Florida College Magazine - Spring 2012

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

Follow us online:

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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.


A Florida College Camp


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



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.


“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


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.


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.”


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.


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.



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


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

or [email protected].

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.


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


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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTAMPA, FLORIDAPERMIT NO. 108

Documents

Florida College Magazine - Spring 2012