Hazel Z. and George F. Baughman, M.D., created this fund in 1996 in conjunction with the establishment of the Baughman Meditation Center, an intimate shelter for contemplation, performing arts events and celebration. The fund supports instructional and program activities for the Center.

George was born July 19,1915 in Tampa, FL. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1937, a law degree in 1939 and a juris doctor in 1967.

In 1941, Baughman became associate professor of Business Law and Insurance at UF. While at UF, he founded the Baughman Center Chapel on Lake Alice. After serving in WWII as a naval officer, Baughman returned to UF in 1946 where he served as vice president of business affairs until 1955.

Baughman later became the business manager of New York University. He had reached the rank of vice president and treasurer of NYU when he left in 1961 to found New College in Sarasota, FL. The university was intended to bridge the cultures of North and Latin America. Baughman served as president until 1965 when he returned to Gainesville.

He and Hazel, his wife of 64 years, had two daughters, Sharon Campion and Gaye Wood. Baughman passed away December 24, 2004 in Gainesville, FL. Hazel resides at Oak Hammock and will be 96 in August of 2010.