Commencement SPRING 2018

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 1 Greetings from the President

n behalf of the University of Florida and our administration, faculty and staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, the OClass of 2018, and to your family and friends. UF’s commencement ceremonies celebrate your considerable accomplishment in completing a degree program at one of the world’s great universities. I share your pride and excitement, and I am confident that your degree – and the skills and experience you acquired while at this university – will serve you well in your careers and lives.

It has been a privilege to have you as a part of our community, and the university is better for your time here. I hope you remain connected to UF as active alumni and members of The Gator Nation.

Good luck, best wishes, and Go Gators!

W. Kent Fuchs

University of Florida President

Dr. W. Kent Fuchs

Dr. Kent Fuchs became the 12th President of the President Fuchs earned his doctorate in University of Florida in January 2015. Building on electrical and computer engineering from many years of excellence and focused leadership, the University of Illinois, and a Master of the university has reached its goal of joining the Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity nation’s top-ten public research universities. School. He credits divinity school with teaching him communication and community- Dr. Fuchs has set UF on a path to joining building skills, and to balance his innately the top-five public research universities and analytic perspective with a deep appreciation becoming the nation’s number one university for human relationships. He also holds a for comprehensive excellence. UF is working Bachelor of Science in Engineering from toward those goals through the creation of 500 Duke University. new faculty positions, the addition of advanced and beautiful university facilities and an ongoing Dr. Fuchs is married to Linda Moskeland Fuchs, $3 billion fundraising campaign. an art historian whose scholarship centers on the sculpture of sarcophagi created in the first Previous to the UF presidency, Dr. Fuchs was centuries of Christian art-making. Mrs. Fuchs provost of Cornell University. He has served in has two master’s degrees in art history, from academic leadership positions and as a faculty the University of Chicago and Cornell, and a member of electrical and computer engineering third in Biblical studies, from Trinity Evangelical at Cornell, Purdue and the University of Illinois. Divinity School. The Fuchses have three sons, a He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts daughter, and three grandchildren. and Sciences, the American Association for the Born on an Oklahoma farm in 1954, President Advancement of Science, the Institute of Electrical Fuchs spent much of his youth in Alaska before and Electronics Engineers, and the Association for moving to Miami, where he graduated from Computing Machinery, and has received numerous Miami Killian Senior High School. awards for teaching and research. 2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t Greetings from the Levin College of Law Dean

ongratulations on the culmination of your law school career. Reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement and a testament to your C dedication, intellect, and passion for law. During your time at UF Law, each of you enriched our campus beyond measure. In addition to your achievements that are too many to name, I deeply thank you for your commitment to ensuring that UF Law is a diverse and welcoming community. Diversity – of background, thought, and aspiration – is one of UF Law’s greatest strengths. Each of you, in your own way, has contributed to the cultural fabric of UF Law. This culture is one that we will continue to treasure and build upon for years to come.

Today, you become part of the most powerful law alumni network in the world – the Gator Law Nation. You will continue to build relationships with your classmates, and you will encounter other Gator lawyers in every state and around the globe.

When you walk across the stage today, you become role models for generations of students yet to grace our halls. I am excited to see how you move the world forward. Congratulations!

Laura Ann Rosenbury

University of Florida Levin College of Law Dean

Laura Ann Rosenbury

Laura A. Rosenbury is the Dean and Levin, Mabie Before entering academia in 2002, Dean & Levin Professor of Law at University of Florida Rosenbury worked as a litigation associate at Levin College of Law. Before joining the UF Law Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City and community, Dean Rosenbury was a professor of clerked for Judge Carol Bagley Amon of the law and vice dean at Washington University U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of School of Law in St. Louis. She also has served New York and Judge Dennis Jacobs of the U.S. as a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Dean Stanford Law School and University of Chicago Rosenbury received her A.B. summa cum Law School. Dean Rosenbury’s scholarship has laude in women’s studies from Harvard- been published in the Yale Law Journal, Michigan Radcliffe College and her J.D. cum laude Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law from Harvard Law School, where she Review, Cornell Law Review, and in many other served as a primary editor of the Harvard journals and books. Dean Rosenbury was elected Law Review. to the American Law Institute in 2010 and was named a fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2014.

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 3 2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 4 University of Florida Leadership

State Board of Education President and Vice Presidents Pam Stewart Gary Chartrand of the University Commissioner of Education Ben Gibson W. Kent Fuchs, Ph.D. Tom Grady Marva Johnson President Chair Michael Olenick Joe York Joseph Glover, Ph.D. Andy Tuck Provost and Senior Vice President - Academic Affairs Vice Chair David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D. Florida Board of Governors Senior Vice President - Health Affairs Jack Payne, Ph.D. Marshall M. Criser III Tim Cerio Senior Vice President - Agriculture and Natural Resources Chancellor Patricia Frost H. Wayne Huizenga, Jr. Charles E. Lane, D.P.A. Pam Stewart Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Commissioner of Education Darlene L. Jordan Alan M. Levine Officer - Administration Ned C. Lautenbach Wendy S. Link Elias G. Eldayrie, M.B.A. Chair Edward A. Morton Vice President and Chief Information Sydney Kitson Jay S. Patel Officer - Information Technology Vice Chair Kishane Patel Norman D. Tripp Zina Evans, Ph.D. Gary S. Tyson Associate Provost and Vice President - Enrollment Management Fernando J. Valverde Michael V. McKee, B.S. Zach P. Zachariah Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Finance Jodi Gentry, M.A. University of Florida Vice President - Human Resource Services Board of Trustees Amy M. Hass, J.D. James W. “Bill” Heavener David L. Brandon Interim Vice President - General Counsel Chair Leonard H. Johnson David Parrott, Ed.D. Morteza “Mori” Hosseini W. Smith Meyers Vice President - Student Affairs Rahul Patel Vice Chair Thomas J. Mitchell, M.S. Marsha D. Powers Vice President - Advancement David M. Quillen Jason J. Rosenberg David Norton, Ph.D. Thomas G. Kuntz Vice President - Research Robert G. Stern Curtis Reynolds, M.B.A., M.S.E.E. Daniel T. O'Keefe Vice President - Business Affairs Anita G. Zucker

