In what he called his last public speech, Palm Beach Atlantic University's founding board chairman Dr. Donald Warren on Tuesday called on his successors to continue leading students on a path of morality.Dr. Warren, a retired cardiologist, said that he and Dr. Jess Moody, former pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, founded PBA more than 40 years ago out of concerns about the moral decline of America. They also were dismayed by the increasing number of colleges and universities that had left their Christian roots.
"It dawned on me American needed a trail to follow back to the morality of the past," Dr. Warren said during the University's annual Founders Day chapel in the Rubin Arena.
Dr. Warren said that while the campus has seen significant improvements over the years, those changes aren't the most important thing. "The only product we have are the students, and they are America's future," he said.
Speaking directly to the students, Dr. Warren said that God calls everyone. Young people might not realize the talents they have, but as they use them, they will grow, he said.
He advised students to "turn off your gadgets" on a regular basis in order to have quiet time to hear God speak.
"You will be stronger, America will be stronger and God will be pleased," he said.
The Founders Day event was sponsored by the University's Alumni Association. Among those in attendance were Dr. Moody and several trustees, alumni and invited guests. The program included a performance of "The Impossible Dream" by Dr. Moody, his son Patrick and Dr. Lloyd Mims, dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts. The song was the University's original alma mater.
Also, Dr. Warren's grandson, current PBA student Kyle Singerman, read the opening scripture from the book of Proverbs.
Dr. Warren and his wife, Bebe, have lived in Palm Beach County since 1956. Dr. Warren built a cardiology practice that included some of the wealthiest and most influential men and women in the country.
He is the founding president of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He also has served on the executive committees and board of governors for both St. Mary's and Good Samaritan medical centers, as well as on the board of governors for the former Intracoastal Health Systems.
Dr. Warren was PBA's board chairman from 1968 until he became a life trustee upon his retirement in 2006. The campus library is named for the Warrens.
He also is the author of the recently published book "Miracles and Wonders: A Chronicle of Palm Beach Atlantic University."
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