Pamela Griswold
Published: October 12, 2005
We know them as the faces on television, our politicians, and business leaders, but years ago, they were the students of PJC. Just as today’s college students, they hurried to class, wondered what to eat for lunch, and dreamed of the future. These alumni now know the future that was their dream. They all say that PJC helped them “get there from here.”
Dave Murzin, a graduate of 1982 was a business management major and wrote for the Corsair. He met several retired members of the Navy while in his political science classes who led him to get involved with political campaigns. As a student, he was able to work several campaigns and become involved in Student Government. Murzin recalls the SGA advisor, “Uncle” Ed Holdnak as “a memorable man” and credits many of the friendships he holds today to his time at PJC.
Today he is a state representative. His responsibilities include mediating between individuals within the district and state government.
“No day is the same,” Murzin said. “We get calls about all kinds of issues, from child support, to driver’s licenses, to relatives in prison.”
Through this position, he has been able to secure government funds for Pensacola and the Northwest Florida region. This money provides funding for schools like PJC and various projects such as the relocation of the Main Street wastewater facility.
Christian Garman is a graduate of ’94. Garman recalls his first year at PJC as the most memorable. The college’s basketball team had its championship run in 1993.
“My buddy and I never missed a game and the team had so much talent, it felt like we were watching major Division 1 basketball,” recalls Garman.
After PJC, he continued his education and graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s of arts in telecommunications. He is now attending Mississippi State University to obtain a bachelor of science degree in meteorology.
Today Garman is a part of the WEAR news team. He is the morning meteorologist and entertainment reporter. Being the entertainment reporter has allowed Garman to speak with many famous people, which brings to mind another favorite memory at PJC. In 2002, he was asked to host “An Evening with Barbra Bush.”
“I was truly floored, and flattered. Mrs. Bush could not have been a nicer or funnier woman,” remembers Garman. He credits this experience as one of the highlights of his career.
Thomas Tait is a graduate of ’75. He attended PJC several years full- and part-time during the late 1960s and early 70’s. Military service, work, and family demanded most of his time. Therefore, Tait did not have spare time to become involved in campus activities.
“But therein lies my story,” says Tait. “If it had not been for the affordability of PJC, I simply would not have gotten the higher level of education I received.”
He believes the true value of Florida’s community colleges like PJC is the ability to make higher education available to every citizen.
“It certainly made the difference in my life,” Tait said.
Tait now is a Whitney Bank Florida president. He also has maintained ties with the college, serving on the board of trustees and as the capital campaign general chairman for the PJC foundation. Tait stays involved in the community by serving as a director for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Junior Achievement.
Carol Carlan is a graduate of ’75 as well. She earned an associate’s degree with an emphasis in business. The professors taught her the importance of networking and being reliable, she said. Carlan also credits PJC with providing her with the knowledge and discipline she could apply to whatever career path she sought.
“The friendly warm environment made me feel welcome at PJC,” she said. “It is a great place to hangout and get to know other students.”
Now she is the West Panhandle market president for Wachovia Bank. Carlan is directly responsible for sales and service activities in the area market. Her primary responsibility is “to be a rainmaker within the community” and deliver the highest level of service to customers. She is a past chairwoman and still a member of PJC’s board of trustees and works with many organizations like the PACE Center for Girls and United Way.
Sandy Sansing is a graduate of ’67. The two years he spent at PJC are filled with many wonderful memories of playing on the golf team. He recalls having a good time and making great friends.
“We become what our friends are. Therefore, surrounding yourself with good people is important,” Sansing said.
“Time management and delegation are essential too.”
Since graduation, Sansing has been busy keeping his many car dealerships running smoothly.
But, community also is important to him. Sansing is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Cram the Van, a United Way project which helps provide school supplies to area children. He also supports Communities Caring at Christmas with WEAR broadcaster, Sue Straughn.
Among many endeavors Sansing has made to give back to the community, he also sponsors 57 children’s teams ranging from little league baseball to soccer.
To everyone at PJC today Sansing says, “You should be proud to go there. It is a great place to start.”
