The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences honored approximately 60 graduating seniors at the Dean’s Medal Ceremony for going above and beyond in their pursuit of knowledge in liberal arts and sciences. The students, along with their friends and family, enjoyed a lovely banquet in the Auditorium. Every honoree received a Dean’s Medal and Dean Dave Richardson explained the significance and symbolism of the medal. A keynote address by UF alumni Samantha Sexton, currently the UF Director of Government Relations, followed the meal. Earning the Dean's Medal affirms that medal winners have not only undertaken a significant range of courses, but have acquired the range of skills and experiences valued by graduate and professional schools, organizations, employers, and communities.

Welcome, Future Gators! At the Second Look reception, about 100 students who have been accepted to UF College of Medicine came to the Harn to meet with current UF COM students, professors, and alumni. Even Albert the UF gator came in his medical coat! The event was a wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle. Students also heard from the Dean, who took the stage to speak of the college’s focus on humanism and its tremendous opportunities for academic and clinical partnerships and lifelong mentorships.

Hosted by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Extension Business Professionals Conference was a wonderful event in which Florida Agricultural Agents gathered for a delicious banquet and live music. Attendees began the evening touring the museum with docents, and enjoying hors d’oeuvres in the Promenade. The party then sat for dinner in the Auditorium, which was displaying artwork by numerous local artists. 

A delightful Gainesville native hosted her 50th birthday party, at the Harn Museum of Art, welcoming her friends and family to celebrate the best of life and love. The party began with champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the Galleria, then a delicious sit down dinner in the Promenade. After a mouthwatering meal, partygoers enjoyed coffee, cake, and dancing in the Galleria, alongside live music. As a perfect end to the celebration, everyone gathered on the Harn’s balcony to view fireworks and enjoy ice cream. 

Hosted by the African American History Project, the Samuel Proctor Oral History Symposium held their keynote address in the Harn Museum Promenade. Professor Curtis Austin gave a powerful lecture exploring the history, myths, and misconceptions about the Black Panther Party. The event united audience members, scholars, educators, and community organizers in order to discuss how to infuse African American history in classrooms, communities, and civic engagement. The evening ended with a beautiful dinner reception in the Camille Court Café. 

The annual “Bicuspid Ball” hosted by UF College of Dentistry was held at the Harn this year. The 2019 Hollywood theme brought everyone out dressed to impress! Friends and couples walked the red carpet with impeccable style. Inside, the fun didn’t stop with a photo booth, DJ and dance floor, delicious food provided by Classic Fare Catering, and an outdoor garden bar. The contemporary art gallery was open to guests and provided many more classy photo-ops. Maybe we should all consider dentistry school because the Bicuspid Ball is an event that no one wants to miss! 

The UF College of Law Admissions hosted the “Double Gator Reception” at the Harn this year. The double gators are those students who attend the Levin College of Law who also graduate from the University of Florida with their undergraduate degree. To kick off the evening, new admissions were warmly greeted by Dean Laura Rosenbury. This reception was full of smiles and laughter as old friends and new friends gathered. 

The Retired Faculty of the University of Florida holds a weekly lecture in the Harn Museum’s Chandler Auditorium each week during the fall and spring semester. It was a full house on February 6th when UF President Kent Fuchs came to speak on UF news, priorities, the future agenda. 

This January, the Harn Musuem held the UF Undergraduate Research Leadership Summit Reception. This intercollegiate summit was for leaders to discuss student-led initiatives that enhance the undergraduate research culture. The Harn was the perfect location for students from across the state to meet for a reception in the promenade followed by a keynote speaker in the auditorium. Many students visited the Harn for the first time and enjoyed the contemporary art gallery.

The UF Fullbright Lecture Committee and the UF International Center hosted “An Evening with Pam and Doug Soltis: Building, Using and Teaching the Tree of Life” here at the Harn. Pamela and Douglas Soltis are distinguished professors at the Florida Museum of Natural History. At this event they introduced their new book, The Great Tree of Life, and held a book signing for their guests. 

The Harn offers a unique space to hold your organization’s holiday party. We love how the UF Institute on Aging decorated with lights and festive colors!

The Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida held their 2018 Neurosurgery Residency Graduation at the Harn. Guests mingled in the galleria with drinks and hors d’oeuvres before an elegant banquet in the promenade. Congratulations to the two graduating surgeons and their families!  

The McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida held its 20th anniversary celebration this year at the Harn. The Institute is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and diverse neuroscience research centers. Family, friends, past employees and current came together with a spirit of gratitude for all that has been accomplished. The Harn Museum was thrilled to celebrate with the McKnight Institute as it reached this milestone!

In June, one of the things that we enjoy the most is the natural sunlight that fills the museum promenade as the sun sets late in the evening. This month, the UF Health Cancer Center hosted a reception for their Cancer Research Conference for Science Teachers in this space. Science teachers from all over the state of Florida came to Gainesville to connect with scientists, physicians, and UF students to engage in dialogue about community health and well-being. 

The Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association had their annual banquet for members at the Harn this year. The auditorium was the perfect space to have a beautiful dinner with presentations.