Bob Graham Center for Public Service

The 50th anniversary of the sit-ins that energized the civil rights movement in the South was discussed on December 8, 2009. Panelists for “The 50th Anniversary of the Sit-Ins: From Greensboro to Tallahassee” included history professors Bill Link and Alan Petigny and religion professor Gwendolyn Simmons, discussing the significance of the sit-in movement and its impact …

Leading economic experts hosted an in-depth discussion on the reasons behind the state’s economic woes for members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives on January 14, 2010.The James Madison Institute and the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service and Reubin O’D. Askew Institute on Politics and Society hosted the forum, …

Leading economic experts hosted an in-depth discussion on the reasons behind the state’s economic woes for members of the Florida Senate and House of Representatives on January 14, 2010. The James Madison Institute and the University of Florida’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service and Reubin O’D. Askew Institute on Politics and Society hosted the forum, entitled …

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, considered a Senate expert in public health during his time in office, talked about bipartisanship in the healthcare debate on January 18, 2010. While the discussion centered on health care, the real purpose of the forum was to discover what lessons can be learned to foster bipartisan cooperation in crucial …

During a February 10, 2010 forum Bob Rhodes, a leading expert on growth management, described a controversial growth regulation amendment on the 2010 ballot as the "elephant in the growth management policy room." This could radically change the way Florida regulates growth and development. Amendment 4 would require that all local government Comprehensive Plans and plan …

Dr. Gary Mormino, one of Florida’s leading historians, discussed the lasting impact of World War II on Florida, including the explosive military growth from 1940-1945, the transformation of the home front, and the increased population, economy and tourism after the war. His discussion touched upon both "the explosive military growth in Florida between 1940 and 1945—Florida …

As a public land grant university, UF has a special obligation to encourage students not only to participate in civic activities, but also to equip them with the skills needed to make the thoughtful and informed choices that citizenship requires. Derek Bok suggests some concrete ways in which universities can better prepare students to be …

Prize-winning journalist Lucy Morgan, with Rod Smith, former Democratic state senator from Gainesville, and John Delaney, former Republican mayor of Jacksonville, discussed the state of politics on February 24, 2010. Bipartisanship Part 1: 27 min  Bipartisanship Part 2: 25 min  Bipartisanship Part 3: 19 min

Prize-winning journalist and author Carl Hiaasen spoke to a standing-room only audience on March 2, 2010. During his talk "Carl on Florida," Hiaasen related personal anecdotes, discussed the development of some of his most notable characters and answered questions from the audience. To view Carl Hiaasen's entire presentation, click on these links: Part 2: 28 …

A former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, Eric Greitens presented an inspirational program to a packed auditorium on March 24, 2010. He discussed the objectives of his group The Mission Continues and gave examples of how it has transformed the lives of wounded and disabled veterans. These veterans are continuing their mission by serving their country and communities as …