Latest news with #FloridaSouthernCollege
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
GROUNDBREAKING FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE ASHLEY GIBSON BARNETT MUSEUM OF ART AT FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE
LAKELAND, Fla., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the opening of its exclusive original exhibition, Frank Lloyd Wright & the College of Tomorrow. The exhibition, developed in collaboration with MCWB Architects of Albany, NY and Florida Southern College, will be on view June 7 through November 16 and is free to the public. This large-scale Smithsonian Affiliate museum exhibition offers a comprehensive and previously unseen look at architect Frank Lloyd Wright's 20-year effort to design a visionary campus in Lakeland, Fla. Featuring original renderings, architectural plans, correspondence, furnishings, and archival materials — including loans from the Art Bridges Foundation and Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library at Columbia University — the show also includes a centerpiece 3-D printed scale model, designed and fabricated by the team at MCWB, showcasing Wright's full campus plan, with both completed and unbuilt structures, taking visitors behind the scenes and into the archives. "Frank Lloyd Wright & the College of Tomorrow is not just a visual and intellectual experience — it is also the result of years of collaboration," said Dr. H. Alexander Rich, executive director and chief curator at The AGB. "The scale and detail of this show reflect the same spirit of innovation and partnership that defined Wright's original work at Florida Southern." The exhibition occupies three of the Museum's main galleries — the Dorothy Jenkins Gallery, the Harper Family Gallery, and the Perkins Gallery — and marks the most expansive original exhibition in the institution's history. It was conceptualized and developed over the course of eight years by Museum staff and project architects from MCWB. Jeff Baker, architect and partner at MCWB and a longtime steward of Wright's legacy at Florida Southern College, said the exhibition offers the public a first-ever look at the architect's complete vision for the site. "As wonderful as Wright's achievements are here, it is nevertheless an unfinished symphony," said Baker. "This exhibition gives the public a sense of what that symphony might have looked like had Wright and Ludd Spivey — president of Florida Southern College from 1925 to 1957 — been able to fully realize their dream." Even for those familiar with Florida Southern's campus, the unbuilt designs revealed in this exhibition will be eye-opening. While the focus is on architecture, the exhibition reinforces the Museum's broader mission and commitment to art in all its forms. "Like many of our shows, it is homegrown—meaning we, in partnership with MCWB, produced it as an original exhibition. However, this exhibition's focus on architecture may seem like a bit of a departure from our typical 'art history' content, both for us and for our audiences," added Rich. "Importantly, though, this is not a departure at all. There can be no doubt that architecture is a form of art and that Wright was a polymath artist-architect of profound genius and profound aesthetic talent." In addition to exploring Wright's broader artistic vision, the exhibition also delves into the evolution of his "textile block" system — the innovative method used to construct the buildings at Florida Southern College. Large wall panels illustrate how this system developed over time, offering insight into Wright's design thinking and aesthetic sensibilities. "There are many things that will surprise visitors, even those who have deep and long experience with Florida Southern College. Encountering the designs in person that only lived in Wright's mind is an eye-opening experience," said Baker. "This, coupled with seeing Wright's most iconic drawings, prepared throughout his long and storied career, will be stunning." The Museum invites visitors to explore the exhibition in tandem with the surrounding Florida Southern College campus, steps away from The AGB, which features the largest single-site collection of Wright buildings in the world. Daily guided tours of the campus are available through the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center. "Frank Lloyd Wright & the College of Tomorrow" has been organized and made possible by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, Joel & Kelly Adams and Family, MCWB Architects, Art Bridges Foundation, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library at Columbia University and The Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Center at Florida Southern College. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Southern College Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LONE PALM GOLF CLUB CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF STATE-OF-THE-ART GOLF FACILITY WITH RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
LAKELAND, Fla., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 21, Florida Southern College celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art golf clubhouse at Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland, Fla, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from student-athletes, alumni, community leaders, and distinguished guests. The 4,000-square-foot facility marks a major milestone in the continued tradition of excellence for Florida Southern's men's and women's golf programs. Designed to serve as a hub for performance, training, and recognition, the clubhouse features a Championship Lobby showcasing all 33 titles earned collectively by the men's and women's teams. The space also includes dedicated offices for coaches, two TrackMan hitting simulators, a cutting-edge PuttView studio, a fitness and rehabilitation area, a versatile meeting room, and a modern student-athlete lounge. "We're incredibly excited to open this stunning new clubhouse," said Drew Howard, Director of Athletics and Dean of Wellness at Florida Southern College. "Florida Southern golf has a proud tradition of competitive excellence and a longstanding partnership with Lone Palm Golf Club. This new space not only honors that legacy—it secures it for the future." The building also honors two influential figures in the program's history: the pro-style locker rooms have been named in recognition of Robbie Davis, women's golf head coach and Doug Gordin, former men's golf head coach—each known for their leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to Florida Southern's national success. "Thanks to the generous support of our alumni and donors, we've built something that will elevate our programs and help us attract the very best student-athletes to Florida Southern College," Howard added. The opening of the new clubhouse sets the stage for future achievements, providing student-athletes with the resources, technology, and environment needed to continue competing at the highest level. About Florida Southern College Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. In the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" guide, Florida Southern ranks #11 among "Best Regional Universities in the South," #9 in "Most Innovative Schools," and #20 in "Best Value Schools." The College is also highlighted in The Princeton Review's 2025 Best 390 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025." The 2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB-accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 "Most Beautiful Campus" national listing for 13 consecutive years, now ranking #5. Connect with Florida Southern College. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Southern College Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
