THURSDAY, AUGUST
Fuchs steps up, presidential search ensues
HE RETURNED AS INTERIM PRESIDENT FOLLOWING SASSE’S RESIGNATION
By Annie Wang Alligator Staff Writer
Former UF President Kent Fuchs was repairing wall cladding and fixing the plumbing system on his farm in Finger Lakes, New York, when he received an unexpected phone call this summer.
Morteza “Mori” Hosseini, the chairman of UF’s Board of Trustees, who Fuchs hadn’t heard from in the 17 months since leaving office, said then-UF President Ben Sasse might resign. Would Fuchs be willing to return to the Gator Nation as interim president?
Shortly after Sasse publicly resigned July 18, citing his wife’s declining health, the university announced Fuchs would step in. As the administration prepares for a new and unexpected presidential search, Fuchs is cementing his legacy before he retires from UF for good.
“I've told the Trustees I really want to retire in a year,” Fuchs said. “It's wonderful to be president. It's a great job, [and] I love it, but I'm 70 this year, and I need to retire.”
Fuchs served as UF's 12th president from 2015 to 2023. After leaving the presidency, he refreshed his knowledge of electrical engineering and taught Introduction to Electrical Engineering in Spring 2024, his first time instructing a course since 1996. Returning to his roots as a faculty member, Fuchs disconnected from the university’s administrative affairs.
SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT
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“I worked really hard to be what I think is a good former president,” Fuchs said. “That is to not engage with the university administration, not to take interviews with anybody about anything, and try not to even pay attention [to university administration] and just focus on my work.”
The presidential search begins with the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for appointing a search committee. Once established, the search committee selects a search firm, which it works side-by-side with to find potential candidates.
After consulting with hundreds of people, gathering suggestions and collecting ideas, the search committee interviews 10 to 20 candidates and narrows the selection down to a few finalists.
“I am thrilled that Kent has agreed to take on this important role at such a critical time to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as we prepare to initiate a national presidential search,” Hosseini said in a university-wide email July 23. “We owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”
Hans van Oostrom, the Founding Chair and Associate Professor of the UF Department of Engineering Education, posted a selfie with Fuchs Aug. 9 and captioned it, “Great to serve with [UF] president Fuchs again.”
Previous, current and future university presidents rarely interact, Fuchs said. However, he praised the progress Sasse made during his 18 months in office, like the expansion of the Hamilton Center and the establishment of the Honors Village.
Division I status — UF club hockey makes strides. Read more on pg. 15.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s how UF can help
From counseling to cake pops: resources every Gator should know about
By Grace McClung Alligator Staff Writer
As a Florida Gator, it's easy to get swamped. There are classes to attend, organizations to join, friends to meet and laundry to do. Add that to a campus bustling with tens of thousands of students, and college can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, UF’s many mental health resources are here to help.
The Counseling and Wellness Center
Mental health issues among students are stigmatized but not rare. Between 2020 and 2022, the percentage of UF students who reported having anxiety rose 40%, ADHD rose 81% and depression rates
Gainesville primaries See the winners, pg. 2
Worship at UF Guide to religious organizations, pg. 4
rose 43%, according to a student survey.
UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center, a hub for student mental health help, offers 24/7 crisis support and counseling, workshops, off-campus support and psychiatry, among other services.
Students can schedule a consultation online or over the phone, and explore outreach services that don't require a consultation. Referrals are also available.
The CWC also encompasses AWARE, a student ambassador program that works to bring attention to mental health issues among college students and reduces the stigma around getting help.
The program participates in various outreach initiatives including an Oct. 11 Fall Wellness Fair
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
Kent Fuchs will serve as UF Interim President following Ben Sasse resignation.
Today’s Weather
In Case You Missed It: Alachua
County primary election results
With low turnout, voters cast less than 36,000 ballots
By Vivienne Serret, Morgan Vanderlaan & Nicole Beltrán Alligator Staff Writers
Alachua County’s primary election ended Aug. 20 with more than 11,000 votes cast throughout the day. Citizens voted along party lines for Alachua County Commission, Gainesville City Commission and state-wide seats, as well as the Democratic sheriff candidate. There were a total of eight open seats and six competitive races; voters also cast ballots for school board members.
A little over 35,000 voters participated in the election, with mail-in ballots being the most popular voting method. This year’s election cycle saw about 23% voter turnout, or 33% fewer voters than in the 2022 primary election.
For competitive races, the primary election determines which candidate will represent the party during November’s general election. For nonpartisan races, the primary election serves as the general election, and if a candidate does not receive over 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff in November.
Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only voters registered with a party can cast votes for those partisan races.
Student turnout
Students cast their votes at local polling locations, including the UF Reitz Student Union and Santa Fe College.
Harrison Feld, a 22-year-old UF political science major, said he cast his vote in under a minute at a new voting site located in the Harn Museum. Some students are also voting in Alachua County for the first time after familiarizing themselves with policies and candidates’ backgrounds.
Sara Akyol, a 20-year-old UF international studies junior, updated her address after moving to Alachua County for college. With the convenience of voting on campus, Akyol said she encourages other students to get into the booths.
“Make sure you put the right address, and you'll be able to go to whichever precinct you need to go to,” Akyol said. “At the end of the day, just vote.”
Alachua County Commission Seat District 1
Incumbent County Commission Chair Mary Alford won the Democratic nomination by 72%, beating opponent DeJeon L. Cain.
Born and raised in Alachua County, Alford has spent the past three years on the county commission working on initiatives from her first election campaign, which include affordable housing projects and a local climate vulnerability analysis.
Before serving as a county commissioner, Alford served on the Alachua County Environmental Protection Advisory Board, the Code
Enforcement Board and Gainesville's Utility Advisory Board.
“My initial platform has not changed – I will continue to fight for the basic services that a county should provide,” Alford wrote in a Facebook post Aug. 14.
Gainesville City Commission At Large Seat A
Gainesville resident James Ingle won the nonpartisan seat by 61%, beating out Fareed "Reed" Johnson.
Ingle said one of the issues most pressing to him regards Gainesville Regional Utilities. He said the utility should be run by people within the community rather than a governorappointed board and supports the GRU referendum.
Ingle previously ran for Gainesville City Commission, but this is his first time winning a seat. He said he wants to establish a working relationship with the other charter officers during his first few weeks in office.
“I've been involved a lot with politics and local activism and really involved with my community for a long time,” Ingle said. “To see that bear fruit and to see that the community thinks enough of me in the work that I've done here — that I should be in a decision-making position — is very humbling.”
Gainesville City Commission District 1
Incumbent Desmon DuncanWalker faced Gainesville resident Michael Perkins for the District 1 nonpartisan seat, winning by nearly 78%.
Duncan-Walker is a “proud product of the Alachua County Public School System,” according to a biography on the city’s website. She is the Gainesville Alliance for Equitable Development founder and is involved in several other county and city boards and organizations.
On the city commission, DuncanWalker has supported approvals for arts funding and voted in favor of the GRU referendum appearing on the November general election ballot.
Duncan-Walker did not respond for comment.
Alachua County Sheriff
Alachua County Colonel Chad Scott earned 51% of the vote and defeated UF Police Department Captain Latrell Simmons and Alachua County Sheriff’s Officer Peter King for the Democratic nomination.
A Newberry native, Scott was formerly employed at the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center, where he worked with mental health patients declared not guilty by reason of insanity. As Alachua County Sheriff, Scott said he wants to address gun violence, addiction and work to expand services for domestic violence victims.
“That is how you win. Thank you,” Scott said in an election night Facebook post.
Scott will advance to the general election as the Democratic nominee.
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Alachua County School Board Seat District 2
Thomas Vu, a former math teacher, UF graduate and district staff member, won his seat with 53% of the vote. He defeated incumbent Diyonne McGraw.
As a gay man fighting for acceptance, Vu said he understands the need for policies ensuring safety and support for all students and teachers. Vu “found solace in education amidst a challenging childhood in a broken home,” he said on his campaign website.
“I look forward to doing the hard work,” Vu said. “For the students, the teachers and the families.”
Alachua County School Board Seat District 4
Leanetta McNealy, who has served on the school board for 12 years, won the District 4 school board seat with 72% over her opponent, Lew "Lincoln" Welge.
McNealy currently serves as the vice chair of the Alachua County School Board.
