LAKE CITY, Fla. – Florida Gateway College has selected Mr. John “David” Crawford to receive the honor of Summer 2024 FGC Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the college’s Summer Commencement Ceremony.

Mr. Crawford graduated with an Associate in Arts degree from Florida Gateway College (then Lake City Community College) before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of North Florida. After college, he embarked on a long career in education, serving his community’s public schools for the past 35 years, including three years as a classroom teacher. He has spent 33 years in administration, including as a K-12 Principal, High School Principal, Baker County Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Auxiliary Services, and in Alternative Education and School Safety.

In addition to his professional work in Baker County Public Schools, Crawford is an active and integral part of his community. He has served on the FGC Board of Trustees representing Baker County since February of 2018 and currently leads the college’s governing body as Board Chair. He is a member of the UNF Foundation Board, is a founding member of both the UNF College of Education and Human Services Alumni Chapter and the Baker County Recreational Advisory Board, and in a member and Chair of the Baker County Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Board. Crawford has received multiple honors and awards including Baker County District Teacher of the Year, UNF Outstanding Florida Educator, and Region IV HRS Volunteer of the Year.

Mr. Crawford will accept the Distinguished Alumnus Award during the FGC Summer 2024 Commencement Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024 in the Howard Center. Two hundred and three students are expected to graduate this Summer from FGC programs ranging from occupational certificated to associate and bachelor’s degrees with 79 graduates planned to participate in the ceremony.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the Florida Gateway College Facebook page. A ticket is required for each guest in attendance. For more information, visit www.fgc.edu/graduation.

FGC Summer 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Florida Gateway College – Howard Center
Thursday, August 8, 2024
6:30 p.m.