1 00:01:19,212 --> 00:01:19,279 [music 2 00:01:19,279 --> 00:03:05,919 playing] 3 00:06:39,232 --> 00:08:27,440 We have visiting today 4 00:08:28,474 --> 00:08:30,576 from the City Council, the honorable Don Davis. 5 00:08:30,576 --> 00:08:32,578 Don, if you could stand and wave, please? 6 00:08:33,546 --> 00:08:35,214 Nice to have you here, Don. 7 00:08:35,214 --> 00:08:38,818 [applause] I've been looking for other politicians, 8 00:08:38,818 --> 00:08:40,419 are there any others in the audience, 9 00:08:40,419 --> 00:08:42,822 if you would raise your hand, we'd like to recognize you? 10 00:08:45,725 --> 00:08:48,661 I'd like to thank the band, The President's 11 00:08:48,661 --> 00:08:51,797 Trio, for presenting their music under the direction of Kevin Bales. 12 00:08:51,797 --> 00:08:54,433 [applause] Thank you. 13 00:08:56,502 --> 00:08:58,971 We're very proud of our 14 00:08:59,071 --> 00:09:02,441 UNF jazz program, and they've received an awful lot of national recognition 15 00:09:02,441 --> 00:09:03,409 and they're fine young musicians. 16 00:09:03,409 --> 00:09:06,679 They leave here, they go to places like Las Vegas and 17 00:09:07,680 --> 00:09:10,816 New York and New Orleans for great jobs, so we're very proud of them. 18 00:09:12,585 --> 00:09:14,921 Also on the back of your program 19 00:09:14,921 --> 00:09:17,423 is a listing of the various companies that have helped today, 20 00:09:17,423 --> 00:09:19,492 if you would take a look at that and thank them. 21 00:09:19,492 --> 00:09:22,962 There is a camera on a blimp floating around here, so be careful what you do. 22 00:09:28,034 --> 00:09:30,069 October 2nd, 1972 began 23 00:09:30,069 --> 00:09:32,271 pretty much like every other day in Jacksonville. 24 00:09:33,205 --> 00:09:35,641 Those persons reading the Florida Times Union over their early 25 00:09:35,641 --> 00:09:39,946 morning coffee were greeted with a headline that read, "Waves of U.S. 26 00:09:39,946 --> 00:09:44,550 bombers hit targets near Saigon." Other stories included, 27 00:09:44,817 --> 00:09:47,420 and this was a little unknown one, apparently at the time. 28 00:09:47,954 --> 00:09:52,892 "Watergate probe now as seen peril to case." "McGovern has plan on war." 29 00:09:53,759 --> 00:09:56,195 "The university system is still growing 30 00:09:56,195 --> 00:10:00,399 and the jump to 87,000 students because of the addition of FIU 31 00:10:00,399 --> 00:10:03,636 and UNF up almost 9000 students from the previous year." 32 00:10:04,303 --> 00:10:07,607 Today, we have over 200,000 students in the state university system. 33 00:10:08,541 --> 00:10:11,477 Another headline said "City ranks 37th in the nation 34 00:10:11,844 --> 00:10:15,848 for median income among 50 largest cities." Guess what? 35 00:10:15,848 --> 00:10:21,520 The median income was in Jacksonville in 1972 to $8,671. 36 00:10:22,622 --> 00:10:23,155 "Regents to 37 00:10:23,155 --> 00:10:25,558 hear a report on dorm visitation plan." 38 00:10:26,192 --> 00:10:29,762 The almost blasphemous thing of letting coed visits 39 00:10:29,762 --> 00:10:32,965 occur in dormitories had just been implemented in the fall of '72. 40 00:10:32,965 --> 00:10:36,202 In the Secretary of State Richard Stone was calling for two investigations. 41 00:10:36,202 --> 00:10:38,170 To be sure, there was nothing going on. 42 00:10:38,170 --> 00:10:40,473 So times have changed. 43 00:10:41,907 --> 00:10:44,910 October 3rd was the second primary for the elections, 44 00:10:44,910 --> 00:10:45,645 and among those 45 00:10:45,645 --> 00:10:48,881 with paid political advertisements or mentioned in the paper were Eric 46 00:10:48,881 --> 00:10:52,618 Smith, Bruce Smathers, Bill Basford, Ted Alvarez, 47 00:10:53,019 --> 00:10:55,388 Frank Hampton, Maddocks Hair and Bill Burchfield. 48 00:10:56,689 --> 00:11:00,126 The ads on that day invited you to stop by the A&P grocery 49 00:11:00,126 --> 00:11:02,428 store to buy chicken at $0.29 a pound. 50 00:11:02,928 --> 00:11:08,000 You could get a box of 200 Kleenex for $0.29, and a large dozen of eggs was $0.49. 51 00:11:09,001 --> 00:11:11,370 You could go to Ivy's then across the street 52 00:11:11,370 --> 00:11:16,175 from Heming Plaza and get an imported sport coat for $44.99. 53 00:11:16,442 --> 00:11:21,113 I'm sure it was double knit polyester and if you were a smart shopper, 54 00:11:21,113 --> 00:11:24,917 you could get a new twelve volt battery for your car for $10.99. 55 00:11:25,184 --> 00:11:27,920 But the special of the day probably was at the Woolworth's diner 56 00:11:28,654 --> 00:11:31,023 where for you could get roast turkey 57 00:11:31,023 --> 00:11:34,460 dinner and a 16 ounce Coca-Cola for $1.19. 58 00:11:34,927 --> 00:11:37,963 And as a special bonus, you got to keep the placemat. So 59 00:11:39,198 --> 00:11:42,168 but the most striking thing about the October 2, 1972 60 00:11:42,168 --> 00:11:43,803 issue of the Times Union was the fact 61 00:11:43,803 --> 00:11:47,073 that there was only one reference to the first day of classes at UNF, 62 00:11:47,573 --> 00:11:50,943 and it was actually in an editorial on the growth of the university system. 63 00:11:52,178 --> 00:11:52,845 On October 64 00:11:52,845 --> 00:11:55,481 3rd, again, there was one little story with no picture. 65 00:11:55,981 --> 00:11:57,950 The title of the story was simply UNF. 66 00:11:57,950 --> 00:12:00,252 Opening is a piece of cake. 67 00:12:00,252 --> 00:12:03,622 President Tom Carpenter of the University of North Florida cut a cake Monday, 68 00:12:03,856 --> 00:12:05,825 the first day of school at the new campus off 69 00:12:05,825 --> 00:12:09,795 Saint John's, Bluff road in a news conference, afterwards, Carpenter 70 00:12:09,795 --> 00:12:13,699 stated, "The opening day of classes is an historic and memorable one. 71 00:12:14,233 --> 00:12:17,503 It is the end of a long and complex phase of planning and development, 72 00:12:18,170 --> 00:12:21,907 but its larger significance is a beginning, a beginning of a new 73 00:12:21,907 --> 00:12:25,745 and richer educational vista for all the people of this region." 74 00:12:26,912 --> 00:12:29,882 Yes, the long awaited opportunity to attend a state university 75 00:12:29,882 --> 00:12:31,350 in Jacksonville had arrived. 76 00:12:31,350 --> 00:12:34,653 For the first few years, three fourths of UNF's graduates 77 00:12:34,987 --> 00:12:37,723 were the first in their families to receive a college degree. 78 00:12:38,724 --> 00:12:39,091 At every 79 00:12:39,091 --> 00:12:41,827 commencement, we'd get seven to ten people per graduate. 80 00:12:42,061 --> 00:12:44,730 Or you could hear cries of way to go, mom. 81 00:12:45,164 --> 00:12:47,533 Or better yet, way to go, grandma. 82 00:12:47,533 --> 00:12:49,034 Those were my favorites. 83 00:12:49,034 --> 00:12:52,438 What a rewarding experience we young professors had, seeing the joy 84 00:12:52,438 --> 00:12:55,741 and the pride of our students' faces and being introduced to their families 85 00:12:55,741 --> 00:12:59,044 after the ceremony as someone who had helped shape their lives. 86 00:13:00,079 --> 00:13:04,216 That's why I came to UNF 25 years ago to spend three years. 87 00:13:05,618 --> 00:13:09,188 I was very proud of the work at UNF, with a hand-picked faculty 88 00:13:09,421 --> 00:13:12,324 and a staff recruited from the best universities across the country. 89 00:13:12,324 --> 00:13:16,896 The UNF family in 1972 was few in number but enthusiastic. 90 00:13:17,530 --> 00:13:20,633 It was an honor to be with colleagues who were offered the once in a lifetime 91 00:13:20,633 --> 00:13:24,270 opportunity to be the charter members of UNF's faculty and staff. 92 00:13:25,337 --> 00:13:26,205 I'm even more proud 93 00:13:26,205 --> 00:13:30,810 today as I look at the almost 100 of you present and see what a great university 94 00:13:30,810 --> 00:13:34,780 has been built on the foundation you laid 25 years ago. 95 00:13:35,648 --> 00:13:39,051 I think you will agree with me when I say that UNF has risen way 96 00:13:39,051 --> 00:13:43,222 beyond our greatest expectations in this relatively short period of time. 97 00:13:44,190 --> 00:13:46,625 We're pleased that you, the founders of UNF 98 00:13:46,992 --> 00:13:50,462 and all of our special guests today, staff, students and community members 99 00:13:50,930 --> 00:13:54,233 are here today to commemorate the first quarter century. 100 00:13:54,733 --> 00:13:57,269 Happy birthday, UNF! 101 00:13:57,403 --> 00:13:59,438 Thank you. 102 00:13:59,438 --> 00:14:02,975 [applause] Now, 103 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:05,010 the charter members of the faculty 104 00:14:05,010 --> 00:14:07,012 and staff who are still employed at the university 105 00:14:07,012 --> 00:14:09,114 and have been in continuous service for 25 years 106 00:14:09,114 --> 00:14:10,983 will be introduced later in the program. 107 00:14:10,983 --> 00:14:14,453 But we do have guests who have returned from as far away as downstate, 108 00:14:14,920 --> 00:14:16,522 and I'd like to just call the names 109 00:14:16,522 --> 00:14:19,992 of those people who are here as our special guests ask them to stand 110 00:14:20,359 --> 00:14:23,662 in place and wait until I've finished and we'll give them a round of applause. 111 00:14:24,330 --> 00:14:24,864 First, Dr. 112 00:14:24,864 --> 00:14:25,564 Roy Lassiter, 113 00:14:25,564 --> 00:14:29,869 the original Dean of Faculties and vice president for Academic Affairs. 114 00:14:29,869 --> 00:14:31,737 [applause]. 115 00:14:31,737 --> 00:14:35,307 All right, you get one of those don't apply it any more until I tell you. 116 00:14:35,307 --> 00:14:38,611 Alice White, dean of the College of Education. 