<p>Nearly 100 years ago this month Gainesville welcomed the then-University of the State of Florida as its newest resident in a citywide celebration marking the relocation of the state of Floridas official university from Lake City.</p>
<p>Today, banners along University Avenue from the University of Florida Presidents Home to 13th Street herald the 100th anniversary of that historic move. Paid for by the city of Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency and put up by employees of UFs Physical Plant Division, the banners help set the stage for a joint university-city-county celebration set to begin on Sept. 22.</p>
<p>We could not have survived this long without the support, understanding and acceptance of the Gainesville community, said Florida Bridgewater-Alford, director of Community Relations at UF. We are excited to show in our way how much we appreciate Gainesville and Alachua County.</p>
<p>Public festivities will get under way at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22 in the University Auditorium when UF President Bernie Machen along with Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan and Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson speak on the universitys past, present and future. Also on the platform are John Boyles, UF student body president, and a representative of the UF alumni association. Each speaker will present objects representing the unity of the school and the community for placement in a time capsule. </p>
<p>In addition, the UF Mens Glee Club is scheduled to perform and refreshments will be served. </p>
<p>A walking and driving tour of campus is being sponsored by the mayors office, with departure scheduled from the University Auditorium after the opening ceremony. Led by Carl Van Ness, UFs official historian, and members of the UF history advisory council, the tour will highlight landmarks from UFs 100-year history in Gainesville.</p>
<p>And, during the halftime show of the University of Florida-University of Kentucky game on Saturday, Sept. 23, the University Athletic Association plans to recognize the city of Gainesville and Alachua County to show its appreciation of the communities continued support of the university over the past 100 years.</p>