Bob Graham Center for Public Service

USAJOBS 101: Internships, Pathways & the Federal Hiring Process
2024-10-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Ready to learn about government and public internships, pathways, and the federal hiring process? Join us and our guest speaker, Miles Lowe, for USAJOBS 101: Internships, Pathways & The Federal Hiring Process. Miles will discuss his personal career journey in the federal government and how students can navigate the federal employment opportunities.
The program is on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM on the second floor of Pugh Hall in the O’Neill Reading Room. Lunch is provided to those who RSVP.
Register for the Lunch Workshop
About Our Speaker
Miles Lowe is a seasoned Change Management Consultant and Associate Principal at DLH Corporation, where he also serves as an Organizational Change Manager with the National Institutes of Health. His career spans a diverse range of sectors, including federal and municipal government, higher education, non-profits, and entrepreneurship.
His work is characterized by a deep commitment to organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and strategic innovation.
A proud Gator, Miles graduated from the University of Florida in 2018 with a B.A. in Political Science, where he was actively involved in student leadership and community service. He continued to advance his education, earning a Master of Public Affairs & Administration in 2021 from Metropolitan College of New York, with a focus on Change Management.
Working with nonprofits in New York City, Miles gained valuable experience in community advocacy and organizational development. His passion for public service soon led him to Washington, D.C., where he played a pivotal role as Vice President of Outreach for the DC. Gator Alumni Board.
Through his diverse experiences across multiple industries, Miles has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within public service. His career reflects a commitment to thoughtful, strategic work that fosters positive change in the communities and organizations he serves.
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Data Journalism, Cryptocurrency, and Elections: Tracking a New Industry’s Growing Influence
2024-10-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Caitlin Ostroff, a Wall Street Journal reporter and University of Florida graduate, will share her experience using the tools of data journalism to keep tabs on the mercurial cryptocurrency industry and shed light on its efforts to sway U.S. elections.
Held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 in the Pugh Hall Ocora, the event is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
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USAJOBS 101: Resume Workshop
2024-10-04 12:00 - 13:00 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Just in time to apply for a host of newly opened federal internships! This working lunch is a follow-up workshop to put your newfound knowledge about USA Jobs into action!
Miles Lowe will offer his personalized guidance on resumes, cover letters, and application materials for federal job opportunities.
Bring your resume and a sharpened pencil – Miles will provide hands-on feedback to help you tailor your application materials to stand out in the competitive federal hiring process.
RSVP at this link.
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Florida Voter Registration Deadline
2024-10-07
Today is the day, Gators! It is the LAST DAY to register to vote to be eligible for the November 2024 Presidential Election! Stop by Pugh Hall to get registered!

Beat Tennessee TurboVote Challenge Ends
2024-10-07
The University of Florida is in a competition against the University of Tennessee to get the most amount of people enrolled in TurboVote, a free election reminder service, to prepare all members of the Gator Nation to vote!
In order to participate in the challenge, Gators need to:
1. Check your registration status.
2. Register to vote if needed.
3. Sign up for election reminders.
Sign up today at ufl.turbovote.org! The competition is running until October 7th, which is the last day to register to vote in Florida for the 2024 election!
The winner of the voter challenge will be declared ahead of the UT/UF football game on October 12th. We beat the Vols in 2022, let’s win again!

Book Talk: John Lewis: In Search of the Beloved Community by Ray Arsenault
2024-10-14 17:30 - 19:15 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Raymond Arsenault’s John Lewis: In Search of the Beloved Community documents the life of the ‘Conscience of Congress,’ Civil Rights activist and long-time Congressman John Lewis. Join us for Arsenault’s public talk, book signing and free reception.
Join the Bob Graham Center and the Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities (UF Department of History) on October 14 beginning at 5:30 pm for a free public lecture by historian Raymond Arsenault, author of the first full-length biography of civil rights leader John Lewis, John Lewis: In Search of the Beloved Community.
Arsenault chronicles Lewis’s journey from rural Alabama to Congress, highlighting his role in key moments like the 1965 Selma march and his lifelong dedication to nonviolent activism.
Lewis’s legacy of “good trouble” continues to inspire social justice movements today.
Attendees are invited to the author’s book signing and a free public reception immediately following the lecture.
About the Author
Raymond Arsenault is the John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History (emeritus) at the University of South Florida, specializing in the political, social, and civil rights history of the American South. He has taught internationally, served as president of the ACLU of Florida, and authored several acclaimed books, including Freedom Riders. Arsenault has received numerous awards for his work in civil rights and social justice.
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UF Jean Monnet Center of Excellence Public Forum: The Origins of Support for Populism in the EU and the US
2024-10-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Join the Jean Monnet Center of Excellence for a discussion on the origins and causes of populist support in the US and EU!

