Why UF is in Their Hearts

Photos by Brenton Richardson and Aaron Daye. Photo illustrations by Maddie Haggbloom

New leaders of the UF Alumni Association recall their campus days and share their reasons for getting more involved with the university.

Each year, the board of directors for the University of Florida Alumni Association welcomes new members to its ranks. All are united by a common goal: to keep alumni and friends connected to UF.

This past June, we caught up with 10 of the newest board members and their new president to learn about their favorite UF memories and spots on campus, and their motivations for deepening their involvement with their alma mater.

Published

July 27, 2022

Beau Beaubien’s favorite spot on campus? Cheering on the Gators in the Swamp.

Beau Beaubien

Now an attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, in Tallahassee, Beau Beaubien (BA ’05) studied political science at UF before heading to Florida’s capital for a law degree and a career in public service. From 2019 to 2022, he worked in the executive office of Gov. Ron DeSantis, as deputy chief of staff and director of cabinet affairs. He is married to Alyssa Beaubien, and they have a two-year-old son, Beau.

How long have you been a UFAA member?

I became an annual member immediately after graduating in December of 2005 and then again in the late 2000s; I became a life member in 2022.

Favorite memory at the football stadium?

The 2017 “Hail Mary” to beat Tennessee as time expired. [A last-minute touchdown pass cinched the Gators’ 26-20 victory.] It was a tough year for the football team and a tough one to be in the stands, as well. That game was a bright spot; it's always great to beat the Vols.

Why did you want to get more involved with the UFAA?

To serve the university, as well as current students and alumni. Through my time in public service, I saw how impactful people could be by giving of their time and talents. This is my time to step up to the plate and give back to the university that gave me so much earlier in my life.

The Grateful Gadsby Gathering Steps at the Reitz commemorate James and Elizabeth Gadsby’s beginning as a couple.

James Gadsby

As the new president of UFAA, James Gadsby (BSBA ’91) brings a lot of Gator know-how to the table. A strong supporter of UF Student Life, he has served on the UFAA board since 2014 and is a past leader of the Atlanta Gator Club. As an undergraduate, he met his wife, Elizabeth Gadsby (BS ’92), at a UF talent show and proposed to her as she walked across the O’Connell Center stage during May 1992 graduation ceremonies. Today James is the chief operating officer of Danny Wuerffel (BSPR ‘96)’s Desire Street Ministries in Atlanta.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

I have many campus faves, but the spot that tops them all would have to be the Reitz Union. It was there that I met Elizabeth and was involved in many great student organizations and friendships.

How do you, as the new UFAA president, feel about the year ahead?

I am incredibly grateful and honored by the trust to lead such a talented alumni board. My goal is to serve our alma mater and her alumni and students exceptionally well, alongside these dear friends and passionate graduates, as we link arms to continue UF’s rise as one of the truly premier universities, both in this great state and in the U.S. Go Gators!

Dakeyan Graham proposed to his wife on Pony Field, where he first saw her during his marching band days.

Dakeyan “Dre” Graham

Tallahassee-based Gator Dre Graham (BAMus ’07, MMus ’09) has enjoyed an impactful career in music education and public service. Voted Florida Teacher of the Year in 2020, Graham served as director of instrumental studies for Hillsborough County Public Schools from 2009 to 2021 and recently as executive director of independent education and parental choice at the Florida Department of Education. Graham has an 8-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, with his wife, Casey Marie Graham.

Why is Pony Field your favorite spot on the UF campus?

As a member of the Fightin’ Gator Marching Band, Pony Field has major significance for me. It is there that I met my wife. I remember standing across the field and getting my first glimpse of her; I was the mellophone section leader, and she was a piccolo player. I knew I had to get to know her. Unfortunately, she developed a crush on my best friend, but that didn’t detour me. (They never dated, so it was OK that I persevered). Had it not been for my time in Pony Field, I would have never met the love of my life!

When did you become more involved with the UFAA?

When I reconnected with my former UF classmates and fraternity brothers. My involvement also increased when I traveled the state as Teacher of the Year and connected with various alumni in education and other areas of influence.

