A Thanksgiving Message from the President
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had as a club and express my gratitude to all of you who make the New England Gator Club® so special.
This year, we hit some big milestones together. One that stands out is the revival of our scholarship program—we awarded three $1,000 scholarships to outstanding UF students from New England. It’s been five years since we last had the opportunity to provide scholarships, and bringing this initiative back to life was truly a team effort.
Our incoming freshmen!
We’ve also strengthened our commitment to giving back to our local community. From park cleanups to working with Toys for Tots, we participated in six community service events this year. Whether it was raking leaves on a crisp fall morning or connecting over post-cleanup brews, your enthusiasm for making a difference has been inspiring.
Raking leaves at Herter Park!
Acknowledging the Team
I couldn’t be prouder of our board. The energy, creativity, and dedication they bring to everything we do—from planning events to boosting scholarship fundraising—are the reason we’ve come so far in just one year. Every board member has brought their unique strengths to the table, and it’s truly amazing to see what we can achieve together.
The board at our new bar!
Of course, none of this would be possible without you—our club members. From bidding on silent auction items to cheering on the Gators at football watch parties, your support fuels everything we do. To our silent auction donors, thank you for your generosity. And to every single person who attended one of our events this year, you’ve helped make our club a vibrant and welcoming community.
What’s Next?
As we look ahead to the holiday season, we’re keeping the momentum going! On December 10, we’re hosting a Fireside Chat featuring UF’s Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, Forrest Masters, and Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Cherie Stabler. It’s a can’t-miss event, and I hope to see you there.
And with Giving Tuesday just around the corner, I’d encourage you to visit our Donate page to support the scholarship fund. Every contribution makes a difference for future Gators from New England!
Closing Thoughts
I’m so thankful to be part of this incredible Gator community. In just one year, we’ve accomplished so much, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and as always—Go Gators!
Warm regards,
Tyrel Clayton
President, New England Gator Club®
