Vol. 20, No. 1 - The Magazine of Florida’s First Private University - Summer 2003 STETSON U N I V E R S I T Y

Seeds of Stetson stories grow from commitment to values trategic decisions made in the 1990s to integrate Stetson University’s core values more thoroughly into the central mission and life of the university are having a profound impact. Values- driven social responsibility initiatives are transforming our culture, making us a more diverse and inclusive community. We areS moving “within and beyond the ivory tower” to become a partner in local, state, national and international projects. Our efforts also have a direct and positive impact on grass-roots local, national and international communities. Stetson family members involved in these initiatives have inspiring messages, experiences and stories that we want to share. The Stetson Stories Project attempts to tell Let’s those stories. Storytellers believe that life has value, meaning and purpose. They believe that if one life has meaning, all life has meaning. Stories animate Talk the value, meaning and purpose of life. Stories animate the lives of individuals and about communities — and universities as well. Stetson Stories are about Stetson impassioned people making a difference. Many of these stories have a Stories strong emphasis on social justice. They are inspiring. By Dr. H. Douglas Lee They animate the lives of the individuals involved, President and the life of the university. President Doug Lee takes a moment to speak with history major Prashant Patel (seated) and In this issue of Stetson graduates Courtney Nall and Chris Girata. Both University magazine, we Nall and Girata held leadership positions in the share some of these student-run community service organization, inspiring stories. We invite Into the Streets, while attending Stetson. you to join us. Become motivated by your Stetson colleagues, their achievements and their commitments and, as members of the Stetson family, please share your stories with us as well. STETSON U N I V E R S I T Y

VOLUME 20–NUMBER 1

C O N T E N T S

FEATURES

Life journeys not always in straight lines: Pope and Margaret Duncan 2 • Pope Duncan reflects on 60 years’ experience with Stetson University 4 • Leaders of Stetson: Duncan interviews with 30 volunteers preserve history 5

Passion, love for teaching bring Lovell to Stetson 6

Counselor breaks barriers for children 8

Business education prepared Larry Johnston for corporate career 9

H. Douglas Lee, President Partners in education: Stetson University and public schools 10 Linda P. Davis, ‘73, Vice President for Stetson landscape looking more like old Florida 12 University Relations Brian G. Miller, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Danielle Laprime, ‘95 MA, editor and designer DEPARTMENTS Cover: Some of the many stories of Stetson University inspired the Let’s Talk Opposite page photographic quilt on the cover. From innovations in teacher Cupola 14 education to participation in Alumni News 14 community service to devotion to Reunion Highlights 20 environmental initiatives like the native landscape project, the Stetson Under the Cupola 22 community is committed to making the world a better place.

Stetson University is published semi-annually by Stetson University, DeLand, Florida 32723, and is distributed to its alumni, families and friends. Printed by Independent Printing, Daytona Beach, on recycled paper. Visit Stetson University on the Internet: www.stetson.edu Life journeys not always in straight lines: Pope and Margaret By Betty Brady

r. Pope A. Duncan was in his second college presidency at Georgia Southern College when he became president of Stetson University in 1977, and most people remember him as an administrator. But he is a professor at heart. “Pope always wanted to teach,” said his wife of 60 years, Margaret Flexer Duncan. Son of an Athens, Ga., minister, Duncan began college on his 16th birthday. DInterested in science, he studied physics, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia. But when his father died, Duncan thought hard about how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. “A theology professor encouraged me to consider the relationship between science and religion. He told me, ‘You’re young, go to seminary for a year. It won’t hurt.’ So I taught physics for a year and saved money for seminary. Once I got to seminary I never thought about doing anything else,” Duncan said. He earned a master’s degree in theology and a Ph.D. in church history from Southern Baptist Theo- logical Seminary in Louisville, Ky. “I got a doctor- ate in order to teach,” he said. Duncan’s first teaching job brought him to Stetson with Margaret, his wife of three years, whom he met when they were students at the University of Georgia. She had earned degrees in math and physics, and taught math both before and after their marriage. She had also spent a year as a traveling teacher in Georgia Baptist churches. “I learned a lot that year,” she said. “They put me in the poorest homes. I learned to eat fatback.” Of college, she said, “I love music, and began as a music major, but no one ever told me that music majors have to practice six hours a day! I was working, and lucky to practice for an hour. So I switched to math and physics, but I completed minors in music and French.” “We met through the Baptist Student Union,” he said. “She asked me to date her friend. I thought I’d rather be dating Margaret. We married in 1943. I was at seminary and earned $100 a month as pastor of a church outside Louisville.” Duncan taught religion at Stetson for six years. Then the couple moved to Wake Forest, N.C., where he taught church history for 10 years at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. A highlight of those years for her was a year they spent in Switzerland where he had a sabbatical to study with a professor in Zurich. Margaret Duncan was indirectly responsible for her husband’s first administrative job. Visiting her

Pope and Margaret Flexer Duncan

2 STETSON UNIVERSITY Duncan

family in Brunswick, Ga., she attended the groundbreaking for a junior college. Pope Duncan heard about it and joked, “They should make us president….” Word got around the small community, and while he wasn’t offered the top job, he was hired as dean, and put in charge of Brunswick College while it was being built. “I was the first employee,” he said. “I hired the first secretary and the first librarian. I had everything in place when the president came six months later.” Leaving teaching was difficult. “It was a real dilemma,” he said. “I love to teach, but we had some financial problems, and we decided to take the plunge. I remembered something that Hugh McEniry, a friend from my Stetson teaching days, had said when he moved from being an English professor to being dean. “I had asked in frustration, ‘Why do they want to take a great teacher and make him a dean?’ “He just looked at me and said, ‘Pope, you wouldn’t want a sorry teacher for your The Duncans in 1946 dean, would you?’” Duncan didn’t stay a dean long. The presidency of South Georgia College opened suddenly and Duncan was hired – while still dean at Brunswick. “I’m probably the only person in the world who’s been dean of one college while president of another,” he said. But two jobs 80 miles apart were too much and he resigned from Brunswick. “Once I got involved in administration, I enjoyed it,” he said. “I missed teaching and my students, but the truth was I didn’t have time to miss them much. Teaching and administration are two quite different roles. To move from one to the other, you have to be willing to make the change, to make yourself a student of your new role. “Everything I learned along the way I found some use for as president. I had the opportunity to interview prospective faculty in the sciences, for example. Having Pope, Margaret, and daughters Mary taught made me sensitive to faculty issues. There was nothing lost across the years.” Margaret, Kathy and Laurie in 1964 His move to administration meant changes for Margaret Duncan, too. “I didn’t have any idea how much work it would be – for both of us,” she said. “Being a first lady at a college is hard work, but I enjoyed the fringe benefits, such as getting to know every- one in town. You’re invited to everything.” She did find time to write during her years as first lady. “I’ve been writing poetry since the sixth grade,” she said, “and in 1984 I published a book, I Would Bring Stars, that included poems written over more than 45 years.” She also wrote a weekly newspaper column called People, Places and Platitudes when they lived in Georgia, earning her $2 a week. “I loved doing it,” she said, “but when we moved to Stetson, I didn’t have the time for it.” Now retired, they spend part of their time in DeLand, where Duncan is working on his memoirs, and part of their time in Black Mountain, N.C., where they have a second home. Their life journey has taken him from physics to church history, from teaching to administration; and she has moved from music to physics and math, from teaching to first lady at three schools — writing poetry all the way. And always on the journey they were busy raising their three daughters. “We feel fortunate now that we can have a quiet life,” said Margaret Duncan. “We’ve earned it.”

The Duncans with two of their grandchildren, Brooke and Erin

SUMMER 2003 3 Pope Duncan reflects on 60 years’ experience with Stetson University By Betty Brady

