(October 22, 2010) — New College of Florida celebrated its 50th birthday today in front of College Hall – the historic mansion on Sarasota Bay once home to Charles Ringling. It was a picturesque setting as the College honored its early founders and the legacy of their creative vision. New College has not wavered in the spirit in which students, alumni and faculty engage in active learning, community involvement and the pursuit of academic excellence since its founding on October 11, 1960.
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“New College continues to realize the ideal of the small, residential liberal arts college envisioned by its founders,” said President Gordon E. Michalson. “At the heart of that ideal is the profound connection between higher education and character formation.”
State Sen. Nancy Detert, Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner and Chancellor Frank Brogan each shared their personal connections to the unique liberal arts college and the many ways it distinguishes itself. Ava Parker, chair of the Florida Board of Governors recollected how she would cheer whenever New College was mentioned in the national news. Thomas Todd, Jr., class of ‘64 and first alumni trustee, reminisced about his student years at New College and speaking at the first Founders Day in 1972. Student President Chelsea Dye read a letter from Gov. Charlie Crist commemorating this milestone in New College’s history.
“Recruiting the greatest minds from across the nation to educate the future leaders of the Sunshine State, [the founders’] vision is a reality today as New College became the honors college of Florida,” wrote Crist. “New College provides students with information, tools and the insight needed to turn their passions into life pursuits.”
Present at today’s ceremony were the several individuals whose roots go back to the early years of the College, including two of its original incorporators, Dr. Jack Crow and Robert B. Van Skike, Jr., as well as Mary Elmendorf, wife of the College’s second president, John Elmendorf.
New College of Florida thanks all those who, over the past five decades, have made the College what it is today as well as all those who will carry the torch forward to continue to innovate and inspire future generations.