Early Voting
2024-10-21 - 2024-11-03 | Reitz Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Skip the line and vote early this election season! Early Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. here on campus at the Reitz Union and across Gainesville for all citizens registered in Alachua County!
Here are the locations that you can vote early from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. from October 21 to November 3:

Supervisor of Elections Office, 515 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
J. Wayne Reitz Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
Tower Road Branch Library, 3020 SW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608
Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669
Legacy Park Multipurpose Center,15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL 32615
Hawthorne Community Center, 6700 SE 221st St, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Santa Fe College, S-029, 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606

Don’t forget a picture and signature ID when going to your voting location! A Florida Driver’s License, a Florida ID card, a U.S. Passport, debit or credit card, military or student ID, etc. will be accepted by election officials.
Need to update your registration to your address here in Alachua County? Stop by the 2nd floor of Pugh Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or go to vote.ufl.edu!

GW Elliott School Info Session
2024-10-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Pugh Hall, O’Neill Reading Room (Room 201), 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Interested in graduate programs focused on international affairs, global security, or development?
Join this info session to explore opportunities at GW’s Elliott School. Attendees will learn about the application process, funding options, and career paths, plus enjoy free food and receive an application fee waiver.
George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs Information Session
Thursday, October 24
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Pugh Hall, Room 120
Register at this link.

NEW Gulf Scholars Program: Open for Enrollment
2024-10-30 15:30 - 16:30 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Enroll in NEW interdisciplinary Gulf Scholars Program, where students can explore the environmental, social, economic, historical, and cultural dimensions of the Gulf. Attend our orientation on October 30 from 3:30 – 4:30 PM to learn more about program requirements.

2024 Election Night Watch Party
2024-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Get ready for an exciting and informative evening at our 2024 Election Night Watch Party in the Pugh Hall Ocora.
This event will feature a lively discussion panel with political experts who will break down key election trends, provide predictions based on historical data, and analyze the latest polling results.
Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the program kicking off at 6 pm. After the panel, stay for live election returns, snacks, and a chance to engage with fellow attendees.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow citizens and experts as we navigate this pivotal moment in our democracy. Mark your calendars and bring your enthusiasm.
Program Format

5:30 pm Doors Open
5:45 pm Welcome and Introductions: Teresa Cornacchione, Civic Engagement Coordinator
6-7 pm Election Panel Moderated Discussion

Given historical trends and current polling, what can we expect to see tonight across the different electoral competition?
Audience Q & A

7 pm EST polls close; watch the returns with ice cream and more!
8 pm Wrap up
8:30 pm Doors close.

Panelists
Our panel of political experts will delve into current and historical election trends, providing valuable context and predictions for the 2024 Elections. They will cover everything from local races to the presidential showdown.
The event will be emceed by UF student athletes Anna Moore and Emma Weyant.
The panel moderators are UF students Natalia Lopez of the Hamilton Center Student Fellows and Eliza Dysart with the Bob Graham Student Fellows.
Panelists are:

Dr. Matt Uttermark, UF Department of Political Science
Dr. Adam Lebovitz, UF Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education
Dr. Myiah Hutchens, UF Department of Public Relations

This event is brought to you by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, Gators Vote, the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education, the University Athletic Association, and UF’s Office of Public Policy Events.
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2024 Election Day
2024-11-05 07:00 - 19:00
Gators, if you haven’t already, now’s the last day to vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout Florida. Make sure to bring your required photo and signature ID and make your voice heard!
Not sure where your polling location is? Find your precinct at the Supervisor of Elections website here!
Don’t forget a picture and signature ID when going to your voting location! A Florida Driver’s License, a Florida ID card, a U.S. Passport, debit or credit card, military or student ID, etc. will be accepted by election officials.
Need to update your address to vote here in Alachua County? If you’re already registered you can update your registration at your polling location!
Your vote is your voice!

