Message from UF President Bernie Machen

Dear Gator Nation,

The Florida Legislature begins its annual session on March 3 in an era of budget cuts that could threaten the quality of education
at the University of Florida.

Now is the time to reach out to your legislators in support of UF. We need advocates to help us tell the story of the University of
Florida and how it benefits our state. The more we can communicate with our elected officials about UF's education, research and
public service, the better informed they will be during this budget cutting time.

UF, in partnership with the Alumni Association, has created a grassroots organization to recruit graduates and friends as advocates.
Called Gators for Higher Education, this group of volunteers will be asked to contact their legislators in support of UF at critical
times during the legislative session. To help you become a UF advocate, we have a web site that will provide you with information
about our legislative issues and directions on how to contact your representative and senator.

Please go to http://gatorsforhighered.ufl.edu
to learn more and register to join.

The legislative session runs from March 3 until May 1, so time is of the essence.

Thank you for your help.
Bernie Machen

J. Bernard Machen