John Mica: “first I want to pay just a few moments of tribute to one of the most distinguished gentlemen I know in the State of…”

“first I want to pay just a few moments of tribute to one of the most distinguished gentlemen I know in the State of Florida, a gentleman I have known for the past decade, who has headed the University of Florida, Mr. John Lombardi. John Lombardi is retiring as the President of the University of Florida. I have had an opportunity since I first attended the University of Florida, it will be some 40 years ago, in 1960, as a freshman on that campus, to see the University of Florida, which gave me an incredible opportunity in life, an educational advantage. I have seen many Presidents, J. Wayne Reitz, Phil O'Connell, Bob Marston, Marshall Criser, the interim President Bryan and others who have done a superb job in leading our first and foremost university in Florida, the University of Florida in Gainesville. But I have never seen an individual who has done a more incredible job in bringing together success in academics, success in programs, success in contributions to the university, both financial contributions and incredible standing. There just is no one who has done a more incredible job than John Lombardi.”