Just as quickly as University of Florida Foundation staff could tally a flurry of year-end gifts, a large banner was raised on Century Tower Jan. 10, proudly displaying the “It’s Performance That Counts” Campaign total of $850 million-plus. The Foundation officially closed campaign books Dec. 31, after five years of generous and unprecedented support for colleges and units campuswide from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, faculty, staff and students. The $850 million total far surpassed the original $500 million goal, as well as the revised goal of $750 million, set after UF passed the first mark earlier in the campaign. For the Levin College of Law, the campaign generated $47.8 million, or 173.9 percent of the original goal of $27.5 million. Including matching state funds, more than $40 million was raised for endowments that will support faculty chairs, professorships, scholarships, and academic programs — such as Intellectual Property, Graduate Tax, International Law, Dispute Resolution, Race Relations, and Environmental and Land Use Law. Nearly $3 million is earmarked for funding construction of a new Student-Faculty Center. And more than $2 million in unrestricted support over five years will support student and faculty programs and activities. “The impact of this campaign on our college is and will be phenomenal as we continue to benefit from the many endowed funds that will support us into the future,” said Interim Dean Jon Mills. “Already, it has had enormous impact on the overall perception of our school and our ability to hire and reward outstanding faculty.” The campaign resulted in the law school now having the sixth largest private endowment among public U.S. law schools — approximately $64 million (endowments are funds that are invested to yield spendable income in perpetuity to support specific purposes). “Our alumni, friends and many law firms invested in our performance and make it possible for this law school to provide the finest quality legal education at an affordable price,” Mills continued.“We especially thank our Campaign Chairman Warren Cason, our Law Center Association Board of Trustees, and many volunteers and contributors who ensured the campaign’s success. We now must work to complete fund raising for our new building and renovated facilities to house the outstanding people and programs supported by this campaign.” For students, unrestricted annual funds generated by the campaign support financial aid, travel to competitions around the state and nation, and organizations that coordinate numerous activities, speakers and publications. For faculty, campaign gifts sponsor travel to leading institutes and conferences around the nation and world, research support for hundreds of books and articles, and the opportunity to initiate or expand academic programs, centers and institutes.

The UF  Trial Competition Team won first place at the Florida Bar Trial Team Competition in Miami. Since 1983, Stetson has won the competition 13 times, UF has won twice (1994 and 2001), and FSU has won three times. “This is a significant win because Stetson has won the competition so many times over the past 18 years,” said Professor Kenneth Nunn, Team faculty advisor. Natasha Mayneand Harley Brook were the winning pair of litigators, and Mayne also won Best Advocate honors. The team was coached by UF alumna Judge Phyliss Kotey. Other team competitors who contributed to the strong showing include Marvelle Butler, Paula Ferris, Salisu Richardson, Lisa Rosenthal, Natasha Thomas, Betty Toussaint and Monica Williams. “We personally congratulate Natasha and Harley,” said a message signed by Team members Jessie Dalton, Christine Marlewski, Lynda Sorel, Jose Izquierdo, Millicent McDaniels, Kimberly Madison, Micheal Pike and Coach Rob Rush. “Trial Team also wishes the team competing in the ABA competition on Feb. 1-3 the best of luck. We know they will do a great job and return home victorious.” By competing in intramural state, regional and national competitions organized by individuals, groups and law firms, team members earn school credit, gain experience and sharpen their legal skills. Team competes on state/national level In addition to the Florida Bar Trial Team Competition in Miami this month, the UF Trial Team also participated in the Michigan State University-Detroit College of Law National Trial Advocacy Competition in November, advancing to the semi-finals. Pending competitions include:

• Feb. 1-3. Team members Jessie Dalton, Jose Izquierdo, Kimberly Madison, Christine Marlewski, Millicent McDaniels, Micheal Pike, Lynda Sorel and coach Rob Rush compete in the American Bar Association Competition.

• March 1-4. Team members Larry Dany, Desiree Demonbreun, Jack Hill, LaShawnda Jackson, John Perry, Tony Simpson, Michelle Skinner, Annette Urenaand Coach Tom Farkashcompete in the American Trial Lawyer’s Association Competition in West Palm Beach.

• March 28-31.Team members Marcos Beaton, James McDonald, Terry Nealy, Jenny Walker and Coaches Craig DeThomasisand Micheal Buchanan(with the Gainesville law firm of DeThomasis and Buchanan), will compete in the Eleventh Annual National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition sponsored by the Criminal Justice Section of the ABA and John Marshall Law School.