Gelber considers karma and the extension of a helping hand the best measures of success, and he offered his personal story as an example. He volunteered for many years at a summer camp for children with cancer. Later, he was able to support his sister, who would eventually lose her son to the disease.

Gelber’s Wolfson Campus appearance was part of an ongoing series on public affairs. His conversation with students was moderated by history Professor Victor Vázquez-Hernández.

Miami Beach resident Gelber told students that the next chapter of his life in public service will include a bid for the U.S. Senate.

Gelber also talked about education and said the state of Florida failed to adequately invest in education during the past decade. He went on to encourage first-generation college students to be persistent in their academic pursuits because their successes are likely to be repeated by the following generation.

The best way to transform Florida’s economy is to educate our workforce better, he said.