Dear Flagler Family,
As we begin a new year and a new semester, I find myself thinking about what it means to officially be in the final five months of the Flagler Forward campaign. This moment gives us a chance to look at how far we’ve come, and how much our community continues to do to open doors for our students.
One way that spirit has come to life early this year is through a celebration of our College’s heritage: Preserving the Ponce. This past January, we premiered a brand-new documentary celebrating the rich history and restoration of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon. The viewing drew an enthusiastic crowd and showcased our ongoing commitment to preserving this iconic landmark for future generations.
In the spirit of Preserving the Ponce, the following stories show how our community’s generosity is bringing Flagler Forward to life in new and meaningful ways. One donor helped launch a student-run record label, giving students hands-on experience in creativity and entrepreneurship. Another alumnus honored our past and invested in our future by naming a historic fireplace in Ponce Hall and endowing a scholarship that will support students for years to come.
Each of these gifts reflects a deep belief in our mission and in what we can accomplish together. As we approach the close of the campaign, your support continues to guide our community forward.
Thank you for helping us finish strong.
Sincerely,
John A. Delaney President of Flagler College
President John Delaney during Q&A with Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Laura Stevenson Dumas during documentary premier.
A Legacy in Tune A Legacy
Ben Baine ‘27
Jackson Moser ‘27 of Last Resort
Anna Plum '29
Shayla Nelson ‘24
Jeb Stevens ‘26 of Parada
When Carl Florez learned that Flagler College’s School of Business was exploring the launch of a student-run record label, the idea struck a deeply personal chord. More than an academic initiative, the project resonated with his lifelong passion for music and his love for his late son, Mike.
“I’ve been a musician’s dad,” Florez said. “I’ve sponsored concerts, hauled equipment, followed bands on the road. I’ve lived that life.”
Mike Florez was a natural artist, known for his ability to pick up almost any instrument and play it with ease. He studied briefly at Boston’s Berklee College of Music before spending years producing CDs, touring the country, and building a loyal following. Eventually, he settled into the St. Augustine music scene.
Music was also something Carl and Mike built together. Father and son co-founded Ignition, a local music magazine dedicated to spotlighting regional artists and live performances, with Carl contributing a regular column. Their shared passion for music remained central throughout Mike’s life.
So when Flagler College approached Florez about supporting a program that would give students real-world experience in the music industry, he didn’t hesitate.
“It was a way to honor my son,” Florez said. “And to help other young artists learn things Mike had to figure out the hard way.”
That commitment became the founding gift behind First City Records, Flagler College’s first-ever student-run record label.
The idea originated with Professor Yvan Kelly, Chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance. Kelly co-taught an entertainment industry course with colleague and former Hollywood producer Alan Marcil. After a sabbatical focused on expanding the music curriculum, Kelly began imagining something more immersive.
“I wanted to do more than just talk about what a label does,” Kelly said. “I wanted students to create and manage an actual label.”
Kelly envisioned a living laboratory where students from all majors would handle every aspect of a real record label: developing the brand, scouting artists, managing finances, promoting releases, and distributing music on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. He drafted a proposal and secured administrative support, but one essential piece was missing: funding.
Susan Connor, Director of Development and Foundation Relations, connected the project with Florez, knowing his deep ties to music and desire to support students. Within weeks, First City Records had its founding donor. Through the Michael P. Florez Endowed Fund for a Student Record in the School of Business, Florez provided $3,600 in immediate-use funding and committed to a $50,000 pledge to ensure the program’s longevity.
From the beginning, Kelly wanted students to feel true ownership of the label. That philosophy shaped every step of its launch.
In March 2025, the College hosted a campus-wide naming contest. After multiple rounds of student voting, First City Records emerged as the label’s name. Students then worked alongside the Office of Marketing and Communications to develop the logo, branding materials, and social media strategy.
By fall 2025, MUS 340 – The Student Record Label launched as a one-credit, twosemester course open to all majors. Students assumed professional roles across A&R,
production, business operations, and marketing, with weekly meetings structured to mirror real-world workflows.
They hosted open mic nights, organized auditions at the Gamache Theater, and selected five artists to record original music.
