SJRCC PRESS RELEASE February 2008 Looking Back, Moving Forward St. Johns River Community College celebrates 50 years of education and enrichment Upon graduating from high school in 1958, Ed knew he wanted a college education; however, the nearest college was more than 50 miles from Palatka, and attending a four-year college immediately after high school would have been impossible. "It would have been a big step for me financially," he said. That same year, St. Johns River Junior College opened its doors - so to speak - in the educational classrooms of First Baptist Church of Palatka, and the dream of a college education and a promising career became one step closer for Ed and 190 other students. "The College has made an education possible for a lot of people," he said. "It has been an asset to Putnam County." Fifty years ago, Ed's college classmates knew him as an outgoing student and class president; today we know him as Putnam County Circuit Court Judge Ed Hedstrom. "St. Johns provided me with endless opportunities, and I am forever grateful," Hedstrom said. "I have fond memories of my two years at St. Johns, especially with the debate team activities with C. L. Overturf, Jr. We were very successful and I give him the credit." The College was established that year along with five other community colleges throughout the state and began its first academic year with 12 faculty members and free bus transportation for Clay and St. Johns County students. The cost to register full time for one semester was $52.50. Shirley (Ussery) Buck remembers the registration process well. Not only did she work part time in the registrar's office, she was also the first student to register for classes at St. Johns River Junior College. "I was number one on the roster," Buck said. "I remember many of my high school classmates also enrolling at the College," she said. "It was an exciting time." Buck said she wasn't ready for a major university, and St. Johns provided an affordable education and the opportunity to apply for scholarships. Buck recalls the camaraderie upon moving to the current 96-acre campus and the 317 students who began the College's second year of operation. "It was a beautiful campus with ponds and bridges. Our class planted a lot of the pine trees," Buck said. "We were like family. Everyone had school spirit and helped one another." In 1960, Buck and Hedstrom were among the 22 students who were the first to graduate from St. Johns River Junior College, and not only was Buck the first student on the college roster, she was also SJRJC's first valedictorian. Buck continued her education at Florida State University and retired as the finance director of the Putnam County School System after 32 years of service. Hedstrom continued his education at the University of Florida, earning a Juris Doctor degree. The other 20 graduates were: Tommy Barnawell Bob Beacham Willie Brothers Gerald Gibson George Hedrick Evelyn Hewett Dale Jeffries Shirley Johnson David Kline Joyce Kline Phyllis La Follette Ruthann Neary Robert Penouilth Jessica Ritter Jerome Ridaught Jane Swilley Milton Starnes Marcus Sheppard James Thompson and Eugene Wood. The College would later change its name to St. Johns River Community College in 1977 and continued to expand its educational opportunities with the Florida School of the Arts and campuses in St. Johns and Clay counties. 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 preparing for careers in criminal justice, health care, computer science, or numerous other areas. 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. PHOTO CAPTIONS: Top photo: In honor of the 50th anniversary of St. Johns River Community College, Judge Ed Hedstrom displays photos of the CollegeÕs first graduating class. Hedstrom (2nd column, 2nd row) was a member of the first class to attend SJRCC in 1958. He was also the class president. Bottom photo: Shirley (Ussery) Buck displays photos from St. Johns River Community CollegeÕs first graduating class in 1960. Not only was Buck (last column, 2nd row) the first student to register at the College, she was the valedictorian. The College celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Return to SJRCC's 50th Anniversary page. Return to SJRCC home page.