Deans of the University

R. Elaine Turner, Ph.D. Laura A. Rosenbury, J.D. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Fredric G. Levin College of Law Lucinda Lavelli, M.F.A. David E. Richardson, Ph.D. College of the Arts College of Liberal Arts and Sciences John Kraft, Ph.D. Michael L. Good, M.D. Warrington College of Business College of Medicine A. Isabel Garcia, D.D.S., M.P.H. Anna M. McDaniel, Ph.D., R.N. College of Dentistry College of Nursing Chimay AnuM.B.A., Ph.D. Julie A. Johnson, Pharm.D. College of Design, Construction and Planning College of Pharmacy Glenn E. Good, Ph.D. Michael G. Perri, Ph.D. College of Education College of Public Health and Health Professions Cammy R. Abernathy, Ph.D. James W. Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D. Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering College of Veterinary Medicine Henry T. Frierson, Ph.D. Judith C. Russell, M.S. The Graduate School University Libraries Michael Reid, Ph.D. Heather White, Ph.D. College of Health and Human Performance Dean of Students Nick Place, Ph.D. IFAS Extension Jacqueline Burns, Ph.D. IFAS Research Leonardo Villalón, Ph.D. International Center Diane H. McFarlin, B.S. College of Journalism and Communications 2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 5 Commencement Agenda

Friday, May 18, 2018, 10:00 a.m., the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Presiding ...... Laura A . Rosenbury Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor of Law

Processional ...... Gainesville Brass Quintet

National Anthem ...... Erica. Williams

Welcome ...... Laura . A . Rosenbury Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor of Law

Introductions ...... Laura A . Rosenbury Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor of Law

Class Representative ...... Alisha Moriceau

Commencement Address ...... Joe Scarborough

Presenting Candidates for Master's and Professional Degrees ...... Jason Nance Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Conferring Master's and Professional Degrees ...... Laura A . Rosenbury Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor of Law

Closing Remarks ...... Laura A . Rosenbury Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor of Law

Alma Mater ...... Erica Williams

Postlude ...... Gainesville Brass Quintet

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 6 Commencement Address Speaker

Joe Scarborough Host, MSNBC’s Morning Joe Former Congressman and UF Law alum Joe Scarborough (JD 90) is co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe alongside Mika Brzezinski. Time Magazine has called the show “revolutionary.” Morning Joe features interviews with top newsmakers and in-depth analyses of the day’s biggest stories. The New York Times has ranked Morning Joe as one of today’s top morning news shows and has praised Scarborough and Brzezinski’s natural repartee and off-the-cuff commentary. The New Yorker has described the show as “appallingly entertaining.” In 2016, Scarborough and Brzezinski were inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame.

Scarborough earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Alabama in 1985 and graduated from UF Law in 1990. He was admitted into The Florida Bar in 1991, and began practicing in Pensacola. He subsequently served as a member of Congress from 1994 to 2001. While in office, Scarborough was a member of the Judiciary, Armed Services, Oversight, and National Security committees. After leaving Congress, Scarborough practiced environmental law at Levin Papantonio, with UF Law namesake Fred Levin (JD 61). In early 2003, Scarborough embarked on his television career Republican majority and U.S. economy due to with the launch of the primetime news show what he perceived to be his party's reckless Scarborough Country on MSNBC. He became spending. His second book, The Last Best Hope: the host of Morning Joe in 2007. Restoring Conservatism and America's Promise (2009), offered a road map for the conservative Scarborough has been named to the prestigious movement and the country. “Time 100” list of the world’s most influential people, and Vanity Fair listed both Scarborough Most recently, Scarborough published The Right and Brzezinski as among the nation’s “Top Media Path: From Ike to Reagan, How Republicans Once Power Players.” In 2018, the Radio Television Mastered Politics—and Can Again (2013), which Digital News Foundation honored Scarborough looks back in time to discern how Republicans and Brzezinski with the Leonard Zeidenberg First once dominated American public life. From Amendment Award. Eisenhower’s refusal to let “the perfect be the enemy of the good” to Reagan’s charismatic but In addition to his career in television, resolutely practical genius, Scarborough shows Scarborough is a New York Times best-selling how principled pragmatism combined with a author. His first work, Rome Wasn’t Burnt in commitment to core conservative values led to a Day (2001), predicted the collapse of the victory after victory. 2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 7 Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar

The general principles which should ever control the lawyer in the practice of the legal profession are clearly set forth in the oath of admission to the Bar, which the lawyer is sworn on admission to obey and for the willful violation to which disbarment may be had.

“I so solemnly swear:

I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida;

I will maintain the respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers;

I will not counsel or maintain any suit or proceedings which shall appear to me to be unjust, nor any defense except such as I believe to be honestly debatable under law of the land;

I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me such means only as are consistent with truth and honor, and will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement of fact or law;

I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my clients, and will accept no compensation in connection with their business except from them or with their knowledge and approval;

To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications;

I will abstain from all offensive personality and advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness, unless required by the justice of the cause with which I am charged;

I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of defenseless or oppressed, or delay anyone’s cause for lucre or malice.

So help me God.”

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 8 Doctoral of Juridical Science in Taxation

The S.J.D. degree is an advanced degree for students who have already attained a Juris Doctor degree, or, for international students, attained an equivalent law degree from a university outside the United States. The S.J.D. degree is awarded to students who complete the College's requirements, which include writing a monograph of publishable quality. Students are recommended for the degree by the faculty of the Levin College of Law and approved by the University of Florida.

Faisal Misfer Al-Hababi Debora de Souza Correa Talutto Aishwarya Krishna Iyer Doha, Qatar Lake Mary, Florida Tamil Nadu, India LL.M. - Fordham University LL.M. in International Tax - University of Florida LL.B. - Sastra University LL.B. - Qatar University Levin College of Law B.A. - Sastra University M.B.A. - Brazilian Institute of Capital Markets LL.M. in Taxation - Catholic Univeristy J.D. - Faculdade de Direito Milton Campus

Master of Laws in Comparative Law

The LL.M. in Comparative Law degree is awarded to students who complete Levin College of Law requirements (including a substantial research paper) and have earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a recognized foreign university. Students are recommended for the degree by the faculty of the Levin College of Law and approved by the Graduate School of the University of Florida.

