More than 160 UFAA board members, Gator Club® and Affiliate Group leaders arrived in Gainesville on Sept. 10 eager to learn how to make The Gator Nation® even greater. By the time they left on Sunday, ideas had been exchanged, outstanding leadership had been celebrated, and many felt a deepened connection to the University of Florida and each other. You can view photos from the entire weekend here.
Florida Forward 2015 co-chairs James Gadsby* ('91) and Elizabeth Swiman* ('02, '05) planned an exciting weekend that included lunch with five-time National Championship Gator Track and Field Head Coach Mike Holloway and sessions on increasing participation, growing membership and driving online engagement. And what return trip to Gainesville would be complete without a social at The Swamp Restaurant?
For many attendees, the highlight of the weekend was Friday evening's Gator Gala. More than 300 Gators attended the celebration of exceptional leaders and the Gator Clubs® and Affiliate Groups that represented UF's best qualities in their communities this year. Judge Ed Scales* ('88, '91) of the Third District Court of Appeals, a former Florida Gators "mic man," served as the evening's emcee and brought unrivaled energy and humor to the ceremony.
Alumni Association President Tim Cerio* ('90, '95) was formally installed as leader of the Alumni Association during the gala, though his term officially began on July 1. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of increasing UFAA membership and growing the Life Member endowment. These two goals, he said, will orient his presidential efforts.
One of our goals at the UFAA is to ensure that future generations of Gators have the chance to experience and enjoy the same opportunities we had. Our Alumni Association endowment program helps to make this happen. -Tim Cerio
Other award winners were Gen. Dave Kratzer* (Ret.), who earned this year's Gold Standard Award, and Mrs. Joelen Merkel* ('73), who was named Gator of the Year. Dr. Hartmut Derendorf, the UFAA's 18th Distinguished Alumni Professor, also appeared with past DAP Award winners to be formally installed in his new position.
The Gator Gala is also a chance to recognize Gator Clubs®, Affiliate Groups and their exceptional leaders for a job well done. This year's Clubbie Award winners are:
Gator of the Year: Joelen Merkel
The Gold Standard Award: Dave Kratzer
Outstanding In-State Small Club: Key West Gator Club®
Outstanding In-State Medium Club: Citrus County Gator Club®
Outstanding In-State Large Club: Pinellas County Gator Club®
Outstanding Out-of-State Medium Club: Charlotte Gator Club®
Outstanding Out-of-State Large Club: Gotham Gator Club®
Best Event or Program In-State: Florida Keys Gator Club® - Bicycle Poker Run
Best Out-of-State Event or Program: Music City Gator Club® - Music City is Gator Country-Fl/Vandy Party
Best Young Alumni Event In-State: Central Florida Gator Club® - Silent Disco
Best Young Alumni Event Out-of-State: Gotham Gator Club® - Intern Programming
Outstanding Communications In-State: Pinellas County Gator Club®
Outstanding Communications Out-of-State: Atlanta Gator Club®
Most Improved In-State Club: Titletown Gator Club®
Most Improved Out-of-State Club: Knoxville Gator Club®
Most Improved Out-of-State Club: Salt Lake Valley Gator Club®
Leader of the Year: Brett Rampal, Charlotte Gator Club® and
Leader of the Year: Tony Medina, Association of Hispanic Alumni
Young Alumni Leader: Brittnee Mound, Knoxville Gator Club®
Affiliate Group Award: Association of Hispanic Alumni
Highest Membership Growth In-State: Putnam County Gator Club®
Highest Membership Growth Out-of-State: South Alabama Gator Club®
Highest Membership Rate In-State: Key West Gator Club®
Highest Membership Rate Out-of-State: South Georgia Gator Club®
Regional Director AWARDS:
Region I RD Award: Palm Beach County Gator Club®
Region II RD Award: Richard Morris, Manatee Gator Club® and Tom Urfer, Sarasota Gator Club®
Region III RD Award: Chris Garrido, Tampa Gator Club®
Region IV RD Award: Volusia County Gator Club®
Region V RD Award: Gator Club® of Jacksonville
Region VI RD Award: Emerald Coast Gator Club®
Region VII RD Award: Daryl Cook, Atlanta Gator Club®
Region VIII RD Award: Lone Star Gator Club®
Region IX RD Award: Baltimore Gator Club®