Originally planning to attend a college closer to home, McRae changed course when Flagler offered him a more affordable financial package. Without ever visiting campus, he traveled more than 1,200 miles from New England to St. Augustine.
That leap of faith became the foundation for a lasting connection to the College.
“My four years at Flagler made me what I am,” McRae said. “The small class sizes, the intimacy of the campus, and the real friendships that still exist today, 50 years later, prepared me well for the ‘real world.’”
Today, McRae is honoring the institution that shaped him through the establishment of the Andrew McRae Endowed Fund for Historic Preservation and the future donation of the Andrew McRae Collection, a remarkable grouping of Flagler-era artifacts reflecting his enduring fascination with the history surrounding the College.
That fascination began long before McRae became a student. As a child visiting St. Augustine with his family, he was enthralled by the former Ponce de Leon Hotel.
“I remember standing at the gates of the Ponce off season and thinking it was a castle and wishing I could live there,” McRae said. “Who knew?”
Years later, as a Flagler student, McRae discovered the stories behind the building he had once admired from outside. Although he studied Business Administration, he was drawn to the history surrounding him and became a member of the St. Augustine Historical Society.
He also got involved in campus life, serving in the Student Government Association all four years and as president during his senior year. After graduation, his commitment continued through his service on the Flagler College Alumni Board.
“My love for my alma mater never wavered,” McRae said. “I proudly watched as the school and campus grew, restoration projects were completed, and the school’s reputation grew nationally.”
His passion for Flagler’s history inspired McRae to begin collecting pieces of the College’s past while he was still a student. What began as personal curiosity grew into an extensive collection of ephemera, including hotel menus, keys and dishes.
“No one was interested in this stuff back then, so I got some great deals,” he said. “And later on, I found pieces on eBay and even in antique shops in places like Vermont!”
For McRae, the collection represents more than historic objects. It captures the spirit of the hotel years and the people “who wanted to bring home some remembrance of that exotic place called Florida.”
“I knew I wanted this collection shared with folks who most likely would be very interested in it and kind of ‘bringing it back’ to where it came from,” McRae said.
The Andrew McRae Collection will provide students, researchers and visitors with the opportunity to connect with these stories for years to come. To create an interactive experience, McRae has stipulated that the collection be displayed rather than simply placed into storage.
“Too many times artifacts and things are hidden away,” he said. “But other than some delicate items, I want folks to be able to enjoy all those alligator silver spoons, alligator copper dustpans (really), and Made in Germany teacups.”
Through the Andrew McRae Endowed Fund for Historic Preservation, Flagler will be able to honor McRae’s curatorial spirit and care for and protect these priceless artifacts in perpetuity.
Most importantly, McRae’s gift is an expression of gratitude for Flagler’s impact on his life.
“This is my way of thanking the institution that prepared me for my career, helped me to mature and become even more independent, and instilled my lifelong love of historic preservation,” he said.
From a student who once imagined the Ponce de Leon as a castle to an alumnus helping preserve its material history, Andrew McRae’s journey reflects the lasting power of the Flagler experience and the impact of a life dedicated to protecting the past while investing in the future.
