Celebrating Spring 2018 Commencement

About 200 UF Online students graduated during UF’s Commencement Weekend

UF Online image of Sports Management major and My First Chomp in The Swamp contest winner Jackson Kewitsch giving a Gator chomp in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Psychology graduate John Chaffin celebrates with his Gator Support Squad at the UF Online Commencement Reception on Saturday, May 5th at the F-Club.

Close to 150 friends, family and loved ones gathered to celebrate these new Gator graduates on Saturday, May 5th at the F-Club, located at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This semester, about 200 students graduated via UF Online from 22 degree programs across eight colleges.

The commencement reception drew families from as far away as Honduras to celebrate the achievements of these Gator grads. Attendees mingled over refreshments, posed for photos, and met UF Online advisors, faculty and staff.

One graduate, John Chaffin, who majored in psychology, was joined at the commencement reception by a large group of supporters.

“I would have never thought it would be possible to receive my degree from the University of Florida while being a full-time stay-at-home dad to two of the best children in the world,” he said.

Another psychology graduate, Nayibis Pacheco, took UF Online coursework for four years while working full-time as an addiction specialist at a rehabilitation facility in Naples.

She attended the commencement reception with her husband, daughter, brother, parents and mother-in-law.

“It’s a good feeling,” Pacheco said about graduating. “So much joy.”

See more photos from the commencement reception on our Facebook page: