Celebration honors service of longtime UF faculty and staff
UF Interim President Kent Fuchs, Ph.D., and Vice President for Human Resources Melissa Curry hosted a faculty and staff appreciation reception at the Earl and Christy Powell University House earlier this month. The event honored faculty and staff who celebrated 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of continuous service at UF in 2024.
“I’d like to start very simply by extending my sincere gratitude to each of you for your amazing dedication,” Fuchs said. “UF has made great strides in recent decades, and it is entirely due to committed employees like you. I am also grateful to your spouses, partners and family members, who have made sacrifices so that you could devote your careers to UF.”
Curry, who was among the honorees celebrating 25 years at UF, reflected on the importance of longtime employees. “Each of you has played a critical role in shaping the University of Florida into the remarkable institution it is today. As I reflect on the incredible changes over the past 50 years, one thing has remained constant — your unwavering dedication and extraordinary contributions.”
Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Julie Ramsey, who celebrated 25 years of continuous service at UF, shared her excitement about reaching this milestone.
“Being a Gainesville native and UF graduate, and now being honored for 25 years of service to the Gator Nation, is even more fulfilling,” Ramsey said. “I love what I do and really enjoy working with so many wonderful people within the UF community.”
College of Medicine Administrative Assistant Carol Enoch reflected on her 35 years at UF.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the recognition of my 35 years of service. It has been a privilege to be a part of the University of Florida — specifically in the College of Medicine for 24 years. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work with some incredible faculty, staff and students. This milestone is a testament to the rewarding experiences and meaningful relationships I have built over the years.”
This year marked the first time faculty members participated in the Service Recognition ceremony. Department of History Professor Florin Curta, Ph.D., was among those honored for 25 consecutive years of work at the University of Florida.
“I hesitated when first receiving the email invitation to participate in the UF faculty appreciation event. I did not know what to expect, and the event was scheduled on my heavy teaching day — just an hour before my first class,” Curta said. “Nonetheless, I went, expecting a get-together. Instead, I was greatly surprised and impressed by the formal assembly of faculty, each honored with a plaque and a few words from the president. As I arrived later than everyone else, my name was called last in the 25-year category. Nonetheless, I felt that I was neither the last nor the least. It is the first time someone formally recognized my years of teaching at UF, and it feels good. Even better, I met people I did not know who had started at UF around the same time as me. It feels good to be honored in such a way — and even better to be in the company of so many people who have dedicated a great deal of their lives to being professors at the University of Florida.”
College of Health and Human Performance Associate Professor Delores James, Ph.D., perfectly summed up the effort and perseverance behind her 40 years of service at UF.
“It takes vertical and lateral moves, a strong support system, prayer, and determination to show up with hope and joy after 40 years!”
Congratulations to all the honorees. Your hard work and dedication continue to push the University of Florida to greater heights.
Click here to view a photo album of the Staff Appreciation ceremony, and click here to view the album for the Faculty Appreciation ceremony.