resident for 10 years, chancellor Asked to name the best thing he ever for 15, now chancellor emeritus did for Stetson, Duncan answers without a – Dr. Pope A. Duncan assumed moment’s thought, “Hire Doug Lee.” the presidency of Stetson PUniversity in 1977, but his Stetson Does Duncan see university presidents memories go back to the late ‘40s and as scholars or administrators? early ‘50s when he taught religion under “You can be both,” he said. “Your Dr. Lafayette Walker. understanding of what makes a good “I was teaching here when Stetson’s teacher is important. If you have a good budget went over $1 million for the first dean or person in academic affairs, it’s OK time,” Duncan remembered. “We all not to be an academic president, but if you taught 15 hours. The focus was on don’t, it can be disastrous. teaching. There is a greater demand now “(Former Stetson President J. Ollie) for faculty members to publish or do Edmunds was a great president; he let something creative in their field. Our (Dean Hugh) McEniry make the academic student to faculty ratio was probably 20 to decisions. But I like a president able to see 1; today it’s 11 to 1. We didn’t have time the full academic picture. Doug Lee has a to do much but teach. fine academic background, and has taught, “We didn’t have sabbaticals, or a pool Lee and Duncan in the 1980s too. of money for equipment. I remember my “Donors require attention from the first office. I bought my own desk to He said the threat of lawsuits also president, however. Fundraising takes time. replace a rickety table. I brought in my changed the university climate. “Today Even in the state system now, the president father’s swivel chair. We were just mini- there is no self-respecting college or must be a fundraiser. It’s almost like being mally supported. If we got a bookshelf, we university without a nearly full-time in Congress; you have to start fundraising thought we were doing real well. attorney,” he said, “but even 25 years ago, on day one. More and more, the presidency “Our only buildings were Elizabeth when I came here as president, the is a managerial and fundraising task in any Hall, Hulley Gym (since torn down), university attorney was a voluntary university.” Flagler Hall, Stover Theatre, Cummings position. It was an honor; there wasn’t Duncan said federal involvement in Gym, the Commons (on today’s print that much to do. Lawsuits are very student aid saved private education. “The shop site), Sampson Hall (then the common now, though.” GI Bill after World War II was the water- library), Chaudoin Hall, Stetson Hall, Stetson remains true to its teaching shed,” he said. “It was very important to Conrad Hall and DeLand Hall (then the mission despite the changes, he feels. American higher education. Once it was music school). The law school was at the “What made Stetson University worth- over, the federal government began doing airport in temporary buildings and the while then is still here. Our granddaugh- more and more in student aid. Now it’s the business school was also in a temporary ter, Erin Jones, graduated from Stetson in lifeblood of the university, with guaranteed building.” 2000, and she was high on the university, loans and work-study. State aid is also Stetson was growing in those post- mainly because of caring professors.” important. We’re better off with the aid. World War II years, as veterans returned. Hugh McEniry once said private universi- “Most students lived in town,” he said. Duncan’s presidency – 1977 to 1987 – ties wouldn’t last more than 20 years. “Margaret and I had a big, old, three- was a time of growth and renewal for We’ve been saved by federal dollars. story house on Florida Avenue, and we Stetson. The university celebrated its “I think Stetson has a great future,” he rented the top two floors to students. ” centennial, and was selected for Florida’s said. “The dangers lie principally in the Stetson’s growth has meant many first private university chapter of Phi Beta matter of competition for students. Aid changes, including an increase in the Kappa. Renovations were made to nearly used to be need-based. Now average student affairs staff, which once consisted all buildings on campus, and Stetson’s students and parents bargain. The dis- of just a dean of men and a dean of first major fund-raising effort – a 10-year, counting of tuition is a great danger for all women. “In our day professors worked $50 million financial support campaign – of us. Another change is the competition more with students outside of class, and was completed four years ahead of from state universities for money from took more part in student life,” Duncan schedule under then-Vice President Doug external sources. For them, it’s the whipped said. Lee, who succeeded Duncan as president. cream on the pie. For us, it’s the pie.”

4 STETSON UNIVERSITY Leaders of Stetson: Duncan’s interviews with 30 volunteers preserve history

tetson University has always ♦ Patricia Wilson – trustee emeritus, appreciation for Stetson University and drawn strength from dedicated businesswoman, and major donor for the the opportunities it offers young people. volunteer leaders who serve the Wilson Center – also believes determina- university just for the satisfaction tion and persistence are the keys to Included in Duncan’s Leaders of Sof “providing a great education for leadership, but only came to Stetson Stetson are profiles of the following: students,” said Dr. Pope A. Duncan, because the first college she tried was too former Stetson president and now strict and isolated. She got on a train to J. Hyatt Brown chancellor emeritus. return home to Frostproof and her mother Gov. Doyle E. Carlton Sr. After retiring as president, he began told her to get off in DeLand – she had Doyle E. Carlton Jr. interviewing several of those leaders, enrolled her at Stetson. Rupert T. Coleman asking questions designed to reveal the Marie Dawson facts of their lives, their evaluation of ♦ The late Gov. Doyle E. Carlton Sr. – Lenvil H. Dicks Stetson and its presidents, and their trustee and son of a pioneer ranching Robert D. Flippo concept of leadership. He began the family – rose from very limited means to David H. Harshaw interviews in 1978 and completed them political power. Once told his name was Mark C. Hollis 19 years later, compiling them into a soft- worth $100,000 on a race track bill, Gov. Thomas R. Horton cover book, Leaders of Stetson, which he Carlton replied, “If my name is worth that The Jennings Family hopes will be useful source material for much to you, then it ought to be worth Kenneth P. Kirchman Stetson historians of the future. Only 12 that much to me, so I just believe I will Malcolm B. Knight copies were printed. keep it.” Eugene M. Lynn The 30 interviews range alphabetically Dennis C. McNamara, Sr. from J. Hyatt Brown to Patricia Maxcy ♦ Mark Hollis – son of a Publix James Nemec Wilson. They range from politicians like executive, trustee, and major donor for Donald A. Page Florida Gov. Doyle E. Carlton Sr., to the Hollis Center – considered the Henry Allen Parker businessmen like Mark Hollis. Many offer ministry, accounting and the military John L. Pelham surprising twists: before deciding to join the grocery Paul E. Raymond business. With two degrees, he started as Bertram S. Reid ♦ Hyatt Brown – trustee, businessman, a stock clerk, but was president of Publix M.E. “Doc” Rinker and former state legislator – believes that by his 50th birthday. R. Grady Snowden, Sr. success will come if you “just do what you Douglas Stenstrom do every day, every week, every month, The stories go on, many delving into James A. Stewart every year, every decade forever; and you family histories as well as touching on James E. Summerhill don’t ever let anything stand in your Florida and U.S. history. The Depression William Amory Underhill way,” but he also wishes he’d majored in and World War II were key points in Evelyn T. West Chinese history or archeology instead of many of the profiled leaders’ lives, but the B. Frank Wheeler business administration. unifying factor is a genuine love and Patricia Maxcy Wilson

Pope Duncan profiled both politicians and business leaders in Leaders of Stetson including, from left, clockwise: Amory Underhill, Mark Hollis, Doyle E. Carlton Jr., Marie Dawson, Thomas Horton, Lenvil Dicks, Hyatt Brown, John Pelham, Patricia Wilson and Kenneth Kirchman.

SUMMER 2003 5 High school dropout to Stetson professor: Lovell’s HATS nurtures ‘moments’ By Danielle Laprime

pecial moments are born of passion and opportunity. In her lifetime, Cindy Lovell has enjoyed many such moments. Now she helps others create their own. A bright and talented student, Dr. Lovell dropped out of high school in her junior year. Today she teaches in Stetson University’s Teacher Education Department and administers the university’s High Achieving and Talented Students (HATS) summer Sprogram. Lovell identifies with the children who participate in HATS. The program provides educational opportunities for high achieving Florida fourth through ninth graders, who score at or above the 95th percentile on a standardized test, such as FCAT. Through HATS, Lovell’s goal is to encourage children to stay in school and see the value of education in their lives.

F A C U L T Y P R O I E An entrepreneur in high school, Lovell ran two businesses. She sold stationery to her classmates and had a thriving weekend business selling records at Bluegrass festivals. She did well academically and dreamed of becoming a classroom teacher, but schoolwork bored her. For Lovell, the breakthrough came years after high school, during a family trip to the Central Florida Zoo. “It was so hot – my children and I went into the gift shop to cool off,” she said. She saw a poster of Noah’s Ark, “Heaven knows it’s a big job taking good care of animals.” “At first I thought it would make a great gift for some of my teacher friends. Then I got a sick feeling in my stomach. I was never going to be a teacher.” Lovell married young and by then had a home, a husband and two children. She also worked in the family business – running two video stores. At 35, she felt the door to higher education had slammed shut the day she quit high school. “I can’t say I was underchallenged in school and I had some great teachers, but my parents did not stress education,” she said. “I was the first in my family to attend college, although my parents and siblings all are successful entrepreneurs One of Lovell’s passions is flying. She hopes to and self-employed.” be an instructor someday. When she saw the poster, her whole focus changed. She purchased one, but decided she would not display it until she had a college degree. When she returned home later that day, she placed the poster on a shelf in her bedroom, still rolled up in its tube. Her high school guidance counselor had agreed to let her leave in her junior year, telling her that, because she was bright, he knew she would always be successful in whatever she did. Lovell took that as a compliment and a challenge. She worked hard to meet his expectations, but redirected her passion for teaching by volunteering in the public school system. “A teacher has to teach like a writer has to write,” she said. “Recently I have learned that my great-great grandfather was a self-educated teacher, so I guess it is in my genes. I was a teacher wannabe, but I thought teaching was not an option since I did not have a degree. “Instead, I became a partner by providing educational videos free of charge for teachers to use in their classroom. Through our business, I made a contribution.” A devotee of Mark Twain, she also lectured at elementary schools with her collection of Twain memorabilia. A friend and teacher aide at Edgewater Public School, Becky Newby, suggested she contact Daytona Beach Community College. “I didn’t know that college was so flexible. I called DBCC (Daytona Beach Community College) the day I got that poster and found out that I could take 17 semester hours my first semester before and after work. I didn’t miss a day and I got a 4.0 my first semester.” By the end of the year she had 58 credit hours, while continuing to work her 60-hour shift at

