class notes

1980’s

Elvis Brandon, MSESS ’88, was named associate dean of the College of Professional Studies for Carson-Newman University.

The Gator Nation is Everywhere: Joan Carroll, MAPE '84, Ph.D. '92, and Benny Vaughn, BSHSE '85, send greetings on a recent trip to Botswana. >>

1990’s

Fitz Koehler, MSSPM ’98, recently released the “Healthy Cancer Comeback” series.

Koehler combines her fitness expertise with her own cancer experience to help other patients and survivors to prevent decline and regain power and strength post-treatment.

Roger Steinberg, BSESS ’91, accepted the position of low vision product manager at HumanWare, where he aims to develop low cost, stylish wearable magnification devices to empower persons with impaired vision.

2000’s

William Atkins, Ph.D., BSR ’09, became the associate vice provost for university life at University of Pennsylvania.

Steve Mesler, BSESS ’00, delivered the address at the HHP recognition ceremony this spring. Mesler is a three-time Olympian, a world champion and part of the four-man sled that won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games. He also co-founded and leads the international award-winning NGO, Classroom Champions, which improves student achievement and mental health through athlete mentoring in schools. Watch the address: go.ufl.edu/mesler.

Michael Ferguson, Ph.D. ’02, published the speculative fiction book, “The Genesis 6 Project.”

Christina Ramos, BSR ’07, executive director and administrator of Touching Hearts at Home in Gainesville, was recognized with a Fierce Award, celebrating Gainesville’s most influential women.

2010’s

Chynna Clayton, >> BSR ’10, CEO and founder of Matriarch Made Development and former director of travel and event operations for Michelle Obama, delivered the keynote lecture, “Having a ‘ready for anything’ mindset: My path to the White House,” at HHP’s annual D.K. Stanley Day. Clayton's lecture covered her journey to UF, experience working in various capacities for the White House and lessons learned along the way. Watch the lecture: go.ufl.edu/dkday23.

Mark Daigneault, MSSPM ’13, coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, was runner up for NBA Coach of the Year.

Colby Kash, DC, BSAPK ’17, authored “The Autoimmune Plague: How to Regain Sovereignty Over Your Body and Life.” In the book, he talks about his journey with three autoimmune diseases and provides a blueprint for regaining health.

Ryan Lochte, BSR ’11, 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming, appeared on the first season of Peacock’s reality game show “The Traitors” this spring.

Christian Taylor, BSSPM ’19, two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion in the triple jump, returned to his hometown, Fayetteville, Ga, to host the Christian Taylor Invitational with 26 competing high schools.

2020’s

<< Russell Gaither, MS APK ’22, won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, as a performance specialist with the Orlando City Soccer Club. The trophy was the first for the Major League Soccer club. Read his profile: go.ufl.edu/gaither.

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

HHP is always looking for news to share in future editions and on social media. Submit your news at hhp.ufl.edu/communications

Retirements

Doug DeMichele, Instructional Professor in sport management >>go.ufl.edu/demichele

Shari Mack, administrative assistant in the dean’s office >>go.ufl.edu/smack

Industry Updates

HHP Welcomes Industry Partners

This year, the College of Health & Human Performance established four new industry advisory boards with the goal of breaking down barriers, perceived and actual, between academia and industry. Focusing on areas like advising, advocacy, philanthropy and oncampus engagement, board members collaborate with college leaders to improve the curriculum and provide opportunities for students.

The four new advisory boards, comprising 24 new board members, join the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, first established in 2010, in building connections and giving back to the next generation of HHP Gators.

Learn more and consider getting involved at hhp.ufl.edu/partnership.

Degree Designations

BACHELORS

BSAPK, applied physiology and kinesiology

BSESS, exercise and sport science

BSHE, health education

BSR, recreation

BSPE, physical education, health and recreation

BSSPM, sport management

BSTHEM, tourism, hospitality and event management

Deaths

Don Hester, BSPE ’53, MPH ’60, West Palm Beach, Fl, associate professor emeritus, August 22, 2022 at 90

<< Michelle Park, BSR ’76, St. Augustine, Fl, March 22, 2023 at 68

Keith Tennant, professor emeritus, Vero Beach, Fl, January 13, 2023 at 80

Celebrating Five UFHHP Connected Businesses

Every spring, Gator100, hosted by the UF Alumni Association, celebrates the worlds’ 100 fastest growing Gator businesses. This year, five college alumni and board members were recognized with this distinguished honor:

#25: FITBENCH

Erin Danen, BSHSE ’05, BS ’06

#34: Generation Income Properties

David Sobelman, BSESS ’96

#36: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Scott Taylor, BA ’96, COO/President

#44: Adobe Luxury Rentals

Rob Alday, BA ’03, Owner

#82: Veitia Padron, Inc.

Veronica Espinosa, BSSPM/BA ’13, Owner/CEO

Learn more: gator100.ufl.edu

For a more detailed list of current degrees, visit catalog.ufl.edu

Masters

MSAPK, applied physiology and kinesiology

MSHEB, health education and behavior

MSESS, exercise and sport science

MSSPM, sport management

MSTHM, tourism and hospitality management

DOCTORAL

DAT, doctor of athletic training

Ph.D., doctorate