CLAS First-Gen Celebration
2024-11-07 14:00 - 16:30 | Farrior Hall Room 2000, 205 Fletcher Dr
Let’s celebrate First-Gen Week! Join us for an afternoon of learning, inspiration, and networking with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences community. Our first-generation faculty and staff will share their experiences. You’ll make new friends and commemorate the holiday with other first-gen students and alumni. Don’t miss out – we can’t wait to see you there!

2 – 3 p.m.
Navigating Your Success: Student and Staff Panel
Hear from a diverse panel of first-generation students and staff as they share their personal stories and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
3 – 4 p.m.
Navigating Your Education & Career Pathway: Alumni and Faculty Panel
Meet our inspiring first-gen alumni and faculty members. Discover their experiences, learn from their paths, and take away advice for your own journey.
4 – 5 p.m.
Networking & Connections
Join us for light refreshments in the Farrior Hall lobby. Take this opportunity to connect with fellow first-gen students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.
Free and open to the public
RSVP is not required but encouraged. To let us know you’ll be attending in person, please register here. Sign up for the virtual event via Zoom here.

Deadline to Apply for Gulf Scholars Hurricane Recovery Trip
2024-11-10 | Online, FL, United States
We’re inviting Gulf Scholars to join GatorCorps at the Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center on Pine Island in southwest Florida to assist with post-hurricane recovery. The center includes the Pineland Archaeological Site Complex, a Calusa village for over 1500 years that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This trip, scheduled for November 22-25, 2024, offers you a chance to volunteer, learn, and network at a site of archaeological and environmental importance.
We have limited spots available. Travel, lodging and some meals will be covered for students selected to participate.
During this trip you will:
Assist with post-hurricane recovery
Pine Island was severely impacted by hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton , and the area is still in the recovery phase. You’ll contribute to the recovery efforts through manual labor, helping the Randell Research Center restore its environmentally, archaeologically, and community significant resources.
Learn and explore
The Randell Research Center contains archaeologically significant areas like Brown’s Mound, Randell Mound, the Grand Canal, and the Calusa Heritage Trail. In addition to volunteering, you’ll hear from experts about the site’s rich history and ecology as well as heritage resilience and community response. This is a chance to explore one of Florida’s key cultural and natural treasures!
Trip Details:

Dates: November 22-25, 2024. We will be departing UF at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, and returning around 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25.
Location: Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center, Pine Island
Partners: Florida Museum of Natural History Randell Research Center and Gator Corps
Funding: Travel, lodging, and some meals will be covered for students selected to participate
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 10
Notification of Selection: By November 12
This trip also counts toward your campus engagement requirement for the Gulf Scholars medallion program!

Learn more and apply at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Hurricane Recovery Trip

UF Gulf Scholars Cohort Meeting
2024-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 | O’Neill Reading Room, 2nd floor, Pugh Hall
Are you enrolled in the Gulf Scholars Medallion Program? Or, do you just want to learn more? Join us for the first Gulf Scholars cohort meeting, a great opportunity to connect with fellow Gulf Scholars peers from diverse disciplines, share ideas, and get inspired by hearing from three upperclassmen who are currently working on their Gulf Impact Projects! Lunch will be served to those who RSVP.

Dylan Pace, a senior majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication, will be presenting on research focusing on understanding how coastal residents perceive the risks of red tide. His research delves into how these perceptions vary with political views and how they influence behaviors and public policy.

Emily Garnica, a senior majoring in Architecture, will be presenting on house relocation due to flooding and sea level rise. House relocation is a mitigation strategy currently only discussed in 6 out of 67 Floridian counties. Her work aims to create a publicly accessible guide to considerations, best practices, and “how-to” information about house relocation, focusing on Pinellas County, one of Florida’s most populous coastal counties, as a test case.
Beckett Price, a senior majoring in History, will be presenting on the Pensacola Environmental History Project. For this project, students have been collecting oral histories from residents of Pensacola, Florida who were impacted by several toxic waste sites, including one dubbed “Mount Dioxin.” In 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency relocated 358 households surrounding the site, marking the third largest Superfund relocation initiated by the EPA after Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York and Times Beach, Missouri. Students are working to process and finalize the collected material for inclusion in the UF Digital Collections.

Remember, attending a group meeting is a part of fulfilling the campus engagement requirement for the Gulf Scholars medallion program. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about UF Gulf Scholars, find inspiration for your own impact project, and build connections within the Gulf Scholars community.
Please RSVP at the following link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9uhPGs8bfSwzRSC
We look forward to seeing you there!

