University of Florida Alumni Association Inc.

The University of Florida Alumni Association Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the interests of the University of Florida (UF) through various activities and programs. Founded in 1906 by the first group of graduates from the Gainesville campus, it is now one of the largest alumni organizations in the United States, with over 480,000 living alumni residing in every state and more than 150 countries worldwide.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the University of Florida Alumni Association is to foster a sense of fellowship among alumni, promote the welfare of the University of Florida, and encourage education. To achieve this, the organization oversees a network of nearly 75 Gator Clubs and 9 Affiliate Groups. These clubs are composed of alumni and friends who represent UF in their communities, hosting a variety of programs and events in support of the university.

The Alumni Association is actively involved in the recruitment of superior students to attend UF and provides financial assistance through scholarships sponsored by the Gator Clubs. Additionally, it organizes outreach programs that bring faculty and administrators to connect with alumni and friends around the country.

Signature Events and Programs

Some notable events hosted by the University of Florida Alumni Association include:

• Gator Nation Tailgates: Held before each home football game and during Orange & Blue Weekend.
• Grand Guard Reunion: Honors graduates who have reached their 50-year milestone since graduation.
• Gator100: Recognizes the fastest-growing Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses.
• 40 Gators Under 40: Celebrates outstanding young alumni under the age of 40.

Special Interest Groups

The Alumni Association supports special interest groups such as the Association of Black Alumni and the Association of Hispanic Alumni, among others. It also includes a student membership component, which facilitates networking opportunities between current students and alumni. The Florida Cicerones, UF's official student ambassadors, are part of this initiative.

Philanthropic Efforts

As a public charity, the University of Florida Alumni Association Inc. engages in philanthropic activities, including fundraising for scholarships and supporting various charitable organizations. In recent years, it has contributed to grants that support educational initiatives.

Governance and Membership

Historically, the organization has had numerous presidents since its inception. Today, it boasts a membership of over 45,000 alumni and friends actively engaged with the university's initiatives. Members are part of a broad network that contributes to the development and pride of the Gator Nation.