LIFE AND WORK OF DR. A. A. MURPHREE


are made and pleasant contacts formed. But there is a tie
between professor and student that occupies a different classi-
fication in the golden book of friendship. There is in this tie
much of honor and respect, but more of love and admiration
and gratitude than of the other elements. And these ties grow
stronger with the years. Separated from most friends, we
drift away from them and they from us. Sometimes we even
forget them entirely. But not so with our teachers-the
longer we live, the more we appreciate their efforts, and it
seems we are never done thanking them. Did we say we were
one of a thousand? Yea, there are many thousands of Flor-
idians who in Dr. Murphree's sudden death have lost a friend-
ship born of college days and stoutly enduring since. There
are women among the number, as prior to his appointment as
head of the University, A. A. Murphree presided over the des-
tinies of the Florida State College for Women at Tallahassee.
Before that he was head of the old Florida State College, a
co-educational institution consodidated with others by the
Buckman bill of 1905.
 "The grief of this state and her people is sincere. We
know of no one's passing in all Florida that could have caused
so many people to lose an intimate personal friend. A Chris-
tian, a scholar, a gentleman, a leader, a thinker, a character
of unusual strength, fine sensibilities and high attainments has
been swept away from Florida, and we shall sorely miss him.
This loss to the University and to the people is irreparable."
 What manner of man was this educational leader, whom
friends loved so devotedly and citizens honored so heartily?
From whence drew he his life and strength? What influence
has shaped his ideals? Through what avenues did Almighty
Providence and his indomitable will draw his pathway?