McNealy is a former Alachua County school teacher, curriculum specialist and was the Duval Fine Arts Academy school principal for 14 years.
“I didn't ever want to be overconfident as the campaign was going on,” she said. “But I felt a tinge of relief when I saw the results tonight that people still believe in me, still support me and to know that I'm going to be here to advocate and put children first at all extent.”
McNealy will be sworn into her four-year position in November.
Primary winners across the state
Winning the U.S. Republican and Democrat Florida Senate primary seats, Rick Scott and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will face off for the senator position on the November general election ballot.
Kat Cammack won the U.S. Republican House of Representatives District 3 candidacy, Chad Johnson won the Republican State Representative District 22 candidacy, and David Arreola won the Democratic State Representative District 22 candidacy.
The next election will be the General Election on Nov. 5. The deadline to register is Oct. 7 with early voting running Oct. 21 through Nov. 2.
Natalie Kaufman and Sabrina Castro contributed to this report.
@vivienneserret vserret@alligator.org @morgvande mvanderlaan@alligator.org @nicolebeltg nbeltran@alligator.org
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UF offers counseling services to students
MENTAL
HEALTH, from pg. 1
and UFisAWARE week, with the latter occurring again in the spring. These and other initiatives, such as an online peer support program called Gator-2-Gator and Letters of Care, try to increase awareness when it comes to mental health and CWC resources.
Calista Hidalgo, the CWC AWARE undergraduate coordinator, said knowing what resources are available on campus is especially important for incoming students.
“This is their first time away from home,” said the 20-year-old psychology senior. “This newfound independence on top of balancing grades, a social life and extracurriculars can be extremely overwhelming.”
AWARE also hosts Fresh Mentality, a Canvas course that teaches incoming students about the mental health resources the program offers. The CWC recently developed a counseling group specifically for freshmen as well, Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo said AWARE helps her show other students they aren’t alone.
“This program gave me a sense of purpose and belonging,” she said. “We don’t want our fellow students suffering in silence when there are resources quite literally around the corner to help.”
The CWC has three locations on campus: Peabody Hall, Radio Road and Cypress Hall. Its services are covered by a portion of the health fee included in tuition. The health fee also covers other campus-wide health initiatives.
Student Organizations
Feeling stressed? Make a cake pop.
That’s the idea behind Baking4Wellness, a student organization that promotes mental health through the art of baking.
The organization, founded by 21-yearold UF health science senior Lejla Cancar, includes educational meetings that organize baking workshops taught by members, socials, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities.
Cancar said she’s a firm believer that baking relieves stress and anxiety.
“Depression, anxiety, loneliness [and] fear are all common feelings college students experience during their four years,” she said. “There has been a lot of positive feedback since our organization started, and it keeps me motivated.”
Baking4Wellness does more than provide a space for students to sharpen their baking skills, Cancar said. It also connects participants with other resources within the CWC.
“I like to imagine ourselves as a liaison between the student and the services we are trying to help promote since we have a more direct relationship with students,” she said.
Cancar, a first-generation student who struggled with anxiety, wished she had been made aware of the resources on campus sooner.
“A lot of students do not know what exactly UF has to offer when it comes to health,” she said. “[We] are making these resources known.”
Baking4Wellness Vice President Emily Dong, a 20-year-old UF food science and English junior, said the organization provides a “safe space” for students who need a break from college life and want to engage in a fun group activity.
“I see it as a way of connecting with people and showing your gratitude,” Dong said. “Whether it's Baking4Wellness or [another] club…it's all platforms and gateways for people to get to know each other.”
Each baking session accommodates about 25 to 30 people. Baking4Wellness can be found on Instagram and Discord, and more resources are available through their LinkTree. There are no fees, and all you have to do is show up.
UF Police Department
Two years ago, UFPD started the Behavioral Services division, which includes the Co-Responder Team and the Office of Victim Services.
The Co-Responder Team began in June 2022 and conducts crisis interventions. A mental health clinician rides with a police
officer who is specially trained in crisis intervention and mental health, and the team works to de-escalate mental health situations and connect the individual to ongoing resources.
Meggen Sixbey, UFPD assistant director in the behavioral sciences division, said the goal of the co-responder team is to provide an alternative to mental health hospitalization.
“I’m really very proud of what we’re doing,” she said. “Now that we can bring the counselor to the scene, we can look at exploring alternatives to hospitalization so we're able to get folks connected to the counseling center, as opposed to taking them to an inpatient mental health facility.”
Sixbey said UF’s co-responder team is the first of its kind in the country and has already been a major success, diverting hospitalization 57% of the time.
“The other big win to me is that a lot of our officers…[are] becoming more informed on mental health areas and how to explore some safety plans,” she said.
The Office of Victim Services is another
mental health resource that employs two victim advocates in the police department.
The office helps victims of crimes navigate the legal process and connects them with ongoing resources through the CWC, the dean’s office or the Disability Resource Center.
The Office of Victim Services is free and confidential, and students don’t have to go through law enforcement to get connected with it. It is located in the police department, but the office has a side entrance and a direct number to allow students to bypass the police.
Sixbey said students shouldn’t wait to become familiar with these resources.
“We’re a very resource-rich university, and there’s so many things that I think students don’t know about until their senior year,” she said. “They could have been happier and healthier earlier if they had known that some of these resources existed that are free to them.”
@gracenmclung gmcclung@alligator.org
Faith, fellowship and free food: a guide to UF’s religious organizations
This guide highlights the religious opportunities available on and near campus
By Avery Parker Alligator Staff Writer
With three-fourths of Florida’s population identifying with a religious faith, UF has a variety of religious-based organizations for its student body. Here are some organizations around campus.
Baháʼí Association at UF
Baháʼí Faith is a 19th-century Abrahamic religion born from prophet Baháʼu'lláh’s teachings in Iran. It has more than five million global followers.
The UF Baháʼí Association’s president, Matteen Kashef, a 24-year-old UF dental student, said the faith emphasizes religious tolerance.
“The main principles of the
Baháʼí Faith is this idea that [there is] oneness of religion, oneness of mankind, equality of women and men, harmony of science and religion, among others,” he said.
The club meets every Tuesday. It also participates in the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, where organization members teach children ages 12 to 15 about the religion. The club occasionally hosts guest speakers, including Rainn Wilson, who practices the religion and attended a meeting when his flight was delayed in Gainesville in November 2023.
“We’re going to talk about deep spiritual concepts, and you’re going to be around good people, eat good food, and your thoughts and opinions will be val-
ued,” Kashef said.
Baptist Collegiate Ministries
The Christian organization Baptist Collegiate Ministries is an extension of Gainesville’s Southern Baptist churches.
Among the organization’s goals is to build “a bridge of trust” between Christianity and the community, according to BCM Director Eddie Gilley.
“A lot of students don’t know any Christians; they don’t trust Christians,” 62-year-old BCM Director Eddie Gilley said. “What we want to do is introduce people to real followers of Jesus who can then demonstrate love and compassion and friendship, and, by doing so, can have an honest conversation about who Jesus is.”
BCM holds trivia game nights and weekly men’s, women’s and co-ed Bible studies and worship at its building every Tuesday at 8 p.m. BCM also connects members with missionary opportunities worldwide through its network with other Christian organizations.
Islam on Campus Islam on Campus brings Muslims of all backgrounds and regions together, according to executive board member Omar Al-Ruzzeh, an 18-year-old UF biochemistry sophomore.
During its annual Islam Appreciation Month, the organization hosts an Islamic guest speaker and candle-making event. There is also the Fast-A-Thon event,
which is held in the Reitz Student Union, where speakers discuss social issues. Islam on Campus invites attendees to fast before the event and break the fast when it begins.
Beyond holding large celebrations and informing non-Muslim students about Islam, the organization provides its members with workshops designed to deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings. Workshops planned for the fall include a masculinity workshop and an Islam 101 workshop.
The organization welcomes members from both branches of Islam: Sunni and Shia. The SunniShia divide dates back to the sev-
Minca Davis // Alligator Staff
Between 2020 and 2022, UF students reported higher levels of anxiety, ADHD and depression.
Fuchs talks succeeding Sasse
Fuchs is familiarizing himself with Sasse’s roughly 100 presidential initiatives and handpicking the ones he wants to pursue during his short time in office.
