Absolutely no one could tell the 海角在线 story the way that cardiologist Dr. Donald Warren did.
As its founding chairman, Dr. Warren was the University鈥檚 first fundraiser-in-chief and remained its No. 1 cheerleader throughout his life. Dr. Warren died today (March 31, 2014) at Hospice of Palm Beach County’s Charles W. Gerstenberg Center in West Palm Beach. He was 86.
Through prayer and with great humility, he used his gift for storytelling to persuade some of America鈥檚 wealthiest businessmen to become benefactors of the small but growing Christian college. Likewise, his influence, credibility, and forthright manner were valued by a list of non-profit organizations that tapped him for leadership roles.
鈥淗e modeled the life of Christ. He was the greatest relationship builder I have ever witnessed and he served as the University’s captain through times of turbulence and abundance,鈥� William M. B. Fleming, Jr., Palm Beach Atlantic鈥檚 president, said. 鈥淭he thriving University we know today is a direct result of his sheer determination and the sense of calling on his life. I am honored to call him my mentor and friend.鈥�
In the mid-1960s, Dr. Warren was asked to help establish a Christian college in West Palm Beach to counterbalance America鈥檚 shifting moral climate. Dr. Warren became the founding chairman of the board of trustees 鈥� a post that he held from 1968 until he became a life trustee upon his retirement on Dec. 31, 2006, 鈥� and helped establish Palm Beach Atlantic College (now University) in downtown West Palm Beach in 1968.
Along with his wife, Betty Anne 鈥淏ebe鈥� Welch Warren, Dr. Warren, a Palm Beach resident, remained a frequent presence on 海角在线鈥檚 campus long after his retirement. The University鈥檚 Warren Library is named for the couple.
His final speaking engagement on campus took place in January during a special chapel presentation on the first day of classes for the spring semester.
鈥淚鈥檓 a storyteller,鈥� he told the students in attendance. 鈥淚鈥檝e never asked anybody for any money; however, I鈥檝e told them what we鈥檙e doing for Christ and given them the great opportunity to give.鈥�
The roll call of early 海角在线 supporters is impressive: John D. MacArthur, who was one of the nation鈥檚 three wealthiest men at the time of his death in 1978; Rich DeVos, co-founder of Amway and owner of the NBA鈥檚 Orlando Magic; former UPS employee and stockholder turned millionaire Ted Johnson; William G. Lassiter Jr., who made his fortune in shopping malls during Florida鈥檚 boom years; and construction magnate Marshall E. 鈥淒oc鈥� Rinker Sr.
Dr. Warren came to know these individuals and many others through his stellar cardiology practice, which eventually included some of the wealthiest and most influential men and women in the United States.
Yet Dr. Warren came from extremely humble beginnings. He was born May 18, 1927 in Miami, Fla., to Hosea and Norma Warren. His father, who delivered ice for a living, moved the family to Lakeland after the onset of the Great Depression.
Dr. Warren served in the Navy and later attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. He then enrolled in medical school at Duke University in Durham, N.C., where he served as a junior and senior assistant resident in internal medicine. He also completed a cardiology fellowship with Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
While at Duke, Dr. Warren met his future wife. The Warrens married in 1956 and soon thereafter settled in West Palm Beach, where they became active in First Baptist Church. Dr. Warren鈥檚 involvement with 海角在线 came at the invitation of the church鈥檚 pastor, Dr. Jess Moody, who became the University鈥檚 founding president.
鈥淒r. Warren was extraordinary and made an indelible mark on Palm Beach County, the State of Florida and American higher education,鈥� Scott G. Hawkins, chairman of the University’s board of trustees, said. 鈥澓＝窃谙� is today graduating a broad and diverse spectrum of students from across the world and with degrees in all disciplines, which is a direct product of his vision and fortitude.
“Dr. Warren鈥檚 response to Divine urging inspired others to forge an educational institution that has thrived during a period when many have declined,” said Hawkins. “His legacy will live through countless generations.鈥�
Retiring from a 40-year career in cardiology in 1996, Dr. Warren continued his community volunteerism. Dr. Warren was the founding president of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He also served on the executive committees and board of governors for both St. Mary鈥檚 and Good Samaritan Medical Centers, as well as on the board of governors for the former Intracoastal Health Systems.
Dr. Donald and “Bebe” Warren in the library that they helped bring into being and is named for them.
In 1982, The Palm Beach Post named Dr. Warren one of 鈥淧alm Beach鈥檚 Power Hitters 鈥擳he Ten Who Get Things Done in the County鈥� and, in 1999, Warren was named one of the Post鈥檚 鈥�100 people who changed the way we live鈥� in its 鈥淥ur Century” special edition. The University honored Warren with an honorary doctorate in 1988.
Dr. Warren was the recipient of the Community Leader Award from the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches (2013); the Town of Palm Beach鈥檚 Centennial Ambassador designation along with his wife, Bebe (2011), American Legion鈥檚 Community Hall of Fame Award (2000), the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from Palm Beach County鈥檚 chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (1999), the Champion of Higher Independent Education in Florida Award (1975), the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Heart Association (1974), the Civitan Citizen of the Year (1973), the American Heart Association Award of Merit (1970), and the Liberty Bell Award from the Palm Beach County Bar Association (1970).
In 2009, Dr. Warren published a book about 海角在线, 鈥淢iracles and Wonders: A Chronicle of 海角在线.鈥�
The Warrens have three adult daughters 鈥� Leigh, Julie, and Amy 鈥� and eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: The service honoring Dr. Donald E. Warren, founding board chairman, will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, April 7, at Family Church Downtown at First Baptist (formerly First Baptist Church West Palm Beach) with Dr. Jack Graham officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
The family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to the or the Donald Warren Library Fund (click the link to give online); or checks should be made out to 海角在线 with Bebe Warren Scholarship Fund or Donald Warren Library Fund in the subject line and mailed to the Development Office, 海角在线, P.O. Box 24708, West Palm Beach, FL 33416-4708.
