Stay on Campus — For Eternity

ABC News On Campus reporter Heather Riggs blogs:

Fans of Florida universities may soon find a new place to rest on campus–in peace, that is.

A state law taking effect this month will allow Florida’s 11 universities to build structures for the remains of their fans and alumni.

Instead of scattering ashes on the 50-yard line, or spreading them in Lake Alice, Gator fans at the University of Florida could soon have a columbarium for urns.

“Over the years, a certain number of people have spread ashes here,” UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said. “We just want to give people the option to make their alma mater their final resting place.”

The idea may be unusual, but is not unique. Iowa State University has maintained a university cemetery since 1876. Located on approximately two acres of land on the northwest corner of the central campus, the cemetery bills itself as one of the country’s few active burial sites associated with a university campus. Many other universities have historical cemeteries.

While some might wish to take advantage of the opportunity to be laid to rest on campus, others are not too sure.

Mary Ellen Strongoski, a 1969 alumna of the College of Nursing, keeps a Gator-themed Christmas tree in her office all year long, and frequently wears her orange and blue jewelry—even in Gator-rival town, Tallahassee, where she lives.

“I occasionally drive to Gainesville just to tour the campus again, and sit by Century Tower and remember all the wonderful years,” she said. “We all say we will die a Gator, so why not be buried as one? I would rather stay forever in a place that I love versus some generic cemetery.”

Brian Lang graduated from the University of Florida in 1989. He met his wife at the College of Education and married her in the university auditorium. They have two children who would love to be Florida Gators. He tries to attend a few sports events a year, and makes sure to wear his Gator gear when vacationing.

“Cost is not a factor if you enjoy something, and I love everything UF,” Lang said. “But I would want to be buried near family and relatives. I wouldn’t want to have my ashes spread or stored on campus, but I would definitely consider being buried in an orange and blue casket."

Until recently, building such a facility meant the location had to be certified as a cemetery, which in Florida required a minimum of 30 acres. Even as Florida’s largest university, UF does not have that kind of space.

With the new law, universities are exempt and remains can be placed on five acres or less. For now, UF plans to place its columbarium in the medicinal gardens.

In 2007, when plans first started taking shape, officials reported that the columbarium would hold up to 270 niches for urns, each costing $3,000 to $5,000. The planning process is still underway.