Throughout the years, the University of Tampa has hosted an impressive resume of political leaders, celebrities, and events that have rivaled other big cities. President Obama is the most recent name to add to our list, with his visit certainly topping all others in importance and relevance. However, below are some of the most memorable good and bad moments in UT history that simply cannot be ignored.
1.) President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden hold a town meeting in the Bob Martinez gym on Jan. 28 at 12:30 p.m.
2.) The President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf speaks at the Spring 2009 commencement ceremony, motivating graduates and receiving an honorary degree. President Sirleaf was the first female to ever lead an African nation.
3.) Senator John McCain comes in October of 2009 and discusses national security in a campaign speech.
4.) January 2009, Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois and brother Rob Blagojevich are indicted on corruption charges. Both attended UT, with Rob Blagojevich speaking at the commencement ceremony in May 2008.
5.) In 2008, the Today Show came to the University and held a live broadcast in the midst of the heated Presidential campaign. Florida Governor Charlie Crist was in attendance.
6.) UT Alumni and Mexican Vice President Juan Camilo Mourino dies in a plane crash on Nov. 4, 2008.
7.) MTV’s reality TV star “the situation” from the show “Jersey Shore” comes to The Kennedy, sending UT students into a dramatic frenzy.
8.) In 1964, Kennedy Boulevard is named after President John F. Kennedy as he was assassinated four days after visiting the city, a life-size statue stands in Plant Park in remembrance of him.