As I recall, Gator Bert, 84 years old at the time, was in some sort of wheelchair during the reception before the gala dinner. I d just become editor of The News-Journal a few months earlier and didn t really know anyone. It was also a little awkward for me at the gala because The News-Journal was facing some heat at the time for our coverage of the college.
But Gator Bert greeted me like we d been friends for years. We talked for a couple minutes. He could not have been more supportive of The News-Journal.
Later, after a dinner, it was time for people to say a few words about the person the foundation was honoring that night. I don t recall the person being honored. But I do recall it being the moment when I really got to know Gator Bert.