Former governors to gather for opening of Graham Center

February 27, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Five former Florida governors and a historian who has won two Pulitzer Prizes are among the prominent people who will participate in events for next week’s grand opening of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.

Free daily events, including speeches and a town hall meeting, are scheduled Monday through Thursday.

March 3
“Leadership and Public Policy” — Joseph S. Nye, Harvard University’s Sultan of Oman Professor of International Relations and former dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, will present a lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora Room. A reception will follow. Tickets are available at the Reitz Student Union Box Office.

March 4
“An Evening with David McCullough” — American historian David McCullough will present a public lecture from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the University Auditorium. McCullough has captured the Pulitzer Prize twice, first in 1993 for “Truman,” and again in 2002 for “John Adams.” Free tickets are available at Pugh Hall Room 220, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and available at the University Auditorium on Tuesday night.

March 5
Continental breakfast — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Pugh Hall Ocora Room Dedication ceremony — 10:30 to 11 a.m., Pugh Hall Ocora Room Student Town Hall Meeting with five former Florida governors: Bob Graham, Claude Kirk, Reuben Askew, Buddy McKay and Wayne Mixson — noon, Pugh Hall Ocora Room

March 6
“The Path to the White House: The Next President’s Agenda”
Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Va., will give the first lecture in the Graham Center’s inaugural Presidential Lecture Series. Former Sen. Bob Graham will moderate. 7 p.m. Pugh Hall Ocora Room. Free tickets are available at the Graham Center office, Pugh Hall Room 220, and can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.

Established by former Florida governor and retired U.S. Senator Bob Graham, the Graham Center for Public Service provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet policymakers and study the languages and cultures of nations with global influence such as China and those in the Middle East. Its mission is to foster public leadership and solve issues affecting Latin American nations and address homeland security. It also serves as a magnet to attract distinguished scholars and speakers to Florida.

For more information, visit the grand opening Web site at http://www.graham.centers.ufl.edu/celebration/

CONTACT: Michael Bowen, assistant director of the Graham Center for Public Service, 352-273-1080 or mbowen@ufl.edu.