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Earlier this week, the University of Florida, the state, the nation and the world lost a true statesman. Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham died Tuesday evening, April 16, 2024.
Bob Graham devoted himself to his family and to a life of public service that spanned more than four decades serving in elected offices or on appointed commissions. He was an early advocate on environmental issues such as Everglades restoration and protecting manatees, worked hard to expand access to and quality of education at all levels, and tackled some of the most difficult questions in U.S. foreign policy in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
He possessed a unique combination of razor-sharp intelligence and an enduring commitment to understanding the basic needs of everyday people. He conducted over 400 “workdays” as Governor and Senator that helped him build close relationships with Floridians of all backgrounds and experiences.
The result was an approach to politics and service that focused less on ideology and more on accomplishing the most good for the most people.
He also loved his alma mater, the University of Florida. He especially loved meeting and working with students, and founded the Bob Graham Center for Public Service to help students develop the skills necessary for effective civic engagement, public leadership, and public service.
He also very much believed in “learning by doing,” just as he had done through his “work days,” and wanted students to have meaningful internship and other professional development opportunities to do just that.
While we are deeply saddened by Gov. Graham’s passing, we embrace the opportunity to continue building on his legacy through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.
Gov. Graham will lie in state, attended by military and state law enforcement honor guards, in a public ceremony in Florida’s Historic Capitol from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. The ceremony will air live on The Florida Channel and be streamed online.
Following the Historic Capitol ceremony, Gov. Graham will be buried in a private, family service. On Saturday, May 11, at a time to be announced, he will be remembered at a public memorial service at the Miami Lakes United Church of Christ in his hometown of Miami Lakes, Florida.
In his honor, we have prepared a comprehensive website about his life and legacy, as well as updates to planned memorial observations. Please share the site widely.
Sincerely,
Matt Jacobs, Ph.D.
Director, Bob Graham Center for Public Service
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