117 00:14:38,611 --> 00:14:42,448 James Parish, dean of the School of Business, College of Business. 118 00:14:43,382 --> 00:14:45,517 Jim Haywood, vice president for Administration. 119 00:14:46,652 --> 00:14:48,921 Robert Mitchell, dean of Continuing Education 120 00:14:48,921 --> 00:14:51,156 and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. 121 00:14:52,424 --> 00:14:55,394 Curtis Bullock, vice president for Administration and Finance. 122 00:14:55,394 --> 00:14:58,631 Emma Faye from the music department 123 00:14:58,764 --> 00:15:01,967 and others, I believe Edith Schubert from Student Affairs. 124 00:15:03,068 --> 00:15:05,971 Sandy Moody-Markham, she had a real tough job. 125 00:15:06,005 --> 00:15:08,574 She was my first secretary. 126 00:15:08,574 --> 00:15:10,976 Charles Jones, Professor of Accounting. 127 00:15:10,976 --> 00:15:12,678 Gertie Weeks-Walker. 128 00:15:12,678 --> 00:15:15,414 Gertie ran Roy Lasseter's office. 129 00:15:16,682 --> 00:15:18,717 Marion Austin from the police department. 130 00:15:19,818 --> 00:15:23,122 Leo Myers from Finance and Accounting. 131 00:15:23,122 --> 00:15:25,758 Michael van Daltron from purchasing. 132 00:15:25,758 --> 00:15:28,661 Cathy van Daltron from purchasing. 133 00:15:28,661 --> 00:15:30,863 John Leson, Professor of Mathematics. 134 00:15:32,064 --> 00:15:34,199 Jim Weeks, the first admissions director. 135 00:15:35,367 --> 00:15:38,037 Skip Livingston, the first public relations director. 136 00:15:38,470 --> 00:15:40,739 And I'm sure there are a couple of others. 137 00:15:40,739 --> 00:15:43,008 If you would please stand because I just took this off 138 00:15:43,008 --> 00:15:46,312 the list of people who responded, Let's have a round of applause for these people. 139 00:15:46,312 --> 00:15:46,512 [applause] 140 00:15:55,054 --> 00:15:57,022 At this time, I would like to call on Dr. 141 00:15:57,022 --> 00:16:00,326 Pierre Allaire, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and also 142 00:16:00,326 --> 00:16:03,829 chair of the UNF 25th Anniversary Committee, for his comments. 143 00:16:10,736 --> 00:16:12,171 Thank you, Tom. 144 00:16:13,339 --> 00:16:16,475 On February 8, 1996, 145 00:16:17,209 --> 00:16:21,747 eleven faculty, staff and students and volunteers gathered in the arena 146 00:16:21,747 --> 00:16:26,118 just behind me to begin planning the 25th anniversary year. 147 00:16:27,152 --> 00:16:29,989 The committee eventually grew to 30 volunteers 148 00:16:29,989 --> 00:16:34,727 who have worked hard to make our silver anniversary year, one to remember 149 00:16:35,194 --> 00:16:38,130 and one for which we would be and are very proud. 150 00:16:39,431 --> 00:16:43,235 From the beginning, October 2ne was a key date. 151 00:16:44,236 --> 00:16:48,207 Andrew Farkas was passionate about the significance of this date 152 00:16:48,707 --> 00:16:53,112 because he and several hundred others were here when the doors opened. 153 00:16:53,912 --> 00:16:57,416 They experienced something few people in this country 154 00:16:57,416 --> 00:17:02,454 have experienced in the last 25 years, and that is the birth of a university. 155 00:17:04,156 --> 00:17:07,226 20 months have gone by since our first committee meeting, 156 00:17:07,793 --> 00:17:11,096 and we are still passionate and enthusiastic about what 157 00:17:11,096 --> 00:17:15,567 we are doing to plan this year and for the more than 50 events 158 00:17:15,567 --> 00:17:19,738 that have been held or will be held in all of 1997, 159 00:17:19,738 --> 00:17:22,041 both at UNF and in our community. 160 00:17:22,908 --> 00:17:26,045 At this time, I'd like to ask the 25th Anniversary 161 00:17:26,045 --> 00:17:28,747 Committee those members who are here to please stand 162 00:17:29,314 --> 00:17:31,617 and also for the committee. 163 00:17:31,884 --> 00:17:35,788 The October 2nd Birthday Sub-Committee, if they would also stand and wave 164 00:17:35,788 --> 00:17:39,525 and be recognized. 165 00:17:39,525 --> 00:17:43,062 [applause] 166 00:17:43,062 --> 00:17:47,332 In particular, 167 00:17:47,633 --> 00:17:50,669 Geraldine Collins of the Library chaired this effort, 168 00:17:50,669 --> 00:17:53,806 and I'd like Geraldine to wave, and she's right over here in the blue dress. 169 00:17:53,839 --> 00:17:56,475 Great job, Geraldine. 170 00:17:56,475 --> 00:18:02,781 [applause] If you have an opportunity today to drive 171 00:18:02,815 --> 00:18:08,387 by one of the dozen or so daily billboards around Jacksonville, please take a look. 172 00:18:09,388 --> 00:18:12,424 We wanted to share this moment with all of our people. 173 00:18:12,424 --> 00:18:14,493 All of our folks in the First Coast region, 174 00:18:14,493 --> 00:18:19,231 our alumni and friends who couldn't be with us today, and the signs read 175 00:18:19,231 --> 00:18:22,367 as follows, "25 years ago, 176 00:18:22,367 --> 00:18:25,070 the University of North Florida opened its doors. 177 00:18:25,671 --> 00:18:27,940 Happy birthday UNF". 178 00:18:27,940 --> 00:18:29,141 Thank you and have a great day. 179 00:18:29,141 --> 00:18:29,441 [applause] 180 00:18:35,380 --> 00:18:37,983 And now I'd like to introduce our next speaker, 181 00:18:38,717 --> 00:18:43,021 someone who's been an outstanding leader and an outstanding cheerleader 182 00:18:43,021 --> 00:18:46,091 for Jacksonville, our mayor, the honorable John A. 183 00:18:46,091 --> 00:18:49,094 Delaney. 184 00:18:49,094 --> 00:18:55,067 [applause] I 185 00:18:55,501 --> 00:18:59,972 I first came to Jacksonville, moved here in 1972, 186 00:19:00,539 --> 00:19:03,709 and I have to admit that I was about to go off to college, 187 00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:07,012 I kind of liked that idea of the coed dorm visitation back then. 188 00:19:07,846 --> 00:19:10,749 Now that I have two high school students about to go into college, I'd 189 00:19:10,749 --> 00:19:11,884 like to revisit that. 190 00:19:13,085 --> 00:19:14,219 Take a little different look at it. 191 00:19:14,219 --> 00:19:17,189 But it's amazing how your perspective can change down the years. 192 00:19:17,322 --> 00:19:19,691 I can remember driving down along J. 193 00:19:19,691 --> 00:19:20,726 Turner Butler back then, 194 00:19:20,726 --> 00:19:23,795 and you'd see the deer crossing the road and the Wildcats catching rabbits 195 00:19:24,963 --> 00:19:27,966 and to imagine that we have a campus here in the middle of Jacksonville, 196 00:19:27,966 --> 00:19:29,368 the heart of Jacksonville. 197 00:19:29,368 --> 00:19:31,470 It's actually in the middle of a nature preserve. 198 00:19:32,004 --> 00:19:34,840 Without a doubt, the prettiest campus in the state of Florida. 199 00:19:35,174 --> 00:19:37,910 Tremendous strides to be listed as one of the top 200 00:19:37,976 --> 00:19:40,612 or best values in the country for an education. 201 00:19:40,913 --> 00:19:43,582 One of the best academic institutions in the south. 202 00:19:43,882 --> 00:19:47,853 It's just an incredible development and transportation over this time. 203 00:19:47,853 --> 00:19:50,923 Right now to take a look at the impact that it's had. 204 00:19:50,923 --> 00:19:52,858 My next door neighbors, a professor out here. 205 00:19:52,858 --> 00:19:55,861 Every time I fly on a plane up from Miami, I'm flying 206 00:19:55,861 --> 00:19:58,797 with someone from South America or Central America, that's a student here. 207 00:19:59,198 --> 00:20:01,333 It's hard for me to interview anybody for a job that 208 00:20:01,333 --> 00:20:04,703 doesn't have a degree of one shape or form out of the University of North Florida. 209 00:20:05,103 --> 00:20:08,707 It's amazing the statement and the impact that this school on this campus 210 00:20:08,707 --> 00:20:10,242 is making on this community 211 00:20:10,242 --> 00:20:12,878 and the relationship between the two between the city, 212 00:20:13,145 --> 00:20:16,281 the city government, the community as a whole on this university, 213 00:20:16,515 --> 00:20:19,885 I think, is one of the strongest that I've seen of any university 214 00:20:19,885 --> 00:20:21,186 and college across the country 215 00:20:21,186 --> 00:20:24,890 with with their governmental institutions and community institutions. 216 00:20:24,890 --> 00:20:27,793 And much of that, of course, has to do with the tremendous leadership 217 00:20:27,793 --> 00:20:30,262 that's been here in the beginning and down the last few years. 218 00:20:30,896 --> 00:20:33,098 President Adam Herbert has had a wonderful relationship 219 00:20:33,532 --> 00:20:36,935 with my predecessor, mayors and and of course, with me, and he's a 220 00:20:37,169 --> 00:20:41,173 relentless promoter of this institution, and I like to brag about it too. 221 00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:42,808 I like to brag that the people 222 00:20:42,808 --> 00:20:46,778 that we recruit to come into Jacksonville can get a wonderful education education 223 00:20:46,778 --> 00:20:50,282 here, just a few minutes from their home that their kids can go here. 224 00:20:50,549 --> 00:20:54,620 They can pick up advanced degrees here that we have offerings 225 00:20:54,620 --> 00:20:57,522 here from education to engineering to business 226 00:20:57,923 --> 00:21:01,760 that really can help our businesses and our community to go ahead and develop. 227 00:21:02,361 --> 00:21:05,564 The law enforcement training program that's out here, the nursing, everything. 228 00:21:05,831 --> 00:21:08,533 It's just phenomenal in this short a period of time 229 00:21:08,834 --> 00:21:12,237 to make this much progress, to make this much of an impact 230 00:21:12,237 --> 00:21:15,641 on the community and to have this strong relationship with the community. 