Gainesville, Florida — Former University of Florida President Ben Sasse spent more than $1.3 million on private catering for opulent dinners, football tailgates, and costly social occasions in his first year on the job, according to a student news agency report.
According to a report from Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, the amount spent was roughly double that of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs, who was brought back to lead the university temporarily after Sasse announced his resignation in July.
Sasse, a former Nebraska senator, cited his wife’s health and the need to spend time with family as reasons for leaving his post. He plans to teach as a professor at the university.
Fresh Take Florida’s investigation came weeks after The Independent Florida Alligator reported that as school president, Sasse hired six former staffers and two former Republican leaders at higher compensation than equivalent positions. Most did not relocate to Gainesville, Florida, where the flagship university is located, but instead worked remotely from hundreds of miles away.
Overall, Sasse’s office spent $17.3 million in his first year, while Fuchs spent $5.6 million in his final year. The Alligator claimed that the university’s overall budget is $9 billion.
A spokesperson for Sasse stated in an email on Friday that she was not authorized to respond on his behalf about the situation.
Last December, Sasse hosted a $176,800 holiday party for about 200 guests, who dined on fresh sushi hand-rolled by two dedicated chefs, as well as traditional beef, chicken, and sweet desserts, according to Fresh Take Florida, which cited itemized catering expenses obtained under Florida’s public records law.
The liquor bill totaled more than $7,000.
According to the news service, it was unclear whether the university paid for all of the items on Sasse’s catering tabs with government cash or donations.
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