LAKELAND (March 18, 2011) -- Florida Southern College celebrated its traditional, annual Founders Day today by welcoming H. Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., as the College's 77th Honorary Chancellor, while also honoring three highly distinguished alumni. 

Dr. Johnson spoke to a full crowd of students, faculty, and alumni at Branscomb Auditorium today, and offered comments about the experiences and traditions of his 125 year old family-owned company. 

Dr. Johnson encouraged those in attendance to be an instrument for the greater good.

"On Christmas Eve back in 1927, my great grandfather said something in a speech to employees that has guided our family and our company ever since.  When all is said and done, this business is nothing but a symbol.  The good will of people is the only enduring thing in any business," said Johnson.

Started in 1886, SC Johnson is one of the world's leading makers of household products including Pledge®, OFF®, Mr. Muscle®, Ziploc ®, Windex® and Glade®.  The company is globally recognized as an exemplar of corporate integrity and product excellence. 

Following Dr. Johnson's Convocation speech, three exceptional FSC alumni were recognized for the unparalleled contributions they have made to the College and to society, and received Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Edward L. Myrick, owner of Edward L. Myrick Produce and co-developer of the Golf Club at Briar's Creek, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding achievement in his profession and community.  Mr. Myrick attended Florida Southern College where he was active in ROTC and a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.  He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Mr. Myrick entered the United States Army, eventually ascending to the rank of Captain.  Upon leaving the military, Mr. Myrick went to work for his father at Ralph Myrick Truck Brokers in the family business in Pompano Beach, Florida.  He continued to work alongside his father and brothers until 1974 when he forged out and opened up his own company, Edward Myrick Produce.  Specializing in cucumbers, squash and green beans, Mr. Myrick developed his business into a nationwide distributor of fresh vegetables.

Lynn Mason Dennis, Executive Assistant to the President of Florida Southern College, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding service to her profession, her community, and her alma mater.  Mrs. Dennis enrolled at FSC in the fall of 1967. She earned the B.A. degree in Spanish, with a double minor in secondary education and biology and studied abroad at the Universidad de Barcelona in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.  Upon graduation, she taught Spanish and English at Ft. Meade High School before beginning a 40-year "and still counting" career at Florida Southern College, where she has held various positions including Assistant Dean of Women, Assistant to the Registrar/Admissions Counselor, Dean of Women, Director of Alumni Relations, Director of Development and Planned Giving, and Director of Frank Lloyd Wright Programs. Her service to the College spans four presidencies and features an array of responsibilities and assignments that most individuals would not encounter in one career. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Order of Omega, and Beta Beta Beta honor societies.

Robert B. Nicholson III, the President and CEO of the Eastern Propane Corporation and former member of the FSC President's Council, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding service to his professions and community. Mr. Nicholson holds a B.S. in Business Administration from FSC. He joined his family's 73-year old propane distribution and service business in 1986, becoming its President and CEO in 1988. The propane business has grown organically and through acquisitions to become one of the largest privately held propane marketing companies in the country. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Lakeland Bancorp and has served on several community economic development committees. Additionally, he was recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by his hometown of Sparta, New Jersey, as the 2009 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America – Patriots Path Council, and received the highest award from the American Red Cross – Sussex County Chapter for his volunteer efforts to their organization in 2010. While attending FSC, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity where he served as its President, the Cross Country Team, and the Collegiate Financial Entrepreneurs Club.  He is a founding member of the Spivey Society.

Additionally, Jennifer Bruno was announced as the College's Honor Walk recipient, the highest student honor given by the College.  Bruno is pursuing a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology.  She is the model of excellence in academics, leadership, and student involvement.  Bruno is a President's Scholar and served as President of the Association of Honors Students, Co-President of the American Chemical Society, and President of Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemistry honor society. Furthermore, she was an elected representative in SGA, served on the Biology Faculty Search Committee, and is a member of numerous honor societies that includes Beta Beta Beta, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honorary.  Bruno is a highly prized volunteer with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and has contributed countless hours of valuable service in support of healthcare for citizens who are otherwise unable to afford medical care.  Bruno plans to attend graduate school at the University of South Florida College of Medicine.