During her UF days, Samantha Hockenberry spent countless hours on the 3rd floor of the Reitz Union.

Samantha Hockenberry

Scottsdale-based Samantha Hockenberry (BSISE ’12) signed up to be a UFAA member as a freshman during Preview; “It was one of the easiest and best decisions I ever made,” she explained. That’s saying a lot, considering Hockenberry makes thousands of daily decisions as director of Amazon’s Sub-Same Day Operations, overseeing 17,000 Amazon Associates. As an undergrad, she was executive producer of the 2012 Gator Growl, an experience that helped prepare her to lead teams in e-commerce, she says. In her free time, she’s “mom” to Brodie, a Jack Russell terrier.

A favorite spot on campus?

The Reitz Union, 3rd floor. I spent so much time there planning Gator Growl, participating in Homecoming events and even doing engineering homework in the Blue Key office. I made so many great friendships with my peers while we were digging through the trenches of how to plan the largest student-run pep rally. There I was mentored by faculty who continue to inspire and shape my life.

What motivated you to get more involved in the UFAA?

UF set the foundation of philanthropy, leadership, and innovation that I have in my current daily life. Having the opportunity to give back and inspiring others to do the same … is something I could not turn away from. It is so important that we continue to offer that same platform for future Gators for years to come!

The Reitz holds a special place in the heart of B.J. Jonassaint, whose years at UF were filled with activities and accolades.

Brendon “B.J.” Jonassaint

A UFAA member since 2013, Okeechobee-raised B. J. Jonassaint (BHS ’17, MHA ’19)’s ties to UF go way back. He was born on campus at UF Health Shands Hospital and interned there while earning his bachelor’s degree in public health. In 2015, he joined the Florida Cicerones and was crowned 2016 Homecoming King. As a graduate student, he served as UF student body vice president. Since 2019, he has worked for Deloitte, now as a strategy consultant.

Your favorite spot on campus?

The Reitz Union, because of the number of students I would run into there, and it being the home of many student activities and programs. As they say, it is “a thriving environment for student activity and a place for self-discovery.” A special honorable mention to the place in the Reitz where I spent the most time, Pollo Tropical!

Why did you become more involved with the UFAA?

To support and strengthen our Gator network with young alumni participation. We know the Gator Nation is everywhere, and while recognizing our people are the lifeline of the university, it is important to be engaged and connected to further the mission of shaping a greater tomorrow.

For Kim Kaupe, fond campus memories were made among the roaring fans in the Swamp.

Kim Kaupe

The season 5 winner of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Austin-based entrepreneur Kim Kaupe (BSBA ’08) works with executive and future leaders to harness their voices and expand their networks. Her company, Bright Ideas Only, provides marketing strategies for clients such as Oprah, Shawn Mendes, Daddy Yankee, the New York Mets and Jimmy Buffett. Kaupe is also a keynote speaker leading workshops and talks for Fortune 500 companies to help leaders create, build and plan their business presence. She is currently enjoying life as a newlywed with her husband, Fernando Vigil.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?

Inside the Swamp. There's nothing like a roaring, packed stadium during a solid night game.

What motivated you to become more involved with the UFAA?

I've been coming back to UF for years to speak to students, whether that’s at the Florida Leadership Academy or the Entrepreneurship Center, and I love digging in and making a difference. To me, UFAA is an exciting way to engage even more with the university and its work.

For Regina Rodriguez, “every game on the Jersey Cam!” was a favorite UF moment.

Regina Rodriguez

Regina Rodriguez (BSEN ’14, PHD ‘18) has been a UFAA member since her 2014 graduation and now serves as provost fellow for professional education at UF. The double Gator was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami. While working toward her PhD in environmental engineering sciences from UF, she received the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellowship. Now married and living in Gainesville, Rodriguez is chairwoman of the Activated Carbon Standards Committee for the American Water Works Association and president of the Association of Cuban-American Engineers.

Favorite UF memories?

Basketball games in the O’Dome (especially if a guest appearance on the Jersey Mike’s ‘Jersey Cam’ was involved!)

Why did you get more involved in the UFAA?

Because of the potential to make an impact on young alumni.

