FEATURE STORY
PHSC Trustee John Mitten , emcee of Dr . Beard ’ s retirement celebration , recognizes Sol Fleishman and Kevin Glenn , representing , respectively , event sponsors Fleishman , Maslowski , and LEMA Construction
Following a reception at the Spring Hill Campus , PHSC hosted The Transformative Power of Education – a retirement celebration attended by faculty , staff , students and community members . Approximately 300 guests enjoyed appetizers , music , photos with the president and much more . A program emceed by Trustee John Mitten highlighted the president ’ s accomplishments through remarks and a video tribute featuring associates and family members .
President Beard announced the donation of a Quarter Million Dollar Scholarship Fund in his honor by Rao Musunuru , M . D . The former trustee and renowned cardiologist , though unable to attend the event , received a standing ovation in appreciation of the gift . The funds will be added to the existing Musunuru Family Scholarship Fund . A trustee from 1999-2022 , Musunuru served as chair of the board five times and is considered to be among the longest , continuously serving trustees at a Florida College System institution . Many thanks to sponsors LEMA Construction and Fleishmann , Garcia , Maslowski and the PHSC Foundation for hosting the celebrations .
Dr . Beard summarizes his experience as PHSC President and his appreciation for the support he has received from trustees , administrators , faculty , staff and students .
Dr . Beard was also honored at a Martin Luther King Jr . event , the Leading with Hope Celebration , hosted by PHSC ’ s Office of Education and Access . Held at the Instructional Performing Arts Center ( IPAC ) in Wesley Chapel on January 18 , the event included keynote speaker James Moran , Ph . D ., director of Alumni Engagement at FAMU ; James Ammons , Ph . D ., chancellor , Southern University ; and incoming President Jesse Pisors , Ed . D .
On his final day as president , Beard was presented with a plaque filled with one-word descriptions submitted by guests at his retirement celebration . Words such as strong , kind , generous and caring filled the framed tribute .
“ It ’ s been an honor to serve PHSC ,” said Beard . “ I will miss everyone , but I can ’ t wait to hear about all that PHSC will accomplish in the future .”
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