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These simple questions were far more than small talk for former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. They became his way of forming meaningful connections with students. Whenever he met someone new on campus, Senator Graham would carefully record their answers in his now-iconic notebook, treating each interaction as though it carried profound significance.

The practice was emblematic of his character. Senator Graham approached every encounter with the same genuine curiosity, respect and humility, an ethos that guided his nearly four decades of public service. It wasn’t strategy or showmanship; it was simply his way of life.

Although Senator Graham passed away in 2024, his granddaughter Kendall Gibson continues the practice today. As Ward 3 manager for Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Gibson often wishes she could seek her grandfather’s advice.

“Luckily, I have my lifetime of learning from his example,” she said.

A treasured possession hangs in Gibson’s home: an old photograph of her grandfather she discovered on eBay. It’s a peculiar image, showing Senator Graham standing in a boxing ring, arms outstretched and microphone in hand.

Gibson believes it’s from one of his legendary “Workdays,” a tradition he established working full shifts alongside everyday Floridians to better understand their lives. Senator Graham completed over 400 of these jobs, packing citrus, working factory lines, and even wielding scissors at a barber shop.

For Gibson, the photograph isn’t just a conversation piece; it serves as daily inspiration.

“I take in the photo and imagine him sending me out for a fight,” she said. “Government work truly is a fight.”

That battle, she notes, demands strategy, compromise and dedication to constituents. Her grandfather’s methods offer timeless lessons: the art of bridging divides, the value of civic engagement and the power of simply listening.

These principles sit at the heart of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, established in 2006. Located in Pugh Hall on UF’s Gainesville campus, the center has evolved into a hub for civic engagement and intellectual exchange — not just for students and faculty, but for the broader community.

At the center’s 20th anniversary celebration in September, Gibson reflected on growing up in a family steeped in the tradition of public service. She looked out from the stage into a packed crowd of community leaders, alumni, donors and members of her own family, including former Florida first lady Adele Graham and her daughters Gwen Graham, Cissy Graham McCullough, Suzanne Graham Gibson and Kendall Graham. Many attendees were lifelong colleagues and admirers of Senator Graham.

“The ability to reason, debate and act with knowledge and empathy is crucial for sustaining a strong democracy,” said Kevin Ingersent, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “With an incredible foundation laid by its leadership, supporters and students, I have no doubt that the center’s impact will continue to expand for generations to come.”

During the event, interim Provost Joe Glover announced a $5 million gift from the Graham family to establish the Governor Bob Graham Family Endowment for Civic Engagement, supporting students in internships, externships and fellowships.

“This gift is special because of the spirit behind it: The love and respect that the Graham family have for each other, for the Graham Center and for this university,” Glover said.

The contribution also launched a campaign to grow the center’s endowment to $20 million by the end of 2026. Marianne Vernetson, the center’s interim director, hopes the campaign will continue to expand Senator Graham’s mission of “doing the most good for the most people.”

“As we look ahead, this anniversary is not only about memory, but about momentum,” Vernetson said. “This is the start of a year of storytelling, reconnection and renewed commitment to the journey that Governor and Mrs. Graham began with us 20 years ago.”

In an emotional moment, Adele Graham presented Senator Graham’s posthumously awarded Medal of Freedom — Florida’s highest civilian honor — to the center.

“Long ago, Bob and I dreamed of a place where students could not only study government and policy but also develop the character and courage to lead with integrity,” Adele Graham said. “It’s been thrilling to see that dream come to life through the students and programs here, and I’m filled with hope knowing it will continue into the future.”

Senator Graham’s tireless pursuit of harmony, integrity and across-the-aisle respect represents more than a legacy. It’s an urgent call to action. Wherever the fight for better public service is needed, his spirit remains in the ring.