Frank Beall greeted attendees on this cool blue sky day at the newly remodeled New World Landing. Raffle tickets were sold by Bobby Behr. President Keith introduced Martin Harwood to lead in the prayer and pledge. Keith reminded members to contact him, Kathy Horton-Brown or Cliff Payne if interested in the newest wheelchair project.
A romantic vocal presentation was given by the Rotary Rooters and the $61 raffle drawing was won by Blaze Adams. Sunshine was brought to us by Charles Beall who introduced our USN military guest, visiting Rotarian and other guest of members.
Margaret Stopp introduced our speaker, Club member and PJC President, Ed Meadows.
This year is the 60th anniversary for Pensacola Junior College. Of all their students, 70% receive some form of financial assistance. Ed thanked the Club for continuing support through our contributions to the endowment fund and our scholarship program. There are 28 community colleges in Florida and of the 850,000 college students in the State, 68% attend a community college. College enrollment in the State is up by 90,000 students. PJC has no plans to cap their enrollment but must find new ways of funding.
The LPN-nursing program is ranked first in the country is areas of excellence and is highly recognized. WSRE-TV is nominated this year for two Emmy Awards. The dual enrollment program for high school students is second highest in the State. The men’s and women’s basketball teams are highly ranked while playing in one of the toughest leagues of junior colleges.
PJC is growing with an $800,000 expansion of the baseball facility and an additional $800,000 to follow later. In Milton, The Hobbs Center for Education, including adult education, will have a $1,400,000 expansion and, in Pensacola, the main campus
Edward M. Chadbourne library will have a $1,400,000 expansion. The Milton vocational and technical training center will have an $11,000,000 expansion and several of the original Pensacola main campus buildings will be replaced, including the performing arts theater.
With a budget reduction of 8% some PJC positions will be eliminated and staff cut backs made. But plans are to expand the program to have baccalaureate degrees, including nursing, available in two years. These will not compete, but partner with UWF programs to help with growing demand. In all, the 2009 PJC budget will be $53,000,000.
Meeting adjourned.
Didjaknow that Eric Nickelsen is a board member of the IHMC?
Jeff Lewis is no longer part of the Public Defender staff and has opened a specialized legal practice.
Earl Hutto’s foundation now is providing a UWF scholarship in nursing.
Gerry Goewing and the Naval Aviation Museum have a new IMAX film showing, about riding the rapids in the Colorado River. The staff there is looking at other IMAX potentials, too. Even with tourist traffic down overall, the Museum continues to enjoy a visitor attendance spike.
Reed Bell and his sons were honored recently for their collective roles in the growth of Sacred Heart Hospital and the Children’s Hospital.
A good many club members attended the installation ceremony for the new city council persons. During the ceremony new Mayor Mike Wiggins commented that council has removed the word “interim” from Al Coby’s city manager arrangement. However, Al still says he’s thinking retirement.
Fred Braden, January 27, Huntington, WV, 11 years
Ron Martin, January 27, Pensacola, FL, 9 years
Roger MacDonald, January 29, Milwaukee, WI, 36 years