By Carlos Medina
The University of Florida College of Nursing raised a record $934,664.84 during this year’s Gator Nation Giving Day, more than four times the $203,000 raised the previous year.
The total propelled the college to No. 3, up from No. 4 in 2025, for total dollars raised among all colleges and units at the University of Florida. The milestone comes as the college celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of preparing nurses to serve Florida and beyond.
“This milestone reflects the strength of alumni, faculty, students and community supporters who rallied behind nursing education and workforce development initiatives,” said Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, dean of the UF College of Nursing and system chief nurse executive for UF Health.
Contributions made during the giving day support scholarships, academic programming, research and student resources designed to prepare the next generation of nurses. Patricia Fisseler, one of 258 donors who contributed to the college, gave to the Archer Family Health Care Fund, one of three targeted funds open to donations.
“The City of Archer receives excellent and much-needed care from this clinic,” Fisseler wrote about the nurse-led clinic, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. Eleni Sansone donated to the College of Nursing Dean’s Excellence Fund.
“My daughter, Emily, is graduating in May, and I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished during her time at UF, and specifically the College of Nursing!” she wrote. Donors could also contribute to the Nursing Alumni Council Fund or make a gift directly to the college, where funds are allocated to areas of greatest need.
The improved ranking highlights growing philanthropic momentum for the college and underscores confidence in its mission at a time when demand for highly trained nurses continues to rise nationwide.
Henderson credited donors’ generosity and engagement for the surge in giving and said the college aims to build on this year’s success in future campaigns, reinforcing its commitment to advancing nursing education and health care impact.
Did you miss your chance to participate in this year’s Gator Nation Giving Day? Have no fear! This annual event takes place each February across all colleges and units at UF. Should you wish to learn more about Giving Day or ways to engage with the College of Nursing during our 70th anniversary year, please reach out to Kacie Perryman, Associate Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at kperryman@ufl.edu or scan the QR code for more information.