Fuchs has already decided to emphasize the growth and resource development of UF’s Jacksonville campus, but he has opted not to launch K-12 charter schools around the state, which Sasse championed. The idea diverges from UF’s core mission of educating undergraduate and graduate students, Fuchs said.
Fuchs said his goals for the university are different from Sasse’s, who prioritized the transformation of higher education through the creation of new facilities and programs.
National rankings are important to Fuchs, who said they increase international visibility. Sasse, meanwhile, believed rankings, such as those from the U.S. News and World Report, to be arbitrary measures of a university’s status.
“I’m not saying it’s better,” Fuchs said of his plans. “It’s who I am, so that’s my focus.”
The Alligator reported in August that Sasse more than tripled his office’s spending compared to Fuchs’. Fuchs said he wasn’t even aware of his own spending until The Alligator report came out. He assumes Sasse's vision for the university necessitated a different budget and added the Board of Trustees is heavily involved in audits and budgets and closely monitors the president’s spending.
“I really can't speak to his expenditures,” Fuchs said. “He had a different vision that I'm sure required an investment. I just have a different style.”
Fuchs said he made it clear that he wants to retire by Summer 2025. Meanwhile, the next private presidential search
is in its beginning stages. Fuchs expects a candidate to be chosen by mid-2025.
While Fuchs sees himself as more of a figurehead during this transitional period, he doesn’t believe the future of the university is solely dependent on who’s president.
“It’s really about the university — its history, its future and all the amazing people that are here and those that have graduated,” Fuchs said. “We’re the University of Florida, and we’re all here to make the place better.”
@wynwg awang@alligator.org
Variety of religious organizations on UF campus
enth century when Muslims developed two distinct views as to who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad. Both ascribe to Islamic religious teachings called Hadith, but they differ as to the validity of many of each others’ Hadith.
Islam on Campus workshops and meetings are inclusive to non-Muslims as well.
“We’re trying to educate our valued Muslim members, but we are also trying to educate the people who are curious and want to learn more about the religion,” Al-Ruzzeh said.
Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Student Center at UF
The Chabad Jewish Center at UF is a part of the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch organization, which provides theological study and social services.
“We’re very well known as a home away from home for every Jew,” said Berl Goldman, Chabad Jewish Student Center rabbi and co-director.
Among Chabad’s services are kosher meal plans, Torah study classes, Thursday night challah
bakes and Friday night Shabbat, alongside Passover and Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Chabad provides Jewish students a safe space to express their identity and seek help if experiencing antisemitic acts or rhetoric, Goldman said. Non-Jewish students are always welcome at Chabad UF as well, he added.
“No matter race, religion, ethnicity, sex, color of the skin–all those barriers do not exist here and never will,” he said.
Orthodox Christian Groups
UF has two Orthodox Christian groups: the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and the Orthodox Christian Community Ministries. Though the former represents Eastern Orthodoxy and the latter Oriental Orthodoxy, both serve to bring communities together to learn about Orthodox Christianity, which split from the Roman Catholic church in the 11th century.
OCF Vice President Ryan Shehan, a 21-year-old UF history senior, said learning about religious traditions allows the members to connect with their culture.
“By connecting us to our ancestors and the Fathers and Moth -
ers of the faith, we’re drawn into this broader tradition that Orthodoxy has preserved,” he said.
Club events include Bible study, pilgrimage to holy places, including the Saint Photios shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, and guest speaker presentations. Friar Anthony Salzman, an iconographer who specializes in Orthodox religious imagery, gave a demonstration to the organization last year.
The OCCM holds similar events, but it invites different speakers, such as the bishop of Gainesville’s Coptic church, who discuss topics related to Oriental Orthodoxy.
OCCM President Veronia Sadek, a 21-year-old UF biology senior, said the club serves to help enrich students in Orthodox tradition through five key pillars of education, outreach, worship, service and fellowship.
She also said the club hopes other Oriental Orthodox communities such as Orthodox Ethiopians, Armenians and Syriacs will join the club.
UF Sikh Student Association Sikhism has about 25 million worldwide followers since it orig-
inated in India’s Punjab region in the 1400s.
UF’s Sikh Student Association President Jasdeep Singh, a 25-year-old UF horticultural studies doctoral student, strives to make sure Sikhs do not get misidentified as Hindus or Muslims.
“Another purpose is to propagate the message of oneness,” he said. “That’s the whole philosophy of Sikhism — that we try to bring everyone together, irrespective of their religion, caste, color. We see the human race as one.”
During its annual Turban Day, held in Plaza of the Americas, the association offers students the opportunity to wear a turban, which Sikhism recognizes as an antioppression symbol. Another significant Sikh Student Association event is Diwali, which in Sikhism celebrates important events in Sikh history.
Gainesville does not have a Sikh temple, called Gurdwara. The Sikh Student Association holds religious services once every month on different days and at different locations.
@AveryParke98398 aparker@alligator.org
Thursday, October
Fast-A-Thon event
Lily Strickland // Alligator Staff
Eesaa Razzaq prays
17, 2019, at Islam on Campus’
at Stephen O’Connell Center.
www.alligator.org/section/opinions
A headline doesn’t quite cut it Mayor Ward welcomes you
When I was first admitted to the UF College of Journalism and Communications in 2021, I had a clear goal: To tell stories and to make a name for myself.
I had a great start in doing so, with a nearly perfect first semester. But everything went downhill faster than I could have ever imagined.
With the exception of one wonderful graphic design teacher, many of those I sought help from declined. I opened up to professors on more than a few occasions, just to be disregarded.
Yet The Independent Florida Alligator welcomed every part of me with open arms, and in many ways, brought me back to life.
And as my final contribution to The Alligator, I ask the reader to find the power within themselves to be kind and forgiving.
Embrace your neighbors with open arms. Love hard and be kind.
To my editors — Ashleigh Lucas, Marcus Rojas, Lauren Whiddon and Bonny Matejowsky — I am so grateful for all you have done for me.
To my Spring and Summer desks, thank you for trusting me in being your editor. If you’re returning, know that I am confident that my successor will do amazing things.
And finally, to those at WCTZ News who helped me find my passion in storytelling, I remember you fondly and I remain grateful.
Thank you all.
My time at The Alligator may have come to an end, but I am excited about what the future holds for me.
I am unsure how far I will go
with journalism, but one thing is clear to me: I care about journalism, and it is very important to me that it is done responsibly.
Despite what some may say, minimizing harm remains a cornerstone of journalism.
When the freedom of the press was written into the United States Constitution in 1787, it was designed for that very purpose.
Journalism is the people’s role in checks and balances, and any form of it is completely valid.
Anyone can be a journalist. You don’t need a journalism degree and you don’t need to work for a publication. All you need is a camera to capture amazing stories.
That’s why visual journalism is such an important field. When you present stories visually, everyone can understand you. It may be hard to begin with, but given a lot of time, you can reach millions and potentially even billions of people.
But journalism is much more complicated than that.
As my peers have already expressed in their columns, journalism is ruthless, but that doesn’t mean we have to be.
The world is yours, so do what you want with it.
Ben Nielsen was the Spring and Summer 2024 Multimedia Editor.
Welcome back to Fall in Gainesville! Yes, I know it’s technically still summer, and I know it’s still hot. It’s going to be this way for a bit, but I promise you there’s no better place to be than right here in Gator Country right now.
Gainesville is always a great place to be, but for me the time between now and the end of the year is magical. New neighbors come to town, everyone refocuses on what’s important, and, yes, it’s football season. Speaking of which, it’s going to be alright. Coach Napier’s got this.
Here at City Hall we’re excited about partnerships we’ve been developing with Alachua County and with UF Health. Just last week we cut the ribbon on a UF Health Urgent Care (and more) clinic on Hawthorne Road that is the flagship of the City’s Eastside Health and Economic Development Initiative. Eventually this will include an RTS transit hub as well as brand-new commercial and residential opportunities, all “Out East.” The City of Gainesville is also investing substantial resources in re-imagining and re-building the Citizens Field/MLK Center area at NE 8th Avenue and Waldo Road, and you’ll start to see that come to fruition this year. The Gainesville City Commission and I are bullish on East Gainesville, and we’re seeing investments there begin to directly serve the folks who live there.
This Fall will also see exciting – and controversial –issues on the ballot. As thrilling as the presidential race is and will be, there’s a lot more to see this year, and I hope you’ll remember to register to vote, educate yourself on the candidates and issues and show up to cast your ballot. We’ll be choosing a US Senator and Congressional representative and there are open seats for the Florida House and Florida Senate this year in Gainesville as well. There are historic decisions to be made regarding abortion on the statewide ballot, but don’t sleep on the local charter issues. You’ll be asked to choose whether county commission seats should be at-large and accountable to everyone, and you’ll get to decide whether our local municipal utility is governed by Ron DeSantis’ appointees or commissioners that you directly elect.
It’s a lot to take in, but there will be plenty of information available. And make no mistake, one way or an-
other we’ll all be making history with this ballot.
The City of Gainesville is working hard, as most cities are, to have a safer and cleaner community. Our new Impact GNV approach to the issue of gun violence and our work on Vision Zero to provide safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists are paying dividends and delivering a safer place to live. This Fall you’ll see some changes to downtown that include a new “Downtown Ambassadors” program to help everyone experience a better downtown. Months and years of work and planning are paying off, and we’re seeing a better overall community because of it.
As always, we all have a great deal of hard work to do for ourselves and for our neighbors. I was moved while reading President Fuch’s admonition in the Alligator last week that “Hard work and joy are not mutually exclusive,” and his wish “that we all experience joy in everything we do.” Frankly, if we can’t provide the opportunity for joyful experiences to accompany the hard work, we’ve failed as leaders.
Toward that end, I hope you will take part in all this community has to offer, from homecoming festivities to the city’s second annual holiday parade, from our outstanding parks, recreation and cultural affairs facilities and programming to our libraries. They’re all yours, because no matter how long you’ve been here or how long you’re staying, you’re our neighbor. It’s important to me that you know you belong in our community. Gainesville is a place where everyone is welcome, and where everyone belongs. That’s partially a result of being a university community, but we’ve always embraced the idea that everyone belongs and has value.
Whether you’ve been here in Gainesville for a few days or a few decades, whether you are looking for the exits or putting down roots, whether you are a casual bystander or hip-deep in local culture, you are a part of Gainesville’s story and Gainesville is a part of your story.
And I’m glad you’re here.
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator.
Manatee medicine, fashion shows and cook-offs: How to get involved at UF
UF’S STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS OFFER GATORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE FRIENDS AND LEARN
By Avery Parker Alligator Staff Writer
UF’s student organization roster boasts well over 1,000 entries and other clubs on campus that are not funded by Student Government. Here’s a closer look at some active student or ganizations.
American Meteorological Society at UF
The American Meteorological Society at UF is a branch of a national group of the same name. The organization, revived in 2021 after a 10-year hiatus due to low membership, advo cated for and succeeded in adding a UF meteo rology major, which becomes available this fall.
The club is especially active during hurri cane season, and monthly meetings take place alongside field trips to weather stations and weather balloon launches. The club also con nects students with internship and scholarship opportunities within the meteorology field.
The club will meet to watch the tornadothemed film “Twisters” Sept. 13.
“If [students] are interested in weather and meteorology, we want people to join the club, no matter what your interest level is,” said Michael Self, a 22-year-old UF meteorology and geography senior and AMS-UF president.
Culinary Arts Student Union
The Culinary Arts Student Union educates students about culinary techniques and the sociology of food.
CASU president Gabriella Hamilton, a 21-year-old UF English senior, said experiment
non-English majors to engage with literature and the humanities. Club President Tristan Krammel said the club engages members in literary topics and discussions during meetings. Guest speakers, namely UF English professors, also attend.
“[The club] is just a way for people who are interested in the humanities at all to partake and share interesting knowledge,” Krammel said.
The English Society also hosts professional development workshops, which involve activi
Hispanic-Latine Student Association
The Hispanic-Latine Student Association informs members about political events, career opportunities and other cultural organizations while offering a place to meet fellow Hispanic students.
“The main appeal [to HSA] is community,” said HSA president Matthew Urra, a 21-year-old UF political science and economics senior. “It’s for the people, a lot who are from Latin-Hispanic backgrounds.”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024
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A freshman’s guide to dining in Gainesville
SIX MUST-VISIT FOOD AND DRINK HOTSPOTS
By Noor Sukkar Avenue Staff Writers
Whether looking for a casual bite to eat, a study spot or a restaurant to grab drinks with friends, Gainesville offers freshmen an endless variety of options. With an expansive array of eateries, the food scene continues to boom with culinary fusion and ingenuity. Here’s a guide to six fan favorites and underrated restaurants for freshmen and Gainesville newcomers.
Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches
With the motto, “superior service, personalized attention,” Germain’s Chicken Sandwiches transports visitors to a nostalgic atmosphere. The casual restaurant opened at 220 NW 8th Ave. in December 2022 and features sandwiches, salads, sides and more.
Nineteen-year-old Ria Pai, writer for food site Spoon University and UF psychology sophomore, ranks Germain’s as the number one restaurant in Gainesville.
“I think the reason I like it so much is because I really feel like their dedication to quality is amazing,” Pai said. “Every single sandwich I’ve tried there is great.”
Germain’s features crispy chicken sandwiches, like the “Blue Bird,” with buffalo blue sauce and the “Honey Bird” with a secret sauce, hot honey and pickles.
Whether it’s for brunch, dinner or drinks, the spot offers much more than a bite to eat. Pai said she appreciates the restaurant’s customer service and aesthetic.
“It’s important to remember that Gainesville is so much more than just UF,” she said. “There’s so many local businesses to support,
FOOD DRINKS
which I think is really important so we can keep that local atmosphere and flair of the city.”
The Paper Bag Deli
For those looking for a unique deli that isn’t the Reitz Union, Subway or Publix, The Paper Bag Deli — located at 5750 SW 75th Court — is the perfect spot.
Richard Sterck, the 42-year-old owner, opened the deli’s first location three years ago, and two years later he expanded the brand into a second location downtown. Sterck said he put special care into the store’s design by decorating it with board games, retro sneakers and lunch boxes.
“My passion was always about the delis,” he said. “I love the food, love the openness. You come in, you feel welcome, you feel [at] home.”
The deli’s menu is also inspired by Sterk’s personal life and family, with foods like the “Tre Way Jay,” named after his two best friends.
“It’s just something that you come in definitely for the food, but you leave remembering the ambiance,” he said.
With more than 25 items on the menu, the restaurant reflects Sterk’s extensive years of catering experience and dedication to customer service.
“Our saying is ‘changing lives one sandwich at a time,’” he said.
Superette Wine + Provisions
For those looking for a restaurant with comfortable outdoor seating, Superette Wine + Provisions offers tables surrounded by trees and twinkling lights.
Maya Velesko, Superette owner and mother of four, said the restaurant works to transport customers into a secret garden.
“We really love having people come in and
leave feeling like they were taken care of and enjoyed themselves,” the 48-year-old said.
Since opening her restaurant’s doors in February 2021, Velesko has focused on combining her Middle Eastern culinary roots with the restaurant’s design and menu. What started as a wine bar with charcuterie and snacks has transformed into a full-service restaurant with Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine.
Velesko has been in the Gainesville food scene for the last 20 years, and she encourages students to support local businesses before stepping into a chain restaurant.
“There’s so many thoughtful and intentional spaces that offer such a wide variety of food and experiences,” she said. “I’m just so happy to be part of the vibrant scene that sits in Gainesville.”
Afternoon
The Afternoon is a Grove Street brunch staple that is always bustling with customers. Nestled in the heart of a small business hub, the Afternoon offers a menu unlike any other. Popular menu items include lemon ricotta toast, shakshuka and a Dutch pancake with oranges and thyme.
The Afternoon’s sister restaurant, Afternoon Roasting, roasts the same specialty coffees. Lines often collect outside the two brunch spots and reservations are not accepted, so it is recommended to arrive early.
Wyatt’s Coffee
Paper Bag Deli owner Richard Sterck noted Wyatt’s Coffee as a great environment for incoming freshmen to check out. For those hoping to get away from the campus chaos, Wyatt’s downtown location may be the perfect place to study and chat with friends.
Wyatt’s signature coffees include; the Wyatt latte with bourbon, maple, brown sugar, cinnamon and anise; the Smoked Mexican Mo-
cha latte with chocolate, cinnamon, cayenne and habanero garnished with hickory smoked salt; and the Rose Cardamom latte made with cardamom and rose water and garnished with rose petals. Espresso, cold brew and tea are also available to order.