6 STETSON UNIVERSITY the video store. She transferred to Stetson, where she received a bachelor’s degree with honors. When she went home to celebrate with her family and friends, she first went to her bedroom to take off her cap and gown. Only then did she take the rolled poster off her shelf. “It was symbolic. I didn’t even remember what the poster looked like,” she said. “The important thing was that I was going to teach. It was my moment.” She landed her dream job teaching fifth grade – and framed and hung the poster in her classroom alongside her Stetson diploma. In 1996, Lovell earned a master’s degree at Stetson. She and Dr. Robert Leahy, then chairman of the Teacher Education Department, attended the 12th World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children in Seattle to present the results of her master’s thesis, “How to Animate Your Summer Program.” Leahy encouraged her to pursue a doctorate at the University of Iowa. She completed it in two years and joined the Stetson faculty. Lovell feels she is in a good place. “I did not want to leave elementary education, but was convinced I could help Stetson students develop their passions for teaching. It’s a gift to stimulate HH their curiosity and give them the tools to help them make informed decisions that they can take into their classrooms. What is greater than that?” These days, besides teaching classes and observing student interns, Lovell spends much of her time directing Stetson University’s HATS program. Partnering with the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Iowa, Lovell created a similar program at Stetson with Following the Equator, based on Mark Twain’s book, in the summers of 1996 and 1997. In 2001 the program was renamed HATS as the Stetson version. Lovell still maintains ties with Belin-Blank and is the Florida program coordinator. The children who participate are talented, smart and hard-working. “Some of them don’t know it,” she said. “The letter of invitation is their wake-up call. It A tells them ‘Congratulations—you are smart.’ During HATS, they spend a week working on a project in a subject of their interest.” Subjects range from aviation and butterfly farming to screenwriting and structural engineering, at various locations around the state. About 20 children participate in each class, and new sites are being added each year. Scholarships also are available. Lovell wants young students to know that you are never through learning. Her hobbies and passions include anything related to Mark Twain, flying and Bluegrass music. She wrote a children’s book, is collaborating on public school curriculum, plays the fiddle and mandolin, and is working on a biography about Bluegrass music’s quintessential fiddle player, Kenny Baker. She hopes to audit classes at Stetson some semester when time permits. This enthusiasm is not lost on the students and their families who receive an invitation to join HATS. One proud mother drove her son up during his spring break to meet Lovell for lunch. Another drove 25 miles from the next county on her lunch hour, excitedly seeking Lovell, with the invitation in hand. Paents and students call or drop by for frequent visits. TT Now in its eighth year at Stetson, the program boasts many such stories. Lovell is thrilled by the excitement HATS generates. She feels that the goodwill will result in new Stetson University Hatters when these children start thinking about college. Lovell adds that some school children are struggling or bored, and don’t know how to express why. She doesn’t want them to lose sight of their goals. She shows her students, all future educators, how to identify gifted ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) or other at-risk students, who might go unnoticed, but could be high achievers. “Teachers should assume that there is a lot going on in their students’ lives,” she said. “I want teachers to understand how to help underachieving bright children and non-traditional students recognize their passions.” Most of all, Lovell wants youngsters to experience the joy of learning and realizing their goals, whatever they may be. Her own experience is the best example. “Everyone should have a special moment.” SS

For more information visit http://www.stetson.edu/hats

SUMMER 2003 7 Counselor breaks barriers for children

By Molly Justice

hey call her Miss Nomi. Grootboom, who speaks English and seven African languages. She teaches them South African culture and She often finds herself tripling her study efforts and translating languages. They teach her how to interact with the theories and methods she’s learning here to South African children in her training to become a school culture. counselor. During her internship, TTo South African educator Grootboom experienced one- Nomalanga Grootboom, on-one and group contact “there’s more to teaching than with the children. She says just teaching a subject.” That’s students in her group sessions why she’s visited the United struggled with grief, family States several times in the past issues such as divorce, self-

S T U D E N P R O F I L decade to learn about school control problems like anger counseling, a concept not and low self-esteem. Although commonly practiced in South she isn’t learning in the Africa. environment she plans to Now Grootboom is taking practice in, Grootboom does graduate counselor education see some similarities in U.S. courses at Stetson University and South African children. and has intern experience “Some of the social from George Marks problems are almost the Elementary School in same… Unfortunately, there DeLand. She will graduate were no resources for them,” this summer with a master’s she said. “Anger is anger. It’s degree in school counseling universal. Divorce is divorce. and plans to take her It’s universal.” knowledge and training back The main difference to South Africa to share with between schools in the two others. countries is the amount of “My coming over here, it’s a resources available. dream come true,” she said. Grootboom knows she’ll need “Stetson has given me an the backing of school Grootboom opportunity to network with administrators when she American professionals.” returns to South Africa and Grootboom learned about Stetson through Dr. Adrienne anticipates possible barriers that could block her efforts. Perry, teacher education associate professor. She was one of 59 “I have to go back to advocate,” she said. “I’m going to try Americans who traveled to South Africa in 1998 in response to what is viable. I’m going to be innovative.” a call for help Grootboom submitted to Counseling Today Grootboom plans to continue to lean on the network of U.S. magazine. counseling professionals she’s established, and remains “She’s a go getter,” Perry said. “I’m very proud of what she’s committed to fighting While interning, Grootboom also been able to accomplish.” for school counseling – taught children about South Africa. Through a network of friends and acquaintances, Perry has for the children. helped and continues to assist Grootboom in gathering “I’m on a mission financial support for her expenses while attending Stetson. and nothing is going to Grootboom also has support from Macedonia Baptist Church stand in my way,” she in Eatonville near Orlando and the Rev. Willie Barnes and the said. “It is not for Rev. F. Woodard. me, it is for other Grootboom lives on campus at Stetson in the Alpha Kappa people. It’s for helping Alpha sorority house and manages to get by without a car. the kids.” Adjusting to life in the United States has been a challenge for

8 STETSON UNIVERSITY Business education prepared A L U M N S P R O F I E Larry Johnston for corporate career By Molly Justice

s Chairman and CEO of Albertsons, Larry led GE Appliances, a $6 billion global business, before joining Johnston believes he needs to “be real” to his Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Inc. in 2001. more than 200,000 employees. That’s why he hits Although he’s tasked with overseeing the entire Albertsons the road every chance he gets to visit some of the operation, Johnston says he enjoys strategizing, restructuring chain’s 2,300 organizations and being out in storesA across the country. the stores interacting with “I believe people have to see customers. He’s also interested their leaders,” he said. in charitable giving and has Since graduating from incorporated a set of values Stetson University in 1972, into the company’s mission. Johnston has become an “I really believe in that,” internatio nally recognized Johnston said. businessman who had a He said Stetson’s values of successful 28-year career with community service, diversity General Electric and now and gender equity are heads up one of the largest embodied in the 10 core food and drug retailers in the values at Albertsons. The world. company recently launched an Raised in upstate New initiative that aims to York, Johnston learned about contribute at least one million Stetson from his older brother volunteer hours nationwide in Jerry, a 1959 accounting the next year. graduate. Impressed by the “Albertsons has a long university’s reputation, quality history of giving back to the education and financial aid neighborhoods where we opportunities, he chose conduct our business,” Stetson and majored in Johnston said. “At this time, business administration. less fortunate people, schools “The professors here were and community non-profit great about one-on-one help. organizations are going They were great about being through a particularly difficult there for you,” Johnston said. period. There is increased “I found myself pretty well need for the volunteer service prepared going out to the of ‘neighbors.’ ” business world.” Although he enjoyed the size of Stetson, Johnston was Johnston Johnston and staff celebrate an Albertsons looking forward to working for a large, powerful company that grand opening in Boise. could offer many different types of job opportunities. He was recruited right off campus into the General Electric Co. management-training program. “Stetson had a good reputation and recruitment was heavy at the time,” Johnston said. The day after graduation, he drove to Charlotte, N.C., to begin his career with GE. He served GE in both domestic and international assignments in different businesses – serving in marketing, merchandising, sales and general management roles. Under the direction of GE President and CEO Jack Welch, Johnston last

SUMMER 2003 9 Partners in “A second grader explained education why she spent three reform: hours working with her mother to master a math project Stetson the night before her electronic student assessment portfolio taping: University A student proudly explains her Hollis mini- ‘I didn’t want to look silly grant project. and public on my CD. I have to save it for my kids to see tetson University’s growing one day.’” reputation as a national schools leader in education reform draws students who want to be – Dr. Kathy Piechura-Couture, By Cheryl Downs part of that movement and to take their Stetson associate professor of S place among an elite group of classroom Teacher Education teachers. They study with Stetson professors who are innovators, researchers and believers in collaborative Students exploring technology is a major focus of the Professional Development partnerships with public schools. School (PDS) education reform concept. As part of their training, Stetson students travel to public school campuses to interact with teachers and students. When the future educators graduate from Stetson, they can count on a 100 percent job placement rate. At Commencement they receive a “Stetson Forever” card guaranteeing that support and guidance

