The 1,000th Associate in Arts student graduated this month from Santa Fe College’s UF@SF Center, which includes Gator Engineering and Gator Design and Construction.  

The milestone comes 10 years after the first student completed their degree at the center, and the engineering and design and construction programs maintain an 88% and 90% graduation rate, respectively.  

“These achievements were accomplished by the effort of our students, the collaboration of our campus partners, and with above-and-beyond engagement by our advisors and staff, who are heavily involved in student recruitment, admission, placement, enrollment, registration, retention and graduation,” said Dr. Julie Crosby, manager of the UF@SF Center, in the press release. 

Gator Engineering at Santa Fe started in fall of 2013 with 32 students. By fall 2023, the cohort contained 228 students. In 2015, Gator Design and Construction at Santa Fe was launched with 25 students; and brought in 69 new students for fall 2023. 

The programs offer a pathway to continue their degree at UF after reaching goals in certain marks. 

“The graduation of the 1000th student underscores the success of the UF@SF Center in providing a transformative educational experience and preparing students for success in high-demand careers,” said Paul Broadie II, Santa Fe College President, in the press release.