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April 11, 2023
Dean Michael Reid, Ph.D., will preside over the ceremony recognizing the master's and bachelor's graduates in applied physiology and kinesiology; health education and behavior; sport management; and tourism, hospitality and event management. Graduates will cross the stage and shake hands with Dean Reid and Christopher Janelle, Ph.D., associate dean for academic and student affairs, at this ceremony.
2023 Recognition Ceremony Speakers: Steve Mesler, BSESS ’00 (courtesy of Sports Illustrated) and Alexis Halstead, BSAPK ’23
The college is thrilled to announce Steve Mesler as the guest speaker for the recognition ceremony. Mesler is a three-time Olympian, a World Champion and part of the four-man bobsled team who won Gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games. His contributions to sports and athleticism even earned him a seat on the board of directors of the world’s largest National Olympic Committee. As a director, Mesler focused efforts on lowering access barriers for Paralympians, increasing direct athlete support and organizational transparency, and winning an Olympic bid. Mesler also co-founded and leads the international award-winning NGO, Classroom Champions, which improves student achievement and mental health through athlete mentoring in schools.
Mesler graduated with honors from HHP in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science. He is a member of the industry advisory board for the UF Institute for Coaching Excellence and was the first graduate of this century to be inducted into the HHP Alumni Hall of Fame.
Alexis Halstead, BS APK ‘23, was selected by the college commencement committee as the graduate speaker. Ms. Halstead is from Orange, Connecticut and has been very involved during her time at UF. Within the college she has served as an HHP Ambassador since her freshman year as well as been a part of the HHPeer Mentor Program. She is a First Year Florida Peer Leader, overseeing the program as the lead educator for returner engagement, and had the privilege of teaching the HHP specific section of the course this past fall. She has also been involved with the Panhellenic community throughout her last three years. She aspires to become a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics in the future and will be attending the Medical University of South Carolina for her doctorate of physical therapy program.
Doors for the college ceremony will open at 12:30 p.m. Graduates are expected to assemble at Gate 4 by 1 p.m. Complete details about the college ceremony, including a link to stream the ceremony live, can be found on the HHP calendar.
A university-wide ceremony for doctoral degree recipients, including 10 HHP doctoral graduates, will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 9 a.m.
The university-wide commencement ceremony for all graduates will be held on Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. President Ben Sasse will preside over the ceremony with Erin Jackson, one of the most decorated speed skaters in American history, as guest speaker. Read more.
All the ceremonies are available to watch online at mediasite.video.ufl.edu. Complete details about commencement-related events can be found at commencement.ufl.edu. For HHP specific details, visit hhp.ufl.edu/celebrate/spring-23.