Gator Nation U is your connection with the University of Florida. Join us for an informative weekend filled with fun and fellowship. Experience our new UFAA Leadership Academy, connect with faculty and classmates and re-live your days as a student.
Friday 10am-11am: Orientation:
Kick off your weekend at Gator Nation U with a brief welcome and an overview of events.
Keynote Presentation: 150 Years of the Land Grant University Tradition
On July 2, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Act, establishing the first system of public higher education in the nation. The 150-year history of the land-grant university system, which includes UF, has been at the center of an affordable college degree. Join us for a special presentation by Dr. Kirby Barrick, a professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, on why the act was passed, what ”land-grant” meant then and means today and what issues are looming in the future for higher education. This event is open to all.
Sponsored by IFAS/College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Friday, 2pm-3:30pm: UF History Exhibit
Join university historian, Carl Van Ness, as he showcases special collections items from UF’s history, including yearbooks, pictures of campus, and alumni memorabilia. Mr. Van Ness will be available to answer any questions. This event is open to all.
General Education: ($10 members, $10 non-members)
Get back to basics with a series of lectures designed to help you relive your college days. Experience the classroom setting through engaging lectures led by UF faculty from the liberal arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) fields.
Friday 11am-12pm: Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge Canal
Did you know that the Reader's Digest had a hand in halting the Cross Florida Barge Canal and that President Nixon almost reversed his order to end construction? It was 50 years ago (in November 1962) that Marjorie Carr stood up in a Gainesville High School auditorium and began asking questions about the impact of this project. Her act eventually led to the formation of the Florida Defenders of the Environment, the end of construction on the canal, the establishment of the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway and decades of wrangling over Rodman Reservoir. Dr. Steve Noll, a professor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, shares the story of both Florida canals: the 1930s ship canal & the 1960s barge canal.
For more information on these significant events in Florida history, you may purchase Dr. Noll’s book, “Ditch of Dreams,” following this session for $25 cash or check.
Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Friday 1:30pm-2:30pm: Unmanned Air Vehicles
Unmanned systems offer a new platform for observing, monitoring, and measuring the landscape. They fill the gap between satellite and manned aircraft imagery and ground-based observations. Aerial platforms efficiently cover large areas of land, particularly when ground operations are difficult or dangerous, such as in the Everglades. Unmanned aircraft provide a method of obtaining aerial imagery without the added risk of putting a human life in the air. An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Florida have developed the Mako small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) designed specifically as a low-cost, autonomous, aerial imaging tool for ecological research and monitoring. Dr. Peter Ifju, a professor in the College of Engineering, shares his team’s research and the UAV technology that is being developed at UF.
Sponsored by the College of Engineering
Kids Track: ($10 members, $10 non-members)
Gator Nation U welcomes young Gators with educational programs designed to connect them with UF faculty and students. These programs are geared to Gators ages 6 to12, parents or guardians are welcome to attend.
Friday 11am-12pm: Compounding for Kids
Join Dr. Tony Palmieri and the College of Pharmacy for a hands-on workshop on the daily life of a pharmacist. Visit the College of Pharmacy’s Compounding Lab and learn the various methods pharmacists use to make medication. (Transportation is provided).
Sponsored by the College of Pharmacy
Friday 1:30pm-2:30pm: Bugs and You
Dr. Rebecca Baldwin and the Entomology Club students will introduce you to science of insects. Live anthropods will be on display.
Sponsored by IFAS/College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Friday 2:30pm-3:30pm: Doctor for an Hour
Discover what emergency medicine might feel like if you were the doctor in charge! The UF College of Medicine’s Simulation Center will walk participants through life-saving procedures using the Human Patient Simulator, the world’s leading virtual “human” patient, invented right here at the University of Florida College of Medicine. (Transportation is provided).
Sponsored by the College of Medicine
UFAA Leadership Academy ($50 members, $65 non-members)
New to Gator Nation U is an exclusive members-only benefit. In partnership with the University of Florida Leadership Development Institute, the UFAA is offering members the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Development Certificate program. Launch your career to the next level with a series of courses and workshops focused on professional development. Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) as you participate in these introductory sessions of the UFAA Leadership Development Certificate program.
Friday 11am-3:30pm: Essential Skills for Career Advancement – Using Emotional Intelligence to build personal Success
Intellectual ability can only get you so far. Your Emotional Intelligence is a critical component of a successful career. Research shows that a lack of Emotional Intelligence is the most significant source of derailment for careers. Join us to gain insight into your personal leadership style and to establish a foundation for consistent career growth. (A box lunch is included.)
Saturday 12pm-4pm: Creating a Sustained Competitive Advantage Using Strategic Leadership
Successful career growth involves a strong understanding of your competitive landscape. Learn how to combine the knowledge of industry and trends to formulate and communicate a clear vision of the future. The process will include developing a context map, performing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, creating a strategy canvas and utilizing an ERRC (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create) Grid. (Snacks will be available.)
Friday Lunch 12pm-1:30pm ($25 members, $25 non-members, Kids 12 and under $15)
Friday, 6pm-10pm Silver Society Dinner, Induction & Dance ($50 members, $75 non-members)
Join with friends as we celebrate the Class of 1987 and 1988 25-year reunion and induction into the Silver Society. The Silver Society Induction Ceremony will be followed by an evening of dancing. (Dinner and bar are included.)
Friday, 6pm-10pm Kids Pizza & Movie Night (Complimentary for members, $10 non-members)
Little Gators ages 6 to12 come together for a fun pajama party filled with games and movies, hosted by UF’s very own Cicerones.
Saturday, 10am – 12pm UF Campus Tour (Complimentary)
Enjoy a campus tour led by a UF Cicerone student. The tour will highlight some memorable spots on campus as well as some of the new growth that is taking place. A special behind-the-scenes look at an athletics facility and the residence halls will be offered.
Saturday, 12pm-2pm Past Presidents & Grand Guard Societies Luncheon ($25 members, $25 non-members)
Past Presidents Society & Grand Guard Society members are invited to a special reunion luncheon in Smathers Library. A special tour of the UF libraries will be offered.
Saturday, 2pm-3pm. Legacy Admissions Seminar
So you want to be a Gator? Join us for this special seminar with the office of Admissions. An admissions representative will go over criteria for applications and what students need to be doing now in order to be a competitive candidate. Tips on what successful applicants have looked like will be shared. This session is geared to Gators in grades 6-10 and their families.
Saturday, 5pm-7pm. UFAA Pre-Game Party ($10 members, $10 non-members, Kids 12and under Complimentary)
Get ready to cheer on the Gators at the UF Alumni Association Pre-Game Party. Event will feature Albert and Alberta, the UF cheerleaders, and a kid’s craft area and face painting. Complimentary hors d’ourves and a cash bar will be available.
Saturday , 7pm. Men’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss ($8 members, $8 non-members)
The UFAA has reserved special seating for Gator Nation U participants to cheer on the Gators we take on the Ole Miss Rebels. Tickets are $8 each and seating is limited.