Dr. Wendell P. Holmes, Jr., who served as a member of the Bethune-Cookman College Board of Trustees for 25 years, and as chairman for 13.
Prominent businessman and long-time resident of Jacksonville, Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and completed studies in mortuary science at Eckels College in Philadelphia. He is the proud owner of Wendell P. Holmes Funeral Home, established in 1956.
Because of his countless contributions to education and his service to the College family and the Board of Trustees, Bethune-Cookman College dedicated a 45,000 square feet business building, erected in 1998, in his name. The Wendell P. Holmes, Jr. building houses the Hospitality Management Program and the Division of Business.
"Dr. Holmes is a visionary who has pointed the way to building Bethune-Cookman College into an educational institution beyond the circles of the ordinary to the heights of excellence as a nationally recognized College with courage and determination,"
Having received numerous awards from organizations throughout the state of Florida and Virginia, in Jacksonville, Dr. Holmes works with the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Relations Commission and the Opportunities Industrialization Center, which are testaments to his civic commitment.
In recognition of Dr. Holmes' expertise, hard work and commitment, he has received the honorary Doctor of laws degree from Bethune-Cookman College; the Champion Award from Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida; and the Distinguished Service Award from Florida Association of Colleges and Schools.
Holmes and his wife, Jacquelyne, have two children, Wendell P. Holmes, III, Carolyn Holmes Nesmith and four grandchildren.
Posted By: Joah King
Thursday, March 2nd 2006 at 3:52AM
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