Black & white photographs

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.

A system of junior colleges serving African-American students was established by the state in 1949. In Broward County, JCBC offered courses for its African-American students at a branch campus of Dillard High School, which opened in August of 1961. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandated desegregation of all publicly supported educational institutions. By the 1966-1967 school year, the "Magnificent 12" black junior colleges in Florida had ceased operations or had folded into formerly all-white junior colleges.

The contentious, unsettled conditions at the college prompted Emil Buehler, a German-born aviator, architect, inventor, and philanthropist, to threaten to withdraw his support from the aviation program for which he had provided the planes and classroom space for at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. "He never did, though," said trustee John H. Payne. "He never would have done anything to hurt the college."

The Buehler Planetarium, dedicated in 1966, remains a favorite for South Florida school children, who learn about the heavens from the planetarium's extensive educational programs.

Dr. Blee was all smiles at commencement ceremonies, but his brief presidency resulted in hard feelings and strained relations for many. Blee sued the college after the school board refused to offer him a new contract. The parties eventually settled out of court. Dr. Myron Ashmore served as acting president while a search to replace Dr. Blee was underway.