Today's ground breaking ceremony is the culmination of nearly a
decade of work and effort to update and expand our beloved Reitz Union to
better accommodate the growth and success of our students. When the Reitz was
built in the 1960's, it was designed to accommodate a
student body of approximately 19,000. Today the student population at the
University of Florida has more than doubled, and the Reitz sees thousands of
people every day. The new Reitz building will be large enough to accommodate
even more student organizations on campus, will be a central hub for student
services and will have the entire technological infrastructure to ensure when
our students leave this campus they will be better trained than their
counterparts.
There
are many people who have been responsible for bringing this plan to fruition. First,
I would like to recognize Chairman McKeel, his colleagues in the Florida House
of Representatives, members of the Florida Senate, and Governor Scott. Thanks
to Chairman McKeel’s leadership and support, the Reitz will continue to be the
vital core of our campus. I would also like to thank President Machen and
Vice President Kratzer. Their tireless dedication to the students of our
university shows why we have the most student friendly campus in this nation.
Throughout the planning and design of the new facilities, both President Machen
and General Kratzer kept the students as their main priority. Even when we were
faced with obstacles, their leadership ensured that this project would go on
and would be successful. We would not be standing here today if it was not for
their leadership and dedication to see this building’s completion. Finally,
I want to thank my predecessors and the work they did to help this university
reach this milestone today. Nearly a dozen Student Body Presidents have
played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. While I am thrilled to
be a part of this ceremony, I would be remiss if I did not recognize all of
their contributions.
Today
is an amazing day for all Gators. It was a long ride to get to where we are
today and countless days spent in our State’s Capitol, but it makes today that
much more significant. The new Reitz will embody what it truly means to be a
Gator. From housing departments such as Center for Leadership and Service,
Student Activities and Involvement, Multicultural and Diversity Affairs and
Gator well, we will be able to accommodate all of our student’s needs to make
them better leaders. Our Student Government Senate will have an official home
on the first floor of the new Reitz named “Student Senate Chambers” and Student
Government will have a design and print studio to empower our 1,000 student
organizations to showcase their many talents. This new space will provide the
foundation to develop future leaders for our great state and nation, and I know
the impact this building will have for our students will be far greater than we
could have ever imagined.
I
am excited for the endless possibilities this building will provide our
students and know it will be one of the reasons we become a Top 10 Public
University Thank you again for coming here this morning and being part of
history.
Go
Gators and Beat the Vols!
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