Ria said the shop’s ambiance also creates a relaxing study environment.
“There’s great, big windows to study,” she said. “You can sit there all day.”
City Food Hall
Located near campus at 150 NW 13th St., City Food Hall is a growing Florida food hall company. General Manager Jeff Ninan described the location as a mall-like food court without national brands and big box names.
Following its grand opening Aug. 29, the hall will showcase 10 specialty cuisine spots ranging from Middle Eastern and Asian fusion to smoothie bowls and smash burgers. The diverse selections provide options to indecisive or picky eaters.
Ninan said the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many restaurants, and he hopes the hall will bring a sense of community back.
“We want to highlight local chefs or chefs that are up and coming or just starting out kind of thing and bring them a level of exposure and notoriety to the market,” Ninan said.
One local name that will be joining the hall is Luke’s Bagels, which Ninan anticipates will be a fan favorite.
City Food Hall also hopes to serve as an entertainment hub by offering regular events and live entertainment.
The grand opening will take place Aug. 29 at 11 a.m. directly beneath The Standard Gainesville apartments.
@noorsukkarr nsukkar@alligator.org
Ave Roundtable: Gainesville’s best bars
REPORTERS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS
By Avenue Staff
Whether you’re in the mood for a low-key lounge, a dive with character or a place to dance the night away, Gainesville’s bar scene has something to offer everyone.
To help you navigate, The Avenue’s summer staff compiled a list of our favorite places to grab a drink. From hidden gems to popular game-day getaways, these are the spots that keep us coming
back, time and again.
Baby J’s
Baby J’s cocktail jazz bar — located at 7 W. University Ave. — is a beloved cornerstone of downtown Gainesville’s nightlife. The bar offers an immersive experience with live jazz performances from local artists and a curated drink and dessert menu. Whether you’re there for the music, atmosphere or a well-crafted drink, Baby J’s provides an intimate setting that showcases the best of Gainesville’s vibrant music scene.
Baby J’s welcomes patrons with a warm and inviting atmosphere as the warm lighting casts a soft sil-
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houette on elegant high-top tables and the jazz stage.
A $5 to $10 entrance fee is typically expected to support the bar’s musicians, a small price to pay for the authentic jazz experience that defines Baby J’s. The location also hosts weekly themed Karaoke and DJ nights featuring artists like DJ Lil Auby. Guests often get to know Gainesville’s local jazz talents, who like to mingle with guests after their performances.
Baby J’s menu is equally impressive. With delectable martinis, chicken sandwiches and desserts, guests are welcomed with elegance at a reasonable price.
Baby J’s Espresso Martini Affogato — an indulgent espresso martini crowned with vanilla ice cream and hot espresso — is an absolute must-try. The food menu also offers delicious options, from crispy yuca fries to dainty baby burger sliders, that are perfect for sharing during happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The establishment remains an ever-evolving gem for jazz lovers and a go-to spot for anyone seeking a soulful, relaxing night out.
Carlos Alemany
Vivid Music Hall
If you’re looking for a local
EDM spot, Vivid Music Hall — located at 201 W. University Ave. — is the place to be.
Formerly known as Knockin’ Boots, the club transformed into a diverse venue with something to offer all crowds. Though it continues to throw down on its line-dancing nights, the spot has showcased big-name DJs, including Dombresky and Slander.
The venue’s visual production is unmatched, highlighted by its recent Fourth of July 360 set with SNBRN. Vivid Music Hall is also known for its regular Pop Punk & Emo Nights. The array of options and unmatched vibes stand out among downtown’s selections. Noor Sukkar
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Rate and Review: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ presents Marvel summer comeback
DISNEY AND MARVEL STUDIOS RESURRECT A FAN BASE WITH THE ICONIC FOUL-MOUTHED ANTIHERO
By Carlos Alemany Avenue Staff Writer
Whether viewed as a standalone film or the beginning of a larger cinematic universe, “Deadpool & Wolverine” unites fans with a bittersweet and nostalgiainducing send-off to the end of an era. While “Deadpool & Wolverine” suffers from a classically confusing “X-Men”-esque plot and timeline, the film’s saving grace lies in its creative balance of spectacular action sequences, earned nostalgia, cheeky humor and an unforgettable soundtrack.
After Marvel’s epic conclusion to the decade-long buildup of the Infinity Saga, the studio struggled with pressures to rebuild. In a post-Tony Stark and Steve Rogers cinematic universe, the studio’s rushed Phase Four Multiverse Saga prioritized quantity over quality, leaving fans longing for the return of its once-revered cinematic spectacles.
The Walt Disney Company’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox also left fans anxious for the strictly PG-13 studio’s take on the “Merc with a Mouth.”
The reality of the merger officially kicked in following the release of a teaser trailer Feb. 11 when Deadpool told fans, “Your little cinematic universe is about to change forever. I’m the Messiah. I am Marvel Jesus.”
With the five-month wait over and a record-breaking $1.08 billion in box office sales, Marvel fans have come together to see if Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are the answer to their prayers. “Deadpool & Wolverine” follows a dejected, toupee-wearing Wade
Wilson struggling with a breakup and an unceremonious rejection from the Avengers’ Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Left with nothing but his work as a meager car salesman, Deadpool aches for a higher calling, yearning to find his place in something bigger than himself.
As the consequences of Wilson’s time-altering antics from the previous film catch up to him, he enters the Time Variance Agency’s most-wanted list, and his world begins to collapse. The Agency and its rogue agent Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) are tasked with maintaining the Sacred Timeline and “pruning” branches that could create alternate timelines across the multiverse.
Eventually, Wilson discovers his world is on the brink of destruction when one of its key anchor beings — Earth-10005’s Wolverine — dies. Realizing he can’t save his world alone, Wilson leaps through the multiverse seeking help from the cigar-smoking, adamantium-clawed hero, eventually having to fight his way out of a “metaphysical junkyard where anything useless goes before it gets annihilated forever.”
Though the film garners the bulk of its popularity from celebrity cameos and never-before-seen moments, it does so by enhancing the overall narrative. The inclusion of each iconic character seamlessly contributes to the film’s broader commentary of Hollywood’s — and, by extension, Marvel’s — cruel tendency to discard anything that isn’t an immediate success into forgotten wastelands.
Some fans may find Deadpool’s jokes tiresome, but I think this is precisely what makes Deadpool so lovable. Deadpool’s unorthodox approach to being a superhero is further highlighted in this installment, where he’s finally confronted with his insufferable nature. Logan encapsulates this perfectly with his scathing rant:
“You will never save the world. You couldn’t even save a relationship with a g*dd*mn stripper.”
Disney brilliantly captures the energy of Deadpool’s self-deprecating, raunchy humor while venturing into uncharted territory with its first R-rated superhero movie. Deadpool’s signature tendency to break the fourth wall ensures no movie studio or executive is safe from his big mouth, a hallmark of the character director Shawn Levy was fully allowed to embrace.
Breaking the fourth wall is a trademark move for Reynolds and Deadpool, whose personalities are virtually inseparable. The film offers plenty of fresh and memorable moments, with quips like, “There are 206 bones in the human body. 207, if I’m watching Gossip Girl,”
and the cheeky, “Pegging isn’t new for me, friendo. But it is for Disney.”
A film is immortalized by its classic soundtrack and epic opening sequence, and “Deadpool & Wolverine” is no exception. The choice of “Like a Prayer” and “Bye Bye Bye” is quintessentially Deadpool, and both songs masterfully tie into the film’s broader themes. The spiritual undertones of Madonna’s track and NSYNC’s iconic farewell anthem symbolize a goodbye to the end of an era and the long-awaited answer to the prayers of devoted Marvel fans who’ve been along the entire journey.
Through the midst of the film’s chaotic fun, there are still clear signs of Deadpool’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mr.
Paradox hints at Deadpool’s higher purpose, suggesting this won’t be the last time we see the katanawielding pottymouth within the MCU.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” might be a wild ride, but it’s one that reminds fans why they fell in love with its characters. The film stands as a farewell to the past and a hopeful glimpse into the future. As Marvel transitions into a new era, fans can leave theaters knowing Deadpool, Wolverine and the larger Marvel universe have plenty of adventures awaiting them.