Global Gator Month: International Internships Student Panel
2024-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online, FL, United States
Are you ready to dive into a world of international internships and uncover the secrets to a life-changing experience?

Are you ready to dive into a world of international internships and uncover the secrets to a life-changing experience? Look no further because we’ve got an extraordinary session lined up just for you!
Join the Center for European Studies and the Career Connections Center to be inspired as fellow students spill the beans on their thrilling adventures with both in-person and virtual international-oriented internships in the US and abroad. Yes, you heard that right – real students, real experiences, and real-world insights! So, if you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on an international internship and expanding your horizons, this is your chance to learn from those who’ve been there, done that, and rocked it!

Let’s Talk Climate Lunch & Learn
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Guest speaker Dr. Megan Ennes will share the work of the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) and lead participants in a discussion on how to talk about environmental topics that matter to them. The event is open to all UF undergraduate and graduate students. Lunch will be served for those who RSVP. Reserve your spot at the following link: Let’s Talk Climate Lunch & Learn
About the speaker:
Dr. Megan Ennes is TESI’s Director and the assistant curator (professor) of museum education in the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. She is the author of more than two dozen peer-reviewed publications and teaches several classes at UF related to science education and communication.
Dr. Ennes is also the head of the Museum Education Research Group. In this role, she studies how people learn about science in informal settings, like museums. This includes research on professional development for museum educators, online learning in museums, environmental civic engagement for K-12 students and undergraduates, and scientist-led museum outreach.
Dr. Ennes has also served as the science director for the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, an organization that trains informal educators on how to communicate about climate change using research-backed methods.
Not yet a member of the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network? No worries! Become a member today!

International Careers in Public Service
2024-11-19 16:30 - 17:30 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
In celebration of International Education Week, join us for a Careers in International Public Service talk featuring two distinguished Gator alumni with impressive careers in international public service. This engaging Q&A session offers a unique chance to learn about the educational and career paths that led them to prominent roles within the U.S. government. Refreshments will be provided.
Panelists
Samantha Gildea works in the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President at the White House where she focuses on China and Taiwan affairs. Before joining the NSC, she served as the Associate Director of Space Policy in the Office of the Vice President and, prior, was a member of the Second Gentleman’s team as a White House Intern. She Advances ad hoc, and has traveled with White House principals domestically and internationally to countries like Poland, the U.K., and France.
Samantha graduated from the University of Florida with highest honors in 2022 as an International Studies and Russian Studies double major. As a student, she studied abroad in Latvia, Russia, and Middlebury College’s Russian Language Program and was a member of Cicerones, Florida Blue Key, Pi Beta Phi, Russian Culture Club, and FLAS. Samantha is currently working towards a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from the Air Force University in Joint Warfare. She is from Portland, Oregon and loves to play guitar and sing.
Thomas C. R. Reynolds is an experienced international trade and investment lawyer, and practiced law in the private sector for over a decade. Early in 2024, he moved into public service as an appointee of the Biden-Harris Administration and is currently the Executive Secretary of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. In this role, he is a key member of the executive staff, provides advice and counsel to the Chair and President of the bank, and helps support and manage her office. Previously, he worked for several years at the world’s largest law firm, DLA Piper. After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, Tom went on to earn his Juris Doctor at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
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Name, Image and Likeness
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:00
As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations continue to transform the landscape of college athletics, how are universities, lawmakers, and student-athletes adapting to these changes?
Join the Bob Graham Center Student Fellows on Wednesday, November 20, at 5:00 PM at the Hawkins Center for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the rapidly evolving world of NIL.
The panel will feature key experts:

Steve Spurrier, “the Head Ball Coach,” is a Heisman Trophy winner, a College Football Hall of Fame member and former head coach of the national champion University of Florida football team. Today he serves as an ambassador and consultant for the UF athletic program.
Amy Meyers Hass, JD is the Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator at the University of Florida. A former collegiate soccer player at Furman University, Hass brings a unique blend of legal expertise and experience in campus relations. Prior to her current role, she had been with the University of Florida’s General Counsel’s office since 2006.
Senator Keith Perry is a member of the Florida Senate, representing District 9 since 2016, which includes Alachua County. Perry is also a key proponent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes, pushing for state-level protections and guidelines.
Ben Chase, JD is the Director of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Strategy at the University of Florida, where he works to maximize NIL opportunities for student-athletes. A 2013 UF graduate with a law degree from George Washington University, Chase’s unique combination of legal expertise and passion for college sports makes him a key player in UF’s athletic department.

