University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee loses a dedicated friend of the campus

SARASOTA, FL (September 14, 2006) – H. Parker Lansdale donated much of his time and money to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee – but it was his heartfelt love that he contributed most. When Lansdale passed away in July of this year at the age of 83, he left behind a legacy of good will and a dedication to the USF regional campus here.

Starting in 1995, he and his wife Dorothy sent monthly gifts to the USF Foundation to financially support the college, and in 2006 donated a gift which qualified for a 100% state match to enhance the new facility.  Lansdale continues to give to USF Sarasota-Manatee through his estate, and in recognition of their contributions, he and his wife have been commemorated in the College of Arts and Sciences wing at USF Sarasota-Manatee, with the naming of the Dorothy P. Lansdale, RN and Rev. H. Parker Lansdale PhD. Faculty Office.

Since the early 1980’s, he supported the College of Arts and Sciences and was one of the founding members of the USF Senior Academy – which is now known as the USF Academy of Lifelong Learning.  

Lansdale had always been a tireless advocate and worker for the YMCA, and after his “retirement” in 1983, he and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Sarasota from Connecticut.  While in Sarasota, Lansdale continued to follow his YMCA work and then became involved with USF Sarasota-Manatee. 

“Parker was a listener, a gentleman, and a committed educator,” said Dr. Laurey Stryker, Campus CEO.  “He never lost his zest for life and was a faithful friend of the campus.”

Even though he was never employed by USF Sarasota-Manatee, he did hold an office on the campus. 

“Parker knew a lot of people,” said Dr. Robert Barylski, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and former dean of USF Sarasota-Manatee.  “He was a big deal in the YMCA and knew people all over the world.  While he was here he wrote a manuscript of the history of the YMCA and helped us network within the community.  He viewed USF Sarasota-Manatee as a gift to the community.”

Lansdale wore many hats in his lifetime, as YMCA director, minister, a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, historian, educator, board member, administrator and an advocate of higher education.  He was involved with countless community organizations that he led, supported, and helped to grow.  In his home state of Connecticut, he was involved with the Bridgeport YMCA, United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, the Rotary Club of Bridgeport, Park City Hospital, Bridgeport Model Cities, Connecticut Health Plan, and a myriad of other organizations.

In the later years of his life, Lansdale enjoyed yachting, a love of the water and spending time with Dorothy, his wife of 30 years, in Milford, Connecticut.  He had seven children and six grandchildren, many of whom lived near him.

“My dad was the most unselfish person that society will ever know,” said his son Todd Lansdale.  “He had a true love for the community and never looked for any gratification.”

 “Educational leadership meant so much to him, and we are proud that he will be recognized by future generations of students, faculty and staff on our campus,” Stryker said.

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for people with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree who are interested in getting a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit.  The regional campus offers the prestige of a national Research 1 university with the convenience of a hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at the Manatee Community College Venice site.