At 147,000 square feet, Southwest Recreation Center is a hub for University of Florida (UF) students looking to get active. The two-story athletic facility includes an indoor track, four basketball courts, strength and conditioning spaces, a cardio room, a multi-purpose activity court and more. Now, the recreation center is also…
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy lives on through students’ volunteer work
“Service is a core pillar in my life because I want to make a difference,” said Catherine White, a fourth-year political science student at the University of Florida (UF). “I care about giving back and creating relationships within my community.” White has been inspired by helping others for as long…
Elle Collins takes over as Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program director
Elle Collins, who started working at the University of Florida in 2016, took over as director for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program in October. Her favorite part of this new position, she said, is the various capacities in which she gets to interact with students, following them throughout their…
What’s popping? The Great Gator Welcome Back!
Great Gator Welcome is the official start to a new semester at the University of Florida (UF). From Jan. 9 to Jan. 13, the Division of Student Life hosted events to celebrate students returning to campus after the holiday break. “Great Gator Welcome is a time students can build community…
Simonne Horman Paparella begins as director of Sorority and Fraternity Life
For Simonne Horman Paparella, Phi Sigma Sigma is more than just a sisterhood — it’s an experience that has shaped her entire career. She was first initiated into the sorority as a freshman pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Now, six years…
Dive into an Accessible Day at the Lake
Students, staff and faculty gathered to celebrate an Accessible Day at the Lake during the afternoon of Oct. 21. The event took Gators out of the busy swamp and into a state of relaxation with Lake Wauburg’s cool breeze, clear sky and calm water. As guests enjoyed the lake and…
Gators Bounce Back event reminds students not to let setbacks define them
When Gators undergo challenges, we bounce back academically and, for some, in inflatable bounce houses. The Gators Bounce Back event took place at the Reitz Union North Lawn on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It was the first of a new annual event that encouraged students to…
Career Prep process will set incoming students up for success
First-time Gators may have noticed two new holds on their accounts this semester. These are part of the Career Prep process — a newly implemented program to encourage career exploration and professional development. “It’s the university’s commitment to students’ professional growth,” said Angel Iverson, director for career foundations in the Division…
The Stripes Within campaign honors military Gators who make up the fabric of UF
Virginia White has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was 3. But that dream was tested when, as a teenager, she received troubling news: She’s allergic to most furry animals. This realization may have discouraged some individuals, but nothing could stop White from achieving her dream. She just had…
Career Showcase launches new experience for UF students
If you are on the hunt for an internship, mentor or full-time job, the University of Florida’s Career Showcase — a three-day event connecting hundreds of employers with thousands of students and alumni — is a staple. This fall, Gators majoring within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering can look…