Alumni Council Membership
Being a member of the Alumni Council is not a huge obligation of time, but there is an expectation of committed participation to make it a worthwhile experience.
The Alumni Council has face-to-face meetings at the University of Florida in the spring, summer and fall semesters. Teleconference is also available for those who cannot attend the face-to-face meetings.
Members are asked to participate in one activity per year, barring extenuating circumstances. An activity can be:
- Participating in at least one meeting
- Attending and volunteering at an event (like Reunion, the Pinning Ceremony, Gator Nurse Gathering, etc.)
- Assisting with the selection of Book Award recipients
Responsibilities of a council member include:
- Developing ideas for new and existing educational, social, and service programs hosted by the council.
- Serving as a communication link between alumni and the College.
- Encouraging other alumni to attend the council’s programs, make philanthropic gifts, and help increase membership.
Benefits of Joining
There are numerous benefits of joining the Nursing Alumni Council. Including:
- Members are reconnected to the College and have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with College of Nursing faculty, students and administration.
- This interaction with faculty and administration allows for members to give feedback and advice on the College’s mission and progress.
- Members are given a unique opportunity for career and social networking with other Gator Nurses.
- Members are given the chance to take advantage of advanced and discounted prices to events hosted by the College of Nursing, including the Dorothy M. Smith Nursing Leadership Conference.
Alumni Council Programs and Events
The Pinning Ceremony is hosted by the Alumni Council and is a very special event for our BSN graduates, their families and our faculty. Held the evening preceding Commencement in the beautiful University Auditorium on campus, the ceremony signifies the students’ entrance as a professional nurse and alumnus of the College of Nursing.
Reunion Weekend is a celebration of being a Gator Nurse alumnus. Every fall, Gator Nurses of all ages flock to Gainesville to reminisce with old and new friends about their time at the College of Nursing. The pre-game tailgate takes place at the HPNP complex before the Gator’s big game. It includes delicious BBQ, games, activities and the chance to bid on premier silent auction items.
The Alumni Council Book Awards
The Alumni Council Book Awards program assists nursing students with purchasing their nursing textbooks. Alumni Council members review and vote on the applications, and place congratulatory phone calls to the recipients. The money for the Book Awards is raised by the Alumni Council’s Silent Auction held during Reunion weekend. Currently, first-year nursing students spend nearly $1,300 on books. This program allows alumni to take an active role in the future of current nursing students by helping alleviate the financial strain of purchasing textbooks and ensuring the smart and talented students complete their undergraduate degree at UF. Each year, the Alumni Council awards 15-20 students with book award scholarships and honors those selected at our alumni fall reunion festivities. Alumni can make a gift to support the Alumni Council Book Awards Program online or by contacting Rachel Rivera, Marketing and Communications Specialist at rrivera8@ufl.edu or 352-273-6342.
The Alumni Mentorship Program connects CON alumni with CON students. Alumni mentors assist with exploring career options, providing networking leads and providing general advice. Alumni Council members have the unique opportunity as serving as the first connection between the students and their future as Gator Nurse alumni.
Activities
Gator Nurse Gatherings bring College of Nursing alumni from a specific area together for an evening of food, fun and drinks. Alumni Council members are encouraged to host a Gator Nurse Gathering in their area. The event unites alumni from that area, and builds relationships, both socially and professionally.
Alumni Council members work with the College of Nursing advancement staff to identify Gator Nurse alumni and reconnect them with the College. Council members are an excellent resource because they introduce faculty and staff to fresh, new faces and help build the base for volunteers and benefactors.
Alumni Council Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the UF College of Nursing Alumni Council is an advisory body that works with the administration of the College to strengthen the link between the College’s alumni and the College’s administration, faculty and staff. The members of the Board are the elected officers and representatives of the Association and a representative of the College designated by the Dean.
If you would like to learn more about serving on the Alumni Council Board, please contact the College of Nursing Development & Alumni Affairs Office at 352-273-6614 or via e-mail at yancy@ufl.edu.