By Dan Ryan
B-CUAthletics.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Friday's dedication of the Athletic Training Center bearing his name left Dr. Larry R. Handfield speechless. Considering he's a trial lawyer, that's saying something.
"I had to pinch myself because sometimes it feels like I'm at my own funeral," Dr. Handfield kidded as Bethune-Cookman's state-of-the-art facility was officially dedicated.
The standing-room-only affair was hardly a funeral. It was a celebration of Dr. Handfield's ascent that started as a drum major at Bethune-Cookman...to social and political prominence in South Florida...to his philanthropy that includes not only the ATC, but two buildings on campus, and to the opportunity those building provide B-CU students.
"I don't know what it's like to have a building named after me," said his longtime friend Pastor Carl Johnson. "But it's nice to know someone who does."
His sister-in-law, Dr. Robin Handfield Cox-Lovett, relayed a story on how Dr. Handfield made sure a security guard at a picnic they attended had enough to eat and drink on a long summer day. Fellow trustee Johnny McCray, his roommate for three years when both were attending Howard University Law School after graduating from then B-CC, not only relayed Dr. Handfield's skill at cooking pork chops, but that even 35 years ago, Dr. Handfield had a mindset of giving back.
"Every couple of days, he would make a point of having the discussion about how to give back to Bethune-Cookman," McCray said.
Dr. Handfield responded by saying time with McCray served as the underlying reason that he continues to give back so generously.
"Johnny is an example of what Bethune-Cookman can produce," Dr. Handfield said. "When we were in Washington, D.C., we had to compete with graduates from Harvard, Yale, the University of Florida, Princeton ... students that represented a diverse background from all over the country and the world. I am happy to say Bethune-Cookman had not only prepared us to compete, but to excel."
That's the purpose of the ATC. Not only to help Wildcats athletics compete, but excel.
"The young people and not-so-young will be able to continue to enjoy and utilize this great place," said B-CU Interim President Dr. Edison O. Jackson. "God has been good to us and allowed us to be here celebrating an impossible dream."
Head Football Coach Brian Jenkins delivered his remarks from the second floor mezzanine as he and his staff worked a busy day that included final preparation for Saturday's game with Tennessee State.
"It's a new day at Bethune-Cookman University," Jenkins said.
B-CU Director of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson led a litany based on the old testament story of Nehemiah that included participation from B-CU Board of Trustees Chairman Rev. John Harrington, B-CU Athletic Legend Harold Lucas, Representatives of the Jno S. Frink Family, Miami-Dade Alumni Chapter President Wayne Davis and Michelle Carter-Scott, mother of NBA star Vince Carter and B-CU Trustee. All had a major role in fundraising for the building. Softball player Michelle Banuelos-Smith represented the student-athletes.
