After a brief career as an Assistant U.S. District
Attorney, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
During his two terms in the House, Smathers was selected one
of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America.
In 1950, he was elected to the United States Senate,
where he served three terms until his voluntary retirement in
1969. As a United States Senator, George A. Smathers distinguished
himself for leadership in the areas of taxations, finance, and
foreign affairs. He was known as the "Senator from Latin
America".
A successful attorney and investor, in 1991 he
became the largest single benefactor in the history of the University
of Florida. On May 1, 1991, the University of Florida Libraries
were named the "George A. Smathers Libraries" in his
honor.
The University of Florida was the basis of
my achievements and the foundation of my lasting friendships.
- George A. Smathers |
