Society Circle Unveiled as Part of Temple Terrace Beautification

From Florida College:

On Tuesday, a large crowd gathered on the far side of the campus to witness the unveiling of the new Society Circle—and to honor Bob Owen, a man who is as much a fixture in Temple Terrace as any building, new or historic.

The brand-new Society Circle pavilion will serve several purposes. According to Florida College President Buddy Payne, the new area in front of historic Sutton Hall is as much for the Temple Terrace community as it is for the Florida College students, faculty, staff and alumni who will enjoy it. Society Circle is one more piece of an ongoing effort to join the recent Temple Terrace revitalization projects.

“We hope that our partnership in this effort will continue to manifest itself in a revitalization of the entire campus and city as well,” Payne said. “We are proud to be a part of the rich history of this quaint little city on the Hillsborough River.”

But Society Circle is more than a few paving stones and a new architectural element. It is also a physical way to show respect and honor to an individual who has a rich history at Florida College and as part of the Temple Terrace community.

For more than 60 years, Bob Owen has served both Florida College and the city of Temple Terrace. Bob served as a faculty member, dean of Students, administrative assistant for Finance, and nine years as president.

Owen also served for 14 years as a Temple Terrace City councilman, seven of which as vice mayor. Later he served another four-year term on the city council. He was an active member first of the Civitan Club and later of the Tampa North Rotary Club, of which he is still an active member.

Owen was awarded the distinction of President Emeritus by Florida College in 2011.