231 00:21:15,641 --> 00:21:18,844 And it's wonderful the people that have contributed to this down the years. 232 00:21:18,844 --> 00:21:24,216 And I'm just here to say to you, Happy birthday, God bless you. 233 00:21:24,216 --> 00:21:29,888 [applause] Thank you, 234 00:21:29,888 --> 00:21:32,090 Mayor Delaney, we're so pleased to have you here today. 235 00:21:32,924 --> 00:21:35,060 This time, it's a privilege for me to call on Dr. 236 00:21:35,060 --> 00:21:37,229 William Slaughter, a charter member of the faculty, 237 00:21:37,596 --> 00:21:39,931 who will read an original poem which he has composed, 238 00:21:39,931 --> 00:21:41,700 especially for the occasion. Bill. 239 00:21:51,043 --> 00:21:51,877 When President 240 00:21:51,877 --> 00:21:55,447 Herbert and Provost Kline asked me to write a poem 241 00:21:55,714 --> 00:21:58,650 celebrating UNF's 25th anniversary, 242 00:21:59,384 --> 00:22:02,554 I didn't say yes, of course right away. 243 00:22:03,188 --> 00:22:07,092 Rather, I said yes but we'll see. 244 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:11,096 Thinking the world already had quite enough poems in it 245 00:22:11,263 --> 00:22:13,832 didn't need another one for me. 246 00:22:13,832 --> 00:22:18,737 But wanting nonetheless to celebrate UNF's 25th anniversary 247 00:22:19,237 --> 00:22:21,807 and knowing that words are 248 00:22:21,807 --> 00:22:25,177 all I have to do it with. 249 00:22:25,577 --> 00:22:29,348 But they don't have to be my own words, do they? 250 00:22:30,315 --> 00:22:33,685 I'd always rather my students sing 251 00:22:34,286 --> 00:22:36,755 and sign for me. 252 00:22:36,755 --> 00:22:42,661 In the early '70s, Louise Rhodes was in her late 253 00:22:43,061 --> 00:22:47,099 seventies older than I was at the time, 254 00:22:47,332 --> 00:22:50,235 by half a century older than I am 255 00:22:50,235 --> 00:22:52,738 now, by a quarter century 256 00:22:53,572 --> 00:22:55,674 older than the century. 257 00:22:56,608 --> 00:23:00,145 A retired schoolteacher, math was her subject 258 00:23:00,679 --> 00:23:02,881 who had written poems all her life. 259 00:23:03,682 --> 00:23:06,385 Louise somehow found her way 260 00:23:06,818 --> 00:23:10,122 to my writing classes, where she wrote a book of poems. 261 00:23:10,555 --> 00:23:15,527 Cracker Girl published it, sold it out. 262 00:23:16,461 --> 00:23:18,930 And taught me along the way 263 00:23:19,731 --> 00:23:22,100 just what it means to sing. 264 00:23:23,235 --> 00:23:26,538 Here is the whole of one of Louise's poems. 265 00:23:27,906 --> 00:23:30,842 "Can't a person just sing 266 00:23:31,410 --> 00:23:35,480 not mean anything except a song? 267 00:23:37,115 --> 00:23:42,421 Memory is my third and inner ear listening." 268 00:23:43,088 --> 00:23:48,026 I can still hear Louise's voice older than the century, 269 00:23:48,393 --> 00:23:53,598 just singing her poem, celebrating her life 270 00:23:54,433 --> 00:23:56,968 and doing it at UNF. 271 00:23:58,737 --> 00:24:02,641 Valerie Anthony had already been Ophelia and Lady Macbeth 272 00:24:02,941 --> 00:24:07,746 by the time she came back to school in the early '90s to do an M.A. 273 00:24:08,013 --> 00:24:09,548 in English. 274 00:24:09,548 --> 00:24:13,452 She carried with her the weight of more language 275 00:24:13,718 --> 00:24:15,854 than she knew what to do with. 276 00:24:16,755 --> 00:24:20,492 I supervised her thesis, a collection of poems 277 00:24:20,659 --> 00:24:23,061 called Learning to Fall, 278 00:24:23,595 --> 00:24:26,331 in which she did not fall. 279 00:24:27,098 --> 00:24:29,568 This is my poem. 280 00:24:29,568 --> 00:24:31,536 Valerie wrote it for me. 281 00:24:33,371 --> 00:24:36,241 "The man who hears voices, 282 00:24:36,241 --> 00:24:39,478 I stumbled into your room of books, 283 00:24:39,978 --> 00:24:43,415 sleepwalking so many years voiceless 284 00:24:43,715 --> 00:24:46,117 in a dream without language, 285 00:24:46,885 --> 00:24:49,221 you did not let me sleep, 286 00:24:49,221 --> 00:24:51,690 but nudged me toward words. 287 00:24:52,457 --> 00:24:56,628 I awoke and signed my name to my life. 288 00:24:58,396 --> 00:24:59,631 Signature, S.B. 289 00:24:59,631 --> 00:25:03,134 Stoer and mark of value, how many lives 290 00:25:03,468 --> 00:25:06,338 go unsigned?" Not Valerie's. 291 00:25:06,805 --> 00:25:12,310 As I write this, she is a university fellow at FSU Wide Awake and writing her 292 00:25:12,310 --> 00:25:17,849 dissertation, a personal memoir My Sister's Shadow for the Ph.D. 293 00:25:17,949 --> 00:25:19,751 in English. 294 00:25:19,885 --> 00:25:22,220 Louise Rhodes and Valerie 295 00:25:22,220 --> 00:25:25,690 Anthony stand in today for all the other students 296 00:25:25,690 --> 00:25:30,762 I've had at UNF, whose poems and lives are in me 297 00:25:31,663 --> 00:25:33,798 for 25 years now. 298 00:25:33,798 --> 00:25:37,168 They have taught me and taught me well. 299 00:25:38,670 --> 00:25:42,107 Language is fossil poetry. 300 00:25:42,574 --> 00:25:47,245 We do not all write poems, but we are all poets. 301 00:25:48,346 --> 00:25:51,049 Can't we all just sing 302 00:25:51,750 --> 00:25:55,287 not mean anything except a song? 303 00:25:56,555 --> 00:25:59,391 Sign our names to our lives. 304 00:26:00,392 --> 00:26:08,900 And do it at UNF. 305 00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:14,773 [applause] Thank you very much, Bill. 306 00:26:15,540 --> 00:26:19,044 No university can prosper without a strong alumni association, 307 00:26:19,277 --> 00:26:22,247 and at UNF, we're very pleased that over the last couple of years 308 00:26:22,747 --> 00:26:23,748 the alumni have started 309 00:26:23,748 --> 00:26:25,817 new chapters in every major city in the state 310 00:26:25,817 --> 00:26:28,219 as well as Atlanta and are moving to Washington, D.C. 311 00:26:28,219 --> 00:26:28,887 soon. 312 00:26:29,054 --> 00:26:32,891 Here today, representing the UNF Alumni Association, Mr. 313 00:26:32,924 --> 00:26:36,394 Ray Beck. 314 00:26:36,394 --> 00:26:39,698 [applause] 315 00:26:39,698 --> 00:26:43,368 Thank you, Tom. 316 00:26:45,003 --> 00:26:45,403 first of all, 317 00:26:45,403 --> 00:26:48,907 I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the 25th Anniversary Committee 318 00:26:49,374 --> 00:26:52,510 for providing me with the opportunity to come here today and say a few words 319 00:26:53,144 --> 00:26:56,047 about my favorite university, the University of North Florida. 320 00:26:57,315 --> 00:26:58,016 When they told me, 321 00:26:58,016 --> 00:27:01,252 I only had a few minutes to stand up here and tell you of all the good things. 322 00:27:01,820 --> 00:27:04,055 I thought to myself how the world was I going to do that? 323 00:27:05,023 --> 00:27:06,124 How am I going to talk about 324 00:27:06,124 --> 00:27:08,860 the best kept secret in the southeast in that short of time? 325 00:27:10,028 --> 00:27:12,731 Well, luckily for all of you, the agenda wouldn't allow me 326 00:27:12,731 --> 00:27:16,201 to spend too much time up here, so I'm going to keep my comments brief. 327 00:27:18,236 --> 00:27:20,805 Before I start, though, I'd like to take a short survey 328 00:27:21,940 --> 00:27:24,609 with everyone in the audience who is a native of Jacksonville, 329 00:27:24,609 --> 00:27:27,045 please raise your hand. 330 00:27:29,114 --> 00:27:30,482 Not too many 331 00:27:30,482 --> 00:27:33,518 think that's a good indication of how the city has grown and changed. 332 00:27:34,686 --> 00:27:38,256 Well, I'm a native of Jacksonville, and I have lived here all my life. 333 00:27:39,257 --> 00:27:42,127 During that time, I've watched Jacksonville grow and prosper 334 00:27:42,127 --> 00:27:45,430 and become one of the top ten best cities in the USA to live in. In 335 00:27:47,799 --> 00:27:48,667 addition to watching 336 00:27:48,667 --> 00:27:52,137 Jacksonville grow, I've also watched while UNF was being built. 337 00:27:54,606 --> 00:27:55,507 I've watched it become one of 338 00:27:55,507 --> 00:27:57,976 the best universities in the southeast and in the nation. 339 00:27:59,911 --> 00:28:02,714 I was unable to attend UNF for my undergraduate degree, 340 00:28:03,181 --> 00:28:05,984 but I did earn my graduate degree here in 1981. 341 00:28:07,052 --> 00:28:10,321 Since that time, I have watched the value of that degree continue 342 00:28:10,321 --> 00:28:13,458 to increase along with the reputation of this university 343 00:28:14,092 --> 00:28:17,662 as an institution which provides exceptional educational opportunities. 344 00:28:19,297 --> 00:28:23,301 I am convinced that my UNF degree has provided me with opportunities 345 00:28:23,702 --> 00:28:27,439 that I would otherwise not have had without it. 346 00:28:27,439 --> 00:28:30,075 Now you probably think I'm a little bit biased, 347 00:28:30,075 --> 00:28:32,911 but just to prove I'm not, I want to share a few statistics with you. 348 00:28:34,979 --> 00:28:37,716 First, Money magazine's guide to the best colleges 349 00:28:37,716 --> 00:28:41,886 rated UNF as one of the top ten public commuter universities in the nation. 350 00:28:43,188 --> 00:28:43,888 U.S. News 351 00:28:43,888 --> 00:28:47,125 and World Report rated UNF as one of the top ten best buys 352 00:28:47,692 --> 00:28:50,862 among regional universities in the South and academically 353 00:28:50,862 --> 00:28:53,765 in a top 30 colleges and universities in the South. 354 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:58,970 The mean SAT score for the 1997 freshman 355 00:28:58,970 --> 00:29:03,842 class was 1120 with a GPA of 3.34. 356 00:29:03,842 --> 00:29:08,947 Students enrolled in the honors program had a mean SAT of 1300 357 00:29:08,947 --> 00:29:11,783 with a mean GPA of 4.24. 