LAKELAND, Fla. (March 18, 2005) - Florida Southern College inaugurates its 17th president, Dr. Anne Broughton Kerr, and honors this year's Honorary Chancellor, Frances Mayes, on April 1 during Founders Day celebrations. 

The inauguration of Dr. Anne Broughton Kerr as Florida Southern's 17th president will take place Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. in Branscomb Auditorium (ticket required). A reception follows in the Eleanor Searle Drawing Room at 4:30 p.m. (reservation required).

The college's 71st Honorary Chancellor Frances Mayes will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Founders Day Convocation in Branscomb Auditorium Friday morning at 10:10 a.m. Mayes is a widely published author, poet, essayist, and gourmet cook. She has written three best-selling books, including the number one New York Times best seller, "Under the Tuscan Sun." She has published five books of poetry, a college textbook, numerous autobiographical essays, and articles for food and wine publications. 

Friday evening, the college will present a special Inaugural Concert featuring renowned soprano Roberta Peters, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree following the concert. The beloved classical musician performed with the Metropolitan Opera for over 35 years, the longest of any female singer at the Met, giving over 500 performances in more than 20 roles. Peters will be accompanied by Florida Southern's music students and faculty. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. in Branscomb Auditorium. The evening concludes with the traditional Founders Day/Homecoming fireworks display over Lake Hollingsworth beginning at 8:15 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. 

Other activities surrounding Friday's events include the Inauguration Prayer Breakfast at The Lakeland Center on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m., featuring Bishop Richard Wills, Jr., and planting of the inauguration holly tree on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at the President's Plaza. Cost for the prayer breakfast is $10. 

For more information regarding these events, please call 863-680-4108.


About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 38 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 24 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.