Rate: 8/10
@close_alemany calemany@alligator.org
Henry Moore // Alligator Staff
El Caimán
JUEVES, 22 DE AGOSTO DE 2024
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Fe, compañerismo y comida gratis: una guía de las organizaciones religiosas de la UF
ESTA GUÍA DESTACA LAS OPORTUNIDADES RELIGIOSAS DISPONIBLES EN Y CERCA DEL CAMPUS
Por Avery Parker
Esritor de El Caimán
Traducido por Eneida Escobar
Esritora de El Caimán
Con tres cuartas partes de la población de Florida identificándose con una fe religiosa, la UF tiene una variedad de organizaciones basadas en la religión para su cuerpo estudiantil. Aquí hay algunas organizaciones alrededor del campus.
Asociación Bahá'í en UF
La Fe Baháʼí es una religión abrahámica del siglo XIX nacida de las enseñanzas del profeta Baháʼu'lláh en Irán. Tiene más de 5 millones de seguidores en todo el mundo.
El presidente de la Asociación Baháʼí en UF, Matteen Kashef, de 24 años y un estudiante de odontología de la UF, dijo que la fe enfatiza la tolerancia religiosa.
"Los principios principales de la Fe Baháʼí son esta idea de la unidad de la religión, la unidad de la humanidad, la igualdad entre hombres y mujeres, la armonía entre la ciencia y la religión, entre otros", dijo.
El club se reúne todos los martes. También participa en el Programa de Empoderamiento Espiritual Juvenil, donde los miembros de la organización enseñan a niños de 12 a 15 años sobre la religión. El club ocasionalmente organiza conferencias con oradores invitados, incluyendo a Rainn Wilson, quien practica la religión y asistió cuando su vuelo se retrasó en Gainesville en noviembre de 2023.
"Vamos a hablar sobre conceptos espirituales profundos, y estarás rodeado de buenas personas, comerás buena comida y tus pensamientos y opiniones serán valorados", dijo Kashef.
Ministerios Colegiales Bautistas
La organización cristiana Ministerios Colegiales Bautistas es una extensión de las iglesias Bautistas del Sur de Gainesville.
Uno de los objetivos de la organización es construir "un puente de confianza" entre el cristianismo y la comunidad, según el director de BCM, Eddie Gilley.
"Muchos estudiantes no conocen a ningún cristiano; no confían en los cristianos", dijo Gilley, de 62 años. "Lo que queremos hacer es presentar a las personas a seguidores verdaderos de Jesús que luego puedan demostrar amor, compasión y amistad, y, al hacerlo, puedan tener una conversación honesta sobre quién es Jesús".
BCM organiza noches de trivia, estudios bíblicos semanales para hombres, mujeres y mixtos, y adoración en su edificio todos los martes a las 8 p.m. BCM también conecta a sus miembros con oportunidades misioneras en todo el mundo a través de su red con otras organizaciones cristianas.
Islam en el Campus
Islam en el Campus reúne a musulmanes de todos los orígenes y regiones, según Omar Al-Ruzzed, de 18 años , miembro de la junta ejecutiva y estudiante de bioquímica en UF.
Durante su Mes de Apreciación del Islam anual, la organización organiza un orador invitado islámico y un evento de fabricación de velas. También está el evento Fast-A-Thon, que se celebra en el Reitz Student Union, donde los oradores discuten temas sociales. Islam en el Campus invita a los asistentes a ayunar antes del evento y romper el ayuno cuando el evento comienza.
Además de realizar grandes celebraciones e informar a los estudiantes no musulmanes sobre el Islam, la organización ofrece a sus miembros talleres diseñados para profundizar su comprensión de las enseñanzas islámicas. Los talleres previstos para el otoño incluyen un taller de masculinidad y un taller de Islam 101. La organización da la bienvenida a miembros de ambas ramas del Islam: suní y chií. La división suní-chií se remonta al siglo VII cuando los musulmanes desarrollaron dos puntos de vista distintos sobre quién debería suceder al Profeta Mahoma. Ambos se adhieren a las enseñanzas religiosas islámicas llamadas Hadith, pero difieren en cuanto a la validez de muchos de los Hadith del otro.
Los talleres y reuniones de Islam en el Campus son inclusivos para los no musulmanes también.
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"Estamos tratando de educar a nuestros valiosos miembros musulmanes, pero también estamos tratando de educar a las personas que son curiosas y quieren aprender más sobre la religión", dijo Al-Ruzzeh.
Centro Estudiantil Judío Lubavitch Chabad en UF
El Centro Judío Chabad en UF es parte de la organización mundial Chabad-Lubavitch, que proporciona estudios teológicos y servicios sociales.
"Somos muy conocidos como un hogar lejos del hogar para cada judío", dijo Berl Goldman, rabino y codirector del Centro Estudiantil Judío Chabad.
Entre los servicios de Chabad se encuentran planes de comidas kosher, clases de estudio de la Torá, horneadas de challah los jueves por la noche y shabat los viernes por la noche, junto con celebraciones de Pésaj y Rosh Hashaná. Chabad proporciona a los estudiantes judíos un espacio seguro para expresar su identidad y buscar ayuda si experimentan actos o retórica antisemita, dijo Goldman. Los estudiantes no judíos también son siempre bienvenidos en Chabad UF, agregó.
"No importa la raza, religión, etnia, sexo, color de piel; todas esas barreras no existen aquí y nunca lo harán", dijo. Grupos Cristianos Ortodoxos
La UF tiene dos grupos cristianos ortodoxos: la Hermandad Cristiana Ortodoxa y los Ministerios Comunitarios Cristianos Ortodoxos. Aunque el primero representa la ortodoxia oriental y el segundo la ortodoxia oriental, ambos sirven para reunir comunidades para aprender sobre el cristianismo ortodoxo, que se separó de la Iglesia Católica Romana en el siglo XI.
El vicepresidente de OCF, Ryan Shehan, un estudiante de historia de 21 años en UF, dijo que aprender sobre las tradiciones religiosas permite a los miembros conectarse con su cultura.
"Al conectarnos con nuestros antepasados y los Padres y Madres de la fe, nos adentramos en esta tradición más amplia que la ortodoxia ha preservado", dijo.
Los eventos del club incluyen estudios bíblicos, peregrinaciones a lugares sagrados, incluyendo el santuario de San Fotios en St. Augustine, Florida, y presentaciones de
Program aims to rebuild. Read more on pg. 15.
oradores invitados. El fraile Anthony Salzman, un iconógrafo que se especializa en imágenes religiosas ortodoxas, dio una demostración a la organización el año pasado.
El OCCM organiza eventos similares, pero invita a diferentes oradores, como el obispo de la iglesia copta de Gainesville, quien discute temas relacionados con la ortodoxia oriental.
La presidenta de OCCM, Veronia Sadek, una estudiante de biología de 21 años en UF, dijo que el club sirve para ayudar a enriquecer a los estudiantes en la tradición ortodoxa a través de cinco pilares clave: educación, alcance, adoración, servicio y compañerismo.
También dijo que el club espera que otras comunidades ortodoxas orientales, como los ortodoxos etíopes, armenios y siríacos, se unan al club.
Asociación de Estudiantes Sij de UF
El sijismo tiene alrededor de 25 millones de seguidores en todo el mundo desde que se originó en la región de Punjab, India, en el siglo XV.
El presidente de la Asociación de Estudiantes Sij de UF, Jasdeep Singh, de 25 años y un estudiante de doctorado en estudios hortícolas en UF, se esfuerza por asegurarse de que los sijs no sean mal identificados como hindúes o musulmanes.
"Otro propósito es propagar el mensaje de unidad", dijo. "Esa es toda la filosofía del sijismo: que tratamos de unir a todos, independientemente de su religión, casta o color. Vemos a la raza humana como una sola".
Durante su Día del Turbante anual, que se celebra en la Plaza de las Américas, la asociación ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad de usar un turbante, que el sijismo reconoce como un símbolo contra la opresión. Otro evento significativo de la Asociación de Estudiantes Sij es Diwali que, en el sijismo, celebra eventos importantes en la historia sij.
Gainesville no tiene un templo sij, llamado gurdwara. La Asociación de Estudiantes Sij realiza servicios religiosos una vez al mes en diferentes días y en diferentes lugares.