04-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NFL LEGEND RONDÉ BARBER RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE AS FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE CELEBRATES LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS IN THE INSTITUTION'S HISTORY
LAKELAND, Fla., May 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College celebrated a historic milestone on Saturday, May 3, as it conferred degrees to the largest graduating class in the college's history. The ceremony honored 580 graduates and featured NFL legend Rondé Barber as the commencement speaker. In recognition of his distinguished career and lasting contributions to society, Barber was awarded the degree Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Barber delivered an inspiring address on integrity, leadership, and defining one's legacy. A 16-year veteran of the NFL, Barber spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning Super Bowl XXXVII and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Additionally, Barber was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl five times, was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and is the Buccaneers' all-time interceptions leader. Barber continues to make an impact in the community, most notably serving as the General Chairman of Copperhead Charities, the nonprofit Host Organization of the PGA's Valspar Championship. Through this role, Barber supports local charitable initiatives and community programs, including Habitat for Humanity and The First Tee of Tampa Bay. In addition to Barber's address, the event featured remarks from senior speaker Molly Kennedy, a marine biology major, who spoke about the importance of resilience. Biology major Haley Thomassy received the President's Scholar Medal in recognition of her achievements as a scholar, student-athlete and campus leader. The 2025 Honor Walk recipient, Erick Tran, earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Science in accountancy and served as executive vice president of Beta Alpha Psi. The Miller Faculty Award was presented to Alex Ortiz of the communication department for exceptional contributions to the academic community. Professor Katherine Upshaw was honored with the FSC Omicron Delta Kappa Circle Award. The ceremony also marked the first spring commencement for President Jeremy P. Martin, who began his tenure as FSC's 18th president in August 2024. In Dr. Martin's welcome he shared, 'Members of this class join recent graduates accepted to law, medical, fine arts, education, nursing, business and other distinguished graduate programs throughout the nation and world. They have attained positions as healthcare professionals, educators, commissioned military officers, actors, musicians, clergy, and business men and women in Fortune 500 companies around the nation.' Of the 580 graduates, 124 graduated summa cum laude, 81 graduated magna cum laude, and 86 graduated cum laude. About Florida Southern College Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. In the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 'Best Colleges' guide, Florida Southern ranks #11 among 'Best Regional Universities in the South,' #9 in 'Most Innovative Schools,' and #20 in 'Best Value Schools.' The College is also highlighted in The Princeton Review's 2024 Best 389 Colleges guide and the 'Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025.' The 2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB-accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 'Most Beautiful Campus' national listing for 13 consecutive years, now ranking #5. Connect with Florida Southern College. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Southern College
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NFL LEGEND RONDÉ BARBER RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE AS FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE CELEBRATES LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS IN THE INSTITUTION'S HISTORY
LAKELAND, Fla., May 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College celebrated a historic milestone on Saturday, May 3, as it conferred degrees to the largest graduating class in the college's history. The ceremony honored 580 graduates and featured NFL legend Rondé Barber as the commencement speaker. In recognition of his distinguished career and lasting contributions to society, Barber was awarded the degree Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Barber delivered an inspiring address on integrity, leadership, and defining one's legacy. A 16-year veteran of the NFL, Barber spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning Super Bowl XXXVII and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Additionally, Barber was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl five times, was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, and is the Buccaneers' all-time interceptions leader. Barber continues to make an impact in the community, most notably serving as the General Chairman of Copperhead Charities, the nonprofit Host Organization of the PGA's Valspar Championship. Through this role, Barber supports local charitable initiatives and community programs, including Habitat for Humanity and The First Tee of Tampa Bay. In addition to Barber's address, the event featured remarks from senior speaker Molly Kennedy, a marine biology major, who spoke about the importance of resilience. Biology major Haley Thomassy received the President's Scholar Medal in recognition of her achievements as a scholar, student-athlete and campus leader. The 2025 Honor Walk recipient, Erick Tran, earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master of Science in accountancy and served as executive vice president of Beta Alpha Psi. The Miller Faculty Award was presented to Alex Ortiz of the communication department for exceptional contributions to the academic community. Professor Katherine Upshaw was honored with the FSC Omicron Delta Kappa Circle Award. The ceremony also marked the first spring commencement for President Jeremy P. Martin, who began his tenure as FSC's 18th president in August 2024. In Dr. Martin's welcome he shared, "Members of this class join recent graduates accepted to law, medical, fine arts, education, nursing, business and other distinguished graduate programs throughout the nation and world. They have attained positions as healthcare professionals, educators, commissioned military officers, actors, musicians, clergy, and business men and women in Fortune 500 companies around the nation." Of the 580 graduates, 124 graduated summa cum laude, 81 graduated magna cum laude, and 86 graduated cum laude. About Florida Southern College Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. In the U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" guide, Florida Southern ranks #11 among "Best Regional Universities in the South," #9 in "Most Innovative Schools," and #20 in "Best Value Schools." The College is also highlighted in The Princeton Review's 2024 Best 389 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025." The 2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB-accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 "Most Beautiful Campus" national listing for 13 consecutive years, now ranking #5. Connect with Florida Southern College. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Southern College Sign in to access your portfolio
