30th Anniversary History Book

That first year, Payton Forster captured the “Best Duck Hunter” title. Since then, others have claimed the title. Their names — those called to the hunt come Easter time — have been lost to time.

Dr. Debbie Townley VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, 1992-2000 Re f l e c t i o n s

Then, enduring glory wasn’t really the point.

Students “love the hunt, Reed said. “They get the joy of knowing they are up against each other looking for the most ducks. They also like it because they can find them even when they are not looking. It’s a fun and a low-key activity that you can do throughout out the day and into the evening.” Reed, a 2014 Beacon alum, graduated from student to admissions counselor now recruiting future Beacon graduates. Not only does she delight in seeing new students follow her path, she’s ecstatic about what her idea has grown into at the college: a duck dynasty. “Makes me really happy,” said the newly married Reed-Daly. “I even still join in myself when I see a duck in hiding. [It] lets me know spring is here and the semester is almost over. It gives me pride that something I started is still going and loved by the students. I hope it’s here to stay and every year it could get bigger and bigger.”

In June 1992, I was asked to join Deborah Brodbeck in Leesburg to help Beacon College grow. I had been teaching in special education with students with learning disabilities in New York state for 10 years in a tenured position. A few weeks later, I packed my bags with my family and headed down to Florida for the biggest and most rewarding challenge of my life. When we arrived at Beacon reality really hit me: A handful of students, limited resources, no technology, no brand, and only one staff member remained. We pursued with hope and belief in the mission to recruit, instruct, lead, expand resources, and create a college where students could celebrate and feel proud of their educational accomplishments. The road to accreditation was arduous, but that struggle made Beacon students, staff, and family stronger. I am so proud I played a role in the institution Beacon College is today. I applaud the successes and long-term relationships and memories created for students along the journey.

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