Hidden Gems

Our campus is about 2,000 acres.  That's more than 3 square miles and over 87 million square feet.  With a campus as large as ours, there are bound to be little known secrets and hidden treasures.  While everybody knows how to get to the Southwest Recreation Center, not everyone takes a second to look across the street at the Cultural Plaza. This area houses the Phillips Center, the Florida Museum of Natural History the Harn Museum of Art.   

Just this week a new exhibition opened at the Harn Museum. This exhibition, called Much Ado About Portraits, showcases several different portraits that range in age as well as image depicted. However different, each portrait illustrates a meaning waiting to be interpreted by its viewers.  

In addition, the Harn also houses collections in photography, African, Asian, Contemporary and Modern Art. The Harn is a hub for education and research, while also boasting a full calendar of interesting events.  When the stresses of life pile up, I like to retreat to the Harn and admire its various exhibits however, a little lesser-known secret within the Harn is the Camellia Court Café.  Often I can be found here enjoying a sandwich or some tapas!

Art on campus isn’t secluded only in the Harn Museum. Below I am attaching a map where several pieces of art can be found all over campus!

Honoring Our Heroes

In 1961 John F. Kennedy asked a question to the country. He stated, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” As we look back on Memorial Day, we reminisce about those who took Kennedy’s words to heart and have served us in the Armed Forces.

Yesterday was a day to remember our fallen heroes but today we need to embrace our student veterans who we are so lucky to have in our presence everyday on campus. The passage of the GI Bill after World War II allowed college education to become more accessible to those who served and sacrificed for us, and since then, UF has been the alma mater for many veterans.

We are very fortunate to have embraced these heroes as students and on Sunday evening, our very own Collegiate Veterans Society placed nearly 6,700 flags in the ground at the Reitz Union Amphitheatre in a ceremony to honor each solider who has fallen  as a result of current conflict.

The Reitz Union Amphitheatre is also home to UF’s veteran memorial, which in the coming weeks, I will be revealing a plan to renovate this memorial. I am proposing that Green Pond be renamed Liberty Pond and that construction begin on a new memorial what would contain the names of every fallen Gator.

Remembering Preview 2009

I am constantly thinking about the experiences that shape me as a Gator. Being a first generation college student, I didn't inherit a collegiate allegiance from mom and dad. As I reflect on the events that made me into the Gator I am today, I recall one of my first experiences at UF: Preview. 

The Preview experience is different for every student. Incoming freshmen get a different Preview experience than transfer students. Summer admits are different from fall admits, as are the incoming members of the innovation academy. My Preview experience was a two day affair that helped me prepare for the transition from living at home to living on my own. It also prepared me for the new academic standards I would be held to. Most importantly, it prepared me for the social experiences that would play a large role in defining my time at UF. 

Every day the I am in the Reitz Union I see new students and Preview families making their way between the Grand Ballroom, the meeting rooms on the third floor, and the other outstanding activities that are a part of Preview. The Reitz buzzes with energy and excitement.  Occasionally I overhear new gators talking about their anticipated major, the Student Alumni Association, or Greek life.  I can't help but envision the great things this incoming class will accomplish.  I realize that crowded elevators in the Reitz and longer lines at the HUB are a slight inconvenience, but I ask that all of my fellow Gators be kind, courteous and welcoming to our baby Gators and their families.

2013 Legislative Session Spells Good News for Higher Education

The Florida Legislature closed its 60-day legislative session on May 3, 2013 with many issues topping its agenda this year, including healthcare, economic incentives, education, environmental stewardship and election reform.

The Governor, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House made an early commitment to education and substantiated their rhetoric with action.  Students too, were able to take an active role in advocating for specific issues through the Florida Student Association’s Rally in Tally and Gator Day. Between these two events, nearly 100 UF students traveled to Tallahassee to voice their support for the University of Florida during this legislative session.

Students will notice many improvements from last year’s budget.  First, the Legislature restored the $300 million the cut from the State University System’s budget.  The state also awarded $15 million for the University of Florida to become a top 10 institution.  Additionally, the legislature approved a 3% increase in Bright Futures awards.

Consequently, the Legislature did pass a 3% tuition increase for all State University System institutions. Following input from student leaders about concern over increased student debt however, Governor Scott exercised his constitutional power and vetoed the tuition increase.

All in all, this was a great year to be a student in the state of Florida.  Our success can be attributed to the cooperation and teamwork of all parties involved.  Students, administrators, and elected officials rallied together around the Aim Higher initiative that framed higher education as an investment, not an expense.

I am glad to have played a part in this outstanding year for Higher Education.  I look forward to carrying the momentum we established this session into the 2014 legislative session. 

Welcome to Summer A

Welcome to the first week of Summer A.  I am excited for the year ahead of us and am proud to represent all 50,000+ gators.  Student Government provides a plethora of services and ways to get involved.

 You will find that your time at UF is what you make of it.  I encourage you all to take an active role in the UF community and make the most of your time here.  Visit sg.ufl.edu or come visit us on the third floor of the Reitz Union to learn more about getting involved.

This summer is an exciting time to be at UF.  We will break ground on our $75 million renovation and expansion of the J. Wayne Reitz Union.  The new Reitz will have enough space for our 900+ student organizations and be a central hub for student services.

I encourage all of you to find your niche on campus.  With a campus and student body as large as ours, it is easy to feel lost and outnumbered.  Whether it is in Greek Life, one of our 900+ student organizations, IRHA, religious groups, or an athletic organization, there is a place for everyone.

Finally, I started blogging during my campaign for Student Body President and will continue to update the student body on the projects that I am working on.  I will also use this blog to share some of my  favorite restaurants and non-academic activities in Gainesville and the surrounding areas.