Photo by Danielle Laprime from their alma mater’s education faculty will be just an e-mail away throughout their teaching careers. A proven avenue to education reform is the Professional Development School (PDS) partnership. Many school districts and public universities are working together in PDS models to close the gap for K-12 student achievement. Five years ago, Stetson’s Department of Teacher Education formed such a partnership with Volusia County schools to work for education reform. The Professional Development School program that began in 1998 with Stetson and DeLand’s Woodward Avenue Elementary School has now grown to include four public schools in a PDS network. Woodward Avenue Principal JoAnne Rodkey said the partnership has enhanced her faculty and administrators’ sense of professionalism, provided for regular communication among the partners, and helped her staff remain focused on being creative educators. 10 STETSON UNIVERSITY The Nina B. Hollis Institute reading and math. With technical mini-grant presents their projects,” she for Educational Reform assistance and funding from Stetson, we said. “It’s wonderful to see the are now able to keep an electronic record accomplishments, including technology of student progress and can document and innovative ways to enhance student tetson’s focus on values-driven that they have mastered competencies, learning in math and science. It’s also an programs and K-12 education even though – in some cases — they opportunity to exchange teaching reform made the decision to join S might not perform well enough on state strategies and to collaborate on creative with public school educators a natural assessment tests. That portfolio might projects.” step. Resources to help make the save a third grader, who actually does A true believer in Stetson’s successful partnership a success are largely provided have the skills, from the state’s partnership with public schools, Heins through The Nina B. Hollis Institute for mandatory retention rule.” said her own teaching benefits from Educational Reform at Stetson. The The elementary school students visiting elementary school campuses. “I institute was created through the Hollis themselves are trained to construct find that the classes I teach at Stetson are Renaissance Program, which the Hollis electronic student assessment portfolios enriched by the experience of working in family funded with a $10 million and, in turn, train other students in the local schools. We believe that we need to endowment. Mark Hollis, an alumnus network schools. Last fall 10 third graders change schools and teaching methods as and member of Stetson’s Board of from one network school served as we have known them. We know we’re Trustees, and his wife Lynn have long technology trainers for 14 third graders making a difference.” been involved with the university and its from two other schools. The training was faculty, and have a special interest in K- designed to give students hands-on use of 12 education reform. Tutoring, research, technology to produce electronic mini-grants for special projects, portfolios. Once they had learned the technology and technology training are technology, the 14 students took their among the Hollis Institute benefits. expertise back to their schools and Rodkey said her school applied for two trained classmates. Hollis Institute mini-grants during 2002- Dr. Bette Heins, chair of Stetson’s 2003 that have clearly made a difference Department of Teacher Education who in student achievement: electronic also holds the Nina B. Hollis Did you know? student assessment portfolios and a peer Distinguished Professor in Education coaching program. ! Stetson University is accredited Reform chair, said teachers who receive “Stetson has access to resources anbd under the performance-oriented mini-grant awards, along with their standards of the National the latest research that helps us to students and principals, display their Council for Accreditation of implement our ideas,” she said. projects at an annual celebration on the Teacher Education (NCATE). “Electronic portfolios were developed as a Stetson campus. “At the end of each way of tracking student progress in school year, everyone who received a ! The Department of Teacher Education has an enviable 100 Elementary school students show off their achievements while parents and percent job placement record teachers look on during a Hollis mini-grant presentation at Stetson for its graduates, and close to Univesity’s Davis Hall. 98 percent go on to teach in public schools.

! Stetson education students and faculty are trained in the latest technology applications for creative teaching strategies.

! Stetson’s curriculum is designed to meet the national educational technology standards for teachers and students [http://cnets.iste.org] to prepare teachers to use technology as an instructional tool, to increase student achievement and to enhance teacher productivity.

11 Stetson landscape looking more like old Florida By Betty Brady

DEFINITIONS: Natives — plants found in Florida in 1513 AD, when Europeans first arrrived. Exotics — plants introduced to Florida from a natural range outside the state. Naturalized Exotics — exotics that grow without cultivation (still exotic; they do not “become” native). Invasive Exotics — exotics that are not only naturalized, but are expanding on their own in Florida plant communities.

ver wonder what Florida looked like in 1513, when Europeans first arrived? Stetson University’s recent commitment to plant only native trees and shrubs will gradually turn the campus into a showplace for the Florida of those days. It will be a slow process, but it has begun. This spring, 28 invasive exotic camphor trees growing behind the Meadows Alumni House Ewere replaced with live oaks, Shumardii oaks, red cedar, red maple, sycamore, river birch and winged elm. Several large Sabal palms, magnolia grandifloras and a few oaks – all Florida natives – were left on the park-like site. Dr. Cindy Bennington, associate professor of Biology and chair of Stetson’s Environmental Responsibility Council, hopes the campus will become a small ecosystem of native Florida plants. “We might get more songbirds, beneficial insects, beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil,” she said. “Going native helps restore an ecosystem’s relationships. It will make the campus a better learning environment for biology and ecology.” It’s a long-term project, though, said Vice President for Facilities Management David Noyes: “We will not go in and start ripping apart the campus. It will take decades. It will be done through attrition, using existing budgets.” The Lynn Business Center was largely landscaped with native plants after its recent rebuilding, for example. “We have to experiment and find out what works well,” said David Rigsby, Stetson’s landscape architect. Examples of non-native plants on campus include camphor, nandina and crepe myrtle. No records show what grew here in 1513, but naturalists William Bartram and André Michaux made extensive tours of Florida in the 18th century, recording what they saw. “Basically, we consider plants to be native by default unless we know they were imported from elsewhere,” Bennington said. “We know a lot of ornamentals came from Asia or South America.” The native plants conversation started six years ago when a group of students and faculty members, including Brian Kermath of Geography (now at the University of Wisconsin) and Dr. Bob Sitler of Modern Languages (Spanish), landscaped the acre

12 STETSON UNIVERSITY around the Gillespie Museum of Minerals with native plants as an Environmental Science project. For the past two years, a small committee has been meeting to consider using native plants throughout the campus. Rigsby said he was skeptical at first: “I’ve been here for 25 years, and I had a certain way of doing things. But 700 nurseries in Florida grow native plants, and I’ve become very excited about this. It gives us a whole new palette of plants to work with. It is also a strong environmental values issue. The university is taking a leadership role in our region.” He added that Stetson University recently made a presentation on native plants to a meeting of leaders of the nine-county Fifth District of the Florida Department of Transportation and other entities like the City of DeLand and the St. Johns Water Management District are thirsty for Stetson’s research. Noyes said he, too, was cautious in the beginning: “I wanted to be sure we understood what we were doing, but I do want to minimize our use of pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and water. Native landscaping is consistent with our environmental responsibility guiding principle and values. I look at our 170-acre campus as an extended classroom and see the opportunity for students, faculty and staff to work together.” Rigsby, Bennington and Dr. Eric Perramond, who teaches Geography and Environmental Science, have already joined forces to teach a seminar on native landscaping, in which students designed a plan to re-landscape Sage Hall with native plants. This spring, Rigsby met with a group of fraternity and sorority members interested in using native plants around their living areas. “It’s new to have students excited about something like this,” he said. “There is a practical side of doing it,” Bennington said, “but more important are the educational value and the ethical, environmentally responsible values. The outcome is huge. We may be the first campus in the United States to adopt a policy of using only native trees and shrubs on campus. And esthetics is not an issue; there is a wide choice of beautiful trees and shrubs native to Florida.”

Opposite page from top left, counterclockwise: Winged elm (Ulmus alata), Saw Palmetto--Blue Form (Serenoa repens), Walter Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum), Saw Palmetto--Green Form (Serenoa repens), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Spruce Pine (Pinus glabra), and Xanpon Holly (Ilex Uomitoria). This page counterclockwise: Scrub Hickory (carya floridana), Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia), Elderberry (sambucus simpsonii), Walter Viburnum in flower (viburnum obovatum), East Palatka Holly (Ilex a attenuata), and Magnolia (magnolia grandiflora).

Photos by David Rigsby

SUMMER 2003 13 Career Contact and Alumni Network STETSON UNIVERSITY The Offices of Alumni Relations and Career Services, in association with MonsterTRAK, are pleased to promote our new Career Contact and Alumni Network. If you are interested in helping Stetson students and alumni CupolaAlumni News Summer 2003 who are seeking advice about career options, relocation, etc., or desire mentoring, networking, job shadowing, Please send alumni news and photos for future publications or internship opportunities, we by Sept. 15, 2003, to Alumni News Editor Jackie Hays, Stetson University, encourage you to participate in this 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8257, DeLand, FL 32723 or e-mail important new program. There are a [email protected]. Digitized photos in tif format should be a high variety of ways you can help. resolution scan (at least 300 dots per inch). For questions about photos, Go to www.stetson.edu/administra- contact [email protected]. Original photos will not be returned. tion/alumni/csn.htm to learn more about the Career Contact and Alumni Because of an Charles R. MojockMojock, Port Orange, former Network and to register on vice president of planning and advancement overwhelming response MonsterTRAK. of Daytona Beach Community College, is and large volume of Lake-Sumter Community College’s fifth alumni news, this president. He is a guest lecturer at Stetson ’83 publication only contains the class and Nova universities. He has published Gwen Azama-Edwardsds, Daytona Beach, notes of alumni who celebrated numerous articles in educational periodicals retired as the city clerk after 15 years, with another 16 years working in state their Reunion at and was elected president of Florida labor and employment jobs. David C. STETSON WEEKEND 2003. Association of Community Colleges in 1999. John Paul Parksarks, Scottsdale, Ariz., was DavisDavis, Orange Park, will be relocated to admitted to practice law in Arizona, Florida, Houston for Compass Bank to help that Please visit www.stetson.edu/ and the District of Columbia in estate region grow in the same manner he has marcom/publications/0503 planning, probate and trust administration, helped the company’s Florida and South for the complete business law and related litigation. He also Alabama offices during the last twelve class notes section. is counsel to Horne, Ducar, Lorona & Slaton years. He does volunteer work for the LLP. Luis Pratsrats, St. Petersburg, is the I. M. Sulzbacher Center for the managing partner for Carlton, Fields, Ward Homeless, the Urban League and et al. Judith DeRango Wicks, Dunwoody, Baptist Hospital Foundation. Karen ’53 Ga., is vice president, corporate communica- Lovaglio Dee, Oldsmar, was named retail William J. Robertsoberts, Tallahassee, is an tions, for the CheckFree Corporation in banking executive president of Wachovia attorney with Nabors, Giblin and Nickerson. Norcross. A recipient of numerous awards Bank, Tampa Bay region. Andria Long HerrHerr, for her initiatives, she serves as corporate Longwood, is president of Bingham Farms, ’68 spokesperson and is responsible for media Michigan-based Allied Group Insurance Laurel Lipscomb Kentent, Great Falls, Va., is relations, trade shows, internal conferences Services, central Florida operations. senior vice president, investments, for Legg and speaking opportunities. (Continued p. 15) Mason in McLean. Sharon Horton Kurschnerurschner, Lake Wales, is the Lake Wales Thanks to the training received Rotary Club president for 2002-03. She has from Stetson’s ROTC and business been a teacher and assistant principal at programs, three Stetson alumni Lake Wales High School and is now the have been doing their part in principal at McLaughlin Middle School. Kuwait to help fight the War on Sharon is involved in many club fund-raisers Terrorism. From left to right, they and projects and was named Rotarian of the are U.S. Army Captain Colette Year in 1998. James L. Stallings, Wauchula, Kitchel, ’97, Department of Defense is a broker-salesperson for Crosby & Civilian (DOD) (GS-8, 1LT)) James Associates Inc. in Winter Haven. Tinsley, ’97, and U.S. Army Military Intelligence Captain Julia ’78 Bette Brown-Herlthown-Herlth, Tavernier, is executive Nesheiwat, ’97. Photograhed here vice president in charge of banking at the at Camp Doha, these three are First State Bank of the Keys. She is a past among a number of the Stetson president of the Key Largo Chamber of University community already Commerce and Boys & Girls Club of the deployed in the Middle East. See Florida Keys, and serves as a member of page 19 and visit the Mariners Hospital Foundation Board, www.stetson.edu/marcom/publi- Upper Keys Rotary and Upper Keys Century cations/0503 for more information Business and Professional Women’s Club. on other alumni serving.

