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April 2004

Flager president gets alumni award

Dr. William Abare, president of Flagler College, received UNF's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Dr. William Abare is familiar with college campuses being that he is president of Flagler College in St. Augustine. He recently had a chance to re-familiarize himself with another campus when he returned to UNF for the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Abare was honored at the Alumni Association’s ninth annual Alumni Recognition Dinner on Feb. 26. The event was part of Homecoming.

The dinner also honored UNF’s honorary and outstanding alumni. The 2003 honorary alumni include Dr. Betty Flinchum, Lisa M. Kaye, David A. Stein, and J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver.

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of the University. The recipient exemplifies outstanding performance in his or her field of work or has made a significant impact in the community through service.

Abare was recognized for his service to Flagler College and work with community organizations, including the Flagler Hospital Board of Trustees, Rotary Club, St. Johns Welfare Federation Board of Directors and St. Augustine Little League.

Abare has been at Flagler College for nearly as long as the St. Augustine college has existed. After teaching chemistry and biology, as well as being the football, baseball and basketball coach, at Lanier High School in Macon, Ga., Abare became associate director of admissions at Mercer College in 1967. He later joined West Georgia College and then Flagler College in 1971.

At Flagler, Abare has served in a variety of jobs, including dean of academic affairs. He has watched the college grow to more than 1,900 students with 20 majors and a $30 million endowment. Abare took over the presidency from Dr. William Proctor in June 2002.

Along the way, Abare obtained a master’s degree in education from UNF in 1980 and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 2003.

Abare has earned praise from those who know him as a man who is willing to take a stand and meet issues head-on. In doing so, he is respectful and shows excellent leadership and dedication.

The five people selected as honorary alumni are noted for their contributions to the University community.

Flinchum has worked for the University for more than 30 years in various capacities and has contributed much to UNF’s international outreach.

Kaye, the founder of Wolf Technologies Inc., is a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council for the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, and has been active in raising money for the college.

Stein established the Pathways to Success Scholarship Endowment with a $1 million gift that has resulted in almost 30 scholars. He also takes an active role in the scholars’ success and in the University community.

The Weavers, through the Jaguars Foundation and the Weaver Family Foundation, have endowed scholarship funds and provided opportunities for UNF to be recognized at Jaguars games.