The Bob Graham Center for Public Service provides a wide variety of programs for students and the larger public on topics related to public service, public leadership and civic engagement.
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Hon. Bob Graham Celebration of Life Service & Reception
May 11, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, one of the University of Florida’s most accomplished alumni, will be remembered at a public celebration of life service at Miami Lakes United Church of Christ with a reception to follow at the Miami Lakes Hotel. The public is invited to attend the service in person or view online.
The celebration of life service is from 1-2:30 pm. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will also be livestreamed online by WPLG Local 10 at this link: www.local10.com/live and on the WPLG Local 10 YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@WPLGLocal10/streams.
Due to limited seating at Miami Lakes United Church of Christ, well-wishers planning to attend the celebration of life (which starts at 1 pm) should plan to arrive early. As parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to park across the street at the Miami Lakes K-8 Center (14250 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014) or consider alternative means of transportation. Once the sanctuary is full, guests will be asked to watch the livestream from the church fellowship hall or the Miami Lakes Hotel reception site.
Following the service, the Graham family will host a public reception at the Miami Lakes Hotel, 6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014, from 3-5 pm. At the reception, guests will have the opportunity to record their memories of Governor Graham with the assistance of the staff from the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program.
Guests attending the Miami Lakes Hotel reception should use the more than 1,600 parking spots available on Main Street or in lots directly behind Main Street.
Logistical details for media outlets wishing to cover the celebration of life and/or reception on May 11 are available from Chris Hand at chris@hand.law or (904) 274-4979.
Bob Graham served in the Florida House of Representatives (1966-1970), Florida Senate (1970-1978), as Florida’s 38th Governor (1979-1987) and as a United States Senator (1987-2005).
In his public service roles, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership through initiatives to protect the Florida Everglades and other natural treasures, invest in public education, diversify the Florida economy, and oversee the U.S. intelligence services.
He stayed connected to his constituents through more than 400 workdays in jobs held by everyday Floridians.
Following his time in elected office, Governor Graham dedicated himself to the cause of effective citizenship. That dedication led him to establish the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida, which helps students learn the skills of civic engagement, public leadership, and public service.
Governor Graham is survived by his wife of 65 years, former First Lady Adele Graham; children Gwen Graham (and husband Steve Hurm); Cissy Graham McCullough (Billy); Suzanne Graham Gibson (Tom); and Kendall Graham; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Governor Graham’s enduring wish was to prepare future generations for service to Florida, the nation, and the world. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of his remarkable life, Governor Graham’s family asks that donations be made to the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. Well-wishers can honor Governor Graham by visiting the Bob Graham Center online or calling the Center at 352-273-1080 to support its vital work.