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You cannot effectively move forward without looking back and reflecting on the past. Founded in 1946 amid the complexities of the post-war era, our college made its debut at the same time as the transistor, the defibrillator, Tupperware and so many other modern conveniences that have shifted the way we live. The college was the nation’s first of its kind — focused on physical education, health, recreation and athletics.
While our name, departments and programs have evolved and grown over the years, the college continues today to be focused on advancing how we live, work and play. While addiction and Parkinson’s disease existed 75 years ago, we’re now able to name these issues and focus on them with great urgency along with challenges like COVID-19, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sustainable recreation and tourism.
In fact, the college grew out of an academic division focused on hygiene and health — created following the Spanish flu outbreak in 1918. In 1946, that division was transformed into our college. It has evolved and changed over the past three quarters of a century. But our roots are deep and we remain committed to advancing human wellness, equipping students for their future and translating academic findings to improve lives. READ MORE
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Stacy Cutrono says her experiences at HHP still impact her today and allowed her to realize that health and fitness are for everyone. “UF [and HHP] taught me to dream big. I want to change the way the world views fitness and wellness.” She and her husband have established a scholarship at HHP to help students have a chance at the same experiences. Cutrono plans to build it into an endowment, so it will be self-sustaining. “I want more alumni to realize how easy it is to give back,” she said.
David Sobelman’s time at HHP was one of the most influential periods of his life. Sobelman’s affinity for UF led his family’s foundation to establish the Wellspring Foundation Award, which recognizes a current UF student who has made substantial and outstanding contributions toward fostering diversity, inclusion and intercultural engagement both on campus and in the Gainesville community.
Andrew Walker, BSHSE '81, is the health and wellness director of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA). He enjoys traveling and working with seniors at the games and engaging with people in the community. Walker ran track at UF and loves watching the track events at the games. He has always been interested in health and wellness, so HHP was the natural choice for his college career.
Stacy Cutrono says her experiences at HHP still impact her today and allowed her to realize that health and fitness are for everyone. “UF [and HHP] taught me to dream big. I want to change the way the world views fitness and wellness.” She and her husband have established a scholarship at HHP to help students have a chance at the same experiences. Cutrono plans to build it into an endowment, so it will be self-sustaining. “I want more alumni to realize how easy it is to give back,” she said.
Help us celebrate the College of Health & Human Performance's 75th anniversary by making a planned gift that will strengthen our college and influence generations to come. When you make a planned gift, you become a member of the UF Legacy Society. Membership is one way UF is able to thank you during your lifetime.
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Additional anniversary stories will be shared throughout the year. Check back soon for details. Go HHP! Go Gators!