FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear friends of Beyond120,
As I reflect on the progress of our program, I am inspired by the convergence of efforts that have shaped our present and future. The past academic year has been one of renewal and growth for Beyond120, marked by a shared purpose: to educate and empower students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to explore and succeed in meaningful careers and lives.
Stepping into the role of director in October 2023, I have had the privilege of helping build on the strong foundation we inherited while shaping a vision that aims to transform experiential learning within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
While we know our roadmap for the next academic year is ambitious, we believe in the transformative power of our work and the value of a liberal arts and sciences education. Our ambitions have been buoyed by a recent infusion of strategic investment and generous financial support. This has fueled both an expansion of our team and the establishment of a new dedicated space on campus, set to open its doors in 2025.
Our faculty and staff framework has blossomed to include pivotal new roles, enriching our collective expertise and enabling us to cater more effectively to the diverse needs of our students. I invite you to meet our new team and celebrate the fresh perspectives they bring (pgs. 10-11).
Beyond120’s upcoming relocation to Keene-Flint Hall signifies more than a change of scenery; it is a reinvention of our capacity to inspire and support our students in an environment tailored for innovative learning (pg. 13).
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our mission. As we stand at the cusp of new possibilities, I extend a promise that we’ll light the way for our students, sparking a legacy of support for the dreams that drive us all.
Warmly, Taylor Stokes Director, Beyond120
PILLARS OF PROGRESS
Success begins with a unified vision. We’re dedicated to creating a foundation for growth, empowering students to succeed in their world. Our mission rests on five key pillars that guide each decision we make in Beyond120
CAREER READINESS:
Skill-building for a value-aligned career and life.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACCESS:
Access to career-cohesive opportunities.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS:
Sustainable, beneficial industry and community partnerships.
INTEGRATION & COLLABORATION:
Establishing experiential learning as a standard across the college.
BRAND IDENTITY:
A recognized resource hub for transformative CLAS experiences.
Workplace & Regional Excursions
The Beyond120 program’s expansion of both single-day and multiple-day excursions significantly enhanced the experiential learning landscape for students in 20232024. Direct access to potential employers gave students the opportunity to network, serving as a stepping stone to secure internships and job placements. For many students, these experiences offered a clear view of their future careers, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their paths.
Touring facilities and engaging with staff provided our students with rare glimpses into organizational cultures across industries and interacting with UF alumni offered both inspiration and valuable advice. The overall impact of these experiences is profound, offering students not only advanced career preparation but also the confidence and connections to pursue their goals.
WASHINGTON, DC 23 Students
ATLANTA, GA
19 Students
In partnership with the Bob Graham Center, provide insights into policy and government affairs
Introduce students to the corporate world
Following their participation in the Atlanta excursion, 75% OF PARTICIPANTS “strongly agreed” that the experience enhanced their understanding of possible career paths.
JACKSONVILLE, FL
35 Students
GAINESVILLE, FL
14 Students
In partnership with the Department of Economics, immerse students in the region’s fintech industry
Expose pre-health students to local biotech and healthcare companies
TALLAHASSEE, FL
4 Students
Foster student advocacy with lawmakers at Gator Days
Internship Connections
This year, we enhanced the integration of our exceptional CLAS education with applied experience in professional settings through our internship programs. These opportunities help students sharpen their skills, expand their horizons, and cultivate valuable professional connections. By collaborating with us, our alumni and partners play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of Gators for impactful lives and careers. Here’s a look at our recent outcomes:
• We built over 30 internship partnerships, including 10 new ones across varied sectors, with eight partnerships exclusive for CLAS students.
• Our 11 co-curricular events, in collaboration with 12 partners, attracted over 250 student attendees. These events provide a platform for developing key professional skills and connecting with a network of established professionals.
• We provided over 150 personalized advising sessions to guide students toward their internship goals, and enrolled 75 students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Internship course.
Goals
» Strengthen and Expand Partnerships
» Increase Student Engagement at Events
» Tailor Advising Resources
» Enhance Online Presence
» Increase Scholarship Opportunities
Our goals are designed to amplify the impact of our diverse partnerships, including:
» VITAS Healthcare
» University Press of Florida
» United States Marshals Service
» Southern Legal Counsel
» Peaceful Paths
» North Florida Sewing Center
» Macquarie Group
» Federal Bureau of Investigation
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ANTHONY ESQUIVEL
Fourth-year Student, History and Economics
“ In March of 2024, I struggled to lock in an internship for the summer before my senior year. As a first-gen student in the pre-law track, I had to rely on the connections I made at UF, and when I thought I ran out of options, I remembered Beyond120. Their commitment to helping students with professional development was astounding via numerous workshops, which I enjoyed attending. I met with Dr. Aimée Bourassa as she assisted me with career planning and led me to my summer internship at NAIFA as a Member and Chapter Services Intern.
