New Graham Center endowment supports hands-on student experiences in public service
A new gift to the Bob Graham Center for Public Service will support students engaged in internships, externships, fellowships or other opportunities in public service, non-profit work, philanthropy and related fields.
The gift creates the largest endowed fund in the center’s history and secures its position as a leading institution for civic engagement and public service education. This contribution also launches a fundraising campaign to grow the center’s endowment to $20 million by the end of 2026.
Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s family made the transformational $5 million gift to the University of Florida to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the center and to create the Governor Bob Graham Family Endowment for Civic Engagement.
Founded in 2006, the center, located in Pugh Hall on UF’s Gainesville campus, has become a hub for civic engagement and intellectual discourse. The Graham family’s investment will further strengthen the center’s capabilities in this space and bolster its ability to develop the next generation of informed leaders.
"This gift is more than a celebration of 20 years — it’s the beginning of a bold campaign to secure the Bob Graham Center’s future," said Maria Gutierrez Martin, vice president for UF Advancement. "Philanthropy like this makes it possible to expand scholarships, deepen hands-on learning and prepare tomorrow's leaders. The Graham family's generosity will inspire others to invest in this vision."
On Sept. 4, the Bob Graham Center hosted a special event at the UF Hilton Conference Center, bringing together community leaders, alumni, donors and members of the Graham family to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Notably, former Florida First Lady Adele Graham attended the event alongside her daughters Gwen Graham, Cissy Graham McCullough, Suzanne Graham Gibson and Kendall Graham.
Further underscoring the family’s deep commitment, Adele Graham gifted the center with the governor’s Medal of Freedom, which was posthumously awarded to Bob Graham last month. Gov. Ron Desantis bestowed the state’s highest civilian honor in recognition of Graham’s lifetime of public service.
“Long ago, Bob and I dreamed of a place where students could not only study government and policy but also develop the character and courage to lead with integrity,” said Adele Graham. “It’s been thrilling to see that dream come to life through the students and programs here, and I’m filled with hope knowing it will continue into the future.”
Graham’s nearly four-decade career included serving as a state legislator, governor and three-term U.S. senator, during which he became a vocal champion for public service. Graham passed away last year, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Florida’s history.
“This gift is special because of the spirit behind it: The love and respect that the Graham family have for each other, for the Bob Graham Center and for this university where Bob and Adele first met and embarked on their celebrated journey,” said Joe Glover, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who announced the gift.
Marianne Vernetson, the center’s interim director and senior lecturer, emphasized the center’s ability to fulfill the Grahams’ belief in “doing the most good for the most people.” She noted the center’s ripple effects, felt globally, as alumni carry their experiences out into careers in public service, education, law, medicine and business.
During the event, the center’s team shared plans to host a yearlong series of celebrations in honor of two decades of impact. Part of this programming will include regional events across the state and in Washington, D.C., further engaging alumni, supporters and community leaders in the center’s fundraising efforts.
“As we look ahead, this anniversary is not only about memory, but about momentum,” said Vernetson. “This is the start of a year of storytelling, reconnection and renewed commitment to the journey that Governor and Mrs. Graham began with us 20 years ago.”
For more details about the center’s 20th-anniversary initiatives, including opportunities to support the fundraising campaign, visit bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu.