Ryan graduated with honors from Pensacola Junior College on December 19, 2006 with an associates degree in multimedia technology. Now he begins looking for a new job.

President Tom Delaino awards Ryan his diploma.

David (as VP), Tom Delaino, Linda (as faculty member) and Ryan on stage.

Ryan and Michelle

David, Linda, Ryan, Michelle celebrate

David and Linda flew to Fredericksburg December 5, 6 and 7. David was interviewed as a finalist for the presidency there while Linda toured the area to see if it was a good place to live and what the housing market was like. The local newspaper covered the search process:

Germanna should have 'open door' Summary: Germanna presidential candidate holds forum for faculty and staff Date: 12/7/2006

Germanna candidates are here Summary: Germanna presidential candidates in town for community forums Date: 12/5/2006

Wednesday, David's schedule looked like this:
- Meeting with current president, Dr. Frank Turnage
- Tour of Fredericksburg campus
- Open forum for press and public
- Lunch interview with executive staff
- Interview with search committee
- Break
- Interview with college board
- Dinner with college board (Linda joined him here)

Thursday's schedule:
- Tour of Advanced Technology Center in Culpeper
- Open forum for press and public (interactive video with Locust Grove campus)
- Tour of Locust Grove Campus
- Lunch with president's staff

We then flew back to Florida and waited on the decision.

December 9 through 12, David went to Orlando for the SACS accreditation meeting. The Germanna board met with the Virginia Chancellor on December 12, and that afternoon David was called with the offer to be the next president.

We discussed all the pros and cons, but we could not find any strong reasons not to accept. We love where we are, have our house looking like we want it to, love our neighbors and PJC. But Fredericksburg seems a great place and the college board was united in wanting David. So we said yes. The news was released first by PJC:

Business brief (http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612150314)
From staff reports: PJC's VP of academic affairs selected Germanna president

The Virginia papers picked it up next:

Fredericksburg Freelance-Star
GCC taps Florida educator Summary: After long search, Germanna Community College has a new president, David Sam, who will succeed Frank Turnage in March. Date: 12/16/2006

Richmond Times Dispatch
Germanna college gets new president
Official with Florida school expected to begin by mid-March

Culpeper Star Exponent
Germanna Community College starts new year with new leader
Rhonda Simmons

David A. Sam next president of GCC
By Rhonda Simmons

We are both a little stunned by how fast things have happened, and gratified at the result. We now have to begin selling our house, buying anew one, and moving---none of which are fun tasks. David has to begin the transition at PJC to his temporary replacements and the transition to Germanna. It will be an exciting time.

David interviewed this week at Germanna Community College in Vriginia while Linda scouted the area. You can see the newspaper report at:

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/122006/12072006/242221