CF Alumni
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  • Sponsors
  • Distinguished Alumni
  • Board of Directors

Contact Us


Alumni Development Office
The Enterprise Center, 2nd Floor
3001 S.W. College Road
Ocala, FL 34474-4415
Phone: (352) 854-2322 ext. 1436
Fax: (352) 291-4483


Sponsors


Interested in sponsoring CF Alumni? Contact Traci Mason, Alumni Coordinator at (352) 873-5808.

At Brown & Brown (B&BSM), we know that we must be agile in order to thrive in the very competitive insurance environment. Our unique culture has enabled us to quickly chase down new opportunities, adapt our products and services to best meet market demands, and satisfy our many and varied clients. more...

Our firm was founded in 1978. We have grown to be one of the most prestigious accounting firms within the Ocala/Marion County area because of our high standards, commitment to personal service and involvement in the needs of our clients. We are more...

Duggan Joiner & Company is a local accounting firm whose strength is the quality of its personnel and its diverse clientele. We value each client relationship and are committed to providing the highest level of service and personal attention to our clients. more...

Where your time is valued, your choices are endless and your terms are met.

Jenkins Auto Group is the premier dealerships in the Ocala area. Jenkins Auto Group will get you out of your old vehicle and into a brand new Acura, Hyundai, Mazda or pre-owned vehicle. more...

Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 500 energy company with 23,000 megawatts of generation capacity and approximately $9 billion in annual revenues. Progress more...

RAO's radiologists are the exclusive providers of imaging and interventional radiology services at Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala Regional Medical Center, and West Marion Community Hospital. Additionally, we have FUJI PACS in our outpatient centers - the same PACS system used in the three Marion County hospitals. This allows our radiologists to have immediate and secure access to all your imaging studies, reports, and previous exams when they are done in our outpatient centers or at the hospitals. This eliminates the delays associated with traditional film-based imaging and data transfer.

PO Box 6200 Ocala, Florida 34478-6200 (352) 671-4300

Distinguished Alumni


Superintendent George Tomyn


Marion County Superintendent of Schools George Tomyn has seen his education and career come full circle in Marion County. Tomyn was born and raised in Ocala, attended public schools, and in 1972 graduated from Forest High School. He earned an Associate in Arts in 1974 from what was then Central Florida Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Valdosta State College in 1976, and a master’s in Educational Leadership from University of Florida in 1980.

Tomyn started his career with Marion County Public Schools in 1977 as a teacher at Osceola Middle School and also taught at Lake Weir High. He served as assistant principal at Dunnellon High and Vanguard High, and as principal at Sunrise Elementary and Forest High. In 2005, he was named executive director of School Development and Evaluation for Marion County Public Schools and served in that position until his election as superintendent in 2012.

Tomyn is active with the Florida Association of School Administrators, Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the United Way of Marion County, Florida's Blood Centers, Take Stock in Children, the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, and is an elder with First Presbyterian Church in Ocala. He is also an Eagle Scout.

Tomyn and his wife, Barbara, have two daughters.



Gloria James
May 2012
Charles S. Dean
May 2011
Stacy Dickson
May 2010
Clint Hart
May 2009
Sandra Himmel
December 2008

Dean Blinkhorn
May 2008
Van F. McKenzie
December 2007
Hale R. Stancil
December 2006
Gerald K. Ergle
May 2006
Michael Mangan
August 2005

Lori A. Hornby
May 2005
Bobby James
August 2004
Roy Abshier
May 2003
Kaye Boyer
December 2003
Jim Huber
December 2002

Mary B. Steddom
August 2002
James H. Williams
May 2002
Lewis E. Dinkins
December 2001
Mary Sue Rich
August 2001
Morrey Deen
May 2001

Craig Curry
1996

Gloria James

Gloria James is well known for her work with the March of Dimes. During her 19 years of service with the organization, she led fundraising efforts and educated thousands on improving the health of babies. During her tenure, the March for Babies grew from 250 participants to more than 4,000 and raised more than $6 million. In 2010, upon her retirement, she was recognized with the In Honor of Excellence award.

