LET’S TALK with President Doug Lee tetson University is entering an important time of preparation to celebrate our 125th Anniversary in the 2008-09 academic year. Many positive achievements have occurred since our Centennial Celebration in 1983. We are encouraged by the state of the university—our academic accomplishments, financial position and dedicated supporters. We are proud to announce that recent Stetson graduate Matt Morton ’06 was selected Sas a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship Program, becoming the first Stetson graduate in a decade to achieve that recognition. In October, the university was named to the first President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for distinguished community service, in recognition of extraordinary volunteer efforts by Stetson and its students to serve area neighborhoods and Gulf Coast communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We continue this academic year to be ranked in college guides as one of the best universities in the Southeast. Complementing the achievements of our students is a growing application pool. Applications for admission have increased by more than 1,000 over the last four years, and this year’s entering class had the strongest academic credentials ever, and it was more diverse, another top priority for the institution. None of this would have been possible without Stetson’s outstanding faculty and staff and strong leadership from the university’s Board of Trustees and advisory boards. The Stetson University Alumni Association Board is larger and more active than ever, providing true leadership for the thousands of alumni who support Stetson University on a continuing basis. As we plan new capital projects, the Arts & Sciences Board and Music Board are embracing key projects for their respective college and school— Sage Hall and the Presser Hall expansion—in the same way the Business School Board supported the major renovation of the Lynn Business Center several years ago. All of these volunteers share in the ownership of Stetson University, giving their time, professional expertise and financial resources as we join together to prepare students to lead great lives. We have achieved record pledges for a variety of new facilities on campus. Contributions have been made to name four of our six new residence halls. The Board of Trustees has pledged more than $6.5 million toward construction of a $7.7 million addition to Sage Hall that will transform teaching in the natural sciences. Construction will begin in 2007, with occupancy in early 2009. Other pledges have been received for an addition to Presser Hall, to create an art center to house Stetson’s extensive collection of Oscar Bluemner artwork and permanent collection, to complete the Women’s Fastpitch Softball complex and enhance the men’s and women’s soccer facility, to build an environmental learning center at Gillespie Museum and to add native plant gardens at the President’s Home and throughout campus. In addition, the university has been recommended for a state grant of $350,000, which, with matching funds, will allow us to restore the exterior of Stover Theatre. We also received significant endowment gifts to establish new scholarships and a new lecture series to present conservative political perspectives. As we work together on a shared vision for this great university, momentum continues to build. Stetson’s 125th Anniversary in 2008-09 will truly be a time to celebrate! The Lee Legacy From left, President Doug and First Lady Margaret Lee accept the Distin- guished Service Award for 2009 from Bill Gray ’89, president of the Stetson University Alumni Association. Doug and Margaret Lee receive Stetson University Distinguished Service Award In recognition of their many contributions to the life of the university, Dr. H. Douglas and Dr. Margaret Easley Lee were awarded Stetson University’s Distinguished Service Award for 2009. Respected and revered in both their professional and civic endeavors, Doug Lee and his wife and partner, Margaret Lee, have, for more than three Idecades, epitomized Stetson University to students, alumni and the wider community. First as exective vice president and, for 22 years, president of the university, Doug Lee has never faltered in his commitment to strengthening the long-established values and high academic aspirations of this institution. Under his exceptional leadership, Stetson remained true to its 125 year heritage during its transformation to an internationally respected 21st century university. Doug Lee has worked tirelessly to ensure that the university is financially secure and academically excellent. He has established, and helped the university reach, high standards of student and faculty diversity, international involvement and community service. Under his leadership, Stetson has become a transformational force in the lives of all those with whom it is associated. Always by his side, as loving partner, strong supporter, and wise counselor, has been Stetson’s First