Moderated by Dr. Matt Jacobs, Director of the Bob Graham Center, this conversation will tackle pressing questions about the intersection of NIL legislation, college sports governance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into one of the most significant changes in college sports in decades. The event is free and open to the public—come learn, engage, and be part of the conversation.
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Videos

https://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/2b45f51ff2e84a8481eef0dcca5fa58e1d

Science Journalist in Residence: Christian Davenport
2024-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Atlas Lab
Join us for a discussion with author and Washington Post Staff Writer Christian Davenport, fall 2024 UF Science Journalist in Residence. Reception will follow.

Christian Davenport covers space for the Washington Post Financial desk. He joined The Post in 2000 and was on a team that won the Peabody award in 2010 for its work on veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. He has been part of reporting teams that were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize three times.
Davenport is the author of two books, “The Space Barons: Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos” (2018) and “As You Were: To War and Back with the Black Hawk Battalion of the Virginia National Guard” (2009).
A frequent commentator on television and radio, he was a producer of “Space: The Private Frontier,” a two-hour documentary that aired on the Discovery and Science Channels, and a producer and co-host of “Space Launch Live,” the networks’ live broadcast of SpaceX’s first crewed mission, which won an Emmy award in 2021 and was the highest rated, non-primetime telecast in Discovery’s history.
He has also served as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a fellow at the Alicia Patterson Foundation.
UF’s Science Journalist in Residence Program brings leading science writers to campus to interact with faculty and students. Visiting science journalists give public talks, speak in classes and meet with faculty and students with shared interests across the university.

2025 MLK Lecture: Hasan Kwame Jeffries
2025-01-16 17:00 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall
Noted Civil Rights scholar Hasan Kwame Jeffries delivered the 2025 MLK Lecture, exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visionary blueprint for justice, peace, and economic equality.
Dr. Jeffries is an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University and a leading author and scholar in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. His lecture was titled Where do we go from here? Afrofuturism and Dr. King’s Vision for America.
A Brooklyn native, Hasan Kwame Jeffries graduated summa cum laude from Morehouse College and earned a Ph.D. in African American history from Duke University. He authored Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt and edited Understanding and Teaching the Civil Rights Movement, exploring Black freedom struggles. His forthcoming book, In the Shadow of Civil Rights, examines Black life in New York City post-1977.
Hasan regularly shares his knowledge of African American history and contemporary Black politics with the public through lectures, workshops, op-eds, and radio and television interviews. He has contributed to the National Civil Rights Museum’s renovation, hosts the podcast Teaching Hard History, and consults on anti-racism programs nationwide.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series is sponsored by the Center for African American Studies, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the College of Liberal Arts and Science, with additional support from the Department of History, the UF Office of Student Engagement, and the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship in the College of the Arts.
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Info Session: Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship
2025-01-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, FL, United States
The Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program offers undergrads, grad students and recent grads a chance to gain hands-on experience in state government. Over nine months in Tallahassee, Fellows work in key government areas, receiving on-the-job training and engaging with top leaders. Fellows also enjoy hourly pay, a tuition waiver, and all-expense-paid policy trips to Washington, DC.
Watch a recording of the info session.
This non-partisan program immerses students from public and private universities in key areas of state government. During their nine-month tenure in Tallahassee, Fellows receive advanced on-the-job training as well as an invaluable front-line view of the inner workings of government.
As Fellows, participants fulfill roles of critical responsibility, interact closely with the state’s top leaders and employ their skills and abilities in a highly rewarding environment.
The deadline to apply is January 30, 2025. Read more about the Gubernatorial Fellowship.

