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

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A member of the band stands at attention during Gator Growl. The band among others performed this pep ralley, said to be the largest run-student pep ralley in the world. A group of friends dance to the music played during a break at Gator Growl. Students and faculty attended this, some to hear the comedians, some to see the skits and others just to take it all in. 6 Opening

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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

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school spirit 0 0 Students come to UF to study medicine, agriculture, health sciences, and journalism, among many other disciplines. Everyone had their own plan of study that would lead to exciting and creative careers. Still, all students have a common bond, school spirit. During football season, people come from dorms and off-campus housing to watch the Gators play. Graduate students and undergraduates alike know the cheers and fight songs. Lawrence Cam bas, 3 LS, said football games were full of energy and excitement. It ' s easy to get excited at a game when everybody is cheering, he said. And after November, students run to the O ' Connell Center and baseball field to cheer on fall and spring sports such as swimming and track. Whatever the sport and whatever the season, students take pride in UF, no matter what their backgrounds. Volleyball players congratulate each other after a victorious fight. among other sports, was with students. At the Florida Georgia game these fans wearing spray painted medical plastic smocks spell out Go Gators. Many UF students traveled to Jacksonville for the weekend to watch the Gators play at the Orange Bowl and win 26-24. A Homecoming parade participant rallies the crowd on University Avenue from his float. This celebration brought out students and residents from all over Gainesville. Opening 7