358 00:29:13,985 --> 00:29:16,721 We don't only excel at academics, but also in sports. 359 00:29:17,689 --> 00:29:21,526 UNF boasts NCAA Division two National Championships 360 00:29:22,060 --> 00:29:24,763 in 1991 and 1993 in men's golf. 361 00:29:25,396 --> 00:29:28,633 And in 1986 in 1994 in women's tennis. 362 00:29:30,301 --> 00:29:32,971 UNF's jazz program is one of the best in the nation. 363 00:29:33,905 --> 00:29:37,442 The jazz ensemble was invited to the 1997 Montreau Jazz Festival 364 00:29:37,442 --> 00:29:41,279 in Switzerland, and Downbeat Magazine describes the program 365 00:29:41,279 --> 00:29:42,781 as where the pros go to school. 366 00:29:45,650 --> 00:29:46,351 I could go on and 367 00:29:46,351 --> 00:29:48,753 on and on with a lot of statistics, but I think you get the point. 368 00:29:49,420 --> 00:29:53,391 I believe that UNF is one of the best kept secrets in the South and in the nation 369 00:29:53,992 --> 00:29:56,828 and one of the best universities in the southeast and in the nation. 370 00:29:58,429 --> 00:30:00,431 In closing, on behalf 371 00:30:00,431 --> 00:30:05,670 of the UNF National Alumni Association, I would like to wish all the students 372 00:30:05,670 --> 00:30:08,673 at UNF the best of luck in the pursuit 373 00:30:08,673 --> 00:30:11,676 of their educational excellence and in pursuit of their degree. 374 00:30:12,744 --> 00:30:15,680 I encourage you to take full advantage of all the outstanding 375 00:30:15,680 --> 00:30:19,184 educational opportunities and facilities here at UNF 376 00:30:19,184 --> 00:30:21,953 and to get involved in the many programs available to you. 377 00:30:23,254 --> 00:30:25,023 Also, after you graduate, 378 00:30:25,023 --> 00:30:27,125 don't forget the alumni association. 379 00:30:28,293 --> 00:30:31,329 I encourage your participation in this group 380 00:30:31,763 --> 00:30:34,666 and all the other many available programs available to the alumni. 381 00:30:35,700 --> 00:30:37,936 If you don't know anything else about the alumni association, 382 00:30:38,303 --> 00:30:40,972 please feel free to get a hold of Ron Naderson. 383 00:30:41,005 --> 00:30:43,007 He's our director of alumni services 384 00:30:43,007 --> 00:30:43,975 or any one of the members 385 00:30:43,975 --> 00:30:46,144 of the board of directors of the National Alumni Association. 386 00:30:47,045 --> 00:30:49,147 Thank you and good luck. 387 00:30:49,147 --> 00:30:54,118 [applause] Founding Director of libraries at UNF, Mr. 388 00:30:54,118 --> 00:30:56,554 Andrew Farkas. 389 00:30:56,554 --> 00:31:05,897 [applause] I cannot let this opportunity pass. 390 00:31:05,930 --> 00:31:08,967 In fact, I cannot let this occasion pass me by. 391 00:31:10,068 --> 00:31:13,638 Without recognizing personally on my part, Dr. 392 00:31:13,638 --> 00:31:15,373 Roy Lassiter, 393 00:31:15,640 --> 00:31:19,310 the founding academic vice president of this institution. 394 00:31:19,310 --> 00:31:24,349 A man who has been extremely capable in all his endeavors. 395 00:31:24,449 --> 00:31:28,186 And in fact, whatever he has touched in my belief, 396 00:31:28,319 --> 00:31:30,655 he has done as well or better than anyone else. 397 00:31:31,656 --> 00:31:33,658 He has only one, 398 00:31:34,025 --> 00:31:36,861 let's say, error in his whole career. 399 00:31:37,228 --> 00:31:39,330 And that should be noted now. 400 00:31:39,330 --> 00:31:42,233 He is the one who is responsible for me being here, 401 00:31:43,501 --> 00:31:45,837 and I'm quite sure he never lived it down. 402 00:31:46,671 --> 00:31:49,374 But on my part, I am extremely grateful 403 00:31:49,374 --> 00:31:53,544 for my opportunity that was given to me. 404 00:31:53,745 --> 00:31:58,149 The greatest professional challenge that the library director could ever have 405 00:31:58,149 --> 00:32:01,419 is starting an organization, starting a library from scratch. 406 00:32:01,986 --> 00:32:02,954 So thank you, Dr. 407 00:32:02,954 --> 00:32:04,022 Lassiter [applause]. 408 00:32:09,193 --> 00:32:11,796 I've also been asked to mention to you 409 00:32:11,796 --> 00:32:14,999 or introduce to you the time capsule 410 00:32:16,301 --> 00:32:18,636 when the committee got together and looked 411 00:32:18,636 --> 00:32:20,939 for ways to commemorate this occasion. 412 00:32:21,839 --> 00:32:24,275 The committee decided that perhaps a time capsule 413 00:32:24,275 --> 00:32:28,112 would be an appropriate gesture to future generations. 414 00:32:28,813 --> 00:32:31,983 And in the capsule we are putting have 415 00:32:31,983 --> 00:32:35,119 put and will continue to put the other end of this calendar year. 416 00:32:36,087 --> 00:32:38,222 Documents, letters 417 00:32:38,222 --> 00:32:40,725 and objects, perhaps books 418 00:32:41,559 --> 00:32:46,030 and maybe even messages to future generations 419 00:32:46,497 --> 00:32:51,102 will be open this time capsule as soon 25 years from now. 420 00:32:51,769 --> 00:32:55,373 So please let me take this occasion also to remind you 421 00:32:55,373 --> 00:32:57,842 that if there is anything else you would like to put in the time 422 00:32:57,842 --> 00:33:02,347 capsule, please do so before the end of 1997. 423 00:33:02,880 --> 00:33:06,184 The only stipulation is that the material could not be corrosive 424 00:33:06,184 --> 00:33:07,952 in nature or biodegradable. 425 00:33:09,520 --> 00:33:12,223 And I also have one more thing to share with you. 426 00:33:12,223 --> 00:33:13,524 I don't know if 427 00:33:13,524 --> 00:33:18,496 President Herbert is big on surprises, but we prepared a little surprise for him 428 00:33:18,496 --> 00:33:21,132 and in fact, the surprise for the rest of the institution. 429 00:33:21,966 --> 00:33:24,969 And this is something so recent that we have not been able 430 00:33:24,969 --> 00:33:28,539 to put it in the program, so we are literally wedging it in. 431 00:33:29,440 --> 00:33:32,744 Letters usually are delivered to the recipient first. 432 00:33:33,544 --> 00:33:37,982 But I assume we will be forgiven if this letter will be made public 433 00:33:37,982 --> 00:33:41,886 before it is actually delivered to the person to whom it is addressed. 434 00:33:42,754 --> 00:33:44,756 So let me read it to you: 435 00:33:45,590 --> 00:33:47,625 Dear President Herbert, 436 00:33:47,625 --> 00:33:50,895 as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the University 437 00:33:50,895 --> 00:33:54,866 of North Florida, opening its doors to its charter class. 438 00:33:55,266 --> 00:33:58,136 Those of us who joined UNF a quarter of a century ago, 439 00:33:58,770 --> 00:34:01,539 would like to mark the occasion with a special gesture. 440 00:34:01,539 --> 00:34:05,043 In recognition of this chronological milestone, 441 00:34:05,710 --> 00:34:10,014 several members of the charter faculty and staff decided to make the university 442 00:34:10,481 --> 00:34:13,785 a partial beneficiary of their individual estates. 443 00:34:13,785 --> 00:34:17,922 The pledge cards submitted to the institutional advancement represent 444 00:34:17,922 --> 00:34:23,261 a 44% participation of the 70 charter members currently employed, 445 00:34:23,995 --> 00:34:28,633 and the total amount pledged by the participants is $527,300. 446 00:34:28,633 --> 00:34:30,301 [applause] 447 00:34:39,210 --> 00:34:39,844 The fact that 448 00:34:39,844 --> 00:34:44,282 the initiative was launched only four weeks ago makes both the breadth 449 00:34:44,715 --> 00:34:48,920 of participation and the amounts pledged all the more remarkable. 450 00:34:49,754 --> 00:34:54,058 This generous response eloquently expresses our faith in this institution, 451 00:34:54,592 --> 00:34:58,329 its achievements, its potential and its future. 452 00:34:59,564 --> 00:35:02,834 As we devoted our intellectual powers and physical energies 453 00:35:02,834 --> 00:35:06,671 to the university's birth, flourishing and eventual success, 454 00:35:07,472 --> 00:35:10,808 we strove at all times to do our very best for our students. 455 00:35:12,043 --> 00:35:16,380 Our collective contribution is also an expression of our gratitude to UNF 456 00:35:16,380 --> 00:35:18,783 for giving us opportunities to grow, 457 00:35:19,484 --> 00:35:23,121 presenting us with challenges to meet and providing us 458 00:35:23,121 --> 00:35:26,524 not merely with a job but with a professional home. 459 00:35:27,825 --> 00:35:31,996 We hope to have set an example to emulate for those who come after us, 460 00:35:32,463 --> 00:35:34,198 and we are confident that future 461 00:35:34,198 --> 00:35:37,168 generations of students will benefit from our generosity. 462 00:35:37,969 --> 00:35:40,738 We wish the University of North Florida and its employees 463 00:35:40,738 --> 00:35:43,407 a happy birthday and continued success. 464 00:35:43,908 --> 00:35:48,479 Sincerely, the charter faculty and staff of the University of North Florida. 465 00:35:48,479 --> 00:35:49,814 [applause] Thank you. 466 00:35:56,687 --> 00:35:59,023 Thank you very much, Andrew, that's a very nice announcement. 467 00:35:59,190 --> 00:36:01,459 And I saw in the paper this morning, Mr. 468 00:36:01,459 --> 00:36:03,461 Mayor, that you need about half of that for your campaign, 469 00:36:03,461 --> 00:36:05,129 we might be able to work a deal. 470 00:36:05,129 --> 00:36:10,334 [laughter] Being chosen by your colleagues to be their leader is is a great honor. 471 00:36:10,601 --> 00:36:12,904 Our next speaker is just that type of person. 472 00:36:13,638 --> 00:36:14,605 Today we have Dr. 473 00:36:14,605 --> 00:36:15,840 Christine Rasche speaking 474 00:36:15,840 --> 00:36:19,443 both as a charter member of the faculty and president of the faculty association. 475 00:36:19,710 --> 00:36:23,548 Chris. 