Former Student Affairs VP Kratzer is Idaho "Two Bits"
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 | Football, Chris Harry
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By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — His more than 30-year association with the University of Florida began as director of the Reitz Union and took turns as both interim and associate vice president, then vice president of student affairs, a post for which he became one of the most popular campus administrators of his generation.
On those credentials alone, Dave Kratzer would be a worthy candidate for a turn as an honorary "Mr. Two Bits."
But this is Veteran's Day week, and Saturday's regular-season finale between the No. 15 Gators (7-3) and Idaho (4-6) at Spurrier/Florida Field represents the annual "Saluting Those Who Serve" game, and that makes Kratzer doubly qualified for the pre-game chant.
Dave Kratzer
It was 17 years ago — in the aftermath of 9/11 — that Kratzer, then director at the student union, was called back to military duty, with eventual deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq before retiring from the US Army in 2006 with the rank of major general. Along the way, he earned the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
From a uniform with distinction, to a suit and tie, and now on to the trademark yellow button-down and khakis. He'll wear this as immaculately as the others.
"I am so honored," Kratzer said. "I feel like I'm doing this on behalf of veterans and anyone who has served, but also, being at the University of Florida since 1986 and knowing how special this place is, it's just an amazing opportunity. I'm going to relish every second."
It's only right. UF, after all, relished every second of Kratzer's time here. From his arrival 32 years ago as the director of the Reitz Union, Krazter had visions of something bigger and better for the campus hub and stuck around long enough to see through what became a $90 million renovation project that opened in 2016, just as Kratzer was retiring from his post as VP of student affairs.
So, what does Kratzer, now 70, hold dearer? His time served for his country or the university?
Worth noting: Though in retirement, he remains passionate and involved with both.
"I had two careers that were different and I'm very proud of both opportunities. Honestly, to me, it's part of the same spectrum," Kratzer said. "When I came back here, the university protected my position and, as a lot of veterans will tell you, that doesn't happen. I'm very proud of the work I've done with the students and student leaders over three decades and I've kept a close association with many of them. It never felt like a job. It was a passion and I got to do it every day."
Now Kratzer gets to do something else. And we get to salute.