Mohammad S. Alharbi Alina Isaeva** Sergio Nicolas Suarez Irvine, California Ufa, Russia Bogotá, Colombia J.D. - University of Southern California Law School J.D. - Bashkir State University Abogado - Universidad de los Andes B.S. - Jamiat Al-Malik Ganna Poliakova Pedro Celso Vargas Thomas Tewodros M. Dinsa Orlando, Florida Passo Fundo, Brazil Dire Dawa, Ethiopia LL.M. - Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv LL.B. - Pontificia Univerisade Catolica do Rio LL.B. - University of Mekelle School of Law LL.B. - Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv Grande do Sul B.A. - Mekelle University

Master of Laws in International Taxation

The LL.M. in International Taxation degree is awarded to students who complete Levin College of Law requirements (including a substantial re- search paper and a minimum of 13 credits in international taxation courses) and have earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, or in the case of interna- tional students, a law degree from a university outside the United States. Students are recommended for the degree by the faculty of the Levin College of Law and approved by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. A student who obtains the LL.M. in Taxation degree is not eligible to obtain the LL.M. in International Taxation degree.

Pablo Aguaron Claudia Plazas Alejandro Sotello Barcelona, Spain Bogotá, Colombia Bogotá, Colombia Masters - Universitat Internacional de Abogada - Universidad del Rosario J.D. - Universidad de los Andes Catalunya Ana C. Restrepo Tao Wang B.A. - Universitat Pompeu Fabra Medellin, Colombia Shanghai, China Sebastian Dueñas LL.B. - Universidad del Rosario B.S. - East China University of Political Science Quito, Ecuador Francisca Ruiz Miño and Law Diploma on national and international tax - Quito, Ecuador William Zamora Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar Master in Taxation - Pontificia Universidad San Jose, Costa Rica J.D. - Universidad de las Américas Católica del Ecuador J.D. - Universidad de Costa Rica Jimena Milessi J.D. - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Santa Fe, Argentina Ecuador Abogada - Universidad Austral

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 9 Master of Laws in Taxation

The LL.M. in Taxation degree is awarded to students who complete Levin College of Law requirements (including a substantial research paper) and have earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, or in the case of international students, a law degree from a university outside the United States. Students are recom- mended for the degree by the faculty of the Levin College of Law and approved by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. A student who obtains the LL.M. in International Taxation degree is not eligible to obtain the LL.M. in Taxation degree.

Alyssa Lyn Acquaviva Michael vonKrogh Foster II Jason Sean Ross Lithia, Florida Okemos, Minnesota Fort Lauderdale, Florida J.D. - Stetson University College of Law J.D. - Michigan State University College of Law J.D. - St. Thomas University School of B.A. - University of South Florida B.A. - York College of Pennsylvania Law Tyler J. Almeida Joshua A. Grant B.A. - University of Central Florida Elyria, Ohio Naples, Florida Edgar Gabriel Sánchez J.D. - University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law Miami, Florida B.A. - University of Mount Union B.S. - Nova Southeastern J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law Frans A. Andersson George Arnett Gray IV B.A. - University of Florida Missoula, Montana Winter Park, Florida B.S. - University of Florida J.D. - University of Montana School of Law J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law Christopher D. Schmidt B.A. - University of New Hampshire B.A. - The Citadel Rigby, Idaho Katherine Barnes Lilian Guzman J.D. - University of South Dakota School of Law Birmingham, Alabama Weston, Florida M.S. - Colorado State University J.D. - Samford University J.D. - Shepard Broad College of Law - Nova B.S. - Brigham Young University M.B.A. - Samford University Southeastern University Jasmin Numidia Severino B.A. - Sewanee: University of the South B.B.A. - Florida International University Boston, Massachusetts Brenton S. Begley Paul Gordon Hawkins, Jr. J.D. - Walter F. George School of Law - Mercer Greensboro, North Carolina Moscow, Idaho University J.D. - Elon University School of Law J.D. - University of Idaho College of Law B.A. - University of Georgia B.A. - University of Texas at San Antonio B.A. - University of Chicago Andrew William Shapiro Craig W. Benson Tiffany Michelle Hunt Miami, Florida Norfolk, Nebraska Jacksonville, Florida J.D. - Shepard Broad College of Law - Nova J.D. - University of Wyoming College of Law J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law Southeastern University B.A. - University of Nebraska Omaha B.A. - University of North Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida Keegan Trace Brooks Christina F. Jones Jeffrey Spina-Jennings Brunswick, Georgia Memphis, Tennessee Kissimmee, Florida J.D. - Georgia State University J.D. - Louisiana State University J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law M.A. - Georgia State University M.S. - University of Louisville B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - Georgia State University B.A. - University of Florida Jeanette Stecker Christy L. Brown Maurice Lamb III Dallas, Texas Fitzgerald, Georgia Houston, Texas J.D. - Northwestern Pritzker School of Law J.D. - Mercer University School of Law J.D. - South Texas College of Law Houston B.A. - Emory University M.B.A. - Mercer University - Macon B.A. - The University of Texas at Austin William Allen Stone* B.B.A. - Mercer University Michelle Teresa Larrinaga Cumming, Georgia Jonathan Bryan Hollywood, Florida J.D. - Georgia State University Auburndale, Florida J.D. - Gonzaga University School of Law B.B.A.- University of Georgia J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law B.A. - University of North Florida Christina J. Strasser* B.A. - University of Florida Eva Louise Lauer Pinehurst, North Carolina Charles W. Carpenter Vero Beach, Florida J.D. - Florida State University Charlotte, North Carolina J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law B.A. - University of Florida J.D. - Charlotte School of Law B.A. - Trinity College M.B.A.- University of North Carolina - John P. Strupe tlanta, Georgia Charlotte Richard C. Mills III A aster of Taxation - Georgia State University B.A. - University of South Carolina - Gainesville, Florida M Columbia J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law J.D. - Georgia State University B.A. - Georgia State University Oscar Carillo B.A. - University of Florida El Paso, Texas Kayla Alexis Mims Katherine Anne Sultenfuss J.D. - Texas Southern University Orangeburg, South Carolina Clearwater, Florida B.A. - The University of Texas at El Paso J.D. - Charleston School of Law J.D. - University of Virginia School of Law Alexander Franklin Cockerill B.S. - University of South Carolina B.S. - Duke University San Antonio, Texas Stefania Napolitano* Preston Whittemore* J.D. - University of Texas at Austin Windermere, Florida Temple Terrace, Florida B.B.A. - University of Texas at Austin J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law J.D. - Stetson University Spencer Mackenzie Durden B.S. - University of Central Florida M.B.A. - Stetson University Jacksonville, Florida Gregory Dean Neilsen B.A. - Auburn University J.D. - University of Mississippi East Brunswick, New Jersey Alexa L. Woods* B.A. - Colorado College J.D. - Charleston School of Law Merritt Island, Florida Tanya Durst B.A. - University of North Carolina Wilmington J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law Rancho Mirage, California Joshua Eric Paulson B.S. - University of Central Florida J.D. - Vanderbilt Law School Houston, Texas B.A. - University of Florida J.D. - South Texas College of Law Houston Jacqueline Nicole Feliciano B.B.A. - Texas Tech University Tampa, Florida Sara Asif Qureshi J.D. - Stetson University College of Law Cape Coral, Florida B.A. - University of Florida J.D. - Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law - Barry University B.S. - Florida Gulf Coast University A.A. - Florida SouthWestern State College

