Dead Men on Campus
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Posted: 9:56 PM Jul 10, 2009
Dead Men on Campus
Diehard fans of Florida’s 11 public universities may soon be able to show their school spirit in death. State law has changed to allow urns with the ashes of dead alumni to be housed on campus.
Reporter: Whitney Ray

Spread Your Ashes At Your Alma Mater In Florida?
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Diehard fans of Florida’s 11 public universities may soon be able to show their school spirit in death. State law has changed to allow urns with the ashes of dead alumni to be housed on campus. No Florida school has adopted a plan yet, but graduates of Florida schools are already seeking to be laid to rest on campus.

Some Florida Gators have so much school spirit, even death can’t keep them from supporting the team. Gator fans have had their ashes illegally scattered on the football field, and dozen of law abiding alumni have asked for permission to do the same.

But UF isn’t the only school where people are dying to be laid to rest. There are reports of ashes being scattered around this giant oak tree on FSU’s campus.

The interest in campus cemeteries spawned legislation allowing schools to build columbaria to house the ashes of alumni. FSU Freshman Lonnie Prior grew up watching Seminole football. This fall he’ll play for the ‘Noles.

“I’ve always been a fan and just to be buried here, that would be cool.”

FSU Senior Adriana Sekula wants to be buried with her family, but says housing dead fans on campus could increase school spirit.

“I think it’s exciting. I don’t think we would be Gators or Seminoles without that kind of support.”

Alum Mark Delegal spent some of the best years of his life at the University of Florida. He never misses a home football game, and is considering spending eternity on campus.

“I do plan to be cremated, I’m not quite sure I’m ready to say I’ll have my urn put over there, but it’s as good of an idea as I have heard.”

And if school spirit can outlast death, diehard fans may soon be dying for a spot near their favorite stadium.

The University of Florida is reviewing plans to build a columbarium on campus. FSU has formed a committee to research the ideas.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Jeff Location: Lynn Haven on Jul 10, 2009 at 05:04 PM

God, I loved America before she went to hell in a handbag. Don't know what happened, but it started with being politically correct, moved to Hussein-Obama, and quickly died with the remains of dead collegians being stored on college campuses. Apparently, we got our priorities mixed up. It was pretty good while it lasted.
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