Florida Memorial College - Arch Yearbook (Miami, FL)

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THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS

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Administrations Administrations 49

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT As I write this message to you, the graduating Class of 1981, the College enters its second century with high hopes and aspirations for the future. We have just completed plans to launch an ambitious campaign, which will assist in meeting the present and future needs of this coming century. Our goal is $3.5 million by 1983. The money will be used to assist with faculty development, library improvement, capital grounds improvement, expansion of the Student Union Building to include a dining hall, building a Religious Education Center, and the construction of an additional residence hall. Already, toward this goal, we have received the largest single gift ever in the history of the College, for which we are most appreciative. With deepest regrets, we have suffered the great loss of Dr. Susie C. Holley, Trustee and widow of former Florida Memorial College President, Dr. R.L. Holley. Dr. Holley was a woman possessed with a rare combination of talents, and was a great inspiration to students at Florida Memorial. Dr. Holley, a perennial supporter of the College for over 50 years, began the tradition of Donation Day, creating a time of giving and sharing, and an atmosphere of hopefulness and fellowship on our campus. Her vision and dream will continue to live at Florida Memorial with those of us who will deeply miss her concern for the betterment of all humanity. This year ' s graduating class takes with it some of the most talented and concerned students to have attended Florida Memorial. We are especially proud of those students who have enhanced their outstanding qualities of achievements and characteristics for leadership. We number you among our alumni who have left their mark of excellence, and who have helped to make Florida Memorial the home of great aspirations for those with a determination for continued excellence. Florida Memorial College, similar to many sister institutions in black history, is grounded in a determination that has weathered many years of trial and discouragement. We are proud of our achievements and confident of your ability to stand up to the challenges of the future. We hope that we have achieved our goal to instill in you the ability, the confidence and a sense of pride in self and heritage, which will enable you to meet whatever challenges that may confront you throughout your lifetime. With God ' s help, may you, the graduating Class of 1981, reach your goal, continue your dreams, and capture the spirit of a better tomorrow. In the words of a great scholar and educator, Be not content with the commonplace in character ... do not expect that you will make any lasting or very strong impression on the world through intellectual power without the use of an equal amount of conscience and heart. Dr. Willie C. Robinson President President 51