476 00:36:23,548 --> 00:36:27,385 [applause] 477 00:36:27,385 --> 00:36:31,556 Thank you, Dr. 478 00:36:31,556 --> 00:36:32,290 Healy. 479 00:36:32,490 --> 00:36:35,159 It is a great honor to be here today, 480 00:36:35,159 --> 00:36:39,864 representing both the faculty association and the charter faculty of the University 481 00:36:39,864 --> 00:36:43,734 of North Florida on the occasion of the university's 25th anniversary. 482 00:36:45,236 --> 00:36:47,672 As a matter of fact, it's fairly amazing to be here today. 483 00:36:48,573 --> 00:36:53,511 If anybody had told me 25 years ago that I would be standing here today, 484 00:36:53,511 --> 00:36:57,248 representing the faculty and giving some remarks on the occasion 485 00:36:57,248 --> 00:37:01,686 of the university's 25th anniversary, well it would have been unimaginable. 486 00:37:03,120 --> 00:37:05,990 It would have been unimaginable for one thing, because this very spot 487 00:37:05,990 --> 00:37:08,392 where we stand today, I think, was a woodsy swamp. 488 00:37:09,994 --> 00:37:14,532 The entire university on October 2, 1972, correct me if I'm wrong, 489 00:37:14,865 --> 00:37:17,368 consisted of one office building, two classroom buildings, 490 00:37:17,368 --> 00:37:19,971 a library, a few support buildings, a couple of parking lots 491 00:37:20,438 --> 00:37:22,640 at the northern half of university drive over here. 492 00:37:23,808 --> 00:37:26,143 It took less than five minutes to walk slowly 493 00:37:26,143 --> 00:37:29,680 from the most northern building on campus to its most southern one. 494 00:37:29,680 --> 00:37:33,417 In 1972, it was really hard to imagine 495 00:37:33,918 --> 00:37:36,954 that this campus would ever grow up to be as big as it is today, 496 00:37:37,521 --> 00:37:42,159 or that this swampy spot would one day be the home to a bronze osprey, osprey 497 00:37:43,127 --> 00:37:46,530 and a big sports complex. 498 00:37:46,631 --> 00:37:47,932 For another thing, it would have been hard 499 00:37:47,932 --> 00:37:52,103 to imagine in 1972 that I would still be here in 1997. 500 00:37:53,404 --> 00:37:54,472 You have to recall that 501 00:37:54,472 --> 00:37:57,842 many of my charter faculty colleagues and I back in 1972, 502 00:37:58,309 --> 00:38:02,880 were Baby Boomers coming to camp, UNF, from campuses all over the United States, 503 00:38:02,880 --> 00:38:06,050 which had been rocked by anti-war demonstrations and hippie gatherings. 504 00:38:07,218 --> 00:38:10,421 We had been admonished never to trust anybody over the age of 30, 505 00:38:10,755 --> 00:38:12,990 and some of us suspected that might be real good advice. 506 00:38:14,125 --> 00:38:16,961 The idea that we ourselves might stay somewhere 507 00:38:16,961 --> 00:38:20,264 and become the establishment unimaginable. 508 00:38:21,565 --> 00:38:23,367 As Tom said earlier, many of us came 509 00:38:23,367 --> 00:38:26,537 to UNF expecting to stay just a few years and then move on. 510 00:38:26,537 --> 00:38:29,640 In my own case, at least I had come to UNF partly because 511 00:38:29,640 --> 00:38:33,344 the university said it wanted somebody to begin building a criminology program 512 00:38:33,377 --> 00:38:35,680 that sounded like it would be kind of interesting to do for a while. 513 00:38:36,480 --> 00:38:39,850 I just never realized how interesting it would be to build academic 514 00:38:39,850 --> 00:38:43,921 programs from scratch and watch them like children grow. 515 00:38:44,855 --> 00:38:46,123 No one is more surprised 516 00:38:46,123 --> 00:38:48,759 than I am to find myself here 25 years later. 517 00:38:50,027 --> 00:38:54,565 In addition, at least in my case, October 2, 1972 518 00:38:54,598 --> 00:38:57,301 did not start out in an especially auspicious way. 519 00:38:58,536 --> 00:39:01,072 In other accounts of that first day of classes, you may have read 520 00:39:01,072 --> 00:39:04,308 references to the fact that that autumn was a particularly rainy one. 521 00:39:05,509 --> 00:39:07,778 The campus really wasn't quite finished yet, 522 00:39:08,446 --> 00:39:11,115 and in many places we had mud and plywood walkways. 523 00:39:12,249 --> 00:39:15,653 one of my most salient memories of that very first day of classes 524 00:39:15,653 --> 00:39:19,523 25 years ago today is sitting in my car in the parking lot, 525 00:39:19,557 --> 00:39:23,327 ready to go to my very first class when a rainstorm erupted. 526 00:39:24,228 --> 00:39:27,331 Well, actually, it was a downpour, a deluge. 527 00:39:28,866 --> 00:39:31,202 I did not know then, that in Florida, 528 00:39:31,202 --> 00:39:34,805 you can go from blinding rain to sunshine and back in 15 minutes. 529 00:39:36,240 --> 00:39:37,441 In the Midwest, where I grew 530 00:39:37,441 --> 00:39:40,544 up, real gully washers like that could go on for hours. 531 00:39:41,379 --> 00:39:44,148 So as the minutes ticked away to the start of my first class, 532 00:39:44,682 --> 00:39:47,284 I made the decision to grab my books and my briefcase and my umbrella 533 00:39:47,284 --> 00:39:50,421 and make a mad dash for the building. 534 00:39:50,421 --> 00:39:52,356 Now, it was a little trickier then 535 00:39:52,356 --> 00:39:54,492 to actually dash to the buildings 536 00:39:55,459 --> 00:39:58,996 because we didn't have sidewalks between the parking lots 537 00:39:58,996 --> 00:40:01,232 and the buildings, we had pine bark. 538 00:40:02,800 --> 00:40:06,003 On October 2, 1972, I learned that pine bark 539 00:40:06,003 --> 00:40:11,275 trails can be very interesting to walk on in the rain, kind of slippery, actually. 540 00:40:12,009 --> 00:40:13,010 So I picked my way 541 00:40:13,010 --> 00:40:15,846 carefully over the pine bark and I got pretty wet in the process. 542 00:40:16,580 --> 00:40:19,750 I had carefully constructed a college professor look. 543 00:40:20,651 --> 00:40:23,654 But it was beginning to disintegrate into something more like Janis Joplin 544 00:40:23,654 --> 00:40:24,622 on a bad hair day. 545 00:40:25,689 --> 00:40:26,524 This did not 546 00:40:26,524 --> 00:40:29,627 enhance my confidence about meeting my very first class. 547 00:40:30,394 --> 00:40:32,530 But then, to make matters worse, 548 00:40:32,530 --> 00:40:35,332 I suddenly realized that my keychain had broken in transit 549 00:40:35,332 --> 00:40:38,903 and all my keys were now scattered somewhere back on that pine bark trail. 550 00:40:39,737 --> 00:40:41,005 Panic swept over me. 551 00:40:41,005 --> 00:40:44,175 If I did not go back looking for them immediately, 552 00:40:44,175 --> 00:40:46,610 I thought my keys would be washed into the swamp forever. 553 00:40:47,244 --> 00:40:50,114 I'd be Carla's homeless. 554 00:40:50,114 --> 00:40:53,150 But it was time for the class to start. 555 00:40:53,784 --> 00:40:56,387 I decided I better go meet the students. 556 00:40:56,787 --> 00:40:57,955 I went to the classroom 557 00:40:57,955 --> 00:41:01,258 and introduced myself to the 25 or so students who were waiting there. 558 00:41:01,959 --> 00:41:04,161 Many of them also somewhat damp. 559 00:41:04,161 --> 00:41:06,697 I explained my dilemma, much to my surprise, 560 00:41:06,697 --> 00:41:08,199 one of the students immediately volunteered 561 00:41:08,199 --> 00:41:10,334 to go back out in the rain and look for my scattered keys. 562 00:41:10,501 --> 00:41:12,169 How nice I thought. 563 00:41:12,169 --> 00:41:15,072 But then I realized that it was not that much of a sacrifice 564 00:41:15,406 --> 00:41:18,375 since my student volunteer was clothed only in swimming trunks. 565 00:41:20,544 --> 00:41:22,780 It seems he had come straight to his first class at UNF 566 00:41:22,913 --> 00:41:25,850 from the beach where he had been surfing and he was wet before the rain started. 567 00:41:27,084 --> 00:41:30,955 I knew this was true because he had his surfboard with him in the classroom. 568 00:41:30,955 --> 00:41:31,622 [laughter] 569 00:41:32,723 --> 00:41:35,392 He explained that he had to roll his car windows up against the rain 570 00:41:35,392 --> 00:41:38,095 when he got to the university, so the surfboard had to go with him. 571 00:41:38,762 --> 00:41:42,132 But I confess at that moment I had my first serious concerns about what 572 00:41:42,132 --> 00:41:44,235 my students at UNF we're going to be like. 573 00:41:44,235 --> 00:41:47,071 As the volunteer ran back out into the rain 574 00:41:47,071 --> 00:41:49,473 to look for my lost keys, I passed out the syllabus. 575 00:41:49,540 --> 00:41:51,842 The remaining students began to read it 576 00:41:51,842 --> 00:41:53,844 and I looked them over somewhat apprehensively. 577 00:41:54,612 --> 00:41:57,181 I quickly realized that while the surfer 578 00:41:57,181 --> 00:41:59,884 represented the most casual end of the dress spectrum, 579 00:42:00,484 --> 00:42:03,254 I also had students there in business suits and Sunday dresses. 580 00:42:04,121 --> 00:42:07,758 Some were young, but most were somewhat more mature, older than I was, in fact, 581 00:42:08,292 --> 00:42:11,262 and with some relief, I realized that most of them were at least 582 00:42:11,262 --> 00:42:13,731 as scared and apprehensive as I was on that first day. 583 00:42:15,199 --> 00:42:15,466 I would 584 00:42:15,466 --> 00:42:18,469 come to learn that many of my students were paying their own way through college 585 00:42:19,236 --> 00:42:21,672 and were working full time at jobs they wanted to leave 586 00:42:21,672 --> 00:42:24,542 for something that only a college degree would make possible for them. 587 00:42:25,409 --> 00:42:28,512 They were excited about this new university being opened in their town. 588 00:42:29,380 --> 00:42:30,814 They wanted to learn. 