Alumni

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 […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1892-1975) 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 […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1912-1975) Distinguished himself in World War II, earning the rank of colonel and leading a squadron of Japanese-Americans subsequently among the most highly decorated. As first Chairman of the Florida Board of Regents, he greatly impacted the State’s system of higher education and helped desegregate Florida colleges and universities. Instrumental […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1918-1996) Soldier, lawyer, educator, judge, professor, dean, college president – Harold Crosby made his mark in many fields, excelling in them all. He was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the College of Law’s Florida Law Review, honored by his alma mater and the state for his contributions to education, professor and […]

Return to Heritage of Leadership (1930-1998) Fourth generation Florida native who became an extraordinary public servant and basically gave his entire life to the people of the state. Selfdescribed “he-coon” (biggest and craftiest raccoon) of political strategy and a Florida political icon known for his folksy demeanor. He first made his mark in state politics […]