Dr. Bourassa and Beyond120 gave me the confidence to remain ambitious, which allowed me to acquire a long-term internship at one of Gainesville’s local law firms. Overall, I have met amazing colleagues at NAIFA, in an industry I did not expect to be a part of, and my time at the law firm will give me the proper foundation for what to expect regarding my future goals. During a difficult time, I turned to Beyond120, and they opened some doors I thought would have stayed closed.”
Global Engagement
This year, we’ve expanded our global footprint, offering students the chance to explore new cultures and expand their horizons. We hosted 85 incoming CLAS exchange students and sent 145 abroad on exchange adventures. Along the way, we set a record for global engagement post-pandemic and expanded our dedication to broaden students’ horizons. In summer 2024, our first cohort traveled to new exchange partners: Yonsei University (Seoul, South Korea); University College London (UK); and the University of Manchester (UK), spending a semester or an academic year abroad.
A group of 76 students returned to Ireland and London to collaborate with industry partners, and a few even worked with Irish senators. Thirty-three students ventured to Singapore to complete internships in diverse industries, ranging from computer science to international development. Meanwhile, 10 pre-health students returned to Oaxaca, Mexico where they shadowed local clinics and learned about the healthcare system there. We also introduced three new locations in Italy and Croatia, where 36 pre-health students observed surgeries and healthcare delivery firsthand.
Our community of global scholars grows
Students
EXPLORED NEW CORNERS OF THE GLOBE
LLEYTON BECK | Croatia
“While in Croatia I furthered my understanding of what it means to be a medical professional and compared the advantages and disadvantages of a different healthcare system. The people and memories I made while abroad have had a profound impact on my undergraduate experience here at UF; it was a trip I will never forget.”
Looking ahead, we’re excited to:
» Welcome a new global engagement lecturer
» Develop a research-based program in Europe
» Expand exchange networks
» Introduce new clinical shadowing locations in Italy
KYLIE COOLICAN | Ireland
“Participating in the Beyond120 UF in Ireland program has been eyeopening and extremely beneficial in helping me work towards my career goals. During my internship at Transparency International Ireland, I have been able to work on important projects such as drafting an impact report and fundraising communication materials, as well as brainstorming ideas for a social media campaign. Learning these new skills as well as general cultural awareness has allowed me to develop into a well-rounded future fundraising professional.”
CROATIA
OAXACA
Pre-Health Programs
The Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholars (PHS) program equips prehealth students with a diverse educational experience, blending a targeted pre-health curriculum with humanities and social sciences. It incorporates research, clinical experience, community service, and study abroad opportunities. The program’s holistic approach prepares students for the complex demands of healthcare professions, enhances core competencies essential for professional school admissions, and cultivates a dedication to lifelong service within the healthcare arena.
During the past academic year, the PHS program saw a robust participation of 189 Pre-Health Scholars. Among them, 48 actively participated in Pre-Health Scholar service groups, exemplifying our commitment to community engagement.
Now, we are excited to expand our offerings to include prelaw students, unifying these programs under a comprehensive preprofessional focus.
Looking forward, we aim to:
• Develop additional courses to reach and impact more students
• Enhance service group for deeper, more diverse service-learning experiences
• Expand program activities and events to offer more diversity and participation from professional students and faculty
• Promote student leadership and professional development
EMORY RANES ’24
UF’s First Morse Scholar Graduate
“ Becoming a Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholar and Morse Scholar significantly broadened my horizons with easily accessible opportunities that provided pivotal experience both in and outside the classroom. I joined the Pre-Health Scholars Service Groups and served the community of Gainesville throughout my time at UF; I made life-long friends in the process and gained invaluable leadership experience. I undertook an experiential learning internship with VITAS Healthcare as a Hospice Volunteer, which exposed me to a field of medicine that had never crossed my radar before. The experience was so enjoyable that I stayed on as a volunteer long past the end date of the internship.
As a Morse Scholar, there is a scholarship fund that can be used towards extracurriculars such as going abroad to Spain to shadow doctors. However, I utilized my funds to help with the MCAT preparation costs, which considerably lessened the burden of the MCAT itself. Lastly, I had access to the best advisors and mentors at UF throughout my entire undergraduate experience as a Morse Scholar. Their guidance gave me wonderful insights but also the freedom to choose my path. Ultimately, the Beyond120 family gave me the best academic and extra-curricular opportunities as an undergraduate student at UF.”
Undergraduate Research
This year, our commitment to building a vibrant undergraduate research community led to significant achievements and new initiatives, reinforcing our dedication to experiential learning. By expanding research opportunities across majors, we’ve encouraged students to engage in projects that develop their critical thinking and research skills. These opportunities are supported through various channels, including faculty mentorships, collaborations with external organizations, and participation in UF group research projects. We aim to match students with research experiences that complement their academic and career goals.
