PRESS RELEASE: OCTOBER 21, 2024

President’s Gala celebrates John Thrasher, Thrasher-Horne Center 20th anniversary

SJR State President Joe Pickens, First Lady Carol Pickens, John Thrasher, Jean Thrasher, Lori Horne and Jim Horne.

The Honorable John Thrasher

The President’s Gala is an annual celebration for St. Johns River State College donors, supporters, and the students who benefit from the generosity of others. This year, the event celebrated the Honorable John Thrasher and 20 years of the Thrasher-Horne Center.

The evening included tribute videos and remarks from SJR State President Joe Pickens and former Senator and Florida Commissioner of Education Jim Horne, honoring Thrasher for his service as a U.S. Army veteran, Florida Representative and Senator, Speaker of the House, and former president of Florida State University.

Pickens told the audience that it would be hard to find anyone who has led by example better than John Thrasher. “So, Google tells me that a person of substance adds value to the world… They work hard and accomplish something because of their hard work,” Pickens said. “They can be thinkers or they can be doers, and occasionally they can be both - John Thrasher obviously is both.”

Horne shared memories of his and Thrasher’s time as legislators and roommates. “Naturally you would think that John is obviously a politician. You’d be wrong,” Horne said. “John is a statesman. Our country is full of a lot of politicians. But very few statesmen. He is a principled leader who always puts what is right in front of politics.”

Among Thrasher’s accomplishments are passing consequential legislation, including the A+ Education Plan; the largest tax cut in Florida history; and raising $54.7 million for the Florida Republican Party.

Thrasher thanked the college for its efforts in making a difference in the lives of it students and the community. “We’ve got to have an educated citizenry for this country to survive,” Thrasher said, reminding the audience of the true purpose of their attendance – education, and that their support means much to the students who will attend the college and benefit from the resources they are providing. “And I will tell you - don’t quit! Don’t quit!” Thrasher continued. “Florida has the best university system in America. We’re ranked number one – and we’re one of the best college systems in America, and we should never let that go by.”

Thrasher also acknowledged former SJR State President Robert L. McLendon Jr. for his vision to work with community leaders to build the facility. “What a visionary,” Thrasher said.

In 2004, after the completion of the arts center on SJR State’s Orange Park Campus, McLendon named the building the Thrasher-Horne Center, in honor of John Thrasher and Jim Horne, who were instrumental in obtaining funding for the venue. Together these individuals worked with the Clay County Chamber and Tourist Development Council to secure the building.

“I believe this place is making a difference in the community,” Thrasher said. “It just happened that Jim and I were in a great place to be able to do it.”

Jim Horne, former Senator and Florida Commissioner of Education

SJR State President Joe Pickens presents John Thrasher with the College’s Viking Award. Pictured are Jean Thrasher, John Thrasher, Joe Pickens and Jim Horne.

Since its inception, the Thrasher-Horne Center has presented the very best of professional music, theater, dance and more. The $22 million, 84,666 square-foot venue continues to host year-round events, including nationally touring musicians and performers, Broadway musicals, a variety of other cultural offerings, numerous main stage rentals, business meetings, expos, and community receptions.

Special thanks to the event sponsors – Representative Bobby Payne, Representative Sam Garrison, Senator Jennifer Bradley, The Honorable Rob Brandley, The Honorable Travis Cummings, HCA Florida Healthcare, SouthState, Florida Power and Light, Capital City Wealth, the Clay Today, Palatka Daily News, Oliver Oaks and Vines, Douglas Law Firm, LBW CPAs and Associates.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE GALA

THRASHER-HORNE CENTER TRIBUTE VIDEO

TRIBUTE TO JOHN THRASHER (Part 1)

TRIBUTE TO JOHN THRASHER (Part 2)

Since 1958, St. Johns River State College has served the community as a full-service college dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce training needs of its Northeast Florida district. With campuses in Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine, SJR State is truly the community’s college, enriching a diverse population of students ranging in age from 16 to 60.

SJR State continues its comprehensive educational role by expanding its services and programs while continuing its focus on the Associate in Arts (transfer) degree, Florida School of the Arts, and more than 30 Associate in Science degrees and certificates. SJR State has also expanded its mission to include baccalaureate degrees in nursing, early childhood education and organizational management.

President’s Gala is an annual celebration for St. Johns River State College donors and supporters.

The 20th anniversary of the Thrasher-Horne Center was celebrated at the event.