Bob Hope   When you're around Fran Kinne - things happen. I don't know what it is - her energy, charisma, or karma - but it works. Everybody not only respects her - they love her. And that includes me. The fact that she laughs at all my jokes has nothing to do with it. It has been a pleasure just being in her company...whether at Jacksonville University, visits overseas, at home or on the telephone. And

she is responsible for one of the most pleasant afternoons in my life - sharing honorary degrees with Jack Benny at commencement exercises at the university.

Now, Dr. Fran has penned her memoirs which she is calling a "fun" book. Well, it sounds like a "tell-all" book to me. So before she shares any secrets, I want to make a confession. Fran is the first, and only, university president I have ever kissed. What's more, I enjoyed it.

-Bob Hope

18 October, 1999

Winston S. Churchhill   Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Fran Kinne in person will know what a wonderful, dynamic and special person she is. I have had the privilege of getting to know her in the course of visits to Jacksonville University of which she is Chancellor Emeritus, over the past twenty years. In the book she writes of her childhood, her love of music and of her love for an older man,

an Army Colonel, who swept her off to China as a young bride. There she was caught up in the Communist take-over and describes her narrow escape from Hankow which was surrounded by Communist forces.

She writes of her later experiences in Japan and of General MacArthur and of her time at the University of Frankfurt, where she was the only American, before moving on to Jacksonville University where she had thirty-seven years of exciting experiences.

Fran Kinne's impact on Jacksonville University was quite remarkable. Inspiring it with her dynamic go-getting attitude, she helped transform it into the vibrant, successful and much sought after University that it has now become. I suspect that the secret of her success is the fun and enthusiasm that she brings to everything she tackles - something I am sure the reader will share in the enjoyment of this book.

-Winston S. Churchill

18 October, 1999

Charlton Heston I was pleased to hear from Dr. Frances Kinne that she had decided to write a book about her life. I have known her for a number of years and found her to be an exuberant and enthusiastic educator, a tireless fund-raiser, a delightful dinner companion, a proud American and a loyal friend. All of these traits make her a most intriguing woman whom I have enjoyed getting to know in her various capacities. Fran's book will entertain you with her adventures. It was my pleasure to be even a small part of them.

-Charlton "Chuck" Heston

18 October, 1999

Fran Kinne (acknowledgment)

TO MANY WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE WEAVING OF THE "GOLDEN THREAD":

It was my parents, Charlie and Bertha Bartlett, who imbued my brother and me with the "Wow" in life - the search for excellence, as well as the need to justify each day the space we take up on this planet.

Since I am the last surviving member of my immediate family, my cousins have become particularly dear to me. It is important the Olsons remember their fine Scandinavian heritage, and the Bartletts have a motivation to recall the noble and patriotic life of the Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Josiah Bartlett.

Of course, I couldn't have managed most of my career without the loving support of two Army Colonel husbands - not at the same time! In fact, Harry Kinne often said laughingly, "I have to keep my Francie healthy and well-educated so I can enjoy my hobbies when I retire."

My "Midwestern Work Ethic" was inherent in hometown Story City, Iowa, where a concerned citizenry could well have been the model for Norman Rockwell. The educational experiences I received at the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University prepared me well for my European doctorate. And among the most rewarding has been my continued association with Drake University as a member of the Board of Governors, and with Jacksonville University as a member of the Board of Trustees.

My 37 years at Jacksonville University changed my life. The students, faculty, administration, staff and thousands of graduates gave me reason to be proud, and the outstanding Board of Trustees and J.U. Council made it possible for us to build and/or restore seven buildings during my ten year presidency. And with their incredible support we founded a College of Business (as Dean I had founded a College of Fine Arts in 1961), a Nursing School, a College of Weekend Studies, both the MBA and Executive MBA programs, one of the three International Students of English programs in the U.S., the dual-degree Engineering programs, etc.

Thanks to Mayo Clinic for keeping me vertical! I am grateful to be an Honorary Staff Member, and I appreciate the persistence of the doctors in encouraging me to put my philosophy on paper.