 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-

tion works throughout the country serving America’s most dis-

tressed communities.

Ripken married his wife of 26 years, the former Kelly Geer,

in 1987. They have two children, Rachel and Ryan.

• 19-time All-Star

• World Series Champion (1983)

• 2-time Golden Glove Award (1991, 1992)

• 8-time Silver Slugger Award

• 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

• 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)


Get in the Game: 8 Elements of Perseverance That Make the Difference

by Cal Ripken, Jr.

For more information or to reserve

your table for next year, visit

floridacollege.edu/leadership .

SOLD O

UT

W o r l dWa r s

To u rf r o m L o n d o n t o B av a r i a

W o r l dWa r s

To u rf r o m L o n d o n t o B av a r i a

May 5–15, 2014Travel Abroad with Florida College

For more information, contact Dr. Brian Crispell, tour leader, at [email protected].

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”).

Florida College119 N. Glen Arven AvenueTemple Terrace, FL 33617

florida college magazine - spring 2013

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