Mrs. James’ love for helping her community and educating others was nurtured while she was a student at the College of Central Florida from 1962-1964. She continued her education at Florida State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. She taught high school in Cross City and Panama City before returning to Ocala to manage her family business.

In addition to her leadership with March of Dimes, Mrs. James has played instrumental roles in Altrusa as “Outstanding Member of the Year” and Ocala Junior Woman’s Club. She spearheaded “Light Up Ocala,” a holiday tradition for the city, and established “Brick City Days” festival.

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Sen. Charles S. Dean Sr. received his award at the 2011 Spring Commencement Ceremony

Elected in 2007, Dean is a member of the Florida Senate. He served in the Florida House of Representatives in 2002-2007 and as Citrus County Sheriff from 1981 to 1996.

Dean has served in the Marine Corps Reserve, as a juvenile counselor, teacher and administrator with the Citrus County Schools, and is a cattleman. Dean’s leadership appointments, community commitments and recognitions include the National Sheriff’s Association board of Directors, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, president of the Citrus County Association for Retarded Citizens, and “Top Crime Prevention Administrator” by the Florida Crime Prevention Association.

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Dr. Stacy L. Dickson Jr. receiving his award at the 2010 Spring Commencement Ceremony

Dr. Stacy Dickson graduated from College of Central Florida in 1983. Dickson has been employed at CF for 21 years and is currently the dean of Public Service and Criminal Justice. He oversees the Criminal Justice Institute, Law Enforcement Academy, Corrections Academy, Advanced and Specialized Training, Criminal Justice Technology, Fire Science Technology, Childcare Development Center and Lab school and the Commercial Vehicle driving school.

As a former U.S. Marine, Dickson served overseas in U.S. Embassies and has provided notable leadership on community and State Boards such as the CF Alumni Board, United Way of Marion County, and the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

“It was my time in Bangladesh that put my heart into public service and I have remained on that path. My greatest payoff in my service now is seeing students succeed in their own service. I get great satisfaction out of seeing students earn positions, receive promotions and feel proud of their work. When working with the Childcare development Center, I get to watch preschool children go to ‘big school.’ Seeing the growth of student of all ages, knowing where they have come from, knowing their struggles, and then seeing them achieve is a great feeling.” – Dr. Stacy L. Dickson Jr.

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Clinton Hart is a successful athlete and a hometown hero. Hart graduated from South Sumter High School and chose to attend CF so that he could be closed to his family. He attended on a baseball scholarship while learning to become a barber.

After graduation in 1998, Hart tried out for the Tallahassee Thunder arena football team and made the team. He signed with the Tampa Bay Storm in 2001 and was named American Football League Rookie of the Year at the end of the season. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles and NFL Europe teams before signing with the San Diego Chargers. Hart became a starter last season and is entering his fifth year with the team.

When he is not on the field, Hart returns to Florida to support community and youth programs. He has worked as a counselor and recreation specialist at the Marion Youth Development Center in Lowell. He has offered free Follow Your Hart football camps for youths at South Sumter High School in Bushnell and supports the Webster Sports Complex.

In 2006 he created the Clinton Hart Foundation to help children keep on track through sports, awareness programs and counseling. For his philanthropic work, he was named the 2007 Chargers Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Hart and his wife, Kelli — also a CF alum — have a daughter. In 2008 they opened a beauty salon, Brick House Salon, and a flower shop, Lilli’s Flowers and Gifts, in downtown Ocala with plans to expand their business presence in the community.

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Dr. Charles Dassance, Alumni President Jeremy Applegate, Sandra Himmel, Board Chair Bernie Little


The Alumni Association Board of Directors presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Citrus County Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the monthly meeting of the CF District Board of Trustees.

Himmel attended CF in 1972 and 1973 along with her twin sister. She now serves with the Citrus County United Way, Boys and Girls Club and with the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.

“We are pleased that Mrs. Himmel will finally receive this honor, which recognizes her commitment to the community and the field of education,” said Dr. Charles Dassance. “She has dedicated herself to ensuring that every student has an opportunity to learn.”

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Dean Blinkhorn is editor-in-chief of the lifestyle magazines Ocala Style, Lake and Sumter Style, and Ocala Health. He enjoys seeing a story take shape – from initial brainstorming sessions with writers to discussing art elements for an appealing layout with the designer.

