UNIVERSITY OF FIIDA, NEWS HJREAU, GAINESV#E, FLORIDA
Allen Skaggs, Jr., Editor Release upon receipt




GAINESVILLE, October --- Lt. General Jamew A. Van Fleet (USA retired)

urged alumni of the University of Florida to support the spirit and life

of a great institution. J
A dollar spent toward the growth and development of the University

will bring many dollars in return to the citizens of Florida, he said

as he spoke during the 30th anniversary luncheon of the Class of 1924

here today.
Van Fleet, one of Americans outstanding military leaders is a former

football coach and professor of military science at the University

from 1921-24.
His visit to the campus this weekend not only included an

opportunity to confer with friends and former students...but also a

chance to see the Florida gators play on the same field where he

coached 3MXIKX his teams 30 years ago.

Contrary to popular belief, General Van Fleet did not attend the

University of Florida, but went to the Bartow Military Academy which
was one of several schools incorporated to form the University in

1905,

Accompanying General Van Fleet to Gainesville was Major Gene

Matthews, long time aide and friend of the General who graduated

from the University of Florida.
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