RESEARCH SCHOLARS
BMS SCIENCE SCHOLARS
The Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Science Scholars program saw the participation of five outstanding students who benefited from one-on-one mentoring and specialized workshop sessions, conducted with employees from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The program culminated in a poster presentation and a mentor visit to Gainesville, offering students a rare glimpse into realworld applications of their academic pursuits.
Alen Zacharia Physics, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Science Scholar
“I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the development of life-changing pharmaceuticals and make a meaningful difference in society. Ultimately, this opportunity will prepare me to address the forefront challenges of both pharmaceutical research and data analytics.”
CLAS SCHOLARS
A key asset for our academic community, the CLAS Scholars program enabled 25 students to collaborate with faculty on research. We provided comprehensive support including selection, orientation, and a series of workshops aimed at equipping these scholars with the tools and insights to excel.
Jacob Roman Anthropology, CLAS Scholars Program Project: Medical Anthropology in Tanzania
“Being a CLAS Scholar helped enable my medical anthropological research abroad in Tanzania. This research was incredibly transformative personally … At the same time, this was an incredible opportunity for professional development. As a pre-med who is also potentially interested in doing medical anthropological research professionally, this REU proved highly relevant to my future career path, as it was a rare opportunity for an undergrad to conduct hospital ethnographic research internationally.”
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS
This year, in partnership with the Center for Undergraduate Research, we selected and supported 50 talented individuals in the University Scholars program. Through one-on-one faculty mentorship and presentation opportunities, these students embarked on impactful journeys of exploration.
New this Fall! MICHELIN SCIENCE SCHOLARS
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Michelin Science Scholars program, developed in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry. It will offer a chance for students in chemistry, materials science, and engineering to engage in two semesters of intensive, faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
The program will culminate in scholars presenting their research outcomes directly to Michelin executives, alongside a tailored visit to a Michelin facility in South Carolina, bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.
MEET THE TEAM
“We go further if we go together. There’s nothing more meaningful than creating spaces that make a student’s transformation take place.”
— TAYLOR STOKES
Taylor Stokes Beyond120 Director
As Director of Beyond120, Taylor is committed to creating pathways for CLAS students to design a professional life that has meaning, purpose, and impact. She is fueled by her conviction that experiential learning is pivotal to personal growth. Prior to joining the Beyond120 team, she worked in areas spanning leadership development, community engagement, career services, and university-business partnerships, both in the U.S. and internationally. Taylor earned her doctorate in leadership education from UF in 2022. With expertise in athletics, service learning, international travel, and student success, Taylor operates Beyond120 on a holistic framework informed by her diverse skillset.
Aimée Bourassa Internship Coordinator, Lecturer
Aimée completed a doctorate in political science at Brown University, where she also designed and taught multidisciplinary courses. During this time, she developed a passion for supporting student academic, personal, and professional development by connecting scholarly discussions and skills with applied perspectives and experiences. At UF, Aimée coordinates the Beyond120 internship program and collaborates with several partners to create, promote, and increase access to rewarding internship opportunities. As a lecturer, she also helps develop and offer career readiness courses, experiences, and advising for undergraduate students across the college.
Robyn Clarke Experiential Learning and Career Advisor
As Beyond120’s experiential learning and career advisor, Robyn connects students with the proper Beyond120 resources to fit their individual goals and interests, while also offering career planning support. An alumn twice over from UF, Robyn holds a bachelor’s degree in sports media and a master’s in student personnel in higher education. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive space where students can be their true selves. With her personal experience as a young woman with cerebral palsy, Robyn is particularly passionate about serving students with disabilities.
Madelyn Diller Communications Manager
Maddie graduated from the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a degree in linguistics. After earning a master’s from the University of Central Florida and spending time at Pennsylvania State University, she is thrilled to join Beyond120 in a “full circle” moment. She brings diverse experiences in higher education, teacher education, and digital marketing, with expertise in student support services, intercultural communication, and digital communication strategies. This varied background gives her a robust understanding of the opportunities available to CLAS students. In her new role, Maddie looks forward to supporting students as they authentically share their stories and establishing Beyond120 as a leading voice in the field of experiential learning.
Left to right, Robyn Clarke, Chelsea McCall, Aimée Bourassa, Christine Richmond, Madelyn Diller, Christina Mattern, Charlie Fanning, Bobbi Knickerbocker, Brittany Grubbs-Hodges, Taylor Stokes.
Charlie Fanning
Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Lecturer
Charlie is responsible for undergraduate research instruction and programming. He collaborates across the college to expand local, national, and international research opportunities, advancing students’ research and career goals. He aims to bridge teaching and research with real-world problems, empowering students to succeed in the workforce and make positive changes in their communities. Charlie holds a doctorate in history from the University of Maryland, College Park, and worked in research positions in organized labor and the UN system. He also earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s from Florida Southern College.