14 ALUMNI NEWS-CUPOLA — STETSON UNIVERSITY Assist with Student Recruitment Mark your

Help identify and encourage high school students in your area to consider your calendars now: alma mater. The latest information available to prospective students can be found on the Stetson Web site, at www.stetson.edu. An Alumni Referral Card is Stetson available for alumni who wish to nominate a student for admission, providing a $20 discount (50 percent) off the regular Stetson application fee. And the Weekend 2004 application fee is waived for alumni “legacies.” Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (386) 822-7480 or e-mail Jackie Hays at [email protected] to request a referral card. April 2-4, 2004

(Alumni News, continued from p. 14) NEW Frank P. MurphyMurphy, Naples, is the coordinator of psychological services at the Caron HATTERS Foundation. Robert Bruce StewartStewart, Lake Como, owns Stewart Music Center Inc. in St. Augustine, a full service music store. Russell Allen Yagelagel, Miami, joined the law Kathleen Murphy Robey, ’82, and Kristen Shannon Krueger, ’92, and firm of Hershoff, Lupino & Mulick, LLP. He is husband Robert Brooks, a son Murphy husband Michael, a son Cole Matthew, a licensed attorney and certified public Martin, January 18, 2002. September 23, 2001. accountant in the state of Florida. LaDawn Long Milton, ’84, and husband Stacy Megica Lewis, ’92, and husband ’88 Mark, a daughter KenLee Olivia, Daniel, ’90, a daughter Allston Kate, ’88 Robert William Cranston October 22, 2001. August 14, 2002. Robert William CranstonCranston, Haines City, Shannon Ajluni Cupp, ’85, and husband Patricia Frost Beck, ’94, and husband teaches German and advanced placement Casey, a daughter Elizabeth Kathryn, William, a daughter Madelyn Kay, United States Government at Haines City April 22, 2001. February 11, 2002. High School. He attended the Gilder Marjorie Diephouse Applegate, ’89 and Loretta Pluso Wilkinson, ’94, and Lehrmann Institute of American History at Jeffrey Scott Ginsburg husband Dale, a son Carson Alexander, husband David F., ’92, a daugther Stanford University. Jeffrey Scott Ginsburgg, November 5, 2001. Kathleen Carrrolle, April 16, 2001. Maitland, is retired and looking for some- Laura Janeczko Garguilo, ’89, and Evan Lamar English, ’95, and wife thing fun to do after helping grow a family husband Michael, ’89, a son Daniel, Kimberly, a daughter Maryssa Paige, business from three employees to over 900 January 17, 2001. January 31, 2002. in the construction and management of John Morris Elizabeth Laney Johnson, ’89 and Christine Shea Harrington, ’95, and multi-housing apartments. John Morris Rutherfurd II husband Donald, a daughter Emma husband Jeffrey, a son Camden Rutherfurd IIII, New York, N.Y., joined the Kathleen, May 28, 2002. Jefferson, August 15, 2002. Brookstreet Securities Corporation. Christine Walker Bange, ’90, and Stacy Madigan Turner, ’95, and husband (Continued p. 19) husband James, ’87, a daughter Brandon, a daughter Delanie Lynn, Abigail Grace, July 3, 2001. November 8, 2001. Shannon Strickland Brown, ’90, and Marisol Bahena, ’96, and husband husband Stuart, ’92, a son Ian Manuel, a daughter “Maggie” Margarita Announcing our upcoming Michael, March 13, 2002. Xitlali, February 11, 1999. Jon David Solomon,’90, and wife Sharon Perkins Full, ’96, and husband Alumni Directory Margarite, a daughter Victoria Nicole, Ronald, four children, Shelley R. July 26, 2002. Beeman, July 13, 1965, Ronald E. Full Even if it has been years since you Kristin A. Kirkpatrick Chapman, ’91, Jr., September 11, 1967, Bradley W. made contact, you can still reconnect and husband Robert, ’89, a daughter Full, August 26, 1969, and Amy L. Dean, Kelly Elisabeth, March 18, 2001. August 20, 1971. with long-lost friends. We are currently Jerome Flandinette, ’91, and wife Shanon Gilchrist Tomchin, ’96, and compiling an Alumni Directory, an Svetlana, a daughter Elise, June 12, husband Jason, a daughter Ashley invaluable resource with personal, 2001. Lauren, June 21, 2002. Arthur Douglas Pringle IV, ’91, and wife Myndi Giebels-Haggart, ’97, and hus- academic and business information Ann, a daughter Molly Quinn, May 8, band John, a son Braden Wyatt, June on all of our alumni. 2002. They also have a son Artie (6), 26, 2002. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a and daughters Maggie (4) and Lelia Chisholm Grassman, ’97, and Marykate (2). husband Timothy, a son Ryan Timothy, part of this important project. If you Samantha Smith Wiseman, ’91, and March 18, 2002. haven’t already done so, please take husband Stephen, a son Andrew Scott, Stephanie Megan Zaremba, ’97, and a few minutes to update your May 26, 2002. husband Robert, a daughter Courtney Stephanie Migliore Bloch, ’92, and Marie, March 28, 2002. information when contacted. The husband Timothy, a son Parker Joseph, Melissa S. Alvarez, ’98, and husband deadline for updating your information May 21, 2002. David, a daughter Natalie Melinda, (and to purchase a directory) is Sept. 1, Melissa Mead Hinson, ’92, and husband June 27, 2001. R. Michael, a daughter Heidi Elizabeth, 2003. To update your information, call April 30, 2002. (800) 224-2871.

SUMMER 2003 15 Weddings & Anniversaries Sadie Leshy Wood, February 24, 2001. Katherine Merkel, ’98, to Zachary ’51, and husband Christina Shortle, ’90, to Curtis A. Lowry, June 10, 2000. John, ’51, celebrated Balsman, July 16, 1999. Natalie Michelle Primavera, ’98, to their 56th wedding Donna Marie Speciale, ’91, to William John Carlin Beavers, October 26, anniversary October S. Dodson, January 20, 2002. 2002. 5, 2002. Jerome Flandinette, ’91, to Svetlana Amy Suzanne Rowell, ’98, to Bryan Barbara Carter Chouchkanova, April 25, 1996. Douglas Diebler, ’99, June 15, 2002. Jimmy and Sherry Samson, ’52, and Daniel Rey Kilbride, ’91, to Lynn Kristin Courtney Ann Evans husband Myron Burnoski, October 13, 2001. Thurber, ’98, to Brian “Sammy,” ’49 celebrated their 53rd Nada Guirgis, ’92, to Kevin Richard Pascual, October 13, wedding anniversary on April 15, Manley, July 28, 2001. 2001. 2002. Karen Sue Yoder, ’92, to Jason Phillip Jennifer Kay Berry, Sherry Parker Evans, ’68, and husband Stevenson, April 27, 2002. ’99, to Antony Wai- Jimmy celebrated their 30th wedding Karen Denise Baird, ’93, to James Eric Hong Chan, ’97, anniversary August 12, 2002. Binge, February 14, 2002. November 7, 2000. Elizabeth Huckaby Stalvey, ’70, and Jennifer Anne Pogue, ’93, to Bradley Tiffany Elizabeth husband Ronald celebrated their 25th Singleton, June 1, 2002. Frey, ’99, to Jason wedding anniversary June 28, 2002. Lisa Ann Harris, ’94, to Jason Glatfelter, Payne Chumley, May Amy and Bryan December 29, 2001. 11, 2002. Diebler Sally Samir Elias, ’95, to Ramy Salah Stacey Renet Gale, Hanna, May 19, 2001. ’99, to Jason Thomas Junkins, ’99, Donald G. Waldrop, ’62, to Lin Luck, Jason Thomas Welch, ’95, to March 19, 2000. April 12, 2002. Samantha Boza, August 31, 2002. Dawn Marie Legnini, ’99, to Christo- Linda Murch Hachey, ’71, to Jose “Joe” Sharon Perkins, ’96, to Ronald E. Full, pher James Ivey, ’98, June 23, Leiva, December 26, 2001. the first time November 25, 1965, and 2001. John Harris Hewett, ’74, to Andi the second time November 19, 1998. Shelly Fort Neill, ’99 to Nathan Stevenson, July 7, 2002. Mindi Jean Giebels, ’97, to John B. Michael Miller, ’98, May 18, 2002. Scott David Soper, ’81, to Roxann Haggart, April 28, 2001. Alice Marie Blackmon, ’00, to Samuel Romano, June 26, 2001. Nicole Christine Mendez, ’97, to Sean Frank Foerster, ’91, May 13, 2000. Helen Sibley, ’89, to Chris M. Maddox, Robert Chancy, July 5, 2002. Andrea Elizabeth Cocozello, ’00, to Chad Joseph Ofiara, July 27, 2002. Joy Fraley, ’00 to Aaron Robert Fulton, ’00, December 1, 2001. Share Your News With Us Margaret Tracina Painter, ’00 to James Brown Godwin III, ’00, What’s the latest news in your life? Have you changed jobs, earned a degree, moved, February 2, 2002. married, had a baby, or received an honor? Share your good news with your class- Tiffany Ennile Rhodes, ’00 to Jelani mates through the Stetson University magazine and/or on the University Web site. Bass, September 4, 2000. Be sure to keep your address information current, so we can stay in touch with you. Carie Ann Cooper, ’01, to Charles Complete the form below, or send your news using our on-line Alumni Update Form by Alexander Bliss, ’99, August 11, going to www.stetson.edu/administration/alumni/sit.htm. 2001. Suzanne Jean Leigh, ’01, to Murray Name______Stetson Class Year(s)______Seth Fisch, ’95, June 19, 2002.

