LSCC'S Hamilton is 'Woman of Year'
Leesburg
THERESA CAMPBELL | Staff Writer
theresacampbell@dailycommercial.com
One of Lake-Sumter Community College's long-serving administrators, Christyne Hamilton, was honored as "Woman of the Year" Wednesday by Democratic Women's Club of Lake County for her "distinguished service" to the Florida Community College System.
"The award recognizes exemplary service to the community," said Elizabeth Kapoor, president of the Democratic Women's Club of Lake County, who notes the honor comes as LSCC embarks on its 50th anniversary year.
LSCC president Dr. Charles Mojock credits Hamilton as being one of the college's best supporters, and he praised her dedication.
"Having experienced what a community college education can do, she has been and continues to be, a true advocate of the system," Mojock said.
Hamilton was a graduate of Johnson Junior College, located in Leesburg and serving more than 400 black students from six Central Florida counties, before the college's merger with Lake-Sumter Junior College in 1966.
Hamilton began her career as secretary to LSJC's first president, and later retired from Seminole Community College as its vice president of administrative affairs. Since then, Hamilton has worked tirelessly as LSCC's chief equity officer.
Debra Dabney, professor of education, health and physical education at LSCC, has known Hamilton for 36 years. She marvels over her Hamilton's can-do spirit.
"Christyne is just amazing; they couldn't have picked a more deserving woman for 'Woman of the Year,'" Dabney said. "The lady has energy that is outlasting, she has knowledge, and she just never stops."
Wednesday's program also featured former Orlando Police Chief and Congressional candidate Val Demings, who will speak on women's history and the challenges facing women in politics.
After earning a bachelor's degree in criminology from Florida State Univer-sity and a master's in public administration from Webster University, Demings began her career as a social worker, focusing on foster care, until she joined the Orlando police force. She served in its Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs and as the commander of Special Operations.
In 2007, Demings was selected to serve as chief, the first woman to ever hold that position. Upon taking office, she launched a campaign that resulted in a 40 percent reduction in violent crimes.
After 27 years on the police force, Demings retired, choosing to run for Democratic congressional candidate in District 8, which is comprised of parts of Lake, Orange, Marion and Osceola counties.
Friday, March 30, 2012 - www.dailycommercial.com/033112wo