Fall is here – football, soccer and volleyball are already underway! We have hopes that this tenacious virus will abate soon, so that our lives can, at least, resemble our old “normal.” We also have hopes that our own Gator Nurses who have worked so diligently, smartly and with superhuman energy throughout our state, nation and world during this new virus variant onslaught will soon have rest and peace in their work lives. Nurses, we continue to be so proud of you and of our college for preparing you so well for this difficult task. We have heard of your excellent work in many arenas — you truly care, lead and inspire!

You will be pleased to know we were able to award $500 Nursing Alumni Council Book Award scholarships to 17 of our beginning BSN students in spite of not being able to have our silent auction last year, which in the past has been our major source for funding. Your generous contributions  designated to the Alumni Council during Gator Nation Giving Day in the spring enabled us to continue those scholarships. Thank you so much! Book Award recipients were recognized on the college’s social media during what was supposed to be our September in-person alumni reunion. The recipients are outstanding students and representative of the entire nursing student body. Please partner with other alumni to ensure this investment in our students continues.

I’m confident that many of you, as I, have missed our opportunities to be together. Our last in-person CON alumni reunion was two years ago. Gratefully, technology has given us the opportunity for virtual meetings. It’s regrettable that our fall reunion tailgate and silent auction had to be canceled once again. Our virtual Alumni Council meeting and the Mentor Meet-and-Greet in late September gave opportunities to be together, as well as a chance to share our experiences in nursing with our current students.

We received a tremendous gift in August in being able to have the students’ pinning ceremony IN PERSON, the first such event in a long time. It had to be modified somewhat due to COVID-19, but the Accelerated BSN students were thrilled to be able to experience that event and graduation in person.

Start planning now to attend the college’s Dorothy M. Smith Nursing Leadership Conference in February. The speakers for this biennial conference consistently have been distinguished leaders in nursing who present cutting-edge information in an interesting and inspiring way. I always leave wanting to hear and learn even more!

As this year draws to an end, I am thankful for the history and for the exciting present and future of the UF College of Nursing. Nurse colleagues, stay safe, speak truth, follow the science – Care, Lead, Inspire!

Elaine Whidden

BSN 1965, MSN 1988