At the heart of Rollins, where sunshine is gold,
A story was written, courageous and bold.
Two leaders arrived, both witty and wise,
With big dreams, warm smiles, and sharp, watchful eyes.
Grant Cornwell, a thinker of national fame,
Put “liberal learning” back in the game.
He spoke of the world as a classroom wide,
Where cultures and freedoms walk side by side.
He wrote of pluralism, voices diverse,
In articles eloquent—never too terse.
But not just ideas, he listened with care—
If you had a good one, he gave it its share.
No ivory tower, no academic fog,
He could quote Plato’s The Republic while walking his dog.
With agility, grace, and a decent pen stroke,
He’d lift up your concept and not miss a joke.
Rollins grew stronger under his lead—
Not just in spirit, but also in deed.
Budgets balanced, rigor restored,
Enrollment up, and interest soared.
“Brighter Together” was more than a name,
It was $293 million worth of acclaim.
He shook every hand, made every pitch,
No donor too small, no detail a glitch.
New buildings appeared, old ones got flair—
You’d blink and then—what’s this?—staircases there!
A dusty old library, low ceilings from 50s stock,
Became the Kathleen W Rollins Hall where students now flock.
He modernized Holt for adult learners’ goals,
Aligned Crummer’s path with ambitious roles.
A Phi Beta Kappa chapter came through—
Some schools dream of a chapter; now Rollins has one too.
He welcomed new voices, made spaces to belong,
Diversity rising, not just in a song.
A fresh new Alma Mater named “Let there be Light”
Grant’s vision for Rollins brought it to a new height.
And through all this progress, whirlwind and pace,
Was Peg, a calm force with effortless grace.
In heels or in sneakers, she made her way,
To meetings and fundraisers some twice in one day.
Peg took the town with quiet command—
Every nonprofit knew of her hand.
Second Harvest, WMFE, Victory Cup pride—
If there was a cause, Peg was inside.
The Chamber, the boardroom, the civic plan,
Dressed in Rollins colors, she joined the town clan.
A leader who brought both polish and drive,
Helping our town and college thrive.
Together they hosted with humor and flair,
Barker House magic floated in air.
And Peg’s special baked cookies? A treat not to be missed –
No one quite knew how they would resist.
And then there was Sailor, their pup of renown,
The unofficial mascot, best dog on campus crown.
Piper the cat kept the hierarchy clear—
Sailor may greet you, but she ran the sphere.
At events, receptions, or walking the campus,
They made time for students, for staff, which would enchant us.
From classrooms to offices, halls to the green,
They made this whole place feel thoughtful and seen.
Their children, Tosh and Kelsey, who would drop by,
Though not raised here ‘neath the Florida sky.
Still shaped by the values that filled their home—
Of justice, compassion, wherever they roam.
When time allowed for escape and release,
They sought out the water, the wind, the peace.
Sailing the coast or up north in the pines,
In Adirondack stillness, they read life’s lines.
The legacy’s not just in funds that were raised,
Nor even the buildings the Board so praised.
It’s the mission renewed, the compass reset,
On education’s promise—we won’t soon forget.
They reminded us teaching is still what we do,
That each learner matters, not just a few.
And when students now pass through the Gateways of stone,
They walk through a campus that feels like home.
Named Lydia Gardner Citizens of the Year last fall,
For every small kindness, they never did stall.
From Winter Park streets to the Rollins lawn,
They served with humility, humor, and rarely a yawn.
Now about that Vespa—yes, there was flair—
But the true legacy? How much they care.
“Fiat Lux,” they declared, lighting the way,
A beacon of hope that will never decay.
The ride may be ending, the road takes a bend,
But the Cornwell impact will not end.
In classrooms and hearts, their dreams still reside—
With Rollins forever walking beside.
So here’s to Grant and Peg, full of grace,
Who led with courage, warmth, and pace.
You’ve given your all—now take your start,
With wind at your back and joy in your heart.
And know that here, your story remains,
In memories cherished on the brick campus lanes.
When we speak of pure leadership, steady and bright,
We’ll tell the tale of your legacy, shining light.
For in every corner of Rollins, their mark is now clear,
With a nod to Mckean, Seymour, Bornstein, the leaders we hold dear.
Grant and Peg now rise with that visionary few, —
A brilliant dream team, steadfast and true.