Lady, Margaret Lee. Through her leadership and support of the arts and of charitable work in DeLand, Volusia County and the State of Florida, she has set an example for all who would improve our world. She also has enhanced the reputation and respect for Stetson University, bringing new meaning to her title. The university community recognized her many contributions in 2008 by awarding her the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. – Excerpts of the text of the award read at Commencement 10 STETSON UNIVERSITY The Lee Legacy Construction booms on campus ears of planning and New $8.5 million Science Center opens fundraising brought dreams of expanded The new 22,074-square-foot Science leaders in the natural sciences, and modernized Center opened at the start of the medicine and environmental Y spring semester, expanding science,” said Biology Professor facilities to reality on the Stetson classroom and laboratory space for Terry Farrell. “The new science University campus during the science education at Stetson center will facilitate the extensive, 125th Anniversary year. The new University by 50 percent and collaborative research, hands-on Science Center opened in enhancing the university’s hands-on learning and close interaction January, followed in March and approach to science. The new center between professors and students that was dedicated March 21 during takes place at Stetson.” April by the completion of Mary Homecoming 2009. The new $8.5 million building was B. McMahan Hall for music, the The two-story building, attached to funded in large part with personal Homer and Dolly Hand Art the existing Sage Hall science facility, gifts from members of the Stetson Center and the Rinker features 11 high-tech teaching/ Board of Trustees. It is equipped with research laboratories for Biology, state-of-the-art instrumentation Environmental Learning Center. Chemistry and Environmental purchased with an additional $2.75 Other major projects were the Science, seven prep/research rooms, million in federal funding received in addition of a softball field house study nooks, a central lobby and 2001 and 2002 through the assistance at Patricia Wilson Field and Florida native landscaping. Its of U.S. Rep. John Mica, for a total renovations of the five fraternity architecture is a blend of traditional Phase I project cost of $11.25 million. red brick and modern steel and glass A second phase of the project – a houses on campus. facades. major renovation to the existing “Science has always been a priority 1960s-era Sage Hall – is planned for for Stetson, and our graduates are the future. The number of students studying science at Stetson has increased in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue. The new science center has already increased interest in Stetson’s science programs, with student applications up three times the number compared to last year, said Deborah Thompson, vice president for Enrollment Management and Campus Life. Additional gift opportunities are available. Details are at www.stetson.edu/sciencecenter/ naming_new_0122.php. Stetson University’s new Science Center opens at the start of spring semester. SPRING/SUMMER 2009 11 The Lee Legacy School of Music expands into Mary B. McMahan Hall The 8,000-square-foot Mary B. building will be in full use by this McMahan Hall has opened south of summer. Presser Hall, providing the first new “It is a beautiful and striking space, teaching and rehearsal space for the with wonderful use of light,” West School of Music since 1969. said. “The windows are reminiscent “Mary B. McMahan Hall gives our of ancient musical symbols. As program new options and valuable musicians, we wanted McMahan Hall spaces for teaching and rehearsal,” to be a striking addition to the said Dean of Music Jean West. “On campus while living in harmony with another level, the project has given Presser and the Lynn Business the faculty and students new energy; Center.” to know the commitment and trust Longtime Stetson supporters behind the vision is perhaps the Richard and Mary “Dinky” Blount greatest gift of all.” McMahan made the lead gift. Dick More than half of the space within McMahan, a Stetson trustee, named College of Law adds the one-story, $2.15 million McMahan the building in honor of his wife, who support buildings, Hall is the Richard Feasel Rehearsal serves on the School of Music Board Hall to be used by large instrumental of Advisors. Many members of the updates infrastructure ensembles and the Choral Union. Music Board, as well as several music The Stetson University College of Featuring a 25-foot ceiling, the alumni, have contributed. Alumnus Law in Gulfport continues to make rehearsal hall was designed for Lenvil Dicks ’51 named the rehearsal major improvements to its optimal acoustics. hall in memory of his mentor, infrastructure as part of the master The building also includes faculty longtime music faculty member plan for the historic Mediterranean- studios for lessons, a percussion Richard Feasel, who died in October.