Stetson Cupola 1976-5-1

STETSON UNIVERSITY, DELAND, FLORIDA ;■ i i .mi.. ■ 'f " July, 1976 DOCTOR OF DIVINITY - The Rev. John Pelham, '50, left, president of the Florida Baptist Convention, received a doctor of divinity degree from Stetson May 16. University president Dr. John E. Johns made the presentation during the school's 93rd commencement. Rev. Pelham delivered the baccalaureate address earlier that day in Edmunds Center. 379 Graduated in May Ceremonies Relatives and friends of 379 graduating students gathered at Edmunds Center May 16 for Stetson's 93rd Commencement ceremonies. University president Dr. John E. Johns conferred the degrees which included 37 with honors. Half-century diplomas were awarded to members of the class of 1926 who were present: Charlotte Smith, Sanford; I. Walter Hawkins, Osteen; and Dr. Charles Emerson Tribble, DeLand. Dr. Tribble also was presented an Algernon Sydney Sullivan award for outstanding character, nobleness and spiritual qualities. Graduating seniors i_ee Ann Inman, Winter Park, and Marc Schappell, Hollywood, received similar awards from the New York Southern Society. English professor Kathleen Johnson, '30, was awarded a William Hugh McEniry award for excellence in teaching. This award is made upon recommendation of both faculty and students. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was presented to Rev. John Pelham, '50, Stetson trustee, president of the Florida Baptist Convention and pastor of Palatka's First Baptist Church. He had delivered Stetson's baccalaureate address earlier that day. LTC Gregory F. Roche, commander of Stetson's ROTC program, commissioned four graduating seniors into the United States Army as second lieutenants. Traditional academic processionals preceded both the commencement and baccalaureate services. Endowed Chair of Music Established at Stetson A Fort Myers couple established v\ endowed chair of music at Stetson n April. University president Dr. John *. Johns announced the endowed caching position was made possible y a gift of $300,000 from John and liese Price. Organist Paul Jenkins, professor in the music school, was named to fill the chair during a worship service at Fort Myers' First Baptist Church with the donors present. He served as organist for morning worship. continued on page 10 Johns Accepts Furman Pest Returns to Alma Mater ^^——■ Stetson president Dr. John E. Johns accepted the presidency of Furman University in May. He assumes his duties in Greenville, S.C, next month. "I'm not leaving Stetson ... I'm returning to my alma mater," he explains. Dr. Johns was graduated with honors from Furman in 1947. "The reason I'm going back to Greenville is there are not many people in my profession who have the opportunity to return to their alma mater as president," he continues. "It's the only school that could tempt me to leave Stetson." Stetson's alumni association has provided Dr. Johns with what he says is his first job at Furman — to become actively involved in alumni affairs. "We've been very successful at Stetson in getting alumni involved with the university's total program," he sums up. "Of course, I mean to work within the already existing organization at Furman." Dr. and Mrs. Johns moved to DeLand in 1948 when he began his Stetson career which includes positions as professor of history and political science, department head, business manager and vice-president for finance and planning. He was serving as vice-president when Stetson's board of trustees named him president in April 1970. "Dr. Johns accepted the presidency of Stetson in a very critical time in the life of the institution," Douglas Stenstrom, '48, board chairman, points out. "His leadership was magnanimous, and we will always be grateful to him for his service." "It is not surprising that Furman would seek a man of the talents and abilities of Dr. Johns," he adds. "Dr. Johns has shown great leadership in fiscal management and operated the university on a balanced budget for five consecutive years." Stenstrom lists other contributions by Johns as: improved relations with the Florida Baptist Convention; maintenance of high academic standards; con- continued on page 10 MUSIC CHAIR ENDOWED - A John E. and Aliese Price Endowed Chair of Music was established at Stetson this April through a $300,000 gift in trust from Mr. and Mrs. Price, left and center. Organist Paul R. Jenkins was named to fill the chair during Sunday worship services at Fort Myers First Baptist Church. He served as organist for the service.