Suezette Yasmin Robotham

Raised in Tampa, Suezette Yasmin Robotham (BSA ’03) now calls Brooklyn — “the best borough in NYC!”—home. There she is a talent acquisition leader and diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner in the tech field, and was formerly employed at Google and Facebook. While at UF, Robotham earned a degree in human resource development and has fond memories of building friendships on campus. Now she says she is “living my best single life with plans to eventually be a mother to future Gators.”

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

Turlington Plaza, aka "The Set." It was the spot to socialize, meet people, build community and enjoy a good step show or free Dominos.

What motivated your increased involvement with the UFAA?

My experiences on Florida's campus shaped the leader and woman that I am. Having opportunities to lead and make an impact at a young age set the tone for how I understand the world today, especially with a career focused on creating access and opportunity for others. The orange-and-blue is in my DNA. I’m grateful for that, and I want to pay it forward.

Bryan Ruiz

A UFAA member for more than 10 years, Bryan Ruiz (BSAdv ’06) studied advertising at UF and now serves as head of performance incentives at Google. The Fort Lauderdale native now lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, where he and his husband have two children and a French bulldog.

Favorite memory from your time at UF?

Being an ambassador at the College of Journalism and Communications. I had the opportunity to work with so many students as well as give tours to various individuals including incoming students. It's what fueled my desire to teach, which I now do as an adjunct professor for UF.

Why did you get more involved in the UFAA?

The UFAA offers a massive opportunity [for alumni] to bring all of our talent back to the university to drive the greater good. It's important to give back to organizations that helped us excel in life, and I'm excited to bring my experience to help grow the alumni network, as well as the current student body at UF.

Erica Aguiar

A native of Spring Hill, Erica Aguiar (BSTel ’15) now lives in Boston, where she works as associate director of financial education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She previously served as assistant director of the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program, on the UF campus. Aguiar proudly notes that she met her partner, now also an alum, at UF.

Favorite memory from UF years?

Eating Krishna food in the Plaza of the Americas. So many afternoon lunches with friends and study sessions were accompanied by the always-energizing movement between classes and that amazing salad dressing!

Why did you want to get more involved in the UFAA?

Working at UF, I learned how essential our alumni members are to the Gator Nation. I wanted to have a lasting impact on the place that changed my life. Getting involved has allowed me to remain connected and engaged from 1,200 miles away.

Kim Beach

Kim Beach (BSBA ’93, MBA ’97) is no stranger to UF, serving as the associate director for Business Career Services at the UF Warrington College of Business. She previously worked in consulting in Atlanta with Deloitte and launched the first Florida office for a new division of Deloitte. During her time at UF, Kim served on the Preview staff and management team, and she was appointed Preview staff director in 1992. She also held a number of leadership roles in Zeta Tau Alpha and served on the Reitz Union Board of Managers. Kim was inducted into the UF Hall of Fame and was honored as the outstanding female leader in the 1993 graduating class. Her involvement in the community includes past president of the Junior League of Gainesville and she co-founded a Gainesville non-profit organization, Kids Count in Alachua County, which offers after-school programming for at-risk elementary school students in east Gainesville.

Honorable Jessica Costello

The Honorable Jessica G. Costello (BA ’06) was appointed on March 29, 2019, by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as a Hillsborough County Court judge. Costello presides over county civil and domestic violence injunction cases. Prior to her judicial appointment, Costello served as an assistant statewide prosecutor with the office of the Florida Attorney General. She also served as a member of Florida’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Committee. Some of Costello’s accolades include receiving the University of Florida’s Outstanding Young Alumni award in 2018 and in 2020 being recognized for her leadership and service as an honorary inductee into Florida Blue Key.

Tracy Fanara

Engineer/scientist Tracy Fanara (BSEN ’03, ME ’10, PHD ’15) is originally from Buffalo, New York, and earned three degrees in environmental engineering from UF. Since 2021, she has worked as a coastal modeling portfolio manager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). No stranger to media, Fanara has appeared on “Mythbusters, the Search,” The Weather Channel, CBS’s “Mission Unstoppable” and Science Channel’s “What on Earth.” She is a self-described “diehard University of Florida Athletics fan.”