Prayer-goers wrap their arms around each other’s shoulders to start dancing in Turlington Plaza Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.

Alissa is the Fall 2025 editor-in-chief of The Alligator. She has previously been engagement managing editor and university editor, and she has covered stories across UF and Gainesville. She was also an intern at the Orlando Sentinel and The Chronicle of Higher Education. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her cat and take care of her plants.
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By Juleidi Machuca | 5:41pmDennis Pollard and his dog at the Read with a Dog program at Alachua County Millhopper Branch Library on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025.
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By Juleidi Machuca | 5:41pmColleen Tobin and Eddie at the Read with a Dog program at Alachua County Millhopper Branch Library on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025.
Ryan O'Hara
By Courtesy of UAA Communications | 1:18pmQuarterbacks coach Ryan O'Hara during the Gators' practice on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Sanders football practice fields in Gainesville, FL