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 10 Degree Juris Doctor

This degree is awarded to students who have earned at least a baccalaureate degree, who have completed a three-year course study at the Levin College of Law, and who are recommended by its faculty. The degree is awarded with Honors to those with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 (on a four point scale), with High Honors to those with a GPA of at least 3.7 and with Highest Honors to those with a GPA of at least a 3.9.

John Carlos Acosta Harry R. Beck Thomas James Buckler Hialeah, Florida Melbourne Beach, Florida Athens, Georgia B.A. - Florida International University B.A. - University of Florida B.B.A. - University of Georgia A.A. - Miami Dade College Carole Michelle Becker Oran Lott Bullock Marcus Martin Albrecht Lakeland, Florida Williston, Florida Umatilla, Florida M.S. - University of Central Florida M.S. - University of Florida M.I.B. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Florida Stephen F. Beebe Lloyd Daniel Burman Claire Elizabeth Alexander Brandon, Florida Manalapan, New Jersey Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - The University of Arizona B.A. - University of Florida Stephen Jerome Bell Jessica Burns William C. Alford Tampa, Florida Orlando, Florida Tallahassee, Florida B.S. - Florida State University M.B.A. - University of Central Florida B.S. - Florida State University Joel Thomas Benn B.A. - University of South Florida Travis John Allen Lorida, Florida Johnathan R. Burns Tampa, Florida B.A. - Florida Atlantic University Melbourne, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Sydney Pauline Booth B.A. - University of Central Florida Sara E. Altes** Dade City, Florida Miguel Cadavid Ormond Beach, Florida B.S. - The University of Tampa Medellin, Colombia B.S. - Northern Michigan University Nicholas Orestes Borrego B.S. - University of South Carolina Deanna Michelle Andrews Fort Myers, Florida Jeffrey Allen Caisse, Jr. Miami, Florida B.S. - Florida Gulf Coast University Port Saint Lucie, Florida B.S. - University of Florida Kevin E. Bowie B.A. - University of Florida Carolina Arias Davie, Florida Zeenia Calvo Sarasota, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Miramar, Florida B.A. - University of Miami Nicholas James Boyle B.A. - Florida International University Caitlyn Marie Arnett Ormond Beach, Florida Garrett Carney Jacksonville, Florida B.S. - Florida State University Naples, Florida B.B.A. - University of North Florida Michael Gary Boynton B.S. - University of Florida Faris Ashouri Winter Park, Florida Avery Gerard Carter Miami, Florida M.A. - Rollins College Yorktown, Virginia B.A. - University of Miami B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - North Carolina State University Stephany Marie Ashton Meghan Kaye Bradley B.A. - North Carolina State University Melbourne, Florida Coral Springs, Florida Jason Lee Carter B.A. - University of West Florida B.S.B.A. - University of Florida Hahira, Georgia Christopher M. Avaritt Quinton Alexander Brady B.A. - Valdosta State University Fort Myers, Florida Casselberry, Florida Matthew T. Casey B.S. - Florida Gulf Coast University B.A. - University of Florida Lutz, Florida Julio Avendano Michael Brenner B.S. - University of South Florida Miami, Florida Coral Springs, Florida Samantha A. Ceres B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Florida Miami, Florida Kristin Amanda Babik Tiffany Hope Breuer B.S. - University of Central Florida Gainesville, Florida Saint Petersburg, Florida Kyle Andrew Ceuninck B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida Port Orange, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Jasmine Brito B.S. - Florida State University Abe Andrew Bailey Immokalee, Florida Sadaf Chaudhry Pembroke Pines, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Miami, Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida Kylie J. Brown B.A. - Florida International University Amanda Kiersten Barbour Sarasota, Florida Stanley K. Cheng Sarasota, Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida North Miami Beach, Florida B.A. University of Central Florida Ricky L. Brown B.A. - University of Florida Charles Vincent Barrett IV Dayton, Ohio Valerie Anne Chesnut Temple Terrace, Florida B.A. - Miami University Palm City, Florida B.A. - Northwestern University M.A. - Norwich University B.A. - Florida Atlantic University Alexandra Kathryn Barshel Zachary Harrison Brown Ashley B. Chin Seminole, Florida St. Augustine, Florida Miami, Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida M.S. - University of Central Florida David J. Barton Peggy L. Bruner B.A. - University of Florida Arlington, Virginia Fort Walton Beach, Florida Taylor Michelle Christy B.A. - James Madison University B.A. - Auburn University Tallahassee, Florida Daniel José Batista Sha-Kiah M. Bryan B.S. - Florida State University Miramar, Florida St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Mary Katherine Clem B.A. - Northwestern University B.A. - Seton Hall University Vero Beach, Florida Bradley Beall B.A. - University of Florida Jacksonville, Florida Samantha Cline B.A. - University of North Florida Sarasota, Florida B.A. - University of Florida

