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

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Governor Claude R. Kirk governor Governor Claude R. Kirk visited the University of Florida in Spring, 1968, when he toured the campus with President Stephen C. O ' Connell. Kirk hoped, in this way, to familiarize himself more with the needs and problems of the university. With similar objectives, he had previously stated that he planned to attend every meeting of the Board of Regents while he was Governor. The Board of Regents coordinated the state university system in Florida, overseeing activities at seven campuses, including the University of Florida. Nine regents, serving terms ranging up to nine years, were appointed by the Governor and met each month to determine system policy involving curriculum, personnel, finance, and administration. This year, the Board recommended a $25 tuition hike to the State Legislature which Chancellor Robert Mautz felt was small in proportion to the rising costs of operation. Board Chairman Chester Ferguson, drew widespread attention for his vigorous defense of the censorship of college newspapers and the compulsory R.O.T.C. program. Yet, the Board of Regents passed a resolution making R.O.T.C. voluntary at the State Universities and autonomy was granted for the Student Board of Publications. Front row: Mrs. ED. Pearce, Coral Gables; Henry Kramer, Jacksonville (Vice Chairman Chester Ferguson, Tampa (Chairman); John C. Pace, Pensacola Back row: Dr. Louis C. Murray, Orlando; Clarence L. Menser, Vero Beach; Chancellor Robert B. Mautz, Tallahassee, D. Burke Kibler III, Lakeland; Julius F. Parker Jr., Tallahassee.

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plague inaugural year I pledge to make the University of Florida first in the South, second to none in the nation. This is a demonstration, a protest, that all can join and hail as a constructive effort and one that I pledge to lead, said Stephen C. O ' Connell as he was inaugurated as the sixth president of the University of Florida on October 8,1968. This year, as president, O ' Connell faced the problems of an expanding university along with the pressing demands for change from both the faculty and student body. Problems arose over the disputed rights to Gatorade, the Lav on Gentry case, the Action Conference, the budget, and SSOC. O ' Connell was the first alumnus to attain the office of the presidency, although presidencies at the University of Florida are not new to him. While a student at the University, he served as president of five organizations — the sophomore class, student body president, Florida Blue Key, ATO fraternity, and the Newman Club. He served as captain of the boxing team and coach of the freshman boxing team. While in law school at the university, he was a member of Phi Delta Phi, legal fraternity. O ' Connell graduated in 1940 with a law degree; he had a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees behind him. Prior to his becoming president of the university, he served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida. By this time, he had already distinguished himself as the recipient of numerous citations. In 1961, he received the Annual Brotherhood Award by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Florida region. He was chosen Man of the Year, 1964-65, by the Knights of Columbus in Orlando. And, in 1967, he received the University ' s Distinguished Alumni Award.

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kirk Iends ear to UF troubles Kirk kicks off Operation Concern with a tour of Gainesville ' s Negro district.