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Superando la sensación de agobio en la UF
DESDE ASESORÍA HASTA PASTELITOS: RECURSOS QUE TODOS LOS GATORS DEBEN CONOCER
Por Grace McClung
Esritora de El Caimán
Traducido por Isabella Reinoso
Esritora de El Caimán
Como un Florida Gator, es fácil agobiarse. Hay clases a las que asistir, organizaciones a las que unirse, amigos que conocer, ropa que lavar. Agrega eso a un campus repleto de decenas de miles de estudiantes, y la universidad puede convertirse rápidamente en algo abrumador. Afortunadamente, los varios recursos para la salud mental de la UF están aquí para ayudar.
El Centro de Asesoramiento y Bienestar
La salud mental entre los estudiantes está estigmatizada pero no es rara. Entre el 2020 y 2022, el porcentaje de los estudiantes de la UF que reportaron tener ansiedad incrementó a un 40%, ADHD aumentó a un 81% y las tasas de depresión aumentaron un 43%, según una encuesta estudiantil.
El Centro de Asesoramiento y Bienestar de la UF (CWC) es la forma más fácil de obtener apoyo para la salud mental. El CWC cuenta con una amplia lista de ofertas, desde apoyo y asesoramiento en situaciones de crisis 24 horas al día los 7 días de la semana, hasta talleres y eventos, apoyo fuera del campus y psiquiatría.
Los estudiantes pueden agendar una consulta en línea o por teléfono, o pueden explorar los servicios de extensión que no requieren una consulta. También se ofrecen servicios de derivación.
El CWC también incluye AWARE, un programa de embajadores estudiantiles que trabaja para llamar la atención sobre los problemas de salud mental entre los universitarios y reducir el estigma que rodea a la búsqueda de ayuda.
El programa participa en varias iniciativas de difusión incluyendo la Feria del Bienestar de otoño, que se celebra el 11 de octubre, y la semana UFisAWARE, que tendrá lugar en primavera. Estas y otras iniciativas, como un programa de apoyo entre iguales en línea llamado Gator-2-Gator y Letters of Care, aumentan la concienciación sobre los recursos del
CWC y la importancia de la salud mental.
Calista Hidalgo, de 20 años,estudiante de último curso de psicología y coordinadora de grado de UF CWC AWARE, afirma que familiarizarse con los recursos disponibles en el campus es especialmente importante para los estudiantes de nuevo ingreso.
“Es la primera vez que salen de casa. Esta nueva independencia, sumada al equilibrio entre las notas, la vida social y las actividades extracurriculares, puede ser muy abrumadora”, explica. “Por suerte, el CWC está a la vuelta de la esquina para apoyar su salud mental y sus necesidades emocionales”.
AWARE también organiza Fresh Mentality, un curso de Canvas que enseña a los estudiantes de nuevo ingreso los recursos de salud mental que ofrece el programa. El CWC también ha creado recientemente un grupo de asesoramiento específico para estudiantes de primer año, según Hidalgo.
Hidalgo afirma que AWARE le ayuda a mostrar a otros estudiantes que no están solos.
“Este programa me dio un sentido de propósito y pertenencia”, dijo. “No queremos que nuestros compañeros sufran en silencio cuando hay recursos literalmente a la vuelta de la esquina para ayudar”.
Las aplicaciones para convertirse en embajador AWARE pueden encontrarse en el sitio web del CWC. Están abiertas hasta el 8 de septiembre.
El CWC tiene tres sedes en el campus: Peabody Hall, Radio Road y Cypress Hall.
Sus servicios están cubiertos por una parte de la cuota sanitaria incluida en la matrícula. La cuota de salud también cubre otras iniciativas de salud en todo el campus.
Organizaciones Estudiantiles
¿Estás estresado? Haz pastelitos. Esa es la idea de Baking4Wellness, una organización estudiantil que promueve la salud mental a través del arte de la repostería.
La organización, fundada por Lejla Cancar, de 21 años y estudiante de último año de ciencias de la salud de la UF, incluye reuniones educativas que ponen en contacto a los estudiantes con otros recursos de salud mental, talleres de repostería impartidos por sus miembros, actividades sociales, recaudación de fondos y oportunidades de voluntariado.
Cancar dice que ella cree firmemente que la repostería alivia el estrés y la ansiedad. Los miembros parecen estar de acuerdo.
“La depresión, la ansiedad, la soledad [y] el miedo son sentimientos comunes que los estudiantes universitarios experimentan durante sus cuatro años”, dijo. “Ha habido
muchos comentarios positivos desde que empezó nuestra organización y eso me mantiene motivada”.
Baking4Wellness hace algo más que proporcionar un espacio para que la gente perfeccione sus habilidades de repostería, dijo Cancar. La organización también pone en contacto a los estudiantes con otros recursos.
“Me gusta imaginarnos como un enlace entre el estudiante y los servicios que intentamos ayudar a promover, ya que tenemos una relación más directa con los estudiantes”, afirma.
Cancar, una estudiante de primera generación con problemas de ansiedad, desearía haber conocido antes los recursos del campus.
“Muchos estudiantes no saben qué ofrece exactamente la UF en materia de salud”, dijo. “[Nosotros] estamos dando a conocer estos recursos”.
La vicepresidenta de Baking4Wellness, Emily Dong, estudiante de 20 años de ciencias de la alimentación e inglés de la UF, afirmó que la organización ofrece un “espacio seguro” para los estudiantes que necesitan un descanso de la vida universitaria y desean participar en una actividad de grupo divertida.
“Lo veo como una forma de conectar con la gente y mostrar tu gratitud”, afirma Dong.
“Ya sea Baking4Wellness o [otro] club... todos son plataformas y puertas para que la gente se conozca”.
Cada sesión de repostería tiene capacidad para entre 25 y 30 personas. Baking4Wellness se puede encontrar en Instagram y Discord, y más recursos están disponibles a través de su LinkTree. No hay que pagar nada y todo lo que tienes que hacer es presentarte.
La UF tiene más de 1.000 organizaciones estudiantiles registradas, así que si hornear un pastel un martes por la noche no es lo tuyo, hay muchos otros grupos con los que conectar. GatorConnect es una manera fácil de buscar organizaciones estudiantiles.
Departamento de Policía de la UF
Hace dos años, el Departamento de Polícia de la UF (UFPD) puso en marcha la división de Servicios de Comportamiento, que incluye el Equipo de Co-Respuesta y la Oficina de Servicios a las Víctimas.
El equipo de co-respuesta, que comenzó a funcionar en junio de 2022, actúa como una intervención en crisis en la que participa un clínico de salud mental que viaja con un agente de policía especialmente formado en intervención en crisis y salud mental. El equipo responde a las llamadas de salud mental y trabaja para aliviar la situación y conectar a la persona con los recursos existentes.
Meggen Sixbey, directora adjunta de la UFPD en la división de ciencias del comportamiento, dijo que el objetivo del equipo de co-respondedores es proporcionar una alternativa a la hospitalización de salud mental.
“Estoy muy orgullosa de lo que estamos haciendo”, dijo. “Ahora que podemos llevar al consejero al lugar de los hechos, podemos estudiar alternativas a la hospitalización para poder conectar a la gente con el centro de asesoramiento, en lugar de llevarla a un centro de salud mental con hospitalización”.
Según Sixbey, el equipo de corresponsales de la UF es el primero de este tipo en el país y ya ha tenido un gran éxito, evitando la hospitalización en el 57% de los casos.
“La otra gran victoria para mí es que muchos de nuestros agentes... [están] más informados sobre temas de salud mental y sobre cómo explorar algunos planes de seguridad”, afirmó.
La Oficina de Servicios a las Víctimas es otro recurso de salud mental que emplea a dos defensores de las víctimas en el departamento de policía que ayudan a las víctimas de delitos.
La oficina ayuda a los estudiantes a navegar por el proceso legal si optan por ello y les pone en contacto con recursos permanentes a través del CWC, la oficina del decano o el Centro de Recursos para Discapacitados.
La Oficina de Atención a las Víctimas es gratuita y confidencial, y los estudiantes no tienen que pasar por las fuerzas del orden para ponerse en contacto con ella. Se encuentra en el departamento de policía, pero la oficina tiene una entrada lateral y un número directo para que los estudiantes puedan evitar a la policía.