Dean earned his Associate of Arts at CF, where he was editor of the school newspaper and literary magazine. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in English, a minor in Education, and a concentration in Print Journalism.

In August 2006, Dean was named Editor of the Year by the Florida Magazine Association. In 2007, his editor’s page was voted Best Column by the North Central Florida chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also received several top editorial awards from the Florida Magazine Association.

Dean is active in numerous area charities, including the United Way of Marion County and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. He has served the latter as chairman of the Golden Apple selection committee and is currently president of its board of directors.

Dean and his family – wife Karen and daughter Allyson – are proud residents of Ocala and enjoy spending time in their southeast-area home.

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Van F. McKenzie was born and reared in Ohio and began his distinguished career in sports journalism in Ocala. McKenzie started writing during his school years at what was then Ocala High School before finding his way to Central Florida Junior College. He worked on "The Patriot Press" and the annual "Confederate" before graduating in 1966.

Van began his career at the Ocala Star-Banner in 1963 and became sports editor at age 17, the youngest sports editor ever at any daily newspaper in Florida. He went on to serve and shape some of the country's best newspapers, including the Orlando Sentinel, Today (now Florida Today), St. Petersburg Times, New York Daily News, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The National. One of his proudest accomplishments was the Associated Press Sports Editors' Red Smith Award, a life-time achievement distinction and the highest honor in sports journalism. He set high goals for himself and the dozens of editors that he trained.

Before arriving for his second stint at the Orlando Sentinel, Van sent the staff a memo, which later was named the "Vanifesto." It stated, in part: "What was good enough yesterday isn't good enough today. And what we do today won't be good enough tomorrow." Those were words that Van lived by, according to his brother Jay.

McKenzie passed away in January 2007 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 61. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, mother, Mary, brother, Jay, two sons, Van Jr. and Von, and five grandchildren.

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An Ocala native, Judge Hale R. Stancil obtained his associate in arts degree from CF in 1966 and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1968. He obtained his law degree from Stetson University in 1973.

Stancil has fond memories of CF, and remembers there was a great amount of respect between students and professors. He says the education he received at CF prepared him for higher education and has contributed immensely to his success.

Stancil served as assistant public defender of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in the 1970s and practiced law with a private firm before opening his own practice in 1975. He was elected Marion County judge in 1982, serving three terms before being appointed circuit court judge in 1993. He is currently in his fourth term.

Stancil has actively served Ocala and Marion County through his involvement with Ocala Lions Club, Ocala Shrine Club, American Legion Post #27, Marion County Criminal Justice Association and First Christian Church. He and his wife Rebecca, have five children. His wife and son John are also CF graduates.

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A Marion County native, Gerald Kenneth Ergle grew up in Citra. He graduated from Ocala High School in 1957, and attended CF in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Ergle served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for nine years and has been the owner of Ergle Construction Company for 36 years. He has been married to his wife, Venice Ann, for 46 years and has two grown sons and eight grandchildren. He served on the Ocala City Council for 26 years. He was elected mayor of Ocala in 2001 and served until November 2006.

Ergle has served the community through his involvement on the board of directors of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Council, the Florida Municipal Electric Association, the Florida Municipal Power Agency, the Florida League of Cities, the Central Florida Symphony Orchestra, the Marion Cultural Alliance and Munroe Regional Medical Center. He was the founding member of the National League of Cities Information, Technology and Communications Committee; chairman of the 2005 Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive; honorary chairman of the 2005 March of Dimes Walk America Campaign; a member of the Ocala Pride in Bloom Committee; and attends Highlands Baptist Church.

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An Ocala native, Michael George Mangan obtained his Associate of Arts degree from CF in 1975 and then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from the University of South Florida in 1978.

After working for Continental Airlines in Houston, Texas and USF&G Insurance Co. in Jacksonville, Florida, he returned to Ocala to join George Mangan Insurance in 1983. With the passing of his father in 1988 he became a co-owner of the family insurance agency with his brother Pat. In 2005 he sold his ownership interest in the business to his brother who continues to operate the agency. Mike is now a business banking relationship manager with SunTrust Bank here in Ocala.

