After 15 years of planning, Eckerd College broke ground on the John R. Saunders Dining Center in 2024. The building was intended to renew a sense of community at the school, fitting neatly in the legacy of John R. Saunders ’71, an alumnus who has sponsored many of Eckerd’s programs and facilities.
“I think I got a better education there than I did at University of Pennsylvania, which, of course, is Ivy League,” said Saunders about his time as a student at Eckerd.
Saunders’ life has been filled with many successes, including his business in the coin collection industry with locations both in the United States and the United Kingdom. He is also a commercial real estate owner in Southern California.
Despite his business dealings, Saunders has been involved with Eckered since joining the Board of Trustees in 2005.
“John R. Saunders is an individual who deeply cares about higher education,” said Jamey Handorf, assistant vice president of auxiliary operations.
While a member of the Student Life Committee, Saunders used his experience as a student to better relate to current issues on campus. A notable instance of this was a meeting in which the committee discussed the Resident Assistant budget, which at that time, was $150 per RA.
Upon hearing from the RA’s themselves, Saunders recognized that this amount significantly restricted the RAs’ ability to build community and offer support to their residents. This led to his self-funded proposal to double the budget, donating $10,000 annually to fund it. Later, he would come to serve as the chair of the Student Life Committee, further channeling his energy into a personal element of Eckerd.
“I just thought if there’s anything I can do to contribute, either occasionally some money, but often just being active to encourage more,” said Saunders on another one of his donations to sponsor the facilities upgrades. This principle was what landed him the status he holds on the Board of Trustees, and formerly as chair of the Student Life Department.
Over the years, Saunders donations have added up to mean a great deal to the Eckerd community, adding up to over $1 million in the 55 years since he graduated. He said that $5 million will be donated to Eckerd College after his death.
Long-standing in his financial support, Saunders has been recognized as one of Eckerd’s most prominent identified alumni donors. This consistent generosity was recognized long before the new cafeteria, and the school had him at the top of their list when naming the building.
In a February email sent by President James Annarelli to the Eckerd community, he shared a Board of Trustees resolution about the importance of the cafeteria as a gathering place.
“It is therefore fitting that this central place bears the name of an alumnus who has an unwavering commitment to supporting the experience of all Eckerd College students,” the board resolution stated.
Saunders’ reaction to Eckerd’s long-lasting demonstration of appreciation was a testament to his character, as Handorf said that Saunders was “deeply moved and close to tears” when being informed of the decision.