Applications Close: 2025 Future of Florida Summit
2025-01-19
Apply by Jan. 19 for the 2025 Future of Florida Summit, Feb. 28–Mar. 2 at the University of Florida. Explore Gulf of Mexico policy on environment, public health, economic development, and immigration. Students from any Florida college or university – public or private – are invited to apply to attend.
Calling all future changemakers! The annual Future of Florida Summit hosted by UF’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service is your chance to impact Florida policy for students by students.
Students of all years and majors at Florida colleges and universities are eligible to apply. No previous policy experience is required.
This year’s topic, Future of the Gulf: Shaping Resilient Solutions for Tomorrow, focuses on the Gulf of Mexico and aims to connect the Gulf region to broader policy issues related to the state of Florida.
Breakout topics will delve into critical issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico, including Environmental Sustainability, Public Health challenges, Economic Development opportunities, and Immigration Impacts.
Throughout the Summit, you will collaborate with students from around the state in small groups to create innovative policy proposals. Competitive applicants display strong collaborative skills, creative thinking, and a passion for change.
The 2025 Summit will take place Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. Sixty scholars will be selected to attend. There is no charge to attend: food and hotel accommodations are provided.
If you want your college experience to expand beyond the classroom with real lessons that will stay with you and fellow students for the rest of your life, this is the opportunity for you. Learn more and apply now.
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Info Session: UF in Istanbul Study Abroad
2025-01-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Istanbul is ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture. This all new, six-week study abroad opportunity from the Graham Center is designed for UF students of all majors, and offers a unique chance to explore the intersection of history, culture, and modern urban life.
The program runs June 23 to August 2, 2025, and is open to 12-16 students. No Turkish language experience is necessary. This program is designed for everyone ready to engage and learn.
Please register for a virtual information session about this study abroad opportunity on Jan. 30, 2025 at 4 p.m. A link to the recorded session will be sent to those who register.
To learn more about the program, please visit our UF Study Abroad web page.

Nita Rudra: Globalization, Politics & Poverty in Developing Countries
2025-01-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall
Has globalization lived up to its promise of reducing poverty and creating prosperity in developing countries?
Political economist Nita Rudra from Georgetown University spoke in the Pugh Hall Ocora on January 30, 2025 and explored the challenges and opportunities that globalization presents for the poor in developing countries today.
Globalization has reshaped our world, bringing both opportunities and challenges, particularly for developing economies. On one hand, it has connected markets, created jobs, and opened access to new technologies and investments.
Yet, it has also deepened inequalities, with many individuals left behind in a rapidly changing economy. For millions living in poverty, globalization can feel like a false promise. The question isn’t whether globalization is good or bad—it’s how it can be made to work for everyone.
Rudra serves as the Executive Director of the university’s Lab for Globalization and Shared Prosperity, where she leads research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges posed by globalization.
About Nita Rudra
Nita Rudra is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Government, the School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Economy and Public Policy from the University of Southern California in 2000.
Professor Rudra’s research centers on the distributional consequences of globalization, examining how technological innovation, reduced trade barriers, and foreign capital contribute to economic prosperity and inequality. Her work explores the political tensions and societal divisions arising from these disparities, with a focus on both developed and developing economies.
Her scholarship has been featured in leading academic journals, including the British Journal of Political Science, World Politics, Journal of Politics, American Journal of Political Science, Comparative Political Studies, International Organization, and International Studies Quarterly. She co-authored the book Democracies in Peril: Taxation and Redistribution in Globalizing Economies (Cambridge University Press, 2018).
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Summer ’25 Washington DC Internships Virtual Info Session
2025-02-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Make your mark in Washington, DC! The application for the Summer 2025 cohort of the Bob Graham Center Washington Internship Program is now open. If you expect to apply for summer or a future term, please register for this session.
The University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service and UF Federal Relations are pleased to sponsor public service internships for undergraduate UF students with Florida Congressional and Senate offices in Washington, D.C. during the 2025 Summer semester.
This is an in-person internship and requires a time commitment of 40 hours per week.
These are just a few of potential placements:

US Senator Rick Scott (R)
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3)
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22)
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20)
Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL-15)
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL-6)
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24)

There are many more positions open. We’ll talk about job duties in the program, available financial support, how to prepare your application, and much more. We’ll begin reviewing applications in mid-February, so register for the info session now!
Read more about the internship at this link.
Videos

