May 2008
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Celebrating 50 Years of Education and Enrichment!
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St. Johns River Community College celebrates 50 years of education and enrichment with faculty, friends and alumni
Friends, alumni and faculty of St. Johns River Community College gathered May 9 on the Palatka Campus lawn to celebrate 50 years of education and enrichment.
President Robert L. McLendon Jr., who has served 36 years as SJRCC president and is the senior president in the community college system, welcomed more than 350 guests to the sold out event. The evening included special presentations and recognition of faculty and alumni accomplishments while guests were treated to dinner and performances by Florida School of the Arts students.
McLendon acknowledged former student body presidents in attendance - Judge Ed Hedstrom (1958), Ron Brown (1968), Carl Motes (1969), Ed Hudson (1974), Dr. Robert Risch (1987), Joe Perry (1996), Lacie Silcox (2008) and Federal Judge Steve Merryday (1970).
Merryday also gave the anniversary address on the importance of an education and its role in the nation's future success.
Mayor of Palatka Karl Flagg, also an alumnus, presented a proclamation designating February 25 - the day the College opened for organizational purposes - as SJRCC Day. Former 1960s faculty member Cleo Higgins, Ph.D. presented the College with her doctoral dissertation and spoke of the integration of African-American faculty into the College.
Vice President Caroline Tingle thanked event sponsors Georgia-Pacific, Beck Automotive Group and Armstrong Contracting Services, Inc.
Retired staff and faculty members Elizabeth Gibson, Bud Wiley, Brian Michaels, Joe Trauerman, Phil Johansen, C. L. Overturf Jr., Allen Caillouet, Neal Chancey, Annette Jones, Cliff McGriff, Jan Joy, Jennifer Paris, Sandi Bevans, Betty Allen and Jackie Knox added to an evening of memories and catching up.
Also in attendance were members of the first class in 1958, Ed Hedstrom and Jackie Kline.
Special guests included Mike Comins, the Chief Executive Officer for the Florida Association of Community Colleges.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Top photo: President Robert McLendon addresses the audience.
Second photo: Federal Judge and alumnus Steve Merryday gives the 50th celebration speech.
Third photo: Mayor and alumnus Karl Flagg presents McLendon with a proclamation declaring February 25 as SJRCC day.
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From left: Dr. Cleo Higgins, guests enjoy the photo display and retired faculty member Allen Caillouet
From left: Linda Pickens, State Rep. Joe Pickens and FACC CEO Mike Comins. Judges Ed Hedstrom and John Alexander, Pat Alexander.
From left: Betsy Driggers, Terri Flagg, Mayor and alumnus Karl Flagg, Vice Mayor Mary Lawson-Brown, City Commissioner Allegra Kitchens and City Commissioner James Norwood.
From left: Jill Moore, SJRCC St. Augustine Campus Provost Dr. Glen Moore, Clay County Commissioner Cheresse Stewart, Mr. Stewart, St. Augustine Record Editor Peter Ellis, Ms. Ellis.
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Return to SJRCC's 50th Anniversary page.
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