December 13, 2019 – Santa Fe College Physical Science professor Van Dubolsky will deliver the address to students during graduation on Friday evening. Dubolsky, SF’s longest-tenured faculty member, started teaching at SF in 1972 as an intern in a master’s degree program at the University of Florida. After graduating, he was hired at SF in 1973 and accepted a fulltime position two years later.
Over the years, Dubolsky has seen immense growth at the college. He started working at the college when SF called the Thomas Hotel home. There, he shared an office with his mentor, Jean Klein, for whom the Rock Cycle Garden on the Northwest Campus is named. He’s seen the development, opening and expansion of all of the SF centers in Alachua and Bradford counties. Despite its growth, the mission hasn’t changed. “To me, Santa Fe has always been about nurturing the students, helping them acquire the skills they need to be successful.”
SF President Dr. Jackson Sasser asked Dubolsky not only to serve as the Marshall of Friday’s commencement, but also to speak to the students during the ceremony. Dubolsky decided that much of his speech will be about “who we are and who they are” when it comes to the impact and influence of SF. He said that although faculty and staff may know much about the college, he wanted to make sure that those coming to campus for the commencement were aware of what the college does and what the philosophy at SF has been.
Although he admits the thought of retirement will occasionally cross his mind, Dubolsky cites his love and passion for what he does as to why he’s not quite ready to call it a career. “I love the students, I love the philosophy of the college, I’ve never had a bad day coming to work, being at work or going home. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but it’s easy when it’s something you love and you’re dedicated to it.”