Former U.S. Senator Bob Graham to deliver keynote speech at Gator100
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sen. Bob Graham, one of the most accomplished politicians in Florida’s history, will deliver the keynote address at the Gator100 Awards at noon on Feb. 19 at the J. Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.
Sen. Graham served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years where he was an authority on domestic issues such as Everglades restoration, immigration and off-shore drilling, as well as a leading expert on foreign policy and intelligence. Most notably, he served as Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2001 to 2003.
Prior to his service in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Graham was a two-term Governor of the State of Florida (1979-1987).
“At the University of Florida we are leaders in everything we do,” Sen. Graham said. “The Gator100 is a wonderful occasion that allows us to celebrate the many talents and accomplishments of our alumni while at the same time inspiring fellow Gators to seize opportunities, invent new approaches and ultimately create change in our country and world.”
After retiring from public life, Sen. Graham (BA ’59) has continued to serve the State of Florida. He is the Founder of the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service, which is dedicated to creating a community of students, scholars, and citizens who share a commitment to revitalizing the civic culture of Florida and the nation. The Center’s innovative programs foster academic collaboration across UF’s campus, as well as prepare the next generation of students to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens.
“We are excited to have Senator Graham address the 2016 Gator100 honorees,” said Nola Miyasaki, Executive Director, Outreach and Incubation at the Warrington College of Business’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. “Senator Graham is a legend to many who will be attending the Gala Awards lunch, and it is a privilege to have him join us. It is wonderful to have the Senator address this group of highly successful entrepreneurs, who have made such a significant contribution to the State, national and global economy through jobs, revenue generation and leadership.”
The Gator100 ranks the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses each year. The event allows UF and the entrepreneurial community to celebrate and engage with these successful Gators and learn about their innovative ventures.
To be considered for the Gator100, companies must have been in business for five years or more as of Oct. 1, 2015, and have had verifiable annual revenues of $250,000 or more in 2012.
Additionally, a UF alumnus or alumni must have met one of the following three leadership criteria:
• A University of Florida alumnus* or group of alumni must have owned 50% or more of the company from Jan. 1, 2012 through Oct. 1, 2015
• A University of Florida alumnus must have served as the Company’s chief executive (for example: chairman, CEO, president or managing partner) from Jan. 1, 2012 through Oct. 1, 2015
• A University of Florida alumnus must have founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team from Jan. 1, 2012 through Oct. 1, 2015.
Visit Gator100 to learn more.
