10 IN THE BEGINNING The Forman family’s contributions were part of a larger wave of innovation and community spirit that shaped the region. To survive and thrive, pioneers, retired ranchers, and industrial leaders joined forces with local entrepreneurs to envision Broward’s future. Over breakfasts at Cope’s Restaurant, a small group called the Oatmeal Club gathered to discuss the community’s growth. In the wake of the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik—the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth—and a national call to advance science and technology, these community visionaries recognized education as the key to unlocking the region’s full potential. One member, H. Stuart Synnestvedt, proposed a bold vision: an integrated education system serving learners throughout their entire lives, “from cradle to grave.” The group also envisioned the impact a top-tier research university could have on the community and local businesses. Intense planning ensued, along with forming productive partnerships with government agencies, politicians, business leaders, and key community figures. There were challenging land acquisitions, extensive fundraising, and the creation of a robust leadership and advisory board structure for the new university. The visionaries’ efforts bore fruit in 1964 when Nova University of Advanced Technology received its charter. FIELD OF DREAMS 60TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE Another example of generational support to NSU is R. H. Gore, Sr., original South Florida Education Center, Inc. trustee and his grandson Charles R. Palmer, current chair of the NSU Board of Trustees. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
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