More than 560 students graduated from the College of Public Health and Health Professions this spring. While faculty and staff weren’t able to celebrate with them in person, the college offered ways to recognize their accomplishments virtually.
Dean Michael G. Perri, UF President Kent Fuchs and the department chairs and program directors filmed video messages for graduates.
“As I congratulate you on your graduation, I urge you to meet the challenges of our time with resilience, showing your commitment to the greater good that represents the heart and spirit of what it truly means to be a Florida Gator,” Perri said in his video message.
In addition, graduates, friends and family members were encouraged to submit congratulatory messages for use on the college’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, or to tag the college in their own posts using the hashtag #UFPHHPGrad. Here are a sampling of those messages:
From Julia Johnson to Madison Fangman: “Congratulations! We did it! You truly made my experience at UF unforgettable. Thank you for everything. I cannot wait to see what you accomplish next!”
Cassie Culyer sent a shout-out to classmates Ashli, Gia and Nicole: “Congratulations friends! Good luck out there in the real world!”
Christine Rhome sent a message to her daughter, Sydney: “Behind you are all your memories, Before you are all your dreams, Around you are all who love you and Within you, all you need! Congratulations Sydney. I am so proud of you! I love you, Mom”
Olivia Weippert shared a message for classmates Elyssa Kasza, Jess Reade, Eric Portillo and Lauren Bostwick: “To my UF College of Public Health and Health Professions family, WE MADE IT! All those long days and nights studying together in the HSC Library … we all did it!”
From Regina Camberos: “Last week I ~virtually~ graduated from the University of Florida and officially became Dr. Regina Camberos, DPT. Thank you to the best faculty and staff for everything they do. *Not able to take real grad photos, so this would do for now.”
From Lillian Zeman: “Happy graduation to all of my fellow BPH students!”
Audrey and John Martin had a message for son, Andrew: “Andrew, CONGRATULATIONS on your University of Florida degree and your entry into a new phase of your life. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished and be very excited about what you WILL accomplish going forward. Mom and I are very proud and love you very much. Go Gators! Mom and Dad”
The UF Alumni Association is offering free one-year annual memberships to the class of 2020. Visit the Alumni Association website to activate yours today to remain connected to UF and expand your Gator network.