University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

Page 13 text:

BT Keitz oouressing on ou- prtor to the inauguration. Chairman of the Board of Control, Fred Kent, introduces President Reitz at the inauguration. The role of a university president is no easy one to fill. It involves far more than solemn pontificating in the halls of ivy or an appearance at some educational outing. To survive a headlong plunge into the adminis- tration of university affairs demands a combination of diplomacy, tact, understanding, determination, patience, patience, and patience. In the sea of administrative confusion that greeted him, Dr. Reitz has proven his merit. This is no simple task, even for a man with no other devotion in life. For a husband and father of two children it becomes Herculean. Yet far from being a millstone around his neck, the president ' s family has accepted his job as theirs, his goal as their goal, his problems as their problems. As a result, the University of Florida has not only a proven president, but a charming, full-time, first lady. Progress is not necessarily determined by where you have been, but rather, where you are going. Under the direction of Dr. J. Wayne Reitz, the University of Florida is moving forward. An expanded physical plant, an expanded curriculum, and an ever-growing student body . . . these are the signs of Florida ' s and Dr. Reitz ' s Progress. President Reitz, aided by his wife, receives guests at the inauguration reception.

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Spring Semeste Soon to be inaugurated as president, J. Wayne Reitz looks over his speech with secretary. Inauguration On the morning of February 17, 1956, Dr. Julius Wayne Reitz became the fifth president of the University of Flor- ida. In a ceremony marked with pomp and circumstance, a host of dignitaries both state and national attended the convocation of Dr. Reitz as the successor of the late J. Hillis Miller. Under the supervision of Fred H. Kent, chairman of the Board of Control, the ceremonies began with a full aca- demic procession of delegates from 230 colleges and Uni- versities and 64 educational societies. During the cere- mony, honorary degrees were conferred upon Thomas W. Bryant, Lakeland attorney; Judge Harold R. Medina, of the U. S. Court of Appeals; and Arthur S. Adams, President of the American Council on Education. The inauguration ceremony was unique, in that it sol- emnized the title and office of a man who for the previous ten months had capably demonstrated his ability to assume the mantle of the president of the University of Florida. That the mantle had been tattered and torn by the bicker- ings of the Board of Control prior to its final selection in no way detracted from the man who donned it. To the critics and doubting Thomases, the new president has presented an efficient administration which is already leaving its mark on the campus. Contrary to initial feors and fantasies, the former provost of the College of Agri- culture has provided the University with positive, dynamic leadership. President Reitz is greeted by a visitor to the inauguration (left below). The President and his family pose for pre- inauguration picture.

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A crowd of voters and vote getters gathers in front of the gym on election day. The new President of the Student Body, Fletcher Flemming, gets a hand from students as his victory is announced. In contrast to the picture above, the gym seems utterly deserted after the election. 10 Carrying the banner of a polyglot alliance of former friends and enemies, Fletcher Flemming swept himself and the entire University Party to an overwhelming victory in the campus Spring elections. Supposedly drawing his support from a handful of fraternities and independent groups with nothing in common save a desire to win, Fletcher dealt the incumbent Florida Party the most crushing blow ever felt by a campus political faction. In doing so he not only earned the presidency of the Student Body, but carried almost the entire University Party slate to victory. For the Quiet Man from Laurel Hill, this was a rags to riches parable in politics. From an unsuccessful candidate for an Honor Court position, he suddenly catapulted to the number one spot in Student Government. Political experts for weeks afterwards were puzzling over the reason for the great influx of voters at the polls and the parallel reason for such an outstanding and complete victory. Both friends and foes were amazed at the tremendous drawing power of one man on the ticket. For all their polls and predictions, broadcasts and barnstorming, ideas and issues, they may well have overlooked the quiet, unassuming, competent manner of Fletcher Flemming and (as a result) the President of the Student Body.