SJRCC PRESS RELEASE February 2008 Looking Back, Moving Forward Celebrating 50 Years of Education and Enrichment! A Look at the Orange Park Campus History Thirty years ago, Marianne MacNichol, Ph.D. and her parents drove to the location on Gano Street that would become the first Orange Park location for St. Johns River Community College. The College had initially begun its first year in 1958 in Palatka, but was ready to expand into Clay County under the leadership of President Robert L. McLendon, Jr., Ph.D. "There was one portable on the ground and one other literally hanging off of a truck," MacNichol said. "I remember my mother saying, 'Are you sure this is the college and right location?' My father asked if I had already quit my other teaching position. But everything worked out beautifully, and I found not only a new career that was far better suited to my interests and talents but also a family of wonderful students, faculty members whose dedication I share, and helpful professional administrators all working for the common purpose of a better community." That was in 1977. Today the portables are gone; however, students will find MacNichol teaching humanities at the College's present location which opened in 1989 on College Drive. Clay County resident Juli Neumann remembers attending classes in the portables. At the age of 45, Neumann began taking courses in 1987 hoping to set a good example for her teenage son. "I was scared to death that I would be the oldest student in the class. But I looked around and there were all types of students of all ages. Right away I felt comfortable because of the atmosphere," Neumann said. "I came back the next day." After working three part-time jobs, raising a family and taking a few classes at time, Neumann would eventually set the example she wanted for her son. Both are now SJRCC graduates. St. Johns River Community College began offering classes to Clay County residents as early as 1958 - the year the College initially opened in Palatka. That year the College was established along with five other community colleges throughout the state. Known then as St. Johns River Junior College, the enrollment for the first year consisted of 191 students and 12 faculty members. The cost to register full time for one semester was $52.50, and free bus transportation was provided for Clay and St. Johns county students. Clay County residents and SJRCC Trustees Larry Lancaster and Dale Wilson attended classes on the Palatka Campus in 1967. Lancaster, a retired Clay County teacher and former Clay County Commissioner, remembers his days as a student and as vice president of student government. "For many, SJRCC has been the beginning of successful and rewarding careers. The relationships and talents we developed during these special years helped mold us into the citizens we became," Lancaster said. Wilson, an attorney in Green Cove Springs, said he was glad to begin his education at the community college. "As a student, graduate and Trustee, I have observed astounding progress and tremendous growth at SJRCC." In 1972, Dr. Robert L. McLendon, Jr. was appointed president. McLendon is the senior president in the Florida community college system. In 1977 the College changed its name to St. Johns River Community College. Construction of the permanent Orange Park facility began in 1987 and opened in 1989. The Orange Park Campus' current Provost, Dr. William Simmons, joined the College in 1996. Simmons said this is truly the year when "Jubilee" can be celebrated. "The many changes we have seen are phenomenal," Simmons said. "When I arrived here in Orange Park, this was a two-lane road and the county was digging to make it four lanes. Growth has come by vision and vision has been realized by a competent and capable leader." Today the Orange Park Campus continues to expand with the opening of the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts in 2004. The annual graduation ceremony was moved to the Center in 2005, and a $12-million state-of-the-art Health-Sciences Building was opened in 2007. Over the past five decades, SJRCC has grown into one of Florida's fastest growing community colleges where more than 12,000 students are preparing to transfer to state universities or are earning degrees and certificates in programs such as criminal justice, health care and computer science. In addition to the historical impact the College has made on the community, its economic impact has been substantial as well. Today the College employs approximately 340 full-time and part-time faculty. On February 25, the College held an informal celebration for students and faculty to kick off the 50th anniversary. SJRCC student Angela Curvier, who attended the event, said she knew that current faculty had been around for a while, but not from its inception. "But I can see why," Curvier said. "I love this college and the people. I am going to be sad and happy when I graduate." The College will hold its 50th Anniversary Reception in May. To join the SJRCC Alumni Association or for more information about the event, contact the Foundation Office at 386-312-4100 or visit the Web site at: www.sjrcc.edu/foundation. PHOTO CAPTIONS: Top photo: Dr. Marianne MacNichol holds one of the books used to teach her humanities courses at St. Johns River Community College. MacNichol was one of the first faculty members to open the Orange Park location in 1977. SJRCC celebrates its 50th year of operation this year. The College initially opened to Clay, St. Johns and Putnam county students in Palatka in 1958. Second photo: 1977 Orange Park Mayor Hance Bruce welcomes SJRCC President Robert L. McLendon, Ph.D. and the College's Orange Park center. Third photo: Classes were held in portables throughout the 1970s and most of the 1980s. Construction began on the permanent site in 1987. Fourth photo: The SJRCC Palatka Campus in 1960. Return to SJRCC 50th Anniversary Page. Return to SJRCC home page.