Sixbey afirma que los estudiantes no deben esperar para familiarizarse con estos recursos. “Somos una universidad muy rica en recursos, y hay tantas cosas que creo que los estudiantes no conocen hasta su último año”, dijo. “Podrían haber sido más felices y saludables antes si hubieran sabido que existían algunos de estos recursos que son gratuitos para ellos”.
Sixbey dijo que, en términos de recursos de salud mental, la UF es un buen lugar. “No hay otro momento en tu vida en el que probablemente tengas acceso a todos estos recursos gratuitos”, dijo. “Somos muy afortunados”.
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3. MOVIES: Who was the first African American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor?
2. ASTRONOMY: What does the acronym SETI mean to the scientific community?
4. LITERATURE: What is floo powder used for in the "Harry Potter" book series?
5. U.S. CITIES: Which U.S. city's nickname is Beantown?
3. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin prefix “sub-” mean in English?
6. AD SLOGANS: Which ride-share company's slogan is "Move the way you want"?
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024
www.alligator.org/section/sports
HOCKEY
Gators ice hockey club rides national championship win into Division I status
THE GATORS CLUB TEAM WON THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP IN MARCH
By Max Bernstein Sports Writer
Fresh off the heels of an AAU College Hockey Division II National Championship victory and an SEC title, the Florida Gators ice hockey club team is gearing up for a historic leap.
It’s a jump to the Division I level, where the competition is undoubtedly fierce. With their D II status in 2023, the Gators showed they could hang with the top teams in the club hockey scene.
“Just making sure that the guys aren’t afraid of this jump,” said Matthew Brkljacic, senior defenseman and captain. “We have done it, and we will continue to do it in Division I, but we have to go in there with the mindset that ‘Yes, we can, and we are prepared going into the games.’”
Florida’s success in its last campaign paired with another offseason spent together helped the Gators prepare for the new era of challenges ahead.
“Towards the middle and end of
FOOTBALL
last season, I feel like we gelled really well, and we just had a really hot streak to end the season,” said junior defenseman Zach Zelmanski.
“We know it will be a lot more difficult of a season in that aspect, but I think we’re all prepared, we're all ready to play that tougher competition and show we can stick with them and win.”
En route to their SEC Championship victory, the Gators knocked off three consecutive Division I opponents in March — Auburn, Georgia, and lastly, the AAU College Hockey Division I National Champions, South Carolina, in the SEC final.
However, the success was difficult for the team given the unique challenge it encountered. For many team members, practice takes place in rinks all across the state, though notably, not in Gainesville. The Gators club team trains and plays its games at a rink in Jacksonville, Florida.
“It is tough in Florida,” Zelmanski said. “Our nearest rink is Jacksonville, which is an hour and fifteen minutes away.”
With the team’s dedication, distance fails to affect its success. Through the offseason, it focused on staying sharp to ensure it was well-
prepared for the upcoming division jump.
“We’ve been skating all summer, staying active and staying in shape,” said sophomore winger Michael McCoy. “We’re really gearing up, getting our cardio back.”
As a club team, the day-to-day agenda for the players and coaches differs greatly from other UF athletics. Many of the players see it as an advantage allowing them to balance a college lifestyle while playing the sport they love, McCoy said.
For players like Brkljacic and McCoy, the mission is to be the best team possible and eventually get an ice hockey rink on campus.
“What I’ve been trying to do since being president last year and this year is that I’m going to prepare this team to push the boundaries and continue to grow,” Brkljacic said. “There’s competition happening off the ice as well as on the ice, so we [are] making sure that we are competitive in all areas so that you can push those boundaries and get the team to new heights.”
With the Gators’ success last season, the UF club team has gained more attention as one of the nation’s premier amateur programs, boosting its off-ice following with just
over 14,000 followers on Instagram. The UF running club, another wellknown club team, only has just over 2,000 followers.
This newfound recognition extends beyond social media onto campus, where the team’s merchandise exploded in popularity. UF club hockey jerseys have become a top seller in recent months.
“It’s pretty unheard of for a club sport to see so many people wearing your merchandise,” Brkljacic said. “It’s a knock towards how much we are growing, and it really hits you in a soft spot when you’re putting in all the hours.”
Ultimately, the team’s goal is to help grow the game of hockey at both UF and in the state of Florida.
“We’re just trying to help push that growth and get this sport the recognition that it deserves,” Brkljacic said. “The end goal for us, and what we are trying to do, is that we want to grow the game in the south, and hopefully the school recognizes us for what we’ve done.”
@maxbernstein23 mbernstein@alligator.org
Florida football newcomers primed for bright lights of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
THE GATORS ADDED A VARIETY OF IMPACTFUL TRANSFER ADDITIONS TO THEIR ROSTER THIS OFFSEASON
By Max Tucker Sports Writer
Acclimation within a new athletic program at a university can be a daunting task. From finding the nearest gas station or trying new restaurants, the challenges are plentiful.
This exponentially elevates the difficulties of also having to learn a new offensive or defensive playbook as the season quickly approaches.
Florida head coach Billy Napier has brought in elite talent via the transfer portal this offseason. According to 247Sports, the Gators have the No. 5 transfer commitment class in 2024, including key additions with redshirt senior safety Asa Turner, senior wide receiver Chimere Dike and graduate student defensive lineman Joey Slackman joining the program.
A simple change of scenery can sometimes be the best thing for a young athlete's career. No player for UF may be more accustomed to this than Turner. Having grown up in Hawaii for 13 years before moving to California for high school and later attending the Universi-
ty of Washington, his football journey didn’t come to an end without making one last move.
“I needed a change,” Turner said. “I’ve been at Washington for the past five years. Doing the same routine, living in the same apartment, seeing the same people [and] driving the same car. I feel like it was just time for a change.”
Turner turned in an impressive production for the Huskies. The sixth-year safety appeared in 43 games for Washington, totaling 52 tackles and two interceptions in a career-best 2022 campaign.
But the off-the-field relationships Turner made while in Spokane played a major factor in his decision to commit to Florida. UF defensive backs coach Will Harris formed a strong bond with the Hawaii native, which has carried over to their time together in Gainesville.
“That was the main connection,” Turner said. “I played for him at Washington for the first two years, and so just hopping in the portal, he was the first dude that hit me up. That connection goes a long way.”
There has been a recurring narrative highlighted by players and coaches within the program regarding the positive culture around Florida’s locker room and facilities.
Moving cross-country from the West Coast could be a tall task for any college student, but
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the experience has been a seamless and positive one for Turner.
“I feel like the culture and everything coach Napier brings [is special],” Turner said. “All the new staff, all the transfer portal players, we’re bringing the right culture and hopefully [we] can make something shake this year.”
Effectively acquiring players through the transfer portal has become an essential component in building a winning team. This has been an uphill battle for Napier in his first two seasons as head coach.
However, entering his fourth year in college football, wide receiver Chimere Dike has gained an understanding of what it takes to forge the makeup of a team that can compete at the highest level.
“A lot of the guys are experienced,” Dike said. “Asa came from a team that went to a national championship so being able to bring our own experiences to the room and to the guys who were already here doing really good things I feel like can help enhance that.”
The Wisconsin transfer will reunite with graduate student quarterback Graham Mertz, who he spent two seasons with as teammates in Madison. The duo previously appeared in 25 games together, and while their chemistry will be incredibly beneficial, the top-to-bottom talent of Florida’s
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roster has already stuck out to Dike.
“I feel like we can make a big impact,” Dike said. “We have so many great players on the team, whether it’s returning guys or guys coming in. It’s our job to compete and come together, and when August 31 hits, it doesn’t really matter anymore. We’re all one.”
Moreover, perhaps nobody on UF’s roster has gone through more of a culture shock than defensive lineman Joey Slackman. Going from collegiate football at the Ivy League level to the SEC is a huge jump for Slackman. His talent on the field is undeniable, but the Penn transfer initially encountered off-the-field adjustments when first arriving on campus that took some getting used to.
“It was tough at first,” Slackman said. “Going to a new place from your previous school is going to be difficult in any level… Obviously the transition was difficult. The players are better all around. But I think I’ve transitioned pretty well and I’ve gotten better each day.”
Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/sports.
@Max_Tuckr1 mtucker@alligator.org
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Anna Carrington // Alligator Staff
The UF hockey team celebrates its National Championship.
