Built in 1953, Century Tower honors students killed in World Wars I and II. It also commemorates UF's 100th anniversary. Inside is one of North America's largest cast-bell carillons.

 

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Location & Facilities

Situated within an hour's drive of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Gainesville is a major center of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics in Florida. The University of Florida and Shands Hospital are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors.

Gainesville continues to rank as one of the best places to live in the United States. In September 1995, Money Magazine named Gainesville as the best place to live in America. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban "forest," Gainesville has been tapped as Florida's most livable city for five consecutive years and was named Florida Tree City of the Year in 1997.

There are abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation in Gainesville and Alachua County. Outdoor enthusiasts regularly head for the 40 nature parks within 50 miles of Gainesville to picnic, boat, swim, hike, camp, bike, hunt or fish. With almost 65 percent of the county's 965 square miles biding as wilderness dotted with scenic lakes, wetlands and trails, it is a delight for nature lovers of all ages. The Gainesville area boasts many lakes and rivers fed by naturally cool, clear springs.

Gainesville is rapidly becoming a leading technology center in the U.S. A February 2005 Popular Science magazine article ranked Gainesville as the 30th most technologically advanced city in the nation and top high-tech hot spot in Florida. The UF campus has wireless Internet access in many buildings and outside areas, and is committed to continually updating technology.

UF offers many opportunities for its large population of international students and students from underrepresented groups. The university is home to a variety of student unions that support minority groups, including an Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Union and the Pride Student Union for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered, straight and questioning lifestyles.

Cultural activities are also abundant in the area. The Harn Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Phillips Center for Performing Arts, as well as the Hippodrome State Theater, provide Gainesville residents a diverse blend of internationally recognized art, theatre, movies and music.

Gator Engineering facilities benefit from the university's diversity as well. The college offers more degree programs than many of the nation's leading engineering programs. We have numerous research facilities supported by industry and government. The list includes the National Science Foundation-funded Particle Engineering Research Center; the Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics, which is supported by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Florida; and the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, which is supported by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.