Hello Gators,

August is here, and with it comes one of our favorite times of year, students are back on campus, football season is kicking off, and UF AAA is starting a new chapter with a brand new board. It's a season of fresh starts all around, and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.

To new and returning students: welcome back, and we look forward to supporting all the amazing on-campus things you do. To our alumni: stay connected with us as we offer more opportunities to stay involved. And to our new board: we're so grateful for your energy and leadership as we head into 2026–2027.

Here's to a great year of Gator pride, in the classroom, on the field, and everywhere in between.

Go Gators! 🐊🏈

Want to get more involved? Lets Connect!

Upcoming Events

Welcome to the Gatorhood (Various locations)

Welcome to the Gatorhood events welcome Gators including recent graduates, new residents, recently admitted students, family, and friends to their new “Gatorhood” to build social and professional networks. The events are open to ALL Gators to celebrate and here welcome your new neighbors into your Gatorhoods!

Check out upcoming UF AAA Events

UFAA Beat Tees

BEAT Tees are officially open to ALL Gators, now through September 4th! Get your BEAT ‘Em SumrALL Tee, or get all three, including BEAT Oklahoma and BEAT South Carolina! As a bonus, you can direct all proceeds from your purchase to support UF Association of Asian Alumni student scholarships!

Purchase here (and select the Association of Asian Alumni)

July Recap

Mahjong Party with the New England Gator Club®

Mahjong is a classic tile game where players draw and discard to build winning hand combinations, equal parts strategy and social fun. It was a great afternoon of friendly competition and cross chapter connection, proving Gator Nation shows up wherever you are. Thanks to everyone who joined us, where should we play mahjong next? Let us know!

Alumni Spotlight

Phillip Cheng

This August, we are proud to spotlight Phillip Cheng, a distinguished 2011 University of Florida alumnus whose legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the UF Association of Asian Alumni. As the original visionary behind “The First 300” initiative and a former UF AAA Board President, Phillip’s leadership has been instrumental in building the vibrant, connected community we celebrate today.

A graduate with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Chinese, Phillip’s extensive campus impact—which included serving as President of the Asian American Student Union and earning induction into the UF Hall of Fame—exemplifies the enduring “Gator Spirit” he continues to foster.

From his work as an educator to his role as a storyteller and creator of the “When I Became a Gator” podcast, Phillip’s commitment to community-building and bridging generations of alumni remains an inspiration to us all.

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