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

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Students take advantage of nearby laundry and printing facilities in the OF Plaza across from During the day businesses on University Avenue were a quick walk away from campus. A group of area residents tailgate before the game near Florida Field. Students were not the only fans at football games. Local residents came dressed in orange and blue to every football game and filled the north, south and west zone bleachers. 4 Opening

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A Second Home The University of Florida was founded in 1853 as the East Florida Seminary. After the Civil War the school was moved to Gainesville where it merged with Florida Agricultural College. According to the Office of Academic Affairs, the initial enrollment after the school became the University of Florida was 102. Now, in 1993, enrollment has jumped to over 34,000. Kim Vincente, 2 UF, was prepared for the large campus after being told about it during high school in Jacksonville. Once I got here it wasn ' t hard to get used to, she said. Some students were overwhe lmed at first, but sports and organizations helped them became more familiar with the campus. By the end of their stay at UF, students have long ago thrown away their freshman maps, borken umbrellas and old lecture notes. After calling this home for four years or more, the ca mpus is fixed in the men ' s and women ' s minds forever. Florida Field glows with light an evening game as fans pack the stadium with the addition of the new north end zone. Photo by Herb Press AVF. Students line up on the first floor of the Reitz Union to vote during student government elections. During the spring classmates from different political parties campaigned for stu- dent body president, vice-president, treasurer. They also ran for senate seats. divided by major and zip code. The french fries serve as a meeting place for students between classes outside the Marston Science Library. During the day this artwork can be seen from as far away as the Reitz Union and through the hallway of the library. Opening 3

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college town The University of Florida sits in the town of Gainesville, located about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of more than 80,000, Gainesville served students as a home away from home while they earned degrees. Some students came from small towns surrounding Gainesville while others moved from larger metropolitan areas. Jessica Long, 3 LS, came from Cape Coral, Fl. two years ago and found that the community rallied around the university. I really like how the town is supportive of the college, she said. Northerners found their way to UF too. Students came from all over, even as far away as New England. Stephen Burkowski, 3 JM, of Westfield, N.J., says Gainesville was smaller and closer nit because the university is the nucleus of the town. Gainesville also off ers students state parks, a botani- cal garden and several lakes. Numerous bars and restau- rants were scattered around the town. Even thought A group of friends enjoy lunch at there weren ' t many neon signs, if you just looked there Cafe Gardens, one of the popular businesses along University Avenue. was always something to do. Outdoor cafes and quiet spots helped students to escape a busy day for a few hours. A shriner and community member takes part in the annual Homecoming parade in October. Residents as well as students marched or made floats for the parade which began at the O ' Connell Center and stretched to Main Street. The UF Plaza houses a number of restaurants and services such as Apartment Hunters. Students freq uently visited shops along University Avenue to buy gator clothing, food or music, among other things. Opening 5