State grants recognize Henry Flagler’s legacy

With the adoption of the state budget, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of Henry M. Flagler to the state of Florida. The budget included a grant of $350,000 awarded to Flagler College to benefit the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, now known as Ponce de Leon Hall and the centerpiece of the Flagler campus. The Ponce is a National Historical Landmark.

These funds will be used as part of the $2 million project, A Crowning Achievement: The Campaign for Restoration of the Solarium.

“Flagler College is grateful for the recognition and is pleased to be the recipient of these funds, which will assist in completing the restoration of the building for the 125th Anniversary celebration of the opening of the former resort hotel in 1888,” said Flagler President Dr. William T. Abare, Jr. “The celebration and dedication of the Solarium are scheduled to take place in 2013.”

The renovation of the Solarium and the fourth floor of Ponce de Leon Hall will complete the building’s full return to active use.

Historically, the Solarium served as an area where guests could gather for conversation, enjoy entertainment, or watch activities taking place in town or along the bay front. Rehabilitation of this room and the fourth floor will permit similar activities, as well as provide for an exceptional event venue. The Solarium remains as the last significant space to be restored in the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, and the room is quite different than any other.

The fundraising campaign began in 2009, and since that time the college has secured more than $1.5 million from private sources for the project. In honor of their lead gift, the Solarium will be renamed to recognize historic preservation supporters and philanthropists Allen and Delores Lastinger. Mrs. Lastinger is a member of the college’s Board of Trustees.

The Solarium project was selected from a recommended list of ranked Special Category projects in the Department of State budget. In addition, Flagler received first place rankings for a $50,000 small matching grant for the Solarium and a $25,000 exhibition grant as part of the 125th Anniversary program. Restoration work is expected to begin this summer with an anticipated completion date in January or February of 2013.

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State grants recognize Henry Flagler’s legacy

With the adoption of the state budget, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of Henry M. Flagler to the state of Florida. The budget included a grant of $350,000 awarded to Flagler College to benefit the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, now known as Ponce de Leon Hall and the centerpiece of the Flagler campus. The Ponce is a National Historical Landmark.

These funds will be used as part of the $2 million project, A Crowning Achievement: The Campaign for Restoration of the Solarium.

“Flagler College is grateful for the recognition and is pleased to be the recipient of these funds, which will assist in completing the restoration of the building for the 125th Anniversary celebration of the opening of the former resort hotel in 1888,” said Flagler President Dr. William T. Abare, Jr. “The celebration and dedication of the Solarium are scheduled to take place in 2013.”

The renovation of the Solarium and the fourth floor of Ponce de Leon Hall will complete the building’s full return to active use.

Historically, the Solarium served as an area where guests could gather for conversation, enjoy entertainment, or watch activities taking place in town or along the bay front. Rehabilitation of this room and the fourth floor will permit similar activities, as well as provide for an exceptional event venue. The Solarium remains as the last significant space to be restored in the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, and the room is quite different than any other.

The fundraising campaign began in 2009, and since that time the college has secured more than $1.5 million from private sources for the project. In honor of their lead gift, the Solarium will be renamed to recognize historic preservation supporters and philanthropists Allen and Delores Lastinger. Mrs. Lastinger is a member of the college’s Board of Trustees.

The Solarium project was selected from a recommended list of ranked Special Category projects in the Department of State budget. In addition, Flagler received first place rankings for a $50,000 small matching grant for the Solarium and a $25,000 exhibition grant as part of the 125th Anniversary program. Restoration work is expected to begin this summer with an anticipated completion date in January or February of 2013.

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Two Faculty Members Welcomed to Belhaven's "Legacy of Learning"

Dr. Sandra L. Rasberry and Dr. Elizabeth B. Williford join forty-two other faculty members who have devoted twenty years or more of teaching service to Belhaven. This esteemed group creates Belhaven’s, “Legacy of Learning,” and has impacted the lives and academic careers of countless students.

Dr. Sandra L. Rasberry began in 1988 as an assistant professor of Elementary Education and quickly rose to chair of the department (1991-2002). During this time, Dr. Rasberry played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of Belhaven’s master degree programs.

In 2002, Dr. Rasberry was named Dean of the School of Education. Under her guidance and leadership, the department and divisions continue to thrive. While she may not be “in the classroom” these days, Dr. Rasberry is always prepared with words of wisdom for students and those around her.

“I have always known teaching as a ministry,” she stated. “To instruct students is a great joy, but to have a spiritual influence on them has been the most inspiring aspect of my career. I count it a great privilege to have been given the freedom to do just that here at Belhaven.”

Dr. Elizabeth Bruce Williford arrived on campus as an undergraduate student in the fall of 1974 and graduated just three years later with a degree in Psychology. As is the case with most things in life, timing is everything.

“I applied for an open position at Belhaven after finishing my doctorate work,” she explained. “I didn’t get the job, but two years later Belhaven came calling. However, I was expecting my son and could not accept the offer. Finally, when it was God’s time, I was able to accept their offer in 1988 and I have been here since.”

Throughout her two decades of teaching service at her alma mater, Dr. Williford has seen the number of majors grow from around five students to more than sixty. As department chair, she was instrumental in expanding to include coursework in social sciences. Under her leadership, the psychology department has turned out a large number of outstanding students who have become quite accomplished in their fields.

“I absolutely love my students,” she exclaimed. “They have each exhibited such a heart for helping others and a passion for learning. I pray that I have helped them grow spiritually and in their knowledge of psychology. If part of my legacy has been helping them find purpose and direction, then it has been a good one.”

For more breaking news, announcements, and upcoming events, visit the Belhaven University News and Information web site

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