Giving back to his community has always been a priority for Mike, and he has served in leadership roles with Junior Achievement of North Florida, the CF Foundation, North Florida Technology Innovation Corporation, Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, United Way of Marion County and the Eighth Street Elementary School Advisory Council. He is currently a board member of the Salvation Army and the Osceola Middle School Advisory Council.

Mike has been married to Amy, also a CF alumnus, since 1990 and they have two children, Griffin and Gillian.

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College of Central Florida alumna Lori Hornby, a CPA and partner in the firm of Crippen, Trice & Hornby, LLP, has more than 20 years of accounting, auditing, tax, business and computer consulting experience. She is one of Marion County's brightest entrepreneurs, and has been recognized as the "Small Business Person of the Year" by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

Hornby has served on the board of the Salvation Army, and as the president of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the CF Alumni Association. She also served as chairperson of Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Hornby earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and her master's degree from the University of South Florida. She and her husband, Gordon, have one daughter and one granddaughter.

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A native of Marion County and a College of Central Florida alumnus, former Dunnellon High School Principal Bobby James is a dedicated community and education advocate. Prior to serving at DHS, he was principal of Phoenix Alternative Education and Fessenden Elementary School. He was assistant principal, teacher and coach at Forest High School, and teacher and coach at Fernandina Beach High School.

James' community involvement includes work with organizations such as Take Stock in Children, The Boys and Girls Club of Marion County, YMCA of Marion County, the Kiwanis Club of Dunnellon, and the Marion County Public Education Foundation.

James earned his bachelor's degree from Paul Quinn College, and master's and doctorate degrees from Nova University. He and his wife, Veronica, have one son, Bevon.

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A graduate of the former Ocala High School, Roy Abshier enrolled at Central Florida Junior College (now College of Central Florida) after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He went on to attend Florida State University, and returned to his hometown of Belleview to successfully venture into the restaurant and real estate brokering business. He later established Abshier Insurance Agency, which he still operates with one of his sons.

Active in his church and community, Abshier lives in the Belleview area with his wife of 40 years, Lou. He is the proud father of three children - Mary, Edward and Emery - and grandfather of 10.

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A Lake Weir High School graduate, Kaye Johnson Boyer attended CF in its first years of operation as Central Florida Junior College. She was named Miss Sophomore and the first Miss Central Florida Junior College. She went on to the University of Florida, and later returned to Ocala to become a deputy circuit court clerk.

Kaye married Willet Boyer Jr. and became a fulltime mother after having their first son. She said her greatest achievement is marriage to a wonderful husband and having three sons who bring her great joy. She also has two daughters-in-law of whom she is very proud. While raising her sons, Boyer began raising Gerbera daisies. She started selling blossoms to florists, and enjoys playing with her floral "babies" to this day.

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A College of Central Florida alumnus, Jim Huber is an award-winning essayist and commentator for Turner Sports. His distinguished career in media began in 1964.

Huber worked with CNN for 16 years, winning a national Emmy, two Cable ACE awards, and an Edward R. Murrow award. He hosted "The Sporting Life with Jim Huber," a show that featured his natural storytelling abilities.

Huber is author of the critically acclaimed book "A Thousand Goodbyes: A Son's Re flection on Living, Dying and the Things That Matter Most," published in 2001. It tells his personal story of the final days he spent with his father.

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Mary B. Steddom retired in 2001 after 21 years as sole practitioner in her own law office in Ocala. She previously practiced law with William G. O'Neill for seven years.

Steddom served as a legal secretary while completing her education. She attended CF and the University of Florida, where she earned Bachelor of Arts and law degrees.

Steddom has been a resident of Marion County for more than five decades and has been active in her church and numerous community activities.

She has four children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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An Ocala native and CF alumnus, James H. Williams served in the Florida Senate from 1968 to 1974 and as Florida's lieutenant governor and secretary of the Department of Administration from 1975 to 1979. From 1979 to 1981, he was deputy secretary of agriculture for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

From 1985 to 1997, Williams was a founding director of the SunTrust Bank Holding Company, Atlanta. He also served on the St. John's River Water Management District board from 1991 to 1998.

Williams is a longtime citrus grower in is currently involved in the Marion citrus industry. He has additional agriculture holdings and is involved in real estate development and a variety of investments.