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 11 Steven Cline Michelle Jamie Durrwachter Maritrini Soto Garcia Newport News, Virginia Port Orange, Florida Cape Coral, Florida B.B.A. - College of William and Mary B.A. - University of Florida A.A. - Florida SouthWestern College Jacob Zachary Coates Jenna Duvall B.S. - Florida Gulf Coast University Tallahassee, Florida Anna Maria, Florida Casey Gartland B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida Newtown, Connecticut Benjamin M. Cole B.S. - University of Florida M.S. - University of Cincinnati Champaign, Illinois Genna Elko* B.S. - Florida Gulf Coast University B.A. - University of Illinois - Urbana Port St. Lucie, Florida Julie M. Geary Caitlin Conahan B.A. - University of South Florida Greenwood, Arkansas Boca Raton, Florida James J. Ellison B.A. - Colorado Technical University B.A. - Cornell University Ocoee, Florida Andrea A. Gillen Brandon A. Cook B.A. - University of Central Florida Lakeland, Florida New Smyrna Beach, Florida Maury William Enneking Ivey B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of South Florida Gainesville, Florida Louis W. Giovachino Alexandra Copeland B.A. - University of Florida Weston, Florida Sarasota, Florida Rachel L. Espetia B.A. - Florida State University B.A. - University of Florida Gainesville, Florida Joshua Ryan Gluck Cassidy Sadie Coratti B.A. - University of South Florida Boca Raton, Florida Rhinebeck, New York Lauryn Virginia Fabrizio B.A. - University of South Florida M.B.A. - State University of New York at New Paltz St. Augustine, Florida Zachary Gluck B.S. - State University of New York at New Paltz B.A. - University of Florida Weston, Florida Joseph Edward Cordova Giulia Christine Farrior M.A. - University of Florida San Mateo, Florida Miami, Florida B.S. - University of Florida M.A. - University of Colorado B.A. - University of Florida Brittany Caitlin Golden B.A. - DePaul University Ben Fechter Tuscaloosa, Alabama Jose Andrea Cortes Wilton, Connecticut B.A. - The University of Alabama Davie, Florida B.A. - University of Connecticut Jonathan B. Golden B.S. - University of Florida Carlos Andres Fernandez Navarre, Florida Kenisha Cromity Miami, Florida M.A. - University of Florida Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - Emory University B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - Spelman College Jessica Claudia Fernandez Ben Graef Christine Meghan Csencsitz Miami, Florida Lake Mary, Florida Orlando, Florida M.S. - University of Florida B.S. - Florida State University B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Florida James Thomas Graessle Nicholas A. D'Amico Annette Marie Ferrer Jacksonville, Florida Cleveland, Ohio Miami, Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.S.E. - John Carroll University B.A. - University of Florida Kelsey Alana Greenfield Dane D. Daley Batche Fils-Aime** Boca Raton, Florida West Palm Beach, Florida Miramar, Florida B.A. - University of Richmond B.S. - University of Florida B.S. - Nova Southeastern University Patrick McGuire Griffin Goliath John Davis IV John Paul Fiore Jacksonville, Florida Tallahassee, Florida Fort Myers, Florida B.A. - University of Colorado - Boulder M.A.S. - Florida Agricultural & Mechanical B.A. - University of Florida Gabriella Bianca Guariniello University Daniel Morris Flood Naples, Italy B.A. - Florida Agricultural & Mechanical Clermont, Florida B.S. - The University of Tampa University B.A. - University of Central Florida Kelly Nicole Hallisey Jarrett B. Davis Kevin Patrick Flood New Port Richey, Florida Madison, Florida Naples, Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida B.A. - The Citadel Katarina R. Hamburg Marissa Ann de los Reyes Conor P. Flynn Gulf Breeze, Florida Jacksonville, Florida Saco, Maine M.S. - University of West Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida B.A. - Tufts University B.A. - University of West Florida Maria E. Dennison Travis Foels Katherine Lauren Hansson Orlando, Florida Orlando, Florida Naples, Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - Rice University Robert Joseph Desmond Alexandra R. Foster Savannah Jordan Harris Unruh Daytona Beach, Florida Orlando, Florida Vero Beach, Florida B.A - University of Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Florida Christian Nicole Fulton Ryne E. Hartt Taylor Michael DeVice Davenport, Florida Sebring, Florida Bradenton, Florida B.A. - University of Florida M.A. - University of Florida B.S. - Florida State University Jared R. Gainey B.S. - University of Florida Stefan Rafael Diaz Espinosa Gainesville, Florida R. Nathan Harvey Miami, Florida B.S. - University of Florida Lake Wales, Florida B.S. - Florida International University Jessica Alyssa Galo B.A. - University of Florida Michael J. Dingess Wellington, Florida Sophie Marielle Hayashi Baker, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Carmel, Indiana B.A. - University of Florida Andy Garcia*** B.A. - Indiana University Corey Elizabeth Dorné Havana, Cuba MSc - Leiden University College The Hague Flagler Beach, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Adam N. Heery B.A. - College of Charleston Cynthia Renee Garcia Jupiter, Florida Dale Michael Dowden Los Angeles, California B.A. - University of Florida Tampa, Florida B.A. - University of California, Los Angeles Emily Marie Heim B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of California, Los Angeles Pearisburg, Virginia B.S. - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 12 Alexandra L. Heller Michael H. Kassem Lauren Levitt Marathon, Florida Coral Springs, Florida Miami, Florida B.S. - Florida International University B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - Emory University Andres A. Hermida Robert George Keefe Melissa Rose Liddell Caracas, Venezuela Shalimar, Florida Newberry, Florida B.A. - Florida International University B.A. - Johns Hopkins University B.A. - Hawaii Pacific University Nina Lisa Hernandez Kelli Elizabeth Keeler Abby Louise Loeffler Miami, Florida Clermont, Florida Bemidji, Minnesota B.A. – University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Minnesota Duluth B.A. - University of Florida Andrew Paul Kelly Anthony LoGalbo Alexandra Kate Hershorn Orlando, Florida Jensen Beach, Florida Palm Beach Gardens, Florida B.S. - Florida State University B.S. - Florida State University B.A. - University of Florida Daniel Kersey Colton Leo Lopez Chrimes Jacquelyn V. Hill Palm Bay, Florida Tampa, Florida Delray Beach, Florida B.S.B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - Florida State University B.A. - Florida Atlantic University A.A. - Brevard Community College Christopher Neal Loy, Jr. Aaron Asa Holman A.S. - Brevard Community College Port St. Lucie, Florida Winter Park, Florida Reyhana Ammara Khan B.S. - University of Central Florida B.S. - University of Florida Miramar, Florida Sean P. Lynch B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - Florida State University Jacksonville Beach, Florida Devyn Hoskisson Jivesh D. Khemlani B.S. - University of South Florida Fort Myers, Florida Miami, Florida Rontavian A. Mack B.A. - Florida Gulf Coast University B.B.A. - University of Miami Riverview, Florida Melissa Michaud Hubble* Ben H. King** B.A. - University of Central Florida Cape Coral, Florida Ocala, Florida Kenneth Hood MacKay IV B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida Ocala, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Betty Toleen Kishek B.A. - Auburn University Mark A. Hudson Jacksonville, Florida Kevin John Magee Waldorf, Maryland B.A. - Florida State University Belle Isle, Florida B.S. - Roger Williams University Justin Hamilton Kleckner B.A. - St. Mary's College of Maryland Corinne A. Huston Lovington, Illinois Kevin Michael Major, Jr. Sanford, Florida B.S. - University of Illinois North Miami Beach, Florida B.A. - University of South Florida Zachary H. Kleiman B.A. - University of Central Florida Jacqueline Elaine Hutchins Cooper City, Florida B.S. - University of Central Florida Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida Robert Brendan Maldonado M.F.A. - Queens University of Charlotte Marcus James Knox Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - Connecticut College Windermere, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Kurtis M. Hutson B.A. - University of Florida Zachary Irving Malnik Columbiana, Ohio Caroline A. Labarga Gainesville, Florida B.A. - Kent State University Wellington, Florida B.A - Boston College Megan T. Huynh B.A. - Florida State University Mark William Mangen Land O Lakes, Florida Lindsey Alexandra Lamb Valrico, Florida B.S. - University of Florida St. Louis, Missouri M.S.E. - University of Florida David R. Jadon B.S. - The University of Tampa B.A. - University of Florida Jensen Beach, Florida Keegan Cloyse Lathan Joseph C. Mann B.S. - Florida State University Clearwater, Florida Pembroke Pines, Florida Brittany Lynne Johnson B.S. - Florida State University B.A. - University of Central Florida Jacksonville, Florida Austin Anthony Laurienzo Michael J. Mariani B.A. - University of Central Florida Tampa, Florida Coral Springs, Florida J. Lucien Johnson B.S - University of Central Florida B.A. - Florida Atlantic University Orlando, Florida Melanie A. Lehmann Richard C. Markow B.S. - University of Florida Jacksonville, Florida Tiverton, Rhode Island Katherine M. Johnson B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - Harvard University Chattanooga, Tennessee Jennifer Lee Leiva Laurel Alexandra Marois B.A - University of Mary Washington Miami, Florida St. Petersburg, Florida Rasheem Johnson B.A. - Florida International University B.A. - University of Florida Queens, New York Amber D. Lengacher Katelin Marshall B.A - Brooklyn College Orlando, Florida Naples, Florida Rocky Jay Johnson, Jr. B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - University of South Florida Cocoa, Florida Tyler Samuel Lenz Ralston F. Mateo B.S. - University of Florida Stuart, Florida Las Vegas, Nevada Eric Jones B.S. - University of Central Florida B.A. - University of Florida Cape Coral, Florida Jennifer Nicole Leon Eric J. Mattison B.S. - University of Central Florida Miami, Florida Boca Raton, Florida Phoebe Joseph B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - Miami University-Oxford Lake Worth, Florida Katherine Teal Leonard Kristopher Alexander Maunez B.A. - University of South Florida Miami Springs, Florida DeLand, Florida Stephen R. Josephik B.S. - Florida International University B.A. - University of Florida New Port Richey, Florida Michelle Karen Leute Charlean Leann Maurer B.A. - University of South Florida Cape Coral, Florida Maiden, North Carolina Bascom Nax Joye B.S. - University of Florida B.S. - Western Carolina University Lake City, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Theodore Richard McAlpin Miller B.A. - University of Florida Joshua Levitats Lakeland, Florida Kelly Karasek Miami, Florida B.S. - University of Florida Lawrence, Kansas B.S. - University of Florida Meagan Kelsey McCarthy B.S. - The University of Kansas West Palm Beach, Florida B.A. - University of Florida

