Archive for “June 2014 ”

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1914-1999) The Honorable C. Clyde Atkins was known as a champion of civil rights and a defender for those who were less fortunate as well as a passionate supporter of the legal justice system. His achievements in this arena included advocating for the rights of the homeless, upholding the rights […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership When John “Johnnie” Wigginton enrolled in pre-engineering at the University of Florida he planned to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a civil engineer. However, two years in he found himself shifted to the study of law because it centered more on human relationships. While earning his law degree […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership William “Bill” O.E. Henry, once listed as one of the best lawyers in America, called himself a true Central Floridian. Born in Ocala, he received both journalism and law degrees from the University of Florida, worked at a newspaper in Ocala, and eventually became a partner at a law firm […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership In 1933 Clara Backus Floyd Gehan was the first woman to graduate from the University of Florida College of Law. She continued her accomplishment by practicing law, dedicating her life to public service and serving as a dedicated member to her lifelong Gainesville community. After earning her bachelor’s degree from […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership Chester H. Ferguson was a firm believer in the importance of education. In a speech at the Annual Law Reunion he said, “History shows that governments change, decay and fail, but the processes of learning go on forever.” Before attending the University of Florida College of Law, Ferguson attended the […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1908-1970) “Counselor, advocate, civic leader, aide to governors and other leaders, a leader in the (Florida) Bar, state Supreme Court Chief Justice. A compulsion to serve, to construct, to improve, to make things work as they were intended,” wrote University of Florida President Stephen O’Connell on Thornal’s death. “One of […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1898-1968) Perhaps no other UFLaw grad has such a varied background: highly decorated World War I combat soldier, star college athlete in three sports, lawyer, football referee, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice, law school dean, War Trials judge and head coach of University of Florida track, boxing and football teams […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1916-2001) “This state and nation need more like Steve O’Connell, and we will see few,” said former University of Florida President John Lombardi on O’Connell’s death. “Few have equaled his accomplishments; none have done so with such grace.” Athlete, scholar, rancher, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice, university president at the […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1918-1980) Cited as an “imaginative and dedicated scholar, great teacher, generous, well learned, outstanding administrator.” Noted for contributions to growth of the law (in terms of reform and scholarly productivity) and in providing means by which UFLaw first obtained physical facilities among best in U.S. at that time. Served as […]

(1892-1975) Return to Heritage of Leadership Called by President Lyndon Johnson, “one of five most powerful men in the Senate.” In response to reporter’s question, President Dwight Eisenhower named him as “THE Democrat who would make an outstanding president.” ABC Newsman/Commentator Howard K. Smith said he was “the most respected member of the U.S. Senate […]