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President Caldwell presented the Friend to Youth Award to Dr. H.E. “Buddy” Payne, Vice President and Academic Dean at Florida College, on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

Dr. Payne’s wife, Marilyn, was the co-recipient of the award and accompanied Dr. Payne to receive the plaque from President Caldwell.

“Lynda [Caldwell] and I are honored personally to share our lives with this couple for many years. They have dedicated themselves to honorable lives before God and on behalf of the mission of this institution and the young people it serves,” President Caldwell said as he conferred the award.

A second-generation faculty member at FC, Dr. Payne has outstanding academic credentials. He graduated as valedictorian of his FC class, as well as Mr. Florida College, in 1965. Marilyn was voted Ms. Florida College the year before. Dr. Payne received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a graduate degree from Harvard in Science Education as well as a doctorate from the University of South Florida.

At the same time, Marilyn was a significant support for Dr. Payne. “She bore the brunt on the home front…holding jobs to get us through, she did more than her share. She is the wind beneath my wings,” Dr. Payne said.

For 36 years, Dr. Payne has served as a member of the FC faculty and administration. He has balanced these responsibilities with extensive mission work in Romania, preaching and serving as an elder at a local church as well as being a father of four children.

Dr. Payne was quick to give his wife Marilyn credit for their years of service in his response to receiving the award. “I couldn’t believe it was happening,” Dr. Payne said, “obviously I was honored, and I was especially thankful that Marilyn was honored.”

“Both of us are absolutely committed to this school and what it’s done for young people throughout the years,” Dr. Payne said. “It’s a great way to serve and it’s a unique way to touch lives.”