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PHCC's retiring president is honored

Robert Judson, who began as a teacher and counselor in the 1970s, sees the community college's original building named for him.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published January 26, 2005

DADE CITY - Robert Judson's first real office was here. Right here on the second floor, where today a hallway adjoins the catering office and the catering office adjoins the Student Government Association meeting room.

That was in 1975, the year Pasco-Hernando Community College opened classes to about 700 students in its first building of its own. Judson was a teacher and counselor then.

Today, 19,000 students attend the college, including 5,000 on this campus. And now, Judson is retiring as president.

On Tuesday, in a short ceremony in Building A's new glassed-in foyer, officials named the building after him. This was one of several original college structures that Judson helped renovate after being named PHCC's second president in 1994.

Students Helena Dawson and Ashley Lovelace, both born 10 years after the building was erected, happily led visitors on a tour: no more portable classrooms, but fully equipped computer labs, nursing classes with practice bedsides.

"I love it," Lovelace said. After taking classes here in high school, she feels the difference in facilities is remarkable: "I'm so glad to go here."

Just like the building, Judson, 63, has changed since the 1970s. For one, both he and the college moved its administrative offices to the school's west campus in New Port Richey what seems like forever ago. So coming back to this place with its shiny new floors and prim cherry armchairs to say goodbye was sort of hard.

He choked up when he tried to say thank you for the kind goodbyes from faculty and community leaders. His wife, Ellen, moved from her front row seat toward his side to hug him and help him through the creeping tears.

"I will never forget it," Judson said as he stood below the balcony that proclaimed the structure the "Robert W. Judson Building" in black letters.

An hour later, Judson presided over his last board of trustees meeting. Incoming president Katherine Johnson took notes quietly nearby. And Ellen, who has attended her husband's board meetings since he started, sat against the wall, smiling her distinctive and ready smile. The Judsons' three daughters looked on.

Tuesday's dedication was the latest in a series of events the college held to honor the last remaining original employee. Judson was hired at PHCC in 1972. His first office was at Saint Leo University, before PHCC had its own functioning campus. His second office was in downtown Dade City, where today, he said, a beauty parlor sits.

Judson officially retires Monday. But he has been busy showing Johnson around, meeting with Rotary Clubs and possible donors, as well as Pasco County school superintendent Heather Fiorentino and state Rep. Ken Littlefield, according to a list of activities Johnson submitted to the board.

From Ashley Lovelace's perspective, the transition is bittersweet. Though only a student for two years, she said, she has grown fond of her president and his wife. But the Student Government Association vice president has high hopes for Johnson.

Johnson, 53, who moved to Trinity from North Carolina, where she was president of Nash Community College, stopped by the student center Tuesday to vote in the student poll:

"Who is your favorite superhero?" they asked her.

Wonder Woman, she replied.

But of course.

"I can't wait to see what she has in store," Lovelace said.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:13:15]