International Gator Day is a day when alumni and friends of the University of Florida come together to volunteer. Each year on the third Saturday of May, Gators worldwide join forces to volunteer in their communities.

group photograph
International Gator Day volunteers pose in front of the mound they cleared of invasive vegetation. Left to right, front row: Emily Baron, Chris Spiro, Chelsea Spiro, Noelle Casagrande, Marianne Graff, Jennifer Roberts; second row, Karen Walker, Tony Clark, Caryn Clark, Bebe Roosa; back row, Dale Wagner, Mark Chargois, Bill Turner, Richard Roosa, Brice Castillo, Brian O’Connell, Linda O’Connell, Tommy O’Connell. Photo by B. Marquardt.

Gator Clubs from Key West to New York to Seattle to Japan and beyond participate in this international day of service. This annual event enlists the strength and size of the Gator Nation to help organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, food banks, and clean-up/beautification projects.

On May 16, the Southwest Florida Gator Club helped clear invasive vegetation from the top and sides of Brown’s Mound at Pineland. Fifteen Gators joined Bill Marquardt, Karen Walker, Mark Chargois, and RRC volunteer Dale Wagner for an intensive work day, greatly enhancing the appearance of the mound’s surface. Fun was had by all, and all took pride in the work that had been accomplished.

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 8, No. 2. June 2009.