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 13 James B. McCarthy Matthew Paul Ouellette Douglas J. Rintoul Marathon, Florida Jacksonville Beach, Florida Orlando, Florida B.A. - Florida State University B.A. - University of North Florida B.S. - University of Pennsylvania Britanee Ann McCausland Joshua Taylor Padilla Alejandro Sotello Riveros Fort Lauderdale, Florida Orlando, Florida Bogotá, Colombia B.S. - Clemson University B.A. - Florida State University J.D. - Universidad de los Andes Benjamin F. McMahan Abigail Pafford Deron Tracy Roberson, Jr Windermere, Florida Pleasant Hill, California Tampa, Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - University of Florida Hillary Nichole Mesa B.A. - University of Central Florida Matthew D. Roberts Gainesville, Florida William Franklin Parks West Palm Beach, Florida B.S. - University of Florida Baltimore, Maryland B.S. - University of Florida Colin William Milam B.S. - Towson University Luis D. Rodriguez Fort Lauderdale, Florida Christopher William Parmele Miami, Florida B.S. - Florida State University Gainesville, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Stephen R. Miner B.S.B.A. - University of Florida Nataly Esther Rodriguez Saint Augustine, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Miami, Florida B.A. - Flagler College Nina I. Patrikyan B.A. - University of Central Florida Natasha Moghadam Greenwood Village, Colorado Kameron Derrick Romaelle Gainesville, Florida B.A. - University of Colorado Oldsmar, Florida B.A. - University of Florida William Perce Paxton B.A. - Davidson College Andrew Dwight Moody North Palm Beach, Florida Davarian T. Rousseau Eagle Lake, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Austin Payne B.A. - University of North Florida Kevin K. Moore Melbourne, Florida Kacie E. Royce Jupiter, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Lake Placid, Florida B.A. - Florida State University Jackson Alexander Pellingra B.A. - University of Central Florida Danitza Morales Weston, Florida Alex Joseph Rubin Miami, Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida Pennington, New Jersey B.S. - University of Florida Yenisleivys Peña B.A. - Emory University B.A. - University of Florida Miami, Florida Nicholas Frank Russo Daniel Mauricio Morales B.S. - Florida State University Orlando, Florida Miami, Florida Rebecca Chandler Perkins B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A. - University of Florida Ponte Vedra, Florida Sara Salem Patrick J. Moran B.A. - University of North Florida Tallahassee, Florida Whitesboro, New York Ryan Peterson B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - The State University of New York at Albany Longwood, Florida Tisha Elizabeth Salkey Alisha Moriceau B.S. - University of Central Florida Boca Raton, Florida Tampa, Florida Andrea Picco B.A. - University of Michigan B.S. - University of Florida Coral Springs, Florida Lindsey Andrick Sanders Todd Justin Murgo B.A. - University of Florida Tallahassee, Florida Ridgefield Park, New Jersey Reno V. Pierre B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - The University of Tampa Miami, Florida Samantha Sanders Forrest Scott Murphy B.S. - Florida Atlantic University Charlotte, North Carolina DeLand, Florida M.S. - Nova Southeastern University B.S.F.R. - University of Georgia B.A. - University of Florida Jonathan David Pruitt Alison Schein Brandy Myers High Springs, Florida Weston, Florida Beverly Hills, Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - Florida State University B.S. - University of Florida Brian Eddy Pujols Amanda Schneider B.A. - University of Florida Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hollywood, Florida Ryan Dominick Naso B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - Florida State University Toms River, New Jersey Gabriel Quevedo Stephen Christopher Schroeck B.A. - University of Florida Muntinlupa, Philippines Rochester, New York Javier Navas B.S. - Ateneo de Manila University M.B.A. - University at Buffalo Ft. Lauderdale, Florida M.Fin. - Hult International Business School B.A. - University at Buffalo B.A. - Florida International University Alibek R. Rakhimov Luke Andrew Schultheis William D. Nelson Miami, Florida Evansville, Indiana North Miami, Florida B.A. - Florida International University M.P.A - Butler University B.S. - Florida State University Ryan M. Ranson Laura Segura B.S. - Florida State University Charleston, West Virginia Bogota, Colombia Christopher Norris B.A. West Virginia University B.A. - University of Florida Winter Haven, Florida Danielle Rapapport Brooke - Shafranek B.A. - University of Florida Plantation, Florida Bay Shore, New York Catherine M. Nowak B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - North Carolina State University Tampa, Florida Brooklyn Elysse Rapchik-Gaughen Rachel Sheffield B.A. - University of Florida Boca Raton, Florida Macon, Georgia Joseph P. O'Brien B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida Houston, Texas Sofia B. Rattes Raina Shipman B.S. - Florida State University Tampa, Florida Miramar, Florida Katarina Angelina O'Reilly M.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida Vienna, Virginia B.S. - University of Florida Nicolette Maria Shofner B.S. - College of William & Mary Jacquelyn Victoria Rieger Gainesville, Florida Megan Elizabeth Oliva Hilton Head Island, South Carolina B.A. - Cornell University Winter Haven, Florida B.A. - Florida Atlantic University Sara Margaret Shure B.A. - University of Florida Joshua Rieger Windermere, Florida B.S. - University of Florida Coral Springs, Florida B.S. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Florida