Brittany Grubbs-Hodges
Assistant Director for Experiential Learning, Senior Lecturer
Brittany began her academic journey as a transfer student to the University of Central Florida. She went on to become a double Gator, earning a master’s degree in mass communications and a doctorate in higher education administration. Brittany is passionate about helping students navigate important milestones like graduate school admissions, securing internships, and finding full-time jobs. She organizes domestic and international excursions for students to immerse themselves in different industries and cultures. Her collaborations with corporate and internship providers, coupled with expertise in education, recruitment, and corporate communications, bring valuable perspectives in the quest to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Bobbi Knickerbocker
Pre-Professional, Senior Lecturer
Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Program, Director
Before joining UF in 2008, Bobbi built her career as a registered nurse and hospice chaplain. These roles endowed her with a deep empathy for patient care and an understanding of the healthcare industry’s complexities. Now, Bobbi is expanding her ability to empower both undergraduate and non-traditional pre-health students to also support pre-law students. With a pre-professional focus, Bobbi supports student development and helps them fulfill prerequisites or essential experiences for applying to professional graduate programs. She also designs specialized coursework for pre-professional undergraduate students. Bobbi continues to serve as director of the Pre-Health Post-Bac (PHPB) program, leveraging her extensive 38-year background in healthcare.
Christina Mattern Partnership and Employer Engagement Specialist
Christina’s primary role in Beyond120 is to bridge the gap between students and the professional world by establishing key industry partnerships. A proud double Gator, Christina earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a master’s in student personnel in higher education. She developed a strong foundation in student services through her roles in the Office of Admissions at both Santa Fe College and UF. This experience gave her a keen insight into student aspirations and the academic pathways that can lead to their fulfillment.
Chelsea McCall Administrative Specialist
Chelsea grew up in the Pacific Northwest and pursued an art degree at Whitworth University. Following graduation, she spent five years as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, where she gained valuable perspectives traveling the globe. She then transitioned to Oregon’s retail sector, where she enriched her customer service skills over fifteen years. Three years ago, Chelsea relocated to Florida to provide administrative support at UF’s Division of Student Life. In August, she joined the Beyond120 team and is excited to expand the program’s visibility and ensure experiential learning is accessible to all students.
Christine Richmond Associate Director, Senior Lecturer
Christine is excited to step into the Associate Director role and has been a vital part of Beyond120 since its inception. With extensive experience in developing and managing impactful programs, she leads by overseeing experiential learning opportunities. She also supports assessment and data collection. Passionate about education and travel, Christine engages with international programs and advocates for experiential learning. Inspired by her own study abroad experience in Tanzania during college, Christine understands the impact of learning outside the classroom. She finds joy in helping students discover their purpose and witnessing their “light bulb moments.”
MORE TO COME: A new Global Engagement Lecturer will soon reimagine how our students connect with the world. This expert will orchestrate personalized international experiences and lead strategic teaching, including a Global Pathways course. Stay tuned!
LOOKING AHEAD : Goals and Growth
The 2023-2024 year brought transition, change, and growth to the Beyond120 team. Considerable effort was invested in defining clear goals, metrics, and a strategic plan for the program. As we look ahead to the next year, Beyond120 is positioned to further intensify its role in cultivating a robust experiential learning ecosystem. We anticipate another landmark year for the Beyond120 program, characterized by innovation, excellence, and a resilient community that supports student ambitions beyond the classroom.
CAREER READINESS
INTEGRATION & COLLABORATION
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS BRAND IDENTITY
NEW SPACE: Opening in 2025
We are thrilled to announce that this year marks a significant milestone for Beyond120 as we transition into a new location within Keene-Flint Hall at the historic heart of campus. This move represents not only a physical change but a strategic enhancement of our ability to support our students more effectively. The new space is thoughtfully designed to transcend traditional learning environments.
The relocation enables us to enhance our offerings with state-of-the-art classrooms, including a dedicated Beyond120 teaching space for the first time. Recognizing the importance of informal learning and community building, the new headquarters will also feature a versatile student hangout spot. This area is envisioned as a hub for collaboration and the exchange of ideas outside the formal classroom setting. A dedicated engagement room will serve as a versatile venue for workshops, networking events, and connections.
“I’m excited to see how Beyond120 will continue to shape our students. Looking to the future, it’s clear that this program is the keystone for preparing our students for life beyond our halls. It’s about creating a culture where all students are encouraged to dream big, take risks, and construct their futures with confidence. We’re not just educating for the present — we’re equipping our students for a lifetime of impact.”
— MARY WATT Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Beyond120 thrives thanks to a generous community of donors, employers, partners, and friends. Their support enriches the experiences of our students, staff, faculty, and distinctive programs that define Beyond120
