June 2013

Nearly 200 people packed the College of Medicine's atrium the morning of June 14 to watch Dr. Charlotte Maguire receive her official designation as one of the newest Great Floridians.

There was no shortage of VIPs. Among them were Gov. Rick Scott, who presented the award; former Gov. Reubin Askew, himself a Great Floridian, now a friend and neighbor of Maguire; and Florida State University President Eric Barron, who introduced the governor and praised Maguire as one of FSU’s treasures.

“It’s difficult to express enough how deeply grateful this university is for friends and supporters like Dr. Maguire, who care so much about providing our students with the best educational experience available, and they give so much of themselves,” he said. “Teacher, mentor, instrumental in creating our college, adviser on numerous boards, philanthropist, friend.”
 
Barron said he appreciated the governor’s presence on campus.

“This is a governor who values hard work leading to achievement and excellence," he said. "And it’s precisely because of that fact that I’m especially pleased, Governor, that you have come to honor Charlotte Maguire.”

Scott reminded the audience of Maguire’s determination in medical school, at a time when most women were routinely turned away simply because of their gender. He cited her work as a pediatrician who cared for the underserved, her efforts in state and federal government to improve health care, and her legendary generosity. Calling her “one of the best and brightest in our great state,” he handed her the Great Floridian award.

In a 10-minute address that even recounted her visit with Queen Elizabeth, a clearly delighted Maguire began by smiling and saying, “This is one special occasion!” She said she began life as “a little girl with a parent who told me, ‘You can do anything you set your mind to, but you have to work.’ So I did work.” She spoke of how her father had taught her to save a little money every week and had told her, “Whatever you amass in this world belongs to God. It’s not yours. You need to give it before you die.” And so she has, along the way helping to create medical schools at both the University of Florida and Florida State.

The Great Floridian designation is given in recognition of the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida.

Watch the video of the ceremony in the atrium.

Read the press release from the Governor’s Office.