589 00:42:30,814 --> 00:42:34,919 By the time that first class was over on October second, 1972, 590 00:42:35,553 --> 00:42:38,989 I actually felt almost exhilarated, even though I was still sort of damp. 591 00:42:40,024 --> 00:42:41,058 The keys have been recovered. 592 00:42:41,058 --> 00:42:41,825 The rain had stopped. 593 00:42:41,825 --> 00:42:45,663 The sun was shining on glistening leaves and I had twenty-five people 594 00:42:45,663 --> 00:42:48,365 apparently really interested in learning about sociology. 595 00:42:49,500 --> 00:42:51,902 What it seemed the most inauspicious of beginnings 596 00:42:52,269 --> 00:42:55,906 had turned somehow into a magical moment which has repeated itself for me 597 00:42:55,906 --> 00:42:57,775 many times over the years here at UNF. 598 00:42:57,775 --> 00:43:00,911 It is the magic of teaching and learning 599 00:43:01,445 --> 00:43:04,949 in which both students and teacher are energized by the experience. 600 00:43:06,250 --> 00:43:08,485 They told me when I came to University of North Florida 601 00:43:08,953 --> 00:43:12,189 in 1972 that sand would get my shoes and I would want to stay. 602 00:43:12,456 --> 00:43:14,858 I did not believe them. 603 00:43:14,858 --> 00:43:18,395 To my Midwestern eyes, Florida seemed relentlessly flat, 604 00:43:18,996 --> 00:43:21,899 very wet and uncompromisingly hot. 605 00:43:23,233 --> 00:43:26,637 But they were right, only it wasn't the sand in my shoes that kept me here. 606 00:43:27,338 --> 00:43:30,541 Instead, it was the challenge of building academic 607 00:43:30,541 --> 00:43:33,544 programs from scratch and the wonder of watching them grow. 608 00:43:34,612 --> 00:43:37,481 The amazement of seeing new buildings pop up all over the place 609 00:43:37,948 --> 00:43:41,151 and then more and more students, faculty and staff come to fill them up. 610 00:43:43,020 --> 00:43:44,221 The inspiration of working 611 00:43:44,221 --> 00:43:47,024 with community agencies eager for our expertize 612 00:43:47,591 --> 00:43:51,595 and seeing that that kind of work made a real difference in the real world. 613 00:43:52,763 --> 00:43:54,898 The thrill of hearing my discipline with my students 614 00:43:54,898 --> 00:43:57,134 and having at least some of them kept that excitement 615 00:43:57,935 --> 00:44:02,773 and the deep pleasure of coming to know and love amazing faculty colleagues 616 00:44:02,773 --> 00:44:07,311 and staff members who shaped me every bit as much as they shaped their students. 617 00:44:07,845 --> 00:44:11,181 I would not have missed any of these experiences for the world. 618 00:44:12,850 --> 00:44:14,218 In conclusion. 619 00:44:14,518 --> 00:44:16,854 I came to UNF in 1972, fresh 620 00:44:16,854 --> 00:44:18,889 from having lived most of my life as a student. 621 00:44:19,890 --> 00:44:21,992 I came to teach and to learn, and, as it 622 00:44:21,992 --> 00:44:24,294 turns out, to grow up along with the university. 623 00:44:25,262 --> 00:44:26,363 I was not the only one who stayed. 624 00:44:26,363 --> 00:44:30,300 Your program lists seventy, seventy founding faculty and staff members 625 00:44:30,768 --> 00:44:34,605 who were here for that first day of classes in October 2, 1972 626 00:44:34,872 --> 00:44:38,475 and remained here to build a major university out of those 627 00:44:38,475 --> 00:44:40,778 first four buildings and all that mud and pine bark. 628 00:44:41,812 --> 00:44:43,914 But you'll get to meet the rest of them in just a little while. 629 00:44:45,015 --> 00:44:47,584 First, let's make a plan for the future. 630 00:44:48,452 --> 00:44:52,723 How about we all meet back here in the year 2022 to celebrate 631 00:44:52,723 --> 00:44:56,794 the university's 50th birthday and have an even bigger party. 632 00:44:56,794 --> 00:44:59,263 With luck, I'll see you there. 633 00:44:59,963 --> 00:45:02,966 Thank you. 634 00:45:02,966 --> 00:45:09,206 [Applause] Thank you, Dr. 635 00:45:09,206 --> 00:45:09,940 Rasche. 636 00:45:09,940 --> 00:45:13,377 Having been at UNF for 8 1/2 of our 25 years, 637 00:45:13,377 --> 00:45:15,713 the next speaker has left an indelible mark 638 00:45:16,246 --> 00:45:18,816 not only in this community but on the university as well. 639 00:45:19,349 --> 00:45:22,019 It's my privilege to introduce the third president of the University 640 00:45:22,019 --> 00:45:22,920 of North Florida, Dr. 641 00:45:22,920 --> 00:45:26,523 Adam Herbert. 642 00:45:26,523 --> 00:45:29,827 [applause] 643 00:45:29,827 --> 00:45:34,264 Thank you very much, Tom. 644 00:45:34,765 --> 00:45:36,967 Mayor Delaney, Dr. 645 00:45:37,067 --> 00:45:40,504 Lassiter, and to all of the founding faculty 646 00:45:40,504 --> 00:45:43,974 and staff who have come back for this special occasion, 647 00:45:44,408 --> 00:45:48,679 as well as those of you who have remained a part of the university family 648 00:45:48,679 --> 00:45:53,751 to my colleagues here at the university, our students and special friends 649 00:45:53,751 --> 00:45:56,987 from throughout the university as a service area. 650 00:45:57,554 --> 00:45:59,022 What a beautiful day this is. 651 00:45:59,022 --> 00:46:00,190 I was a little worried, Tom, 652 00:46:00,190 --> 00:46:03,560 when I saw those clouds a few moments ago, but you did what you were asked to do. 653 00:46:03,560 --> 00:46:05,529 You kept the rain away. 654 00:46:05,529 --> 00:46:08,132 But it's just wonderful to be able to celebrate 655 00:46:08,132 --> 00:46:12,603 one of the most significant occasions in the history of this, this institution. 656 00:46:13,003 --> 00:46:19,042 The anniversary of the exact day that the university opened its doors in 1972. 657 00:46:19,042 --> 00:46:23,814 Mayor Delaney's presence here this morning is particularly appreciated 658 00:46:24,148 --> 00:46:27,317 not only because he's such a very good friend of the university, 659 00:46:27,885 --> 00:46:33,357 but also because of the significant symbiotic relationship which exists 660 00:46:33,357 --> 00:46:38,462 between this university and our community, as he so well articulated. 661 00:46:38,462 --> 00:46:42,699 Simultaneously, we are becoming, respectively, 662 00:46:42,699 --> 00:46:46,570 one of the best cities in America in which to live and work, 663 00:46:46,804 --> 00:46:51,041 and also one of the best comprehensive universities in this nation. 664 00:46:51,775 --> 00:46:52,943 Thank you very much, Mr. 665 00:46:52,943 --> 00:46:54,678 Mayor. 666 00:46:54,678 --> 00:47:00,417 [applause] I just want you to know that we deeply 667 00:47:00,417 --> 00:47:03,954 appreciate your community leadership and also your strong support 668 00:47:04,188 --> 00:47:05,589 of the University of North Florida. 669 00:47:06,523 --> 00:47:07,858 I also want to 670 00:47:07,858 --> 00:47:11,662 express my appreciation to Professor William Slaughter. 671 00:47:13,230 --> 00:47:17,634 And not only my gratitude, but also our institutional appreciation 672 00:47:17,634 --> 00:47:20,537 for your very wonderful words this morning. 673 00:47:21,872 --> 00:47:26,910 I remember asking him if he would do this along with the provost, and we didn't 674 00:47:26,910 --> 00:47:29,880 have to twist his arm too long, but we did twist it a little bit. 675 00:47:30,214 --> 00:47:34,051 But he captured so well, I think; the meaning of this place, 676 00:47:34,785 --> 00:47:38,589 the significance of our history, our commitment to students 677 00:47:39,223 --> 00:47:41,959 and above all, the spirit of our people. 678 00:47:43,026 --> 00:47:46,630 And I just might just note here that Bill has always, 679 00:47:46,630 --> 00:47:48,632 whenever he is called upon to assist the university, 680 00:47:48,632 --> 00:47:51,902 he's just so gladly done it and you've seen the results 681 00:47:51,902 --> 00:47:55,239 of his creativity and professionalism again this morning. 682 00:47:55,839 --> 00:48:00,677 I also want to say thank you to our founding faculty and staff. 683 00:48:01,712 --> 00:48:03,680 This letter means a great deal to me. 684 00:48:03,680 --> 00:48:06,083 I did have to wipe away a tear 685 00:48:06,083 --> 00:48:09,152 because I think more than anything else this symbolizes 686 00:48:09,253 --> 00:48:12,956 why the University of North Florida has become the kind of institution 687 00:48:13,123 --> 00:48:16,960 that it is today when I talk about a caring institution. 688 00:48:17,594 --> 00:48:21,832 Ultimately, it's a caring institution because of the people who make it up, 689 00:48:22,499 --> 00:48:26,570 and this very much epitomizes all that that word caring means. 690 00:48:26,937 --> 00:48:28,538 Thank you very much on behalf 691 00:48:28,538 --> 00:48:32,409 of all of the students who will benefit from your generosity. 692 00:48:32,442 --> 00:48:37,381 This is a very significant statement on your part to this university 693 00:48:37,381 --> 00:48:43,086 and also challenges us to recognize that we too have a responsibility 694 00:48:43,086 --> 00:48:47,057 to give back in ways that can make a difference for a lifetime. 695 00:48:48,258 --> 00:48:51,328 Birthdays clearly are very special events. 696 00:48:52,229 --> 00:48:56,566 Some of you, some of you look forward to taking part 697 00:48:56,566 --> 00:49:01,705 in birthday celebrations each year because age comes with age 698 00:49:01,705 --> 00:49:05,709 comes so many new opportunities, so many exciting adventures 699 00:49:06,076 --> 00:49:09,212 and so many exhilarating challenges to conquer. 700 00:49:09,880 --> 00:49:14,051 For others of us, however, birthdays are a time to express 701 00:49:14,051 --> 00:49:19,723 appreciation that we were able to survive yet another year, that we had the energy 702 00:49:19,890 --> 00:49:24,428 and the experience needed to overcome some of the very significant challenges. 