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Jim Ferman was 13 years old when he first met Dick Greco. It was at Wilson Junior High School in 1956, and Greco – a new graduate of the University of Tampa, was his civics teacher.

“We’ve followed each other since I was 13, and he was 23,” Ferman, chair emeritus of the UTampa Board of Trustees, said. “So it's been a wonderful and a rich experience for me knowing him. He's such a good guy. He's a lot of fun, and he’s got a terrific personality. He has enjoyed life.”

The Honorable Richard “Dick” A. Greco Sr., one of Tampa’s most renowned and beloved politicians and civic activists, was honored this week with an honorary resolution by the UTampa Board of Trustees for his lifelong support of his alma mater and the Tampa Bay community.

Born in Ybor City in 1933, Greco graduated from Hillsborough High School and received his bachelor of science degree in social studies from the University of Tampa in 1956. He went on to an illustrious career in politics and business.

Most notably, he served on the Tampa City Council from 1963 to 1967, and then four terms as the mayor of the City of Tampa, from 1967 to 1974, and 1995 to 2003. His terms spanned pivotal eras in the city’s history, including civil rights and the economic transition from cigar manufacturing to tourism, financial services and entertainment.

As mayor he oversaw unprecedented urban development and renewal projects – including Centro Ybor, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa International Airport and Tampa Marriott Waterside. He also reduced the city’s crime rate, and he helped bring back the iconic streetcar system, which continues running today and remains a symbol of the city.

Jim MacLeod, who came to Tampa as a UTampa freshman in 1966, said Greco is “always the mayor of Tampa, even when he’s not mayor.

“He took Tampa from this little place of less than 300,000 people into a major U.S. city with probably one of the most vibrant economies in the entire country,” MacLeod said. “The seeds that he planted got us there.”

His impact on the University as mayor was transformative as well. He spearheaded civic projects in Tampa, and especially downtown Tampa, that intersected with the University’s growth — most notably collaborating with city and state leaders on acquiring the old Florida State Fairgrounds property for campus expansion needs.

Today that acquisition accounts for a significant portion of campus, now the location of Pepin Field, Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values, Benson Alex Riseman Fitness Center, Jenkins Health and Technology Building and Straz Hall.

When John and Susan Sykes donated $10 million to UTampa in 1997—the largest gift in University history at the time— Greco spoke at the ceremony on the Plant Hall verandah, advocating for a “strong, technologically advanced university in the heart of the downtown business community."

Another native-born former mayor of Tampa, Gov. Bob Martinez, a trustee emeritus, graduated from UTampa a year later than Greco, but did not meet him until more than a decade later. They became especially close during Greco’s second term as mayor, when Martinez was chair of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

“He’s got a great sense of humor. He’s always upbeat. He’s always selling the city,” Martinez said.

Martinez explained that in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Tampa was in a downturn, losing population, and seeing stores closing in downtown, which was becoming a ghost town, he said.

“The city needed uplifting, and Greco was positive about everything,” Martinez said. “He has always been a tremendous cheerleader for the city, and the University.”

Greco served as a member of the UTampa Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2003, at a time when UTampa’s enrollment nearly doubled from 2,500 to 4,700 students, and when the campus began an unprecedented building spree.

Greco received the Award for Distinguished Public Service from the University in 1972, was presented the University of Tampa Medal in 1978, served as commencement speaker in 1999, was recognized by the University with an honorary degree – Doctor of Public Service – in 2002, and was named trustee emeritus in 2003 for his service, support and commitment to the University.

For longtime Tampa residents, Greco was renowned for his ability to work a room. “Mayor Dick is lovable and huggable,” said Linda Devine, former vice president of operations and planning at UTampa. “He puts everyone at ease, no matter their station.”

“She wouldn't be the only person he hugged,” Ferman countered. “He just loves people. He’s gregarious. He loves to hug.”

Phil Casey, a chair emeritus of the Board of Trustees, said that while Greco is the first card-carrying member of South Tampa’s exclusive Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, he is revered as much by the waiters as the fellow members.

“The last couple times I wheeled him into the grill, all the waiters started yelling ‘Numero uno, Number one!’” Casey recounted. “He really is number one.”

Greco had a successful business career with King-Greco Hardware Company, the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, and Lindell Properties. But, according to Ferman, business was never his hallmark.

“He never was Dick Greco, the rich business person,” Ferman said. “He was Dick Greco, the public servant. You just don't think of him as focusing on his own wealth.”


Instead, his focus has remained on generously benefiting Tampa citizens and UTampa students, sharing his intellectual capital to advance the University, and being one of the University’s most stalwart supporters.

“I think the University of Tampa is really fortunate to have an alum like Dick Greco” MacLeod said.