40 Gators Under 40 Application Tips

 
 
 
 
 



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40 GATORS UNDER 40 APPLICATION TIPS

We seek individuals whose accomplishments stand out – trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who inspire others. The ideal candidate has leveraged their success to make meaningful differences in their field, community, and among fellow Gators.

To be considered, clearly define and quantify your impact. Show us how your achievements, service, and dedication to the Gator community set you apart as one of UF's most outstanding young alumni.

Define Your Impact

When highlighting your professional, service/community, and alumni engagement accomplishments, it's important to demonstrate the impact you've had. Consider the following questions:

  • Did your actions catalyze tangible, measurable change or improvement? Were you able to create, innovate, or lead initiatives that resulted in transformative outcomes?
  • Did your efforts positively impact individuals, organizations, or communities? Can you clearly demonstrate how your work changed lives, empowered entities, or uplifted communities?
  • Were your achievements solely dependent on your leadership or involvement? Can you illustrate your direct and essential contribution to the successful outcomes?

Quantify Your Impact

To truly capture the magnitude of your impact, strive to quantify the scale and scope of your accomplishments. This can be achieved through:

  • Numerical Measures: For example, the number of people served, jobs created, revenue generated, or lives improved.
  • Categorical Measures: Such as the size or reach of the organization you served, the level of recognition or awards received, or the extent of media coverage.

Examples of Your Impact

The ideal Gator demonstrates impact across multiple areas. Consider these characteristics:

  • Consistent UFAA Member and/or
  • Excels professionally, earning recognition as a trailblazer in their field through top honors, innovative achievements, or groundbreaking work and/or
  • Acts as a catalyst for positive change in their community, engaging in non-profit work, advocacy for important causes, or mentoring others to foster growth and development and/or
  • Serves as an ambassador for the Gator Nation by taking on leadership roles, participating in or organizing alumni events, and inspiring current students through their accomplishments and engagement

Here are some examples of impactful accomplishments across different areas:

Impact Area Examples
Professional Impact
  • Launched a tech startup that was acquired for $1.2 billion, creating 500 new jobs
  • Designed the architectural plans for the first LEED Platinum-certified skyscraper in my city, reducing energy consumption by 30%
  • Authored a series of influential academic papers that have been cited over 10,000 times, redefining the field of urban planning
Service/Community Impact
  • Served as the founding executive director of a non-profit organization that has provided coding education to over 5,000 underprivileged youth
  • Volunteered as a mentor for a local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, positively impacting the lives of 15 at-risk youth over 3 years
  • Elected as the first person of color to serve on the board of directors for a major environmental advocacy organization, leading initiatives that have protected 20,000 acres of endangered ecosystems
Alumni Engagement
  • Served as the president of the UF Alumni Association, leading the organization to record-high membership and engagement levels
  • Organized and led 10 regional Gator Club events over the past 7 years, connecting hundreds of alumni to the University of Florida community
  • Delivered 15 guest lectures at the UF Warrington College of Business, sharing my entrepreneurial expertise with current students

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my alumni ID?

Your alumni ID is a unique 10-digit number assigned to you as a University of Florida graduate. This identifier is essential for accessing various alumni services, participating in exclusive events, and receiving important communications from the university. It serves as your personal link to the Gator Nation, ensuring you stay connected with your alma mater and fellow alumni.

How can I find my alumni ID?

Your alumni ID can be found on your alumni membership card (digital or plastic) or by logging into the alumni portal. It's the same number you use to log into the UFAA website. If you're a newer member and haven't created or logged into your account yet, or if you're still unable to locate your ID, please contact the Alumni Association office for assistance at (352) 392-1905 or ufalum@ufalumni.ufl.edu.

What do I need to submit?

  • Completed application form
  • Answers to questions about your impact in professional achievements, service/community involvement, and alumni engagement. Provide specific examples and quantifiable results to showcase your leadership, innovation, and commitment since graduating from UF.
  • Current resume or CV
  • Professional Headshot
  • Biography (250 words in third-person)
  • Letters of recommendation (1 required, 2 max)
  • Supporting documents showcasing your achievements and impact

What supporting documents should I submit?

For supporting documents, you should include materials that showcase your impact, such as photos, articles, awards, and testimonials. These materials should highlight your professional achievements, community service, and alumni engagement.

How can I join the UF Alumni Association?

To join the University of Florida Alumni Association (UFAA), you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official UFAA membership page at https://connect.ufalumni.ufl.edu/membership/ufaa-membership
  2. On this page, you'll find options for different types of memberships, including student memberships and alumni memberships.
  3. Click on the "Join Now" button corresponding to the type of membership you're eligible for.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete your membership application and payment.

Can I nominate someone for this honor?

Yes, there is an option to "Invite to Apply" where you are able to submit the name and contact for the Gator you know to be invited to submit an application for consideration. You are also welcome to submit an application on the Gator's behalf. To do this, please visit the application below.

How/when will I be notified if I'm selected as an honoree?

You will receive an email to the address used to create and log into your account. We expect notifications to be sent out in November 2024.