College of Health and Human Performance

Congrats, #UFHHPgrad Fall Class of 2020!

Congrats, #UFHHPgrad Fall Class of 2020!

December 21, 2020

The University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance (UF HHP) celebrated seven Ph.D., 49 master’s and 110 bachelor’s degree recipients on Saturday, December 19 at 3 p.m. through a virtual commencement hosted online (hhp.ufl.edu/celebrate2020).

Dean Michael Reid, Ph.D., presided over the ceremony recognizing the graduates in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology; Health Education and Behavior; Sport Management; and Tourism, Event and Recreation Management. Degrees were conferred by Dean Reid and Christopher Janelle, Ph.D., associate dean for academic and student affairs, during the ceremony.

Christian Taylor, BSSPM ’19

Alumnus Christian Taylor, BSSPM '19, a two-time Olympic champion and American triple jumper, addressed graduates. Mr. Taylor is a track and field star in the triple jump, long jump and 400-meter dash. His personal best triple-jump of 18.21-meters (59 feet, 8.75 inches) ranks second on the all-time best list. 

Mr. Taylor was recruited to UF in 2009 and won his first national title just months after moving to Gainesville. Mr. Taylor won the triple jump gold at the NCAA Indoor Championships, captured both the indoor and outdoor NCAA National Championship titles in 2010 and capped his collegiate career with a win at the 2011 USATF Outdoor Championships. One of his greatest achievements was not in his solo competitions, but helping the Gators secure the team title at the 2010 and 2011 NCAA indoor Championships – a first in track and field for UF.

In 2018, Mr. Taylor returned to the College of Health & Human Performance to resume his college studies online. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management in 2019 while also securing his fourth world title in Doha, Qatar. This June, Mr. Taylor plans to compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics Trials in the hopes of retaining his standing in the men's triple jump.

Read more about Mr. Taylor in the 2020 Performance Magazine >


Monique Willis Long, BSHE ’20

Monique Willis Long, BSHE '20, delivered remarks on behalf of the fall class of 2020. Ms. Willis Long graduated cum laude with a specialization in community health promotion. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership & Success and Honor Society member. Ms. Willis Long is also a proud mom of four and grandmother of one.

The ceremony is posted online at hhp.ufl.edu/celebrate2020 and will remain archived online. Programs have been mailed to graduates.

Graduates and guests are encouraged to post and share photos, messages and offer congratulations using the #UFHHPgrad and #UFgrad hashtags, as well as to tag UF HHP on Instagram (@UFHHP) and Twitter (@UF_HHP).

The University of Florida is committed to providing every graduate an opportunity to participate in a future in-person ceremony. The make-up ceremonies are scheduled to take place on May 6-9, 2021. Please note that these in-person make-up ceremonies will only occur if the threat of COVID-19 is overcome through the widespread administration of a vaccine. Further postponements may be necessary. Graduates and guests are encouraged to plan accordingly, building as much flexibility as possible into travel arrangements and lodging reservations. Details, including a registration form for 2020 graduates, will be available in mid-December at commencement.ufl.edu.

Visit hhp.ufl.edu/celebrate2020 to join the celebration for our fall graduates >

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