NICEVILLE — Gaius Bruce was hired as a physical education teacher at then-Okaloosa-Walton Junior College on Aug. 22, 1966, not long after the school first opened its doors.
At Northwest Florida State College's Fall Semester Summit breakfast held on Aug. 16, Bruce was honored for a half-century of service to the college.
Bruce, of Navarre, received an award from Interim President Dr. Sasha Jarrell commemorating his 50 years of service as faculty and staff members gave him a standing ovation.
Over the years, Bruce served in a variety of roles, including faculty member, coordinator of student activities, track and golf coach, and president of the statewide Association of Florida Colleges.
After retiring in 2004, he was quickly rehired as an adjunct faculty member and continued in that capacity until this year.
With 50 years of service, Bruce's enthusiasm for NWF State College has not diminished.
"Working for the college," he says, "was the best decision I ever made."
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Navarre native recognized for 50 years of service to NWF State College