703 00:49:24,761 --> 00:49:27,631 I'm beginning to appreciate this both physical and mental, 704 00:49:28,165 --> 00:49:30,968 which appear linked to the maturation process. 705 00:49:30,968 --> 00:49:34,104 As some of us were reminded a few days ago, 706 00:49:34,871 --> 00:49:37,574 25 years in the life of a university 707 00:49:37,574 --> 00:49:40,510 is indeed a very short period of time. 708 00:49:41,411 --> 00:49:44,481 We at UNF remain in that phase 709 00:49:44,481 --> 00:49:48,418 of institutional development in which every year truly does present 710 00:49:48,885 --> 00:49:51,254 exciting new opportunities and adventures 711 00:49:51,555 --> 00:49:53,890 and exhilarating challenges to conquer. 712 00:49:54,658 --> 00:49:58,061 During those early days, of course, I am sure that some of our founding 713 00:49:58,061 --> 00:50:02,265 faculty and staff will tell you that some of their challenges were not 714 00:50:02,566 --> 00:50:04,668 particularly exciting at the time. 715 00:50:05,435 --> 00:50:09,039 25 years later, we still cannot fully understand 716 00:50:09,139 --> 00:50:12,843 or appreciate what those 291 717 00:50:12,843 --> 00:50:16,179 founding faculty and staff members accomplished 718 00:50:16,513 --> 00:50:20,250 during that very rainy, humid and probably chaotic day. 719 00:50:21,218 --> 00:50:22,953 But then, as Chris 720 00:50:22,953 --> 00:50:25,422 Rasche was saying in the 1970s, 721 00:50:25,856 --> 00:50:28,392 who really needed paid parking lots? 722 00:50:28,959 --> 00:50:32,162 What was wrong with a little mud among friends? 723 00:50:32,662 --> 00:50:37,334 Didn't everyone in the old West walk over planks and cinder 724 00:50:37,534 --> 00:50:41,705 laid across muddy footpaths that served the sidewalks? 725 00:50:42,172 --> 00:50:42,706 Who cared 726 00:50:42,706 --> 00:50:46,843 whether there was a place to store the furniture for offices and classrooms? 727 00:50:47,210 --> 00:50:50,547 Why would anyone worry that the library was not air conditioned? 728 00:50:51,014 --> 00:50:56,319 Who needed a complete and well-planned road system to access the campus easily? 729 00:50:56,620 --> 00:51:01,058 Didn't everyone dream of teaching 730 classes every morning? 730 00:51:01,958 --> 00:51:04,394 There was, of course, another very important 731 00:51:04,394 --> 00:51:07,964 dimension of opening day on October second, 1972. 732 00:51:08,665 --> 00:51:11,468 It's been described to me in these words. 733 00:51:11,468 --> 00:51:14,604 There was an excitement in the air that day, 734 00:51:15,272 --> 00:51:18,108 a feeling that something wonderful was beginning. 735 00:51:19,176 --> 00:51:21,778 We were doing something that mattered. 736 00:51:22,746 --> 00:51:26,049 And we got to be in on shaping a university. 737 00:51:27,017 --> 00:51:29,219 It was fun. 738 00:51:29,352 --> 00:51:32,422 To all of our founding faculty and staff who are with us today, 739 00:51:32,422 --> 00:51:36,593 thank you for doing something that truly has mattered, 740 00:51:37,194 --> 00:51:41,765 that has already begun to have a major impact in this community 741 00:51:42,032 --> 00:51:45,902 throughout the state of Florida and on the lives of thousands of current 742 00:51:45,902 --> 00:51:48,738 students and graduates who live, work 743 00:51:48,972 --> 00:51:51,975 and are making a difference in communities throughout the world. 744 00:51:53,677 --> 00:51:56,780 Thank you for your vision and shaping a university 745 00:51:57,080 --> 00:52:00,083 that has yet to assume its ultimate form, 746 00:52:01,151 --> 00:52:03,153 but which continues to evolve 747 00:52:03,153 --> 00:52:05,155 in a very strong, dynamic 748 00:52:06,289 --> 00:52:11,561 and unique academic enterprise, one which has truly remained 749 00:52:11,561 --> 00:52:15,732 faithful to the fundamental values which you so effectively provided. 750 00:52:15,732 --> 00:52:19,936 It is on that solid foundation that we will continue to build this 751 00:52:19,936 --> 00:52:24,374 university and challenge those who follow us to embrace as their own. 752 00:52:25,375 --> 00:52:27,644 Over the past quarter century, the university, 753 00:52:27,677 --> 00:52:31,381 which you shaped, has continued to mature as an institution. 754 00:52:31,848 --> 00:52:33,683 Our student body is much larger. 755 00:52:33,683 --> 00:52:37,020 The faculty and staff have increased dramatically, along 756 00:52:37,020 --> 00:52:40,657 with a number of academic programs and degrees that we offer. 757 00:52:40,924 --> 00:52:42,959 The physical plan is more expansive. 758 00:52:42,993 --> 00:52:46,897 Our service to the community is more extensive, and our national 759 00:52:46,897 --> 00:52:50,500 and international reputation for excellence continues to increase. 760 00:52:51,001 --> 00:52:54,971 The good news, the good news is that our best years lie ahead. 761 00:52:55,739 --> 00:52:58,608 Those of us who now constitute the UNF family 762 00:52:58,909 --> 00:53:02,779 are very fortunate to be caretakers of an exciting dream. 763 00:53:03,013 --> 00:53:06,650 We have the privilege of taking part in a wonderful adventure 764 00:53:06,650 --> 00:53:10,954 which continues to be at once spun, intellectually stimulating 765 00:53:11,321 --> 00:53:15,425 and transforming for us and for each of the students that we serve. 766 00:53:16,459 --> 00:53:17,861 I'd like to conclude 767 00:53:17,861 --> 00:53:22,165 my comments this morning by reading to you a letter that I have addressed 768 00:53:22,599 --> 00:53:27,437 to the president of the University of North Florida in the Year 2022 769 00:53:28,305 --> 00:53:30,740 and written to the university family. 770 00:53:30,740 --> 00:53:33,343 It will be included in the time capsule, which we will, 771 00:53:33,910 --> 00:53:35,845 which we which will be open. 772 00:53:35,845 --> 00:53:41,051 I hope I'll be there on the occasion of UNF's 50th anniversary celebration. 773 00:53:41,518 --> 00:53:43,587 It reads as follows: 774 00:53:43,787 --> 00:53:46,356 To members of the UNF community, 775 00:53:46,356 --> 00:53:48,592 happy golden anniversary. 776 00:53:49,526 --> 00:53:52,729 As you pause to reflect on the first half century 777 00:53:52,963 --> 00:53:56,733 in the life of the University of North Florida, my colleagues and I 778 00:53:56,733 --> 00:53:58,068 are pleased to share with you 779 00:53:58,068 --> 00:54:01,771 a few mementos from the university's first quarter century. 780 00:54:02,472 --> 00:54:05,542 As we close this time capsule on the anniversary 781 00:54:05,542 --> 00:54:09,446 day of classes opening for the first time in 1972, 782 00:54:10,180 --> 00:54:14,718 it is my hope that the items and clothes will convey some very important messages 783 00:54:15,018 --> 00:54:18,088 about the state of our university in 1997. 784 00:54:18,588 --> 00:54:22,292 We hope you can sense the pride we share in the rapid growth 785 00:54:22,292 --> 00:54:26,596 and development of UNF and one of the best comprehensive universities in America. 786 00:54:27,030 --> 00:54:30,734 We hope you will feel the optimism we share not only about the present, 787 00:54:31,268 --> 00:54:34,537 but also for the future of this institution, as it attracts 788 00:54:34,537 --> 00:54:38,308 even more of the outstanding scholars and dedicated staff 789 00:54:38,608 --> 00:54:40,644 who are becoming a part of the UNF family. 790 00:54:41,177 --> 00:54:44,981 We also hope that some of our current colleagues will be with you 791 00:54:45,348 --> 00:54:48,318 as UNF celebrates yet another quarter century 792 00:54:48,551 --> 00:54:51,454 of distinguished service to this region, the state in the nation. 793 00:54:52,122 --> 00:54:56,960 Throughout 1997, we have conducted and have participated in a wide range 794 00:54:56,960 --> 00:55:01,331 of exciting, celebratory events related to the university's 25th anniversary. 795 00:55:01,765 --> 00:55:05,435 We have recognized the contributions of our founding faculty and staff, 796 00:55:05,735 --> 00:55:08,371 40% of whom began and will end 797 00:55:08,371 --> 00:55:11,641 their professional careers at UNF over the next decade. 798 00:55:12,242 --> 00:55:15,512 We initiated the presidential lecture series with two of the nation's 799 00:55:16,179 --> 00:55:19,983 most highly regarded citizens, Elie Wiesel and Maya Angelou. 800 00:55:20,517 --> 00:55:22,352 We have received the largest state budget 801 00:55:22,352 --> 00:55:23,953 increase in the history of the university, 802 00:55:23,953 --> 00:55:27,957 which has resulted in our first total budget exceeding $100 million. 803 00:55:28,358 --> 00:55:32,095 We have raised $8.6 million last year, anticipate 804 00:55:32,362 --> 00:55:35,231 over 10 million this year in external community support. 805 00:55:35,732 --> 00:55:41,004 We will have an endowment exceeding $25 million before the end of 1998. 806 00:55:41,404 --> 00:55:44,741 We are currently in the process of constructing the conference center. 807 00:55:44,908 --> 00:55:48,478 The final performing arts building, the track and soccer stadium, 808 00:55:48,678 --> 00:55:51,715 a new parking garage and 450 beds of housing. 809 00:55:52,382 --> 00:55:54,784 In short, this first quarter century 810 00:55:55,051 --> 00:55:58,021 has been an outstanding one for the University of North Florida. 811 00:55:58,488 --> 00:56:01,891 We are confident that you have carried on the tradition of excellence, 812 00:56:02,192 --> 00:56:04,427 which has become a hallmark of the university. 813 00:56:04,994 --> 00:56:09,666 Our hope is that you will challenge those who follow you to remain firm 814 00:56:09,666 --> 00:56:14,404 in the conviction that UNF must maintain its commitment to academic excellence, 815 00:56:14,671 --> 00:56:19,409 built on a foundation of outstanding teaching, responsiveness to the students 816 00:56:19,409 --> 00:56:24,080 we serve and actively engaged in service to the community. 