University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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topping the charts breaking records The U.S. News and World Report's 2021 College Rankings named UF as the sixth-best public university in the country, marking the fourth consecutive year UF rose in the rankings. Tied with the University of California. Santa Barbara, both schools improved their ranks from seventh place in the previous year. The uni ersity was close to their top-five goal and marked significant progress from its position as No. 14 in 2017. Instructor and PhD student. Amanda Lewis, understood the significance of this rise. ‘It feels like I have more opportunity moving forward, being a PhD student and looking for potential jobs.' Lewis said. 'Having that high rank definitely sets me apart from other professors and graduate students.' In addition to public university rankings, UF moved from No. 34 to 30 on the U.S. News National Universities list, a combination of public and private universities. Three undergraduate programs were also on the rise, according to U.S. News. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering rose from No. 34 to 32, the Warrington College of Business advanced from No. 28 to 24 and UF ranked No. 48 on the list for computer science. The rankings are based on many factors, including student excellence, faculty resources, financial resources and expert opinion. One of the many reasons for UF's rise was the small student to faculty ratio, which decreased significantly to 17:1 compared to 21:1 only four years ago. This allowed more than 50 percent of undergraduate classes to consist of fewer than 20 students. 'The University of Florida has expanded and progressed so much during the time I've been here,' Adriana Laine. third- year undergraduate student, said. 'From academics, to sports, to student resources and even studying abroad, I have learned to appreciate how hard our staff and administration truly work to make the Gator Nation so great.' Writing by Sofia Simon Photography by Emma Iroyer

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black lives matter The Block Lives Matter movement was initiated in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer, George Zimmerman. The social movement sought to fight racism and police brutality. The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others, sparked a new wave of the movement in 2020. Across the country, communities came together and united behind a common cause. The Black Lives Matter movement was prominent in the news and social media across the country and around the world. The country broke out into protest. The people wanted to be heard. The students at the University of Florida experienced the strength of the movement. Derek Wingo. first-year undergraduate student, said, 'The Black Lives Matter movement has impacted me because I am able to see other people's perspectives and to be more cautious with my word choice and actions. I think it is a very positive thing when communities stand together through performing marches and peaceful protests. I think the change that will be made through this movement is that the topic will now be brought up in seriousness and not pushed aside. I do believe it has united the UF community.' A Black Lives Matter march took place on campus August 28. 2020. Angelique Mustell. first-year undergraduate student, experienced it and said 'The Black Lives Matter movement has brought my attention to big issues I never personally focused on and hew beautiful it is when the community stands together. This movement has definitely united the community which was visible through the march on campus. There were hundreds of students and members of the community and a shrine on campus' The movement raised many student's awareness. Italia Bolb. first-year undergraduate student, said. 'It has made me more aware of injustices and that people have a right to stand up for what they believe in. There needs to be more love than division. That is something I think everyone can agree on.' Writing by Kot® McCrory Photography Complimonts from Only in Gainosvillo