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 14 Aubrey Gage Smith Stephanie Vazquez Cari Ann Whitmire Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida Miami, Florida Jacksonville, Florida B.A. - Florida State University B.S. - University of Miami B.A. - University of North Florida Kara Ann Solebello Francisco Jose Velez Ian Wiggins Cumberland, Rhode Island Fort Benning, Georgia Indialantic, Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida M.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of Central Florida John E. Spangler B.A. - University of Florida Rachel Erin Williams Naperville, Illinois Jose R. Vento Ocala, Florida B.A. - Tulane University Miami Lakes, Florida M.S.F. - University of Florida Gordon Streisand B.S. - University of Florida B.S.B.A. - University of Florida Boca Raton, Florida Brandon Vitola Natasha E. Williams B.S. - University of Florida Tampa, Florida Palm Bay, Florida Dustin Matthew Swope B.A. - University of Florida M.Ed. - University of Florida Tampa, Florida Thai Phi H. Vo B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - Elon University Bradenton, Florida Christopher M. Whittbrodt Andrea M. Szabo B.A. - University of Central Florida Longwood, Florida Gainesville, Florida Andrea Wagner B.A. - Flagler College B.S. - University of Florida Coral Springs, Florida Macie Emma Windhaus Niraj Harshad Thakker B.S. - Florida State University Jacksonville, Florida Pompano Beach, Florida Theodore C. Wagenblast III B.A. - University of Georgia B.S. - Florida State University Melbourne, Florida Jonathan Wolf Ryan Glenn Tindall B.A. - Florida Atlantic University Maitland, Florida Winter Garden, Florida Carter John Wallace B.A. - University of Tampa M.A. - University of Florida Tampa, Florida A.A. - Community College of the Air Force B.A. - University of Central Florida B.A - University of Florida James Matthew Woods Thomas P. Towzey Joshua Wayne Walters Pensacola, Florida Saint Petersburg, Florida Melbourne, Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - University of South Florida B.S. - University of Florida Nicholas Young Kevin D. Tragesser Daniel C. Ward Wellington, Florida Tampa, Florida Saint Augustine, Florida B.S. - University of South Florida B.S.B.A. - University of Florida B.A. - New College of Florida Sean Youngblood B.A. - University of Florida Eric J. Watson Fernandina Beach, Florida Kathryn Daly Valois College Park, Georgia B.S. - University of Florida Charlotte, North Carolina B.A. - University of West Georgia Nicole Yrigollen-Crites B.S.W. - Baylor University Emily Suzanne Weaver Winter Springs, Florida Courtney L. van Emmerik Providence, North Carolina B.A. - University of Florida Fort Myers, Florida B.A. - North Carolina State University Nomiki Zervos B.A. - Florida Gulf Coast University Ashley Janell Weisenfeld Tarpon Springs, Florida Madeleine Vaughn Clermont, Florida B.A. - University of Florida Tampa, Florida B.A. - University of Florida B.S. - University of Florida

*Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 15 *Summer 2018 graduate **Fall 2017 graduate ***Concurrent degree program graduate 16 Levin College of Law Faculty

Congratulations to the Class of 2018. We wish you all the best.

