In 1998, Flagler College celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding. The school is located on 19 acres, the centerpiece of which is the grand Ponce de Leon Hall, a former luxury resort hotel now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Henry Flagler

Ponce De Leon Hotel

This masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture was the dream of Henry Morrison Flagler, above left, industrialist, oil magnate and railroad pioneer. Since its founding in 1968, the College has spent more than $43 million dollars restoring the historic campus and adding new buildings. The two newest buildings are a multimillion-dollar auditorium, seating nearly 800, and the technologically-advanced Proctor Library. The campus is located in the heart of beautiful St. Augustine, just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Flagler's 19-acre athletic field is only two miles from campus.

Lawrence Lewis

Lawrence Lewis, Jr., was the driving force behind the development of Flagler College. It was his vision to create a small, private liberal arts college on the grounds of the magnificent old hotel.

Mr. Lewis served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Flagler College for more than 20 years, guiding the College through a re-organization in 1971.

He directed millions of dollars through foundations, family and personal funds into new construction, restoration projects, endowment and various other programs to ensure the continued success of Flagler College.

The College held its first commencement in 1972. The speaker was Dr. Grellet C. Simpson, Chancellor, Mary Washington College. Since then, the list of commencement speakers continues to grow.