A Message from the President
Alumni Council President Elaine Whidden looks forward as restrictions loosen.

Greetings to Gator Nurses everywhere!
I’m hoping that your spring brought some rest for those working in hospitals and a loosening of restrictions for all, as we have been able to obtain vaccines to help protect against the virus that changed our lives, nation and world. While we still remain vigilant, we have rolled into summer (and heat!) with a greater ability to be with friends and family and for some travel. It was a joy for my husband and me to travel to be with our daughter and family for the first time in over a year. The delight of being with family and friends again is indescribable, as I am sure you can attest.
As you map out your plans for the coming months, we hope that you will save the date for our Gator Nursing Alumni Reunion, which will be the weekend of Sept. 24-25. Our traditional tailgate reunion will be in the HPNP courtyard on Saturday, Sept. 25, before the Tennessee game. Football packages are available for purchase with your online registration. Our Alumni Council meeting, Mentor Meet-and-Greet and the college’s Donor Recognition Event will be held Friday, Sept. 24. Gator Nurses, please remember that ALL graduates are invited to participate as mentors for current students, sharing YOUR nursing practice experience. The students are motivated and eager to hear what you are doing and to hear your story as they learn where their interests and talents best fit in the nursing world. Just let us know that you are interested in participating by contacting Jessica Clayton.
As in the past, our Alumni Council Book Award scholarship recipients will be recognized at our Reunion tailgate, and our silent auction will be in full swing! I am proud to support future Gator Nurses through this meaningful program. While the scholarship covers only a portion of the cost for 15 to 20 students, it helps offset the rising costs of textbooks for first-year nursing students, now estimated at $1,300. It would help immensely if all UFCON alumni would join in supporting this cause! We could increase the number of student scholarships, as well as their amounts. A donation of any amount will directly support students and allows each donor to take an active role in the future of Gator Nursing. Give online now!
I am looking forward to seeing you on campus for the CON Reunion in September, celebrating nursing science, our students and our college. Hope your summer is enjoyable.
CARE, LEAD, INSPIRE!
Elaine Whidden
BSN 1965, MSN 1988