Basil Rathbone, one of the actors who portrayed Sherlock Holmes on film, talks Hollywood with Dr. Rushing and Nan and Hutch Hutchison's Fort Lauderdale home in 1964. Nan Hutchison was the college's first director of student affairs and helped introduce faculty recruits to the community and the college.

The intercollegiate sports program began in 1962 with men's basketball under the direction of coach Hubert Wright. The first athletic facilities were the tennis courts, which were built over the old Forman Field runways. Early JCBC teams were road warriors, often traveling to practice and play games. For the first few years, the basketball team played its home games at Stranahan High School in southwestern Fort Lauderdale. Hal Blitman, a coach for the men's basketball team, went on to coach the Miami Floridians of the American Basketball Association.

The men's baseball teams flourished under the direction of coach Leroy Wheat. The program sent many players to college teams and also produced several players who reached the major leagues, including Craig Skok and Don Newhowser. Until a diamond was built on Central Campus, the team practiced at New River Middle school and played its games at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale.

Coach Wheat (standing) pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics during his major league career and was known to grant extra credit to students who could produce his major-league baseball card.

More programs were added over the years, including wrestling, women's badminton, soccer, tennis, golf, and swimming and diving for men and women. The college selected the seahorse as its mascot.

Dr. Edmund J. Gleazer, president of the American Association of Junior Colleges, was the speaker at JCBC's 1961 commencement ceremonies. The first class to begin JCBC as freshmen graduated June 10, 1962. Dr. John Allen, president of the University of South Florida, addressed 73 graduates at commencement ceremonies at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale. The first student to receive a diploma was Judith Abel of Fort Lauderdale. Also, in the first graduating class was Central Catholic High graduate Parris Nelson Glendening, who went on in 1967 to become the youngest recipient of a doctorate in political science at Florida State University. In 1994, Glendening was elected Maryland's 59th governor.

Dr. Rushing left behind a college with a new campus and a dynamic faculty and staff, but the mood on campus wasn't as rosy and upbeat as it seemed. During the period between Dr. Rushing's departure and Dr. Blee's arrival, the seeds of discord sprouted and began growing. Ultimately, from October 31, 1965 to June 15, 1968, the college was without consistent leadership.

Dr. Myron Blee was selected to succeed Dr. Rushing as the JCBC's second president. Although he had varied high-level experience in educational policy and administration, the Illinois native had never served as a college president before taking the reins at JCBC.

Dr. Blee and graduation speaker Dr. James Wattenbarger, father of the Florida community college system, chat with a student at 1966 commencement ceremonies.

Dr. and Mrs. Jack Taylor greet students at a college event. Dr. Taylor, the dean of students, served as acting president until Dr. Blee arrived at JCBC. He and Dr. E.P. Lauderdale were the choices of many of the faculty and staff to succeed Dr. Rushing. After Dr. Blee arrived on campus, Dr. Taylor returned to his post, but Dr. Lauderdale resigned.