Williams and his wife, Louise, have eight grandchildren and three children, one of whom is deceased.

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A Marion County native, Lewis E. Dinkins joined Central Florida Junior College's founding freshman class in 1958 after graduating from Dunnellon High School. Dinkins was the college's first freshman class and student body president. He was also a proud member of CFJC's first graduating class in 1960.

Dinkins went on to complete his law degree at Stetson University College of Law where he was elected president of the Student Bar Association. He then came home to set up his practice in Marion County. An attorney for the past 38 years, he has offices in Ocala and Dunnellon.

His many roles in the community and professional organizations include past president and vice president of the Marion County Bar Association, past external vice president of the Ocala Jaycees, chair of the first-ever Jaycees God and Country Day, and a charter member and past board member of the Ocala/Silver Springs Rotary Club.

Dinkins also served as a chair of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee from 1983 to 1988, the county's chair representative for the Republican Party in the Sixth Congressional District, and alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1984. He has served as a precinct committee member since 1981.

Dinkins is listed in the Outstanding Young Men of America 1967. He received the Good Citizenship Award in 1981 from the Salt Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Good Citizenship Award from the Sons of the American Revolution in 1984.

Dinkins and his wife, Kathryn, have a son, Mark, and a daughter, Michelle both are CF graduates. The family attends the Church at the Springs.

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An Ocala native, Mary Sue Rich is known for her commitment to the community. She is the first African-American female to serve as a member of the Ocala City Council. She also serves on numerous boards and committees including the Marion County Public Policy Institute, United Way Board of Directors, Governor's West Revitalization Council, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Ebony Women's Civic Club, and First Step Inc. She is also a mentor for Take Stock in Children.

Rich attended Marion County public schools and graduated from high school in 1966. She is a board member of the growing College of Central Florida Alumni Association and said she is very pleased to have attended the college, which was then known as Central Florida Junior College.

Rich went on to attend Florida Technical Institute, now known as the University of Central Florida. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and has been employed by the Florida Department of Corrections for 26 years.

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The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a CF alumnus for his or her outstanding accomplishments since graduation from this college. Ocala Chief of Police Morrey Deen has demonstrated excellence in leadership in his professional and personal life. Following graduation from CF, Deen received a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology/law enforcement from Florida State University and a master's degree in criminal justice/public administration from Rollins College.

Since Deen's appointment as chief of police in 1995, his leadership has provided the Ocala Police Department with many successes. He remains active among his peers by serving in numerous law enforcement associations. Deen has held a variety of leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America.

Deen also served 23 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, beginning as a private and concluding his service with the rank of major.

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College of Central Florida's first Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Craig Curry for his dedicated leadership in the community. While a student at CF, Curry was president of his freshman class, active in student government and on the golf team both years. Upon graduation, he went on to the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

His many roles in the the community and with professional organizations include past president of the Ocala City Council, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, the Marion County Insurance Agents Association, past chairman of the Marion County Economic Development Council, Ocala Housing Authority, former state board member of the Florida Association of Independent Insurance Agents and former mayor of Ocala.

Curry is the current president of the Ocala Division for Brown and Brown Insurance Agency which he describes as an "agile cheetah" thriving in the competitive insurance environment. Undoubtedly Curry's leadership has helped fuel their unique success in the region and their commitment to unsurpassed excellence.

Curry and his wife Carol reside in Ocala. Curry's daughters Carolyn, Devon and Christine have all attended CF. Carolyn is a trial lawyer, Devon is happily married and Christine is a speech language pathologist.

In the Curry family, CF is a tradition of excellence.

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Alumni Board of Directors


Jeremy Applegate

CPA

Duggan, Joiner, & Co., CPAs

Kellyn Brunson

Jernigan, Collier & Goedert, CPA

Ellery Dunn

Retired

Law Enforcement Officer

Matthew MacKenzie

Youth Minister

Christ the King Anglican Church

Mark Ross

Sangi Blair

Academy Coordinator

College of Central Florida

Emily Cummins

Intern at the Ocala Power Plant

Mikel James

College of Central Florida

Heidi Maier

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

College of Central Florida