817 00:56:24,547 --> 00:56:26,182 Again, happy anniversary. 818 00:56:27,417 --> 00:56:28,118 Thank you very 819 00:56:28,118 --> 00:56:31,121 much for being with us on this special occasion. 820 00:56:31,154 --> 00:56:35,692 It means a great deal to all of us and to the university family, 821 00:56:36,259 --> 00:56:39,696 Happy birthday and happy anniversary! 822 00:56:39,963 --> 00:56:43,166 Thank you. 823 00:56:43,166 --> 00:56:49,939 [applause] Thank you very much, President Herbert. 824 00:56:51,074 --> 00:56:53,343 At this point, we would like to honor the current charter 825 00:56:53,343 --> 00:56:56,646 faculty and staff for their 25 years of continuous service. 826 00:56:57,147 --> 00:57:00,884 We will ask that you follow the directions of the ushers and come up by rows. 827 00:57:01,618 --> 00:57:04,521 As Lance Taylor, president of the Administrative 828 00:57:04,521 --> 00:57:07,590 and Professional Association, and Linda Dee Wilson, Vice President, 829 00:57:07,590 --> 00:57:11,361 University Support Personnel System Association, will read your names. 830 00:57:11,795 --> 00:57:14,631 Eric Nelson, president of the Student Government Association, will hand 831 00:57:14,631 --> 00:57:17,033 each of the charter members a special commemorative gift. 832 00:57:17,667 --> 00:57:18,201 I would ask that 833 00:57:18,201 --> 00:57:21,204 the audience please hold their applause until all names have been called. 834 00:57:21,638 --> 00:57:24,240 So what the procedure will be, to come up. 835 00:57:24,240 --> 00:57:26,609 The president would like to shake your hand, walk across the stage, 836 00:57:26,609 --> 00:57:27,811 receive your gift 837 00:57:27,811 --> 00:57:29,679 and then if you would walk over to the birthday cake 838 00:57:29,679 --> 00:57:31,381 right under the University of North Florida sign 839 00:57:31,381 --> 00:57:33,116 , we're going to take a group picture over there 840 00:57:33,116 --> 00:57:35,785 as soon as all of your names are called, and that will be the end of the program. 841 00:57:36,119 --> 00:57:39,956 So if you would Linda and Lance, if you would come up, please? 842 00:57:48,898 --> 00:57:50,266 John H. 843 00:57:50,266 --> 00:57:52,569 Anderson. 844 00:57:52,569 --> 00:57:55,638 Ruby B. 845 00:57:55,638 --> 00:57:57,874 Bags. 846 00:58:04,981 --> 00:58:07,617 Richard B. 847 00:58:07,617 --> 00:58:09,686 Bizot. 848 00:58:09,686 --> 00:58:12,188 Arthur J. 849 00:58:12,222 --> 00:58:13,223 Bloomer. 850 00:58:16,559 --> 00:58:17,794 Ray D. 851 00:58:17,794 --> 00:58:19,062 Bowman. 852 00:58:24,033 --> 00:58:27,203 Carol Anne Boyles. 853 00:58:32,575 --> 00:58:33,710 William A. 854 00:58:33,710 --> 00:58:34,811 Brown. 855 00:58:41,384 --> 00:58:42,418 Joseph J. 856 00:58:42,418 --> 00:58:46,689 Capitanio. 857 00:58:46,689 --> 00:58:50,226 Travis A. 858 00:58:50,226 --> 00:58:53,763 Carter. 859 00:58:59,335 --> 00:59:00,570 Minor H. 860 00:59:00,570 --> 00:59:01,704 Chamblin. 861 00:59:07,977 --> 00:59:09,178 Charles F. 862 00:59:09,178 --> 00:59:10,380 Charles. 863 00:59:18,521 --> 00:59:19,722 Dale L. 864 00:59:19,722 --> 00:59:20,623 Clifford. 865 00:59:27,664 --> 00:59:29,032 Frederick M. 866 00:59:29,032 --> 00:59:29,966 Cole. 867 00:59:36,372 --> 00:59:37,473 Eddie L. 868 00:59:37,473 --> 00:59:39,876 Collins Jr. 869 00:59:45,048 --> 00:59:48,351 George W. 870 00:59:48,351 --> 00:59:51,054 Corrick. 871 00:59:51,054 --> 00:59:54,357 James B. 872 00:59:54,357 --> 00:59:55,625 Crooks. 873 00:59:59,696 --> 01:00:00,964 Richard L. 874 01:00:00,964 --> 01:00:02,298 Crosby. 875 01:00:09,472 --> 01:00:10,707 Larry L. 876 01:00:10,707 --> 01:00:11,975 Davis. 877 01:00:17,780 --> 01:00:18,982 Mary L. 878 01:00:18,982 --> 01:00:20,116 Davis. 879 01:00:23,052 --> 01:00:23,953 Carol L. 880 01:00:23,953 --> 01:00:24,887 DeMorte, 881 01:00:26,823 --> 01:00:27,991 Marsha I. 882 01:00:27,991 --> 01:00:29,192 Dukes, 883 01:00:30,426 --> 01:00:31,327 Paul D. 884 01:00:31,327 --> 01:00:32,261 Eggen. 885 01:00:39,669 --> 01:00:40,737 Helen E. 886 01:00:40,737 --> 01:00:41,938 Evans. 887 01:00:48,945 --> 01:00:51,714 Andrew Farkas. 888 01:00:58,121 --> 01:00:59,188 Betty M. 889 01:00:59,188 --> 01:01:00,223 Flinchum. 890 01:01:05,128 --> 01:01:06,195 Jack S. 891 01:01:06,195 --> 01:01:07,230 Fankhauser. 892 01:01:13,603 --> 01:01:14,771 Donald K. 893 01:01:14,771 --> 01:01:15,972 Graham. 894 01:01:22,245 --> 01:01:22,945 Mary L. 895 01:01:22,945 --> 01:01:24,447 Grimes, 896 01:01:25,248 --> 01:01:25,948 Bruce A. 897 01:01:25,948 --> 01:01:27,417 Gutknecht. 898 01:01:32,488 --> 01:01:33,456 Gary L. 899 01:01:33,456 --> 01:01:34,357 Harman. 900 01:01:40,229 --> 01:01:41,431 Edward A. 901 01:01:41,431 --> 01:01:43,299 Healy. 902 01:01:44,901 --> 01:01:46,369 Thomas C. 903 01:01:46,369 --> 01:01:47,203 Healey. 904 01:01:51,708 --> 01:01:53,776 John M. 905 01:01:53,776 --> 01:01:56,212 Hine. 906 01:01:56,212 --> 01:01:58,981 William G. 907 01:01:59,015 --> 01:02:00,950 Harold Jr. 908 01:02:01,417 --> 01:02:02,351 Leonard J. 909 01:02:02,351 --> 01:02:03,252 Lipkin. 910 01:02:06,589 --> 01:02:07,457 Richard L. 911 01:02:07,457 --> 01:02:09,726 McCausland. 912 01:02:09,726 --> 01:02:13,096 Frank S. 913 01:02:13,096 --> 01:02:16,332 McLaughlin. 914 01:02:24,741 --> 01:02:25,641 Kenneth L. 915 01:02:25,641 --> 01:02:26,776 McMillan. 916 01:02:33,716 --> 01:02:38,688 James W. 917 01:02:38,688 --> 01:02:43,159 Mittelstadt. 918 01:02:43,159 --> 01:02:49,165 Jo Mobley. 919 01:02:56,572 --> 01:02:58,975 Thomas M. 920 01:02:58,975 --> 01:03:02,879 [?] Mary F. 921 01:03:02,879 --> 01:03:05,148 Mormino. 922 01:03:09,685 --> 01:03:12,155 Janice Novak. 923 01:03:29,872 --> 01:03:35,511 Satya Pachori. 924 01:03:35,511 --> 01:03:43,920 Joseph M. 925 01:03:43,920 --> 01:03:48,124 Perry. 926 01:03:48,124 --> 01:03:54,697 Christine E. 927 01:03:54,697 --> 01:03:57,099 Rasche. 928 01:03:57,099 --> 01:03:59,936 Donna J. 929 01:03:59,969 --> 01:04:03,606 Rollins. 930 01:04:03,606 --> 01:04:08,744 Lowell M. 931 01:04:08,744 --> 01:04:11,447 Salter. 932 01:04:22,225 --> 01:04:22,992 Daniel L. 933 01:04:22,992 --> 01:04:24,060 Schafer. 934 01:04:28,764 --> 01:04:29,732 Stephen L. 935 01:04:29,732 --> 01:04:30,633 Shapiro. 936 01:04:36,305 --> 01:04:38,207 Roy Singleton Jr. 937 01:04:38,207 --> 01:04:41,110 Robert Siudzinski. 938 01:04:49,819 --> 01:04:50,553 William R. 939 01:04:50,553 --> 01:04:53,055 Slaughter. 940 01:04:55,558 --> 01:05:28,257 Linda L. 941 01:05:28,257 --> 01:05:36,132 Smith. 942 01:05:36,132 --> 01:05:44,040 [applause 943 01:05:44,040 --> 01:05:59,822 and talking] 944 01:05:59,822 --> 01:06:43,833 [people 945 01:06:43,833 --> 01:08:55,798 talking, music playing] 946 01:08:55,865 --> 01:08:59,902 [people 947 01:08:59,902 --> 01:09:07,910 talking, music 948 01:09:07,910 --> 01:09:12,281 in background] 949 01:09:12,281 --> 01:09:15,951 It is grown from a community college to a major university. 950 01:09:16,185 --> 01:09:16,986 Twelve news reporter 951 01:09:16,986 --> 01:09:21,023 Diana Fenay takes a look at its past and its plans for the future. 952 01:09:21,123 --> 01:09:24,193 When I first came to campus, it was nothing more than just 953 01:09:24,193 --> 01:09:25,528 a palmetto forest. 954 01:09:25,528 --> 01:09:29,131 25 years ago, it was a brand new college with a few buildings 955 01:09:29,131 --> 01:09:31,433 and a handful of students. 956 01:09:31,433 --> 01:09:35,771 Today, the University of North Florida is considered one of the best kept secrets 957 01:09:35,771 --> 01:09:36,906 in the southeast. 958 01:09:36,906 --> 01:09:40,709 We are proud of what we have achieved, and we hope that the next 25 years 959 01:09:40,709 --> 01:09:42,344 will even be better. 960 01:09:42,344 --> 01:09:43,779 That's why I came to UNF. 961 01:09:43,779 --> 01:09:46,182 So proud, in fact, some of the founding faculty 962 01:09:46,182 --> 01:09:50,019 and staff are pledging their support in the university's future, "And 963 01:09:50,019 --> 01:09:56,091 the total amount pledged by the participants is $527,300." 964 01:09:56,392 --> 01:09:59,895 A surprise announcement that brought a tear to the eye of President Dr. 965 01:09:59,895 --> 01:10:01,096 Adam Herbert. 966 01:10:01,096 --> 01:10:05,334 And the university continues to grow by leaps and bounds. 967 01:10:05,334 --> 01:10:09,371 Construction is now underway on a new multi-purpose university center 968 01:10:09,672 --> 01:10:12,608 set for completion in the fall of 98. 969 01:10:13,209 --> 01:10:16,645 We are in the process now of adding a number of new buildings 970 01:10:16,645 --> 01:10:20,282 to the campus that I think is a reflection 971 01:10:20,516 --> 01:10:24,220 of the growth of the university and also the quality of the institution as well. 972 01:10:24,520 --> 01:10:26,922 Some of those new buildings, the College of Health 973 01:10:26,989 --> 01:10:29,425 and the College of Business Administration. 974 01:10:29,792 --> 01:10:32,261 With all this growth in just a quarter of a century, 975 01:10:32,261 --> 01:10:35,864 many have high expectations for the next 25 years. 976 01:10:36,165 --> 01:10:38,467 Diana Fenay 12 news. 977 01:10:38,467 --> 01:10:41,337 And to give you an idea of just how much the university has grown 978 01:10:41,337 --> 01:10:45,741 when it first opened its doors 25 years ago, it had just 2000 students. 979 01:10:46,175 --> 01:10:49,812 In the next five years, it expects to enroll more than 15,000 students 980 01:10:49,812 --> 01:10:53,382 and to be considered one of the very best universities in the entire country. 981 01:10:54,350 --> 01:10:55,417 Yeah, there will be enough.