Palm Beach Community College - Galleon Yearbook (Lake Worth, FL)

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Dr. Harold C Manor 28

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Palm Beach Junior College came into being in 1 933 as a community response to the serious problems of the great depression which began in Florida in 1 925, four years earlier than the rest of the nation. By 1 933, the economy of Palm Beach County had been poor so long many parents found it impossible to send sons and daughters away to the University for four years of college. High school graduates could find no jobs, and their time was being wasted. For its first 1 5 years, the college scheduled classes in rooms at Palm Beach High School, and two buildings on the north side of Gardenia Street were taken over for offices, classrooms, and a student union. In February, 1 948, under the leadership of its first president, Dr. John I. Leonard, the college moved to a 21 -acre site at the Morrison Field, a deactivated World War II Air Force Base. Converted barracks were used as dormitories, and the Air Base hospital provided excellent classroom space. A chapel, gymnasium, and swimming pool were already in existence at the new campus. At Morrison Field, (now Palm Beach Air Force Base), enrollment climbed to 41 5 in 1 951 , when the Korean Conflict brought about reactivation of the base. Palm Beach Junior College faced one of its two greatest crises. The depression had long since vanished in the prosperity brought on by World War II, and some community leaders were in favor of allowing the college without a home to dissolve. Spirited support by college students and faculty convinced the community that P.B.J.C. was a living, vital part of the growth pattern of the area, and a home was found in the Town Hall at Lake Park. Here, in spite of cramped quarters, the college continued to grow until 1956, when 300 students were jammed into the one building. In the fall of 1956, Dr. Leonard gratefully moved into a truly permanent campus and two years later, retired, turning over the guidance of the college to its current president, Dr. Harold C. Manor. The college has gradually expanded into nearly full use of its site on the western shore of Lake Osborne, west of the city of Lake Worth, with constant growth in number of students, number and variety of course offerings, and reputation in the academic world since it moved into its permanent home. 27

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y- aLnz Ssacifi junior CoLUgE 1 200 Gonqxs-ii. e vcnue. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT October 14, 1968 To The Students of Palm Beach Junior College: I hove been pleased that Palm Beach Junior College has continued to grow and that each department has been able to expand its program to meet the academic needs of our students. As the size of the student body has increased the number of interesting activities available for your participation has also increased. Day by day you have responded to the many opportunities and challenges for personal growth and achievement which have been presented to you in these pro- grams and activities. It is my earnest wish that these experiences have indeed made this a memo- rable year for you. Our Galleon staff has recorded many of those days that were memorable in fun and fel- lowship, and many of our activities will be more effective because you gave your best efforts to the programs. For those who are graduating, may each of your days at the university or at work be as pleasant and significant as these have been. Although we shall follow your progress with pride and interest we want you to come back and visit us whenever you can. Sincerely yours, ' ) Harold C. Manor President 29