Annie Wang - The Independent Florida Alligator

Courtesy to The Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS

Remembering Bob Graham: Former senator and Florida governor dies at 87

By Annie Wang | Apr. 22

Bob Graham’s enduring influence on UF is reflected in his advancement of environmental initiatives and his advocacy for public education — as well as having a playful and nurturing personality, according to those who knew him. The two-term Democratic Florida Governor, former United States Senator and UF alumnus died April 16 in Gainesville. He was 87.

Attendees walk past art displayed at Santa Fe College for the Spring Arts Festival on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Gabriella Aulisio

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe College hosts 52nd annual Spring Arts Festival

By Sara-James Ranta and Annie Wang | Apr. 15

Couples walked hand in hand and children sat on their parents’ shoulders as gusts of wind blew past, lending a reprieve from the hot sun. While they strolled past the art festival booths, wind chimes rang and live music played. Santa Fe College hosted its 52nd annual Spring Arts Festival April 13 and 14, which featured planetarium shows, a zoo booth and works from local artists.

A Tussock moth caterpillar crawls across UF campus on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Gabriella Aulisio

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Furry friends or dangerous foes? A look at the caterpillars swarming UF campus

By Annie Wang | Apr. 8

In Florida, there are three different species of tussock moth caterpillars: the fir tussock moth caterpillar, the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar and the definite tussock moth caterpillar. They have many shared characteristics, such as protruding hairs and spines, but can be visually distinguished by color.

Courtesy to The Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

Nelly to perform, speak at UF April 9

By Annie Wang | Mar. 31

As the academic year comes to a close, rapper Nelly is scheduled to speak and perform April 9 during a Student Government Productions and ACCENT Speakers Bureau event.

Emma Hayakawa

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

UF implements early action starting Fall ‘24

By Annie Wang | Mar. 21

UF will adopt an early action plan to the admission process, UF President Ben Sasse announced this morning.

Crowds gather at Bradenton Beach on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Madilyn Gemme

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Crime, trash and parties: How Florida residents feel about spring break

By Annie Wang | Mar. 18

As spring break kicked off, college students rushed to Florida beaches for a week of partying and relaxation. But the idyllic image of spring break fails to resonate with everyone. Beaches are left littered, crime spikes and excessive partying disrupts some students who are looking for a laid back beach day at home.

Kate McNamara

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

UF SG Senate begins elections for new leadership

By Annie Wang | Mar. 6

After over eight hours in the Senate Chambers, the UF SG Senate elected its new president and president pro-tempore Wednesday morning just before 4 a.m. following the Tuesday night meeting.

Kate McNamara

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Spring Student Government elections: A voter’s guide

By Annie Wang | Feb. 26

On Feb. 27 and 28, UF students will vote for 50 Student Senate seats and the positions of student body president, vice president and treasurer in the Spring 2024 Student Government elections.

Plaques are seen representing the National Pan-Hellenic Council on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

Ryan Friedenberg

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

The UF Divine Nine celebrates Black History Month

By Annie Wang | Feb. 19

The Divine Nine promote academic excellence for African American students on predominantly white campuses. It also provides them with a space to address pertinent issues within the Black community, said Ammir Thomas, vice president of Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Two bikes chained to the rack outside of Marston Science Library on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Gabriella Aulisio

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

UF students struggle with higher bike theft rates

By Annie Wang | Feb. 15

In 2023, the UF Police Department had 122 cases of registered bike theft. That’s 60% higher than the previous year, which saw 76 thefts. The numbers for registered cases in the preceding years were 76 in 2022, 84 in 2021, 130 in 2020 and 104 in 2019, even with the effects of COVID-19.