SJR State honors alumni, philanthropist
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Community leader, businessman and philanthropist Danny Martinez, left, holds the first ever President’s Award while St. Johns River State College President Joe Pickens, center, reads a list of Martinez’s accomplishments. -
Pickens hands off a Distinguished Alumni Award to former Putnam County Clerk of Courts Tim Smith -
Pickens hands off a Distinguished Alumni Award to Nathaniel Lowe, who plays professional baseball with the Texas Rangers. -
Pickens hands off the Distinguished Alumni Award to Palatka Police Chief Jason Shaw during a ceremony Friday evening in Palatka.
Submitted to the Daily News
St. Johns River State College President Joe Pickens on Friday recognized several accomplished alumni during the first ever St. Johns River State College President’s Gala.
Pickens, surrounded by dozens of community leaders and college supporters at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, bestowed the Distinguished Alumni Awards on Palatka Police Chief Jason Shaw, Major League Baseball’s Texas Ranger Nathaniel “Nate” Lowe, and former county clerk of courts Tim Smith. The award aims to honor each recipient for extraordinary citizenship through volunteerism, mentorship, philanthropy and advocacy.
The head of the college also presented the highest honor of the evening to community leader, businessman and philanthropist Danny Martinez, who came to Palatka in June 1952 as a research chemical engineer for Hudson Pulp & Paper Corporation, which was later acquired by Georgia-Pacific.
Pickens presented Martinez with the President’s Award, as well as what he said was the first honorary doctorate degree of the arts St. Johns River State College has bestowed.
“Danny has had a 25-year relationship with SJR State,” said Pickens. “He and Katie had a particular interest in helping nontraditional students succeed. As the community’s college, we welcome all. Danny and Katie made sure their dreams came true. Danny Martinez is our hometown hero, a true Viking!”
Nathaniel Lowe, Class of 2015, is the starting first baseman for the Texas Rangers. As a player at SJR State, he was a scholar-athlete and always the first player to volunteer for community service projects. He continues this practice in his current community.
Chief Jason Shaw, Class of 1997, has served the Palatka Police Department for over 20 years. As Chief, he has a passion for his community evidenced on and off duty. He believes in community-based, neighborhood focused policing that builds relationships.
Tim Smith, Class of 1972, has been a servant leader in Putnam County for over 30 years. A fifth generation Putnam County resident, he has invested his life in the betterment of the community.
“We are truly honored to be part of the amazing stories these men have written,” said President Pickens. “They set the bar high for SJR State students, and we’re proud to call them Vikings.”
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article should have stated Martinez came to Palatka in June 1952 as a research chemical engineer at Hudson Pulp & Paper Corporation, which was later aquired by Georgia-Pacific. The article has been amended.