It goes without saying that the past year has been like no other. Our faculty and staff have shown tremendous resolve and resilience through unprecedented challenges, and many have taken on extra work or applied their creativity in extraordinary ways to ensure the success of our departments, colleges and the university. Thank you to all of these exceptional individuals and teams who have shared their gifts and made a difference at the University of Florida this year.
Debra Anderson
Director, International Student Support Services, UF International Center
As the COVID pandemic made its way around the world, the already-intense pressures on our international students increased exponentially. Would they be able to travel home? Would they be allowed to stay in the US? How to manage these difficult times far from home and from family? When the UF International Center joined the rest of campus in moving to remote work, we were faced with the dilemma of providing students with necessary hard copy documents and signatures. Without hesitation, Debra volunteered to be the one. For many long months, she was at the front desk of UFIC every single day, single-handedly serving students while juggling all of the uncertainties of the pandemic. In the process, she provided not only paperwork, but personal, caring support, advice, and compassion to hundreds—always with good cheer and a smile. Debby has been a true bright spot in dark times!
— Leonardo Villalon
To read the article with the rest of the individuals, click here.