Home Address ______

Telephone Number (Home)______(Business) ______Globetrotting Hatters The Alumni Association is pleased to E-mail Address ______offer Stetson alumni unique travel and Spouse’s Name ______learning opportunities through our alumni travel program. Trips in 2003 still avail- If spouse is a Stetson alum, class year(s) ______able include Alumni College in Scotland (Oct. 8-16); Prague Deluxe Escapade News for the magazine ______(Nov. 13-20); and a tour of Germany’s ______Holiday Markets (Nov. 23-Dec. 1). For detailed information about each of ______these trips, go to www.stetson.edu/ administration/alumni/sp.htm and click Mail to: Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8257, DeLand, FL 32723 on Alumni Travel Programs.

16 ALUMNI NEWS-CUPOLA — STETSON UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI 2002 Outstanding representatives of the many alumni whose achievements exemplify the quality of a Stetson University education and whose outstanding achievement in his/her profession and life has brought distinction and special recognition to their Alma Mater Gwendolyn J. Azama-Edwards President and CEO of agencies and businesses, including Grabber – CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND Southern General Financial Industries, the National Park Service, Credit COMMUNITY ACTIVIST Group of Marietta, Ga., since Women International, Coit Industries and the 1997, she came to that position National Association of Women in Construc- A lifetime resident of Florida, Gwendolyn J. from its subsidiary, The Insur- tion. Azama-Edwards earned two Stetson Univer- ance House, where she had sity degrees: a bachelor’s degree in psychology progressed since 1985 from Jinks Jay E. Mechling and a master’s degree in guidance and casualty underwiter and commer- – PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR counseling. A member of Stetson’s College of cial lines manager to president and CEO. An American Studies major at Stetson, Dr. Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors, she also Deeply committed to education, she chairs Jay Mechling received his bachelor’s degree serves on Stetson’s Alumni Association Board Stetson’s School of Business Administration with honors, then continued his studies at the of Directors. Board of Advisors, and sits on the Stetson University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, City clerk and assistant to the city University Board of Trustees. In addition, she where he earned a master’s degree and a manager of Daytona Beach from serves on the Board of Advisors to Stetson’s doctorate, both in American civilization. 1987 until September 2002, Azama- Family Business Center, the Georgia State Professor of American Studies at the Edwards earned certification as a Education Foundation Board and the National University of California, Davis, Mechling master municipal clerk and is a past Association of Professional Surplus Lines served on the National Council of the Azama- president of the Florida Association of Offices Education Foundation Board. American Studies Association and was a Edwards City Clerks. She has also worked as a Jinks is an active manager of the Cherokee fellow of the National Humanities Institute at regional manager for the Department of Labor Country Club Community Involvement Team Yale University, New Haven, Conn. and Employment Security, has managed Job and serves on the Atlanta Track Club A prolific author, his books include Service offices in Volusia and Flagler Counties Committee. She also participates in Atlanta American Wildlife in Symbol and Story and On and serves on the Workforce Development Lawn Tennis Association and United States My Honor: Boy Scouts and the Making of Board of Volusia and Flagler Counties. Tennis Association activities and enjoys American Youth. He is one of three senior Deeply committed to her community, offshore sailing. editors for the four-volume Encyclopedia of Azama-Edwards is chairman of the board of American Studies, edited the annual bibliogra- the United Way of Volusia/Flagler Counties, Elizabeth Walker Mechling phy issue of the American Quarterly from and a member of the board of directors of the PROFESSOR, ADMINISTRATOR, CONSULTANT – 1974-79 and was the editor of Western Rotary Club of Daytona Beach and the A double major at Stetson University, Dr. Folklore, the quarterly journal of the Daytona Beach Leadership Council. A past Elizabeth Walker Mechling received her California Folklore Society, from chair of the Bethune-Cookman College Board bachelor’s degree with honors in speech and 1984-88. of Counselors, on which she still serves, she is English, and then earned a master’s degree in A leader in his field, he has a lifetime member of the NAACP and has speech from Temple University in received the University of Califor- been president of the Sister Cities Association Philadelphia, which also awarded her a nia at Davis Academic Senate Mechling of Volusia County, the Association for doctorate in speech communication. Distinguished Teaching Award; and the Retarded Citizens, and the Council on Aging. Mechling is a professor of Speech Commu- American Studies Association’s Mary Turpie Numerous honors include outstanding nication at California State University in Award, for his achievements in teaching and service awards from the Florida Association of Fullerton, and has also curricular development at the local, regional City Clerks, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught at the University of and national levels. Elected president of the Celebration Committee, the Association for California, Davis, and California Folklore Society in 1991, and a Retarded Citizens, Florida Department of California State Univer- Fellow of the American Folklore Society in Health and Rehabilitative Services District 12, sity at Hayward, where 199, he was appointed to the California Volusia Unit of the National Association of she chaired the marketing Council for the Humanities in 1992 and was Social Workers and ACT Corporation. department for eight named chairman in 1994. He served as the Married to the Rev. Larry Edwards, Azama- Lee and Mechling years. Her administrative project director for a $350,000 grant from the Edwards has two grown sons. She is a experience includes four years as dean of the National Endowment for the Humanities to deaconess and member of the Greater School of Communications at California State create a Pacific Regional Humanities Center Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. University, Fullerton, and three years as at UC Davis. executive assistant to two presidents of Jill K. Jinks ’79 California State University, Hayward. James Nemec ‘32, ‘36 (J.D.) – BUSINESSWOMAN She has served as second vice president of – ATTORNEY AND PHILANTHROPIST Jill K. Jinks received her bachelor’s degree in the Western States Communication Associa- July 1, 1908 - June 1, 2002 business administration from Stetson, and tion, and on the editorial boards of the went on to earn a master’s degree in business Quarterly Journal of Speech and Western States Born in Chicago, the late James Nemec administration from New York University, Communication Journal. She publishes regularly received a bachelor’s degree in accounting specializing in finance; and a master of science in the fields of rhetorical criticism, mass media from Stetson University and a law degree from degree in computer information systems in criticism and American Studies. Stetson’s College of Law. He played football 1992 from Georgia State University in Mechling has also provided consulting for Stetson, and later worked as a Stetson Atlanta. She did post-graduate work in client- services in the area of organizational commu- coach. During World War II he served as an server systems at Georgia State. nication to a number of governmental officer in the U.S. Navy, and he remained in SUMMER 2003 17 the Reserves after the war. He met his wife, the late Ruth Bartlett, at DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 2002 Stetson, and their marriage was blessed with Thomas E. Stringer Sr. ’74 (J.D.) seven children. Together, they served their Alma Mater in many ways, including a term The Distinguished Service Award is given for personal commitment to the ideals and objectives for each as president of the National Alumni of the Stetson University Alumni Association and dedicated service Association. The James and Ruth Nemec and advancement of the goals of the university. Auditorium at the College of Law and the Nemec Residence Hall in DeLand are both Dedicated to Stetson University and its mission, Thomas E. Stringer Sr. named in recognition of their generosity. Both is a fair and hard-working jurist and a man of many “firsts.” He was the were inducted into Stetson’s Hall of Fame, and first African-American graduate of the Stetson University College of they established the James and Ruth B. Nemec Law, and later became the university’s first black trustee. Scholarship Fund at Stetson and co-founded In the judiciary, Thomas Stringer was the first black circuit judge in the Palm Beach Friends of Stetson University. the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. He was elevated to the Second District Longtime residents of Palm Beach Court of Appeal where he was also the first African-American appellate County, they were active in the judge in the district. Stringer has served the people of Hillsborough community. He was a co-founder of County, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and Second District as an Stringer both the American Heart Association appellate, circuit and county judge; private attorney; and prosecutor and the American Cancer Society of since 1974. Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Stringer serves the community through membership and dedication to many organizations, Nemec Opera, and the Gilbert and Sullivan including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa, Pi Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Society. He served as a trustee for First Baptist Tampa chapter of the NAACP and Tampa/Hillsborough County Youth Council Inc. He also Church of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach serves Bay Area Legal Services Inc., Timucua District of the Gulf Ridge Council of Boy Scouts of Atlantic College and the Palm Beach County America and the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters. School Board; and was a member of many He has been a member of Stetson’s Board of Trustees since 1994 and of the College of Law civic organizations, including the Palm Beach Board of Overseers since 1986. Today he continues to be an inspiration to Stetson’s law students, Roundtable, Kiwanis International, who recognized his commitment to legal education and the college by honoring him with the Gulfstream Council of Boy Scouts and the annual Judge Stringer Youth Day for area high school students. Salvation Army. A 1974 Stetson University College of Law graduate, Stringer served in the U.S. Air Force for An attorney for 56 years, and a member of close to four years and attained the rank of captain. He is a graduate of New York University, the Florida, American and International bar where he received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1967. associations, he was a U.S. delegate to the International Bar Convention in London. His DOYLE E. CARLTON AWARD 2002 honors include service awards from The Legal David B.’62 and Leighan R. Rinker ’65 Aid Society, the Stetson Lawyers Association, the Boy Scouts of America and Kiwanis Each year, Stetson University honors the memory of former Florida governor and Stetson International. In 2000, the National Republi- alumnus and trustee Doyle E. Carlton with an award for extraordinary contributions to the life can Congressional Committee honored him as and development of Stetson University, the City of DeLand and the State of Florida, and for the Republican of the Year from Florida. devotion to Christian higher education. The Doyle E. Carlton Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the university. 2003 Alumni Awards Dr. David and Dr. Leighan Rinker see value in education, whether it’s Dr. Anne M. HallumHallum, professor of Political higher education or early childhood. With master’s, education Science at Stetson University, is the recipient of specialist and doctoral degrees, the Rinkers continue to live out their the 2003 Doyle E. Carlton Award. commitment to education by serving Stetson and other educational Dr. Michael W. Raymond ’68, professor of institutions in leadership roles. English at Stetson University, is the recipient of As former chairman of Stetson’s Board of Trustees, David Rinker the 2003 Distinguished Service Award. has contributed to the university the skills and knowledge he’s used to Three individuals have been selected for the become a successful businessman. A 1962 Stetson graduate and 2003 Distinguished Alumni Awardd: J. Barry trustee since 1985, he is the chairman and president of the Marshall GriswellGriswell, MBA ’72, Des Moines, Iowa; E. Rinker, Sr., Foundation and director of the foreign travel studies Lawrence R. Johnston ’72, Boise, Idaho; and Dr. program at Lake Worth Christian School in Lantana, Fla. Willa Dean Lowery ‘48, Pittsburgh, Pa. The Rinkers Committed to early childhood education, Leighan Rinker is the Two individuals have been selected for the founder and executive director of Beginnings of Palm Beach County, a preschool facility Outstanding Young Alumni Awardd, a new award affiliated with Palm Beach Atlantic College. A 1965 Stetson alumna, she was a member of the established in Fall 2002 by the Alumni Associa- College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors for three years. She currently serves as chair of tion Board of Directors, for alumni who are 35 the Furman University Board of Trustees. years of age or younger. The award recognizes Together, the Rinkers have given many tangible and intangible gifts to Stetson over the years. contributions to society, to a profession or to the Some of their family contributions include the Rinker Institute; Rinker Field; Rinker Field university. Recipients must demonstrate House at the Hollis Center; David and Leighan Rinker Scholarships for students who demon- significant accomplishment or promise in their strate a strong religious commitment and leadership in churches or other religious organizations; fields; leadership; or civic, cultural or charitable Rinker Guatemala/Nicaragua Field Experience offered through the Alliance for International involvement. The 2003 recipients are: Jeffery P. Reforestation; Rinker Scholarship for Travel Courses in Religious Studies; and M.E. Rinker, Sr., Fay ‘98, Alexandria, Va.; and Brian D. Ray ’91, Foundation Scholarship. Gainesville. 18 ALUMNI NEWS-CUPOLA — STETSON UNIVERSITY New On-line E-mail Directory is a Web editor for The Robert Wood research services for Sommer Barnard Johnson Foundation in Princeton, N.J. She Ackerson, P.C. Nathan Michael Miller, Ada, The new Stetson Alumni E-mail earned a master’s degree in mass communi- Ohio, received his juris doctorate from Petit Directory is now available. It provides a cation with a specialization in journalism and College of Law at Ohio Northern University. secure and convenient online format for editing for online media in May 2001. Lori Bruce J. Mosley, Daytona Beach, is head of Ann Michelle Francisrancis, Cooper City, gradu- sales, marketing and communications for the searching for the e-mail addresses of Ann Michelle Francis ated in May 2002 from the Illinois College of International Speedway Corporation’s fellow Stetson alumni. The directory will Optometry and accepted a position with the Ganassi team. Courtney Thurber Pascualascual, increase daily as more and more alumni Franklin Eye Center near Nashville, Tenn. Atlanta, Ga., is a technology teacher at The sign up. Many alums have found it to be a Christopher James Ivey,Ivey Tampa, is a Westminster Schools. Carrie Lee Permanerman, great way to stay in touch, so please systems engineer, network management for Holly Hill, arts and crafts teacher, worked Verizon Data Services in Temple Terrace. with the African American Museum for the encourage your classmates and friends to Suzanne McDonald Kosmasosmas, New Smyrna past three years. She is a full-time manager go to: www.stetson.edu/tools/ Beach, is the owner of Prestige Properties in the framing department of a Daytona webdirectory to sign up, as well. Real Estate. Katherine Merkel Lowryy, Beach arts and crafts store. Laura Edwards Indianapolis, Ind., is a director of library and Putnam, Decatur, Ga., received her Master (Alumni News, continued from p. 15) of Divinity from the Candler School of ’93 This is a partial list of Hatters who Theology in May 2002 and serves as the Jeffrey Michael BauerBauer, Casselberry, is the minister of youth at Decatur First United have been deployed and are serving in liaison for the Sanford Mayor and City Methodist Church. Claudia Maria StitesStites, Commission. He helps citizens stay in touch the Armed Forces. For more informa- Orange City, teaches at Galaxy Middle with the commission, keeps public schedules tion or to add names to the list please School in Deltona. Britt Willis Youngoung, for the commissioners and mayor, and e-mail the Office of Alumni Relations Maitland, is minister to students for the generally assists commissioners in respond- at [email protected] or by phone at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. ing to citizens’ complaints. David Louis 386-822-7483. Roheohe, Tallahassee, is a trail construction coordinator for the Florida Trail Association. Atkinson, J.R. ‘93 Merriam Jr., H. ‘72 Mary Warhop Tederstromom, Columbus, Ohio, Clark, T. ‘83 Nesheiwat, J. ‘97 is self-employed as a freelance editor. Houseman, J.C. ‘96 Potkovic, T. ‘92 Visit our revamped Hudson, D. M. ‘00 Ray, B. ‘91 ’98 Junkins, J. ‘99 Reynolds, M. ‘96 Alumni Association Melissa S. Alvarezez, attends the Barry Kelada, J. ‘00 Risberg, R. ‘85 University School of Law. Joseph Peter Koeth III, R.D. ‘77 Soell, E. (current Web Site: BegallaBegalla, DeLand, is president and chief LeClaire, R. ‘00 student) executive of Learning Information Technolo- McPhall, D. (current Tinsley, J. ‘97 www.stetson.edu/ gies, an online education company. student) Turner Jr., M. ‘98 alumni/ Stephanie Galfano Bergerger, Gainesville, N MEMORIAM

