History
A selection of moments that define Eckerd
Use the arrows below to navigate through the timeline.
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June 19th, 1958
Dr. William H. Kadel is named first President of Florida Presbyterian College.
September 16, 1958
The Florida Legislature grants the charter for Florida Presbyterian College, and the Presbyterian synods appoint a board of trustees.
February 1959
Dr. John M. Bevan is named first Dean of Florida Presbyterian College.
Fall 1960
Florida Presbyterian College begins its first instructional program with 155 freshmen and 22 faculty members and becomes one of the first colleges in the country to use the 4-1-4 calendar format, with the interim Independent Study month in January.
September 1962 - December 1963
Florida Presbyterian College moves from the former US Maritime Service Training Station buildings on Bayboro Harbor in downtown St. Petersburg to the shores of Boca Ciega Bay.
November 30, 1966
Florida Presbyterian College receives full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fall Term 1970
First student group uses Gower Street Centre in London for study abroad trip.
1971
FPC Search, Rescue and Safety Team (providing services to the public since 1977 as Eckerd College Search and Rescue), the only volunteer student rescue group recently recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, is established.
June 11, 1971
Board of Trustees member Jack Eckerd gives $10 million to Florida Presbyterian College—the College's single largest gift at the time.
July 1, 1972
The Board of Trustees changes the name of the College from Florida Presbyterian College to Eckerd College.
1973 - 1974
"Project '73"—the Collegium structure is adopted, Autumn Term is established and the faculty members take on the role of mentor.
November 30, 1977
The Program for Experienced Learners (PEL) is established. First classes are offered in spring 1978.
October 31, 1982
The Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC) is officially inaugurated with 14 charter members.
1982 - 1983
The College's main entrance moves from 34th Street South to 54th Avenue South/Pinellas Bayway due to construction of I-275 overpass/interchange.
Summer 1986
The Ford Foundation grants funds to establish and maintain the Ford Foundation Scholar Program.
April 15, 1993
Galbraith Marine Science Laboratory (GMSL) is dedicated, reinforcing the Marine Science major (est. 1982) as one of the finest and most unique in the country.
Spring 1997
Eckerd institutes Senior College. The program is later named the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in 2005.
August 9, 2003
The Phi Beta Kappa Society awards the Zeta Chapter of Florida to Eckerd College at the 40th Council.
May 20, 2006
Eckerd receives $25 million, the largest gift in its history, from Eckerd Chairman of the Board of Trustees Miles C. Collier and his wife, Parker.
2008
From February through November, Eckerd commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the College's founding through special events, programs and activities.
