In a weekend filled with inspiration, gratitude and camaraderie, the UF College of Nursing Reunion Weekend 2023 brought together the Gator Nursing community over two special days.

On Sept. 15, the College of Nursing hosted its annual Donor Recognition Event, which serves as a way to say thank you to the individuals who generously support the college and help improve nursing education and practice.

This year’s event was held at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention and acknowledged how donations make a major difference in the college. Attendees at the event were reminded that private donations are crucial to offer excellent education and research opportunities to both students and faculty.

Attendees heard inspiring stories of commitment and dedication through the remarkable journeys of two nursing students. Jorge Mulet, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, shared his incredible story of escaping Cuba as a young child and pursuing his dream of helping individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Camilla Bustamante, a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, shared her passion for spreading health literacy and bridging gaps in health care, particularly among Spanish-speaking communities.

The celebration weekend carried on the next day with the annual Reunion Weekend Tailgate on Sept. 16. Alumni, faculty and friends came together at the Harrell Medical Education Building for an indoor barbecue tailgate before the big Gator game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

The annual silent auction was a success, raising over $5,000 for the Alumni Council Book Awards Program, which provides scholarships to assist incoming BSN students in purchasing their textbooks. At the tailgate, the 17 Book Award scholarship recipients were recognized for 2023.