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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
When Diane Porter-Roberts first began working in the University of Florida’s Department of Housing & Residence Life in 1995, the then-director of Housing told her there were two people she needed to have in her corner in order to be successful. One of them was Lisa Diekow. Over the next…
University of Florida students interested in the great outdoors have been finding an outlet in Florida Alternative Breaks since spring break 1993, when 21 Gators traveled down to Miami to help reconstruct homes damaged in Hurricane Andrew. The service trip was followed by a two-night camping excursion in Fiesta Key….
From new dining options to an expanded focus on career planning, first-time and returning students have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming semesters. Here’s a quick rundown of some changes and events you might want to know about. Great Gator Welcome introduces new students to campus The…
With more than 25 years of experience in collegiate recreation, Laura Hall is bringing her talents across the country to the University of Florida. The California native joined the UF team in February as director of Recreational Sports. In 2016, Hall was hired as senior director of campus recreation at…
Blair Wortsmith only made the move to Gainesville last March, but she’s already made a big impact on the University of Florida community. Wortsmith is the program coordinator of campus events, a position under the campus events and traditions team within the department of Student Activities & Involvement in the…
