Any description of UNF invariably entails mention of one key campus feature –
the Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails. The trails are a source of pride for many
people including one of the University's first graduates &ndash Linda
Slade.
Slade, along with members of the Sawmill Slough Conservation Club, assisted
Loftin, a UNF professor and faculty adviser, in establishing the trail system.
“We laid out the original trails, cleared brush and set up interpretive
stations,” Slade recalls. She also helped organize UNF's first Earth Day, an
event drawing more than 1,000 people to campus.
The environmental awareness Slade developed at UNF continued in later years
when she and her husband, Tom, started a business that thrived in part because
of its sensitivity to the environment
The UNF experience also contributed to Slade's first job and kicked off a
lifelong involvement in the community. When UNF opened its doors in 1972 as an
upper division University, Slade was among the first students to arrive after
attending the University of Florida and Florida Community College at
Jacksonville.
“It was exciting for all of us. The professors were very motivated to be part
of a new campus. I shared classes with people already working in their career
field. It was wonderful to have discussion with people in the ‘real’ world. The
quality of education was incredible.”
After completing several criminology courses, Slade landed an internship in
downtown Jacksonville working with women probationers. That experience propelled
her to a permanent position with the Office of Criminal Justice Planning. She
worked with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for seven years writing grants,
doing research and speaking to numerous clubs and community groups about crime
prevention.
After meeting and marrying her husband, the couple moved in 1984 to Americus,
Ga., where they established an industrial paint company. That eventually led to
TCI, a company that became an industry leader in the manufacturing of
electrostatically applied powder coatings. It was among the first companies to
utilize the newly developed environmentally safe technology. TCI was eventually
sold to RPM Inc. and continues operations today employing nearly 200 workers and
having a major economic impact in the area. Next to raising their two daughters,
Slade is proudest of the lasting contribution the couple made in the small
Georgia community.
Moving back to Jacksonville in 1996, Slade resumed her community activism and
became involved in a number of organizations, including the Museum of Science
and History and Hope Haven Children's Clinic and Family Center. She also resumed
her connection with UNF serving as president of the Alumni Association and
becoming a member of the UNF Foundation Board. She is currently helping to raise
money for UNF's Disability Resource Center.
Recognizing the importance of memorabilia, Slade recently donated her cap and
gown to UNF representing the charter graduating class of '74. “It's exciting to
see UNF grow and I'm very proud to be part of it.”