Levin College of Law Leadership

Laura A . Rosenbury ...... Dean & Levin, Mabie and Levin Professor

Darren Hutchinson ...... Associate Dean for Faculty Development

Amy R . Mashburn ...... Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Claire M . Germain ...... Associate Dean for Legal Information Services

Rachel Inman ...... Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Elizabeth T . Lear ...... A. ssociate Dean for Strategic Initiatives

Kelli Murray ...... Chief of Staff

Delphine Byrd ...... Assistant Dean for Admissions

Whitney Smith ...... Assistant . Dean for Messaging and Outreach

Michael Farley ...... Senior Director for Development

Fred Murray ...... Director, Graduate Tax Program

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 17 What Makes a University Great? Some interesting facts about the University of Florida

Educational Excellence

UF is consistently ranked among the nation’s top universities: No. 9 in U.S. News & World Report “Top Public Universities” (2018); No. 12 in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education list of Best Public Colleges (2017); No. 3 on the Forbes’ list of Best Value Public Universities (2017); No. 1 on Value Colleges’ list of Top 50 Best Value Colleges (2016); and No. 1 on the Times Higher Education list of best public universities for employers to find new hires.

Faculty

• UF has nearly 5,000 faculty members with distinguished records in teaching, research and service, including 36 Eminent Scholar chairs and 45 faculty elections to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine or the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

• Awards include two Pulitzer Prizes, NASA’s top award for research, and the Smithsonian Institution’s conservation award.

Students

• Ninety-seven percent of incoming freshmen score above the national average (1500/21) on standardized exams. Students admitted for the fall 2018 freshman class had an average 4.45 GPA and an average SAT score of 1370.

• The freshman retention rate of 96 percent is among the highest in the country.

• UF awards more professional degrees to African American, Hispanic and other minority students than any other public university in the Association of American Universities (2014-15).

• Sixty-seven percent of UF full-time freshmen graduate in four years (2011-12 cohort), and 87 percent of UF freshmen graduate within six years (2009-10 cohort).

• Fifty-seven percent of UF graduates leave the university with no student-loan debt. For the remaining students, their average indebtedness is about $21,603, as compared with the national average of more than $30,000 (2015-16).

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 18 Chain of Office

This custom-made ornament is worn with the president’s regalia, symbolizing the authority and responsibilities of the office. The chain is engraved with the names and service years of the university presidents. The medallion’s centerpiece is a 1.3-carat diamond.

Academic Mace

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the mace symbolizes strength and authority. The UF ceremonial mace was created for the university’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2003. The 70-inch staff features an alligator sitting atop a globe. The four pillars supporting the globe represent the four original colleges: Agriculture, Engineering, Law, and Liberal Arts. The staff is carved from cherry wood. The university’s chief marshal, who leads all academic processions, carries the mace.

University of Florida Tassels

Fisher School of Accounting Aqua College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Maize College of the Arts Brown M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management Burnt Orange and Opal Warrington College of Business Drab Heavener School of Business Drab College of Dentistry Lilac College of Design, Construction and Planning Blue Violet College of Education Light Blue Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Orange The Graduate School Black College of Health and Human Performance Sage Green College of Journalism and Communications Black and White Fredric G. Levin College of Law Purple College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arts White College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sciences Gold Yellow College of Medicine Green College of Nursing Apricot College of Pharmacy Olive Green College of Public Health and Health Professions Salmon College of Veterinary Medicine Gray

Diplomas 2018 SPRING Diplomas will be mailed to the graduate’s permanent home mailing address in July 2018. C o m m e n c e m e n t 19 Caps and Gowns, An Explanation

The academic regalia worn by graduating students and faculty at today’s commencement ceremonies evolved from a style of dress worn by members of guilds and religious orders in medieval times. The academic gown is worn by individuals who have earned a degree in higher education. In addition, hoods are worn by graduate degree candidates, but not by undergraduate degree candidates.

At the University of Florida, the lining of the hood has a blue chevron on an orange background to represent the university colors. University faculty members who hold degrees from another college or university wear the colors of their alma mater.

The velvet edging on the academic hood is the color that represents the particular degree held by the wearer. Agricultural and Life Sciences and Forest Resources and Conservation share maize edging; Design, Construction and Planning and Building Construction are blue violet; Audiology degrees have colonial blue edging; Business Administration and Accounting are drab; Dentistry is lilac; Education is light blue; Engineering degrees are represented by orange edging; Fine Arts degrees have brown edging; Health and Human Performance is sage green; Journalism and Communications is garnet; Law is purple; Liberal Arts is white and Liberal Sciences is gold yellow; Medicine is green; Music is pink; Natural Resources and Environment is antique gold; Nursing is apricot; Doctor of Pharmacy is olive; Philosophy is royal blue; Public Health degrees have salmon pink edging; Rehabilitation Counseling degrees have Nile green edging; and Veterinary Medicine is gray.

Distinctions among sleeves indicate the type of degree held by the wearer. A long, pointed sleeve indicates a bachelor’s degree, while a long, closed sleeve with a slit near the upper part of the arm designates a master’s degree. A round, open sleeve identifies a doctoral degree.

The doctoral regalia also has velvet running on the rest of the gown, including cross bars on the sleeve. Colored tassels on the degree candidates’ caps indicate a candidate’s school or college.

2018 SPRING C o m m e n c e m e n t 20