’20s Ernest M. Southward, ’41 John Chrisenberry, Sr., ’51 Clinton M. Rouse, ’63 Marie Wray Hocker, ’24 Alfred P. West, Sr., ’41 Robert Edwin Mauk, ’51 Anthony M. Wood, ’63 Evelyn Taylor Cassen, ’28 Harry H. Servis Jr., ’42 Walter K. Wiggs, ’51 Wandah Exline Walters, ’64 Margaret Quigley Landenberger, Erna V. Freeberg, ’43 Denis Peter Mazur, ‘52 Susan Anderson Allison, ’67 ’28 Jeannette Appling Pomeroy, ’43 Robin Hooper Phillips, ’52 Carolyn Perry Kitchens, ’69 Martha Durrance Howett, ’44 Howard G. Lyster, ’53 ’30s Emma Sedwick Hill, ’45 Roe B. Hull, ’54 ’70s Sarah McWhorter Anderson, ’31 Frances E. Rowell, ’46 William C. Owens, ’54 Murlene Whitten Painter, ’70 Pauline Sowers Conroy, ’32 Walter B. Townley, ’46 Forrest Stewart Gatchel, ’55 Mary E. Bailey, ’71 Alphid Jacobsen Llett, ’33 Cornelia Coward Butler, ’47 William L. Greer, ’55 Leland E. Metcalf Jr., ’73 Florence Soskis Socash, ’34 James Frederick Fisher, ’47 Phyllis Mitchell Rohan, ’56 James E. Kusick, ’74 Mitchell Schemer, ’36 Muriel Anderson Smith, ’47 R. A. Sowash, ’56 Robert K. Mowery, ’76 Joseph B. Folds, Sr., ’37 Eleanor Jarrett Carter, ’48 Ruth Tucker Clifton, ’57 Margaret C. Williams, ’77 Clifford Marten Ryerson, ’37 Howard E. Kurtz, ’48 Mary Murphy Sullivan, ’57 Judith Jackson Weickel, ’78 Laura Smart Watson, ’37 Mildred Higginbotham Arthur Farwell Tuttle Jr., ’57 Mary Bass Howard, ’38 Bennett, ’49 Patricia Chapman Carnes, ’58 ’80s Frow W. Strickland, ’38 David A. Parker, ’49 Dan Wood Crum, ’59 Marvin F. Arrington, ’80 Catharine Talton Baldwin, ’39 Richard M. Hall, ’59 Shirley B. Manson, ’81 Helen Johnson Crouch, ’39 ’50s Carol Dubendorf Ligon, ’85 Eveleen Emerson Hilburn, ’39 Winifred Wigle Burks, ’50 ’60s Ronald Dean Fennell Jr., ’86 Jiles B. Lunsford, ’39 Benjamin E. Carson, ’50 Earle F. Trow, ’60 Julie Ann Bishop, ’88 James Roy Crosby, Sr., ’50 Owen M. Galaher, ’62 ’40s Paul J. Hollis, ’50 Anna Lee Greene, ’62 ’90s Lois Walker Boland, ’40 Clarence Lester “Jerry” Ivey, Robert K. Mason Jr., ’62 James J. French, ’92 Robert H. Gaughan, ’41 ’50 Sam W. Boone, ’63 Eric Lee Bauchspies, ’95 Julia Pennington Lawton, ’41 Phillip H. Jones, ’50 Buelah Flynn Brazzell, ’63 Norma Jean Brito, ’95 Carolyn Elizabeth Pfarr Stewart C. Maxcy, ’50 Barbara Stewart Burg, ’63 Shelby Lyn Bond, ’96 Owens, ’41 Albert L. Patterson, ’50 James Rae Freeland, ’63 Penrhyn Carll Jorgensen, ’97 Charles T. Ross Jr., ’41 David W. Bride Jr., ’51 Patrick M. Redmond, ’63

SUMMER 2003 19 Vital Statistics Number of friends reunited: 397

Number of times the “Stetson Weekend” wooden letters in front of the CUB were rearranged: 1

Inches of rain on Saturday: 0...remember Stetson Week- end 2002???

Number of students thrown into the fountain: 4

Winners of the Greek Legacy Cup, for highest alumni gift participation: Phi Mu and Pi Kappa Phi

Most well-attended event: Alumni Brunch at the President’s Home

Increase in Hatter Baseball game attendance during Stetson Weekend: 28%

Number of Silent Auction bid sheets blown down by the cool spring breeze at Hatter Howl: 38

Those attending who regis- tered online: 33%

Number of times someone was overheard to say, “Did we look this young when we were students?”: 47 20 ALUMNIALUMNI NEWS-CUPOLA NEWS-CUPOLA — — STETSON STETSON UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY Most interesting greeting: “Didn’t you used to be....?”

Number of balloons blown up: 225

Total dollars raised through the Reunion Class Gift Program: $369,357

The reunion class who took home all the honors (highest alumni gift participation, most class members returning, most dollars raised): Class of 1953

Stetson Society gifts and pledges from reunion class mem- bers: $10,751,250

Dollars raised for the Annual Fund through the Silent Auc- tion: $1,768

SUMMERSUMMER 2003 21 Stetson announces new around the coursework. The group, or cohort, that begins this fall will Executive MBA program at conclude the program in the summer Celebration of 2005. “Our beautiful new center here in tetson University will debut a new the heart of Celebration is the ideal Executive Master of Business Admin- place for us to conveniently serve the Photo by Danielle Laprime Sistration (EMBA) degree program this Orlando metropolitan market,” said fall at the Stetson University Center at Dr. Ron Clifton, associate vice Celebration. The 19-month program, which president/director at the Stetson targets working senior-level executives with University Center at Celebration. several years’ successful business experi- “Technology and a state-of-the-art ence, will begin its first class in September. learning environment are real advan- Only 20 students will be able to enroll. tages of this new EMBA program.” The new EMBA program is fully accred- For more information on Stetson’s ited by AACSB International, the Associa- new EMBA program, see Pok-e by Stretch is the second in the “Sculp- tion to Advance Collegiate Schools of www.stetson.edu/celebration/EMBA ture on Campus” series to beautify Stetson’s Business. AACSB International accredits or call the Stetson University Center campus. The metal and glass structure stands the Stetson University School of Business at Celebration at 321-939-7600. on the northeast corner of the duPont-Ball Administration at the undergraduate and Library. New scuptures will be placed on the graduate levels in both business administra- DeLand campus periodically through 2008. tion and accounting – a rare accomplish- ment in business education. One of the things that makes Stetson’s Stetson University names Linda P. Davis EMBA unique is a focus on inspiring vice president for University Relations innovation and managing change in business today. The program’s curriculum tetson University has named Linda P. was promoted to the post of director of was developed in consultation with some of Davis, an alumna who has served as University Advancement in 1981 and in Central Florida’s most talented and Sassociate vice president for Planned 1984 was named director of Development. imaginative executives, including those at Giving since 1993, its new vice president for She coordinated Stetson’s year-long centen- Walt Disney Imagineering Inc. in Celebra- University Relations. nial celebration, which began in fall 1982. A tion. As the university’s chief advancement 1973 graduate of Stetson University with a How is an Executive MBA different from officer, Davis will oversee the offices of bachelor of science degree in physical a traditional MBA program? While both Alumni Relations, Development, Marketing education, Davis earned a master’s degree in are fully accredited, the MBA program and Communications, and Planned Giving. institutional advancement in 1985 from requires a set of foundational business She has been acting vice president Vanderbilt University, Nashville, courses that students usually take in an for University Relations since June Tenn. The Florida native is a undergraduate business program. The 2002 when Mark Whittaker member of the Council for EMBA requires business experience, not resigned to accept a post as dean Advancement and Support of necessarily an undergraduate business of College Advancement at Education (CASE), the Planned degree. Rhodes College in Memphis, Giving Council of Central Florida “The EMBA program accepts practical Tenn. and the Volusia County Trusts and and successful accomplishments in lieu of “Linda Davis is exceptionally Estates Council. some courses required by other MBA qualified to serve as vice president Active in community affairs, she programs,” said Dr. Paul Dascher, dean of for University Relations,” said Dr. Davis has served on the DeLand Area the School of Business Administration. Doug Lee, president of Stetson Chamber of Commerce Board of “Students receive all the quality you would University. “During her years at Stetson, she Directors, including a term as vice presi- expect from Florida’s first business school, has managed all aspects of the development dent, and earned the Chamber President’s plus the opportunity to build a network program with great success and has, for the Award. Davis is a graduate of the Leadership with classmates and faculty members who past year, overseen with equal talent the DeLand Program and an active member of are absolutely top notch.” entire Division of University Relations. She First Presbyterian Church of DeLand. The program will feature 17 different is a treasured colleague and friend and has The daughter of prominent DeLand classes in areas ranging from management the total support of the Stetson commu- residents and Stetson alumni Harold and to finance to marketing to accounting. nity.” Rabel Parson, Davis lives in DeLand with Classes will meet every other Friday and Davis began her career at Stetson in her husband, Stetson alumnus Michael Saturday to allow busy students plenty of 1978 when she was appointed coordinator, Davis, and their son, Joseph. time to plan business and personal time and later, director, of Alumni Programs. She

SUMMER 2003 23 Endow a Stetson scholarship. Your smile may be even bigger than his.

You know that endowing a scholarship will make a real difference in a Stetson student’s life. But just think what it can do for you too. You’ll feel great knowing that you’re helping talented, deserving students experience Stetson. A chance they might not have without your help. An experience that will change their lives forever – and yours too.

Makes you want to smile, doesn’t it?

For more information contact Linda P. Davis Vice President for University Relations Stetson University (386) 822-7451 [email protected]

“Attending Stetson University provides me with many opportunities to develop my character and confidence, hone my skills as a leader and enhance my contributions to the community. The Hand Scholarship makes that possible.”

– Jonathan Arteza, ‘04, Lauderhill, Fla. Dolly (‘42) and Homer Hand Scholar STETSON UNIVERSITY NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE Office of Marketing and Communications PAID 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8319 DELAND, FL DeLand, FL 32723 PERMIT NO. 20455

The Stetson Singers is a select ensemble of students who represent the university at both formal and informal functions. Eight singers are directed by Andrew Larson and accompanied by pianist Christina Lalog. From left are Larson and female vocalists, Elizabeth Westerman, Winter Haven; Kimberly Gwynn, Lake Mary; Cristin Byrne, Niceville; and Melissa Vitrella, Sorrento. Other members are male vocalists Evan Alexander, Rochester, N.Y.; Cameo Humes, Titusville; Stephen Mumbert, Fern Park; and Yohance Wicks, Orlando.