With Florez’s funding, students booked professional studio time at Eclipse Studios, scheduled recording and mixing sessions, and partnered with a distributor to release music on major streaming platforms. The year will culminate in a live showcase at a local venue, with hopes that at least one artist will perform at FlaglerFest.
“This course is the real deal,” said Label President and signed musician Ben Baine. “Mr. Florez’s support has created a way to give artists exposure they might not otherwise have received.”
Florez wants the label to grow and sees it as a chance for Flagler students to gain experience in a creative economy that has increasingly shifted online.
“Everything in music has gone virtual. It’s a growth area,” Florez said. “If students can graduate with hands-on experience, like marketing roles and actual credits on recorded songs, they’ll have a real edge.”
In St. Augustine, where a vibrant community of musicians, retired performers, and professional touring crews all call home, opportunities abound.
Florez’s gift ensures students will have the skills, and confidence, to seize them, all while keeping Mike’s legacy alive in every note.
Carl Florez, as featured in Ignition Magazine
Mike Florez, Carl’s late son
ALUMNUS GIVES BACK BUILDING THE FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY
Grant Gillenwater, JD, ’09, a nationally recognized trial attorney and Flagler College graduate, has contributed a combined $50,000 toward two of Flagler Forward’s four campaign priorities within the last two years. His support reflects a deep belief in Flagler College’s mission, its students, and the lasting impact of the Flagler community.
“I am proud to be a part of the caring alumni who enjoyed and benefited from their experience at the College,” Gillenwater said. “My contributions to Flagler College are just beginning. There is a long runway ahead.”
A Flagler Loyal Lion and supporter for more than 15 years, Gillenwater earned his BA in Political Science from Flagler College in 2009 before graduating from Stetson University’s College of Law. He is now a member of the Flagler College
Gillenwater chose Flagler for the close relationships fostered by small class sizes and engaged faculty, believing those shaping his education would have a personal stake in
“I still have relationships with my professors now, 15 years later,” Gillenwater said. “My experience exceeded my
Inspired by his student experience, Gillenwater began making philanthropic contributions to the College.
In April 2024, he donated $25,000, plus a $1,000 jumpstart gift, to establish the Grant Gillenwater ’09 Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship supports firstgeneration students with demonstrated financial
need who are studying Pre-law, History, or Political Science and have declared a minor in pre-law. The gift is matched one-to-one through a grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr., Charitable Trust.
In April 2025, Gillenwater made a second major gift of $25,000 to support Flagler College’s historic preservation efforts by naming the Grant R. Gillenwater ’09 Fireplace at Ponce Hall in Birdcage West.
“As a building, Ponce Hall is the most tangible place at Flagler College. It is important to me to make sure that it is present for the next generation and that they get to enjoy it,” Gillenwater said. “Also, I chose that part of the building because, as a male student during the time I attended Flagler, we didn’t get to see personal spaces of the building because there was no inter-dorm visitation.”
As a student, Gillenwater was deeply involved in campus leadership. He served on the Student Judiciary Council and held several roles within the Student Government Association, advocating for student engagement, academic collaboration, and campus development.
“I wanted to be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves,” Gillenwater said.
He credits those experiences with shaping his decision to pursue a career in law. Today, Gillenwater continues to mentor Flagler students by speaking in classes, hosting seminars, and inviting students to observe courtroom trials.
“When I speak at various educational institutions and give seminars, I talk about the reality of a law-school education, the commitment it entails beyond law school, and to inform students about what the true application of law is in the real world,” Gillenwater said. Gillenwater also invites students to observe proceedings firsthand. “They get to see all aspects: the good, the bad and the boring,” Gillenwater said. “I will meet with students for a question-and-answer session post-trial and post-visit so that they can formulate a better understanding of what this profession is like as they move in a direction that will shape their lives.”
Professionally, Gillenwater is a Senior National Trial Partner at Morgan & Morgan, while also serving his community through nonprofit leadership and arts sponsorship.
“Without the opportunities that Flagler College gave me, I would not be where I am today,” Gillenwater said. “I think about how there are future students out there who would not have this same opportunity without a helping hand and a step up. I want to continue to increase this current scholarship endowment and provide financial assistance to the College in any way I can whenever I am asked.”
