Dear Students,

The end of spring semester 2020 has arrived! You did it, Gators! Through many twists and turns, you have persevered, showing such impressive resilience, dedication and strength of character. I am enormously proud of all of you and appreciative of the grace you’ve shown in the face of change.

To the many of you earning your degrees this semester, I extend an extra special congratulations and round of applause! Without question, you are an amazing cohort, and I wish you every success as you experience the Gator Nation from yet another perspective. I know I join your families and support networks in celebration as I applaud you and stand in awe of your brilliant minds and passionate hearts. I look forward to the impact you will continue to have on communities locally and globally. Continue to lay the foundation for your success, and by extension, for others as you move forward on your journey.

This week, the Gator Nation joined together to share support for our graduates using the hashtag #DearGators2020. I invite you to check out their advice and warm wishes, as their messages provided strong reminders and reflections of why it truly is great to be part of such a vibrant community and legacy.

Additionally, President Kent Fuchs and Gator alumnus and WWE Superstar Thaddeus Bullard (aka Titus O’Neil) shared a message of achievement and hope to students. I watched both tributes and was inspired as I could so closely connect to both the pride and joy they shared for each of you as you reach this milestone. As President Fuchs expressed, I too, will always be inspired by your resilience, and I am confident that you will draw on that spirit to succeed in the years ahead.
Gators, please know whether you are completing your degree requirements or this week marks the wrapping up of one academic chapter as you prepare for the next, I am beyond confident your collective body of work – professionally, personally and academically, will serve you well as you move forward. You are amazing, strong, and thoughtful change-makers. Without question, you are brilliantly ready for whatever comes next.

Best wishes to you all, and we look forward to celebrating and supporting you as you continue forward.

Be bold, be boundless and as always – Go Gators!

Dr. D’Andra Mull
Vice President for Student Affairs