Alumni 
Lawton M. Chiles Jr.
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 […]
E. Dixie Beggs Jr.
Return to Heritage of Leadership (1908-2001) Known for his keen interest in state and national legal reform, Beggs was a strong leader in his community. He was instrumental in early initiatives of the Florida Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Beggs sponsored and drafted acts that authorized continuous revision of Florida statutes by the […]
Sidney M. Aronovitz
Return to Heritage of Leadership (1920-1997) Considered a man of great integrity, he served more than 20 years on the U.S. District Court (South Florida) after first being nominated in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. Among his decisions: ruling in the early days of legalized abortion that a woman did not need her husband’s consent […]
James C. Adkins Jr.
Return to Heritage of Leadership (1915-1994) Born in 1915 in Gainesville. His father, James Adkins Sr., was a state attorney, state representative and Gainesville mayor. His great uncle, A. Z. Adkins, was a state senator and circuit judge. Adkins Jr. and his first wife, Ethel May Fox, had two children: Linda Rae and James Stanton. […]
Alto L. Adams
Return to Heritage of Leadership (1899-1989) First graduate of the University of Florida College of Law to become Justice (’40) – and Chief Justice (’49) – of the Florida Supreme Court. Noted for incisive analysis and short, clear opinions (referred to by press of the day as “inventor of one-page opinions”). Born in Florida Panhandle, […]