2024 & Beyond: Insights and the Future of Campaigning
2025-02-04 08:00 - 16:00 | Emerson Alumni Hall, 1938 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32603, United States
You are invited to attend the University of Florida’s Political Campaigning forum, an all-day event that offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the critical outcomes of the 2024 election cycle while setting sights on the road ahead for U.S. politics—including the pivotal 2026 Governor’s race, Congressional midterms, and the 2028 presidential election.
The forum is free and open to the public. Whether you are a student of political science, a campaign professional, or an engaged citizen, the forum is your front-row seat to the conversation shaping the next generation of leaders and strategies.
Leading scholars, seasoned UF alumni practitioners, and respected policymakers will address the pressing challenges and opportunities in modern campaigns, such as voter turnout patterns, demographic shifts, the rise of innovative polling methods, and how technology and media continue to reshape the electoral process.
For an up-to-date list of panels and speakers, please visit our conference web page at this link.
Sponsors
This program is presented in partnership with the UF Department of Political Science Political Campaigning Program, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education.
Special Luncheon Program
Renowned pollster, political analyst and proud UF alumna Kristen Soltis Anderson will share her insights on the challenges facing modern campaigns and lessons learned from the 2024 elections. Registration for the luncheon is now closed as the event has reached capacity.
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Kristen Soltis Anderson: Insights and the Future of Campaigning
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Emerson Alumni Hall, 1938 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32603, United States
The political campaigning keynote conference will feature UF alumna and renowned pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson. She will provide insights in the forces shaping modern politics and explore campaign challenges, polarization strategies, and key takeaways from the 2024 election.
Registration for the luncheon is now closed as the event has reached capacity. Those unable to register are encouraged to join the conference panels.
Kristen Soltis Anderson is a renowned pollster, author, and political analyst. Drawing on insights from the 2024 election cycle, she will delve into the challenges facing modern campaigns, strategies for navigating polarization, and lessons learned from recent elections. Her talk will conclude with a moderated Q&A led by Dr. Matt Jacobs, Director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.
About the Speaker
Kristen Soltis Anderson is one of the leading pollsters and political analysts in the country. As co-founder of Echelon Insights, she specializes in applying data-driven insights to political campaigns and public policy. Her book, The Selfie Vote, examines how Millennials are reshaping American politics and how political parties can respond to changing voter dynamics. She is a frequent contributor to outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, and Politico, where she is known for her clear analysis and engaging commentary.
Anderson’s work focuses on understanding the complexities of political polarization, the effectiveness of modern campaign strategies, and emerging trends in voter behavior. She has been recognized as one of Time’s 30 Under 30 Changing the World and one of National Journal’s Most Influential Women in Washington Under 35.
Moderator
Dr. Matt Jacobs has served as Director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service since 2019. An associate professor of U.S. and international history, Jacobs earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina. Under his leadership, the Center continues its mission to prepare students for effective civic engagement, public leadership, and public service in local and international communities.
Sponsors
This program js presented in partnership with the UF Department of Political Science Political Campaigning Program, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education.
For an up-to-date list of panels and speakers, please visit our conference web page at this link.
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Climate Communications Summit: Trust, Connection and the Climate Story
2025-02-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Reitz Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Interested in helping tell the story of climate change?
This year, our annual summit will focus on building trust and connecting with communities with climate change communications.

The summit is free to attend, but RSVP is required. Click Here to RSVP.
Keynote Speaker: Benji Backer, “Making Climate Change Nonpartisan Again”
Panel: Vocabulary of Trust: New insights into words, language and climate change

Benji Backer, author of The Conservative Environmentalist and founder of the American Conservation Coalition, works to depoliticize climate change and unify audiences around shared values and concerns such as protecting the places we call home. In 2025 he will launch the Nature is Nonpartisan movement devoted to restoring America’s cross-partisan environmental legacy.
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The morning of Feb. 6, student journalists also have an opportunity to join a climate-reporting workshop and lunch alongside professional journalists with sessions covering extreme weather, meteorological data and more. Trainers include environment reporter Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times and climatologist Emily Powell of the Florida Climate Center. The workshop is free and open to professional and student journalists and communicators.
For more information, visit https://www.jou.ufl.edu/2025-climate-communications-summit/ or email Cynthia Barnett, clbarnett@jou.ufl.edu.

UF Gulf Scholars Medallion Orientation
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Looking to focus your studies on the Gulf region? Consider pursuing the UF Gulf Scholars Medallion. By completing the required coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and a Gulf Impact Project, you will be well-prepared to tackle some of the Gulf’s most pressing challenges, whether in graduate school or the workforce.
Enrollment for the medallion program is now open, and students from all majors are encouraged to sign up. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your experience fits your personal and professional goals after graduation.
Join this virtual orientation to connect with the Gulf Scholars team and fellow students. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the program requirements and pathways, as well as learn how to track your progress to make the most of your Gulf Scholars journey.
RSVP at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Medallion Orientation
