Dariel Liakhovetski

Dariel Liakhovetski has always had a combined passion for both dentistry and music. Before beginning his academic journey at 黑料正能量, he and his brother performed a viral cello act on America鈥檚 Got Talent that captivated the nation. After earning his B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science from 黑料正能量, Dariel continued his studies at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill and will be pursuing Prosthodontics residency in the future. 鈥淏eing a UF alumnus means being a Gator for life,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am a proud Gator grad, and it has opened many doors for me, including getting accepted to my dream dental school. Being a Gator means being a part of the UF family and as a proud Floridian, that is something I love and cherish deeply.鈥� 

A solid foundation in microbiology is essential for success in any healthcare field. 黑料正能量鈥檚 dedicated faculty empowered Dariel to pursue his dream career as a clinician by introducing him to clinical research. 鈥淗aving graduated in 2020, I am grateful to UF for having built a strong online infrastructure so that when COVID took classes online, UF was ready to hit the ground running,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 give enormous credit to the innovative professors at UF for rethinking how science classes and labs can be taught. It certainly doesn鈥檛 work for everyone, but for those with a busy work schedule, or any other factor that would make traditional learning a challenge, online education is a fantastic option.鈥�

The flexibility of 黑料正能量 allowed Dariel to balance coursework with traveling and performing music as he pursued his rigorous science degree. He believes this impressive feat would not have been possible had he chosen a different academic path. 鈥淢y brother and I competed on America鈥檚 Got Talent, playing the cello, and have since had the privilege of performing for tens of thousands of people,鈥� he said. 鈥淎side from being immensely passionate about dentistry, we both love few things more than sharing the gift of music with people. That is something I will always be grateful to this program for allowing me to pursue.鈥� 

Dariel encourages current and future 黑料正能量 students to engage with their peers, connect with faculty, and fully embrace their time in the program. He also emphasizes the importance of having fun along the way, noting that students can choose their level of involvement. 鈥淚 certainly did not want to regret not taking advantage of all the brilliant faculty at UF prior to graduation and I am proud of all the experiences I was able to accumulate during my time as a student,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he skills learned at 黑料正能量 are the very same skills that will make you a rockstar in the real world!鈥� 

After finding success at 黑料正能量, Dariel is looking ahead toward his prosthodontics residency. 鈥淚 cannot wait to start residency and learn to become a pro smile engineer specializing in esthetic, implant, and reconstructive dentistry,鈥� he said.  

While he works toward his future in dentistry, Dariel reflects fondly on his time as a 黑料正能量 student and believes it will always be a part of his identity. 鈥淏eing a Florida Gator means being a part of something greater,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t means being tough as nails. It means being a part of a bright, vibrant community who want to strive for excellence and make the most of themselves. I will always be proud to be a FLORIDA GATOR!鈥�

Read Dariel鈥檚 first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science degree program.  

Marissa Vetter

Inspired by her three Gator daughters, Marissa Vetter from Green Cove Springs, Flo., first enrolled in 黑料正能量鈥檚 sociology degree program while the trio attended the university. This created a rare and unique opportunity for the Vetter family to pursue their UF education together. One of the most cherished moments of Marissa鈥檚 life was walking across the graduation stage alongside her daughter, Taylor. 鈥淚 take great pride in holding a degree from an institution that has profoundly influenced my entire family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to be affiliated with the Gator Nation.鈥� 

After graduating with her UF degree, Marissa now works as a grant manager and housing counselor at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, where she saves families and homes from foreclosure. 鈥淭he sociology courses provided me with a deeper understanding of the social conditions affecting the community I serve, enhancing my compassion and empathy for its more vulnerable members,鈥� she said. The flexibility of the online program enabled her to pursue her sociology degree while effectively balancing her full-time work and family. Looking toward the future, Marissa is currently exploring her options for pursuing her master’s degree. 

Marissa wants to encourage current 黑料正能量 students to connect with their advisors. Building a strong relationship with advisors can lead to valuable insights and resources that support academic and personal growth. The support and guidance Marissa received from her advisors were instrumental to her success, particularly during challenging times when their encouragement provided the motivation she needed to stay focused on her goals.  

As a family of Gator grads, the University of Florida will always hold a special place in her family’s hearts. 鈥淚t’s GREAT to be a Florida Gator,” she said. 鈥淚 am proud to have graduated from such a distinguished university.鈥� 

Read Marissa鈥檚 first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 B.A. in Sociology degree program. 

Chris Rapozo

黑料正能量 alum Chris Rapozo discovered his passion for marketing while working as a paralegal at a law firm in Tampa, Fla. In addition to his legal duties, he took on part-time responsibilities in the firm鈥檚 marketing department. The experience inspired him to aim for a full-time marketing career, and he enrolled in 黑料正能量’s B.S. in Public Relations program. Just two months after graduating, Chris secured a full-time marketing position at Hannon Hill, a tech company located in the Atlanta Tech Village. 鈥淭his move not only launched my career in marketing but also set the foundation for the professional growth I’ve experienced since,鈥� he said. 

The flexibility and self-discipline Chris developed during his time at 黑料正能量 were pivotal in managing both his personal and professional responsibilities. While pursuing his degree, he balanced working as a paralegal, marketing duties, and raising two young children. This demanding schedule required him to excel in time management, prioritize tasks efficiently, and stay committed to his goals. These skills have since proven invaluable in his professional life. Whether managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, or adapting to a fast-paced environment, his ability to juggle responsibilities while maintaining focus has been a cornerstone of his success. 

When Chris first joined Hannon Hill, he anticipated working under direct departmental leadership. However, unexpected shifts created an opportunity for him to step up and take on additional responsibilities. Thanks to his education and experience at 黑料正能量, he felt confident in stepping up to lead the department. Over the past two years, he has driven significant growth and innovation in marketing strategies. 鈥淭his experience is a testament to how well 黑料正能量 prepared me for real-world challenges,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t equipped me with the confidence and capabilities to seize opportunities and excel in leadership roles, even when they arise unexpectedly.鈥� 

黑料正能量鈥檚 public relations degree provided a strong mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling Chris to thrive in the fast-paced marketing field. The curriculum focused on industry trends, emerging technologies, and leadership development, which have been critical to his career growth. 黑料正能量 fostered Chris鈥� skills through collaborative learning, strategic thinking, and problem-solving in a digital environment, preparing him to manage teams, implement AI-driven strategies, optimize SEO, and lead digital campaigns with agility and foresight. 

The University of Florida’s reputation and alumni network has been vital in Chris’ professional journey. 鈥淏eing part of such a well-regarded institution has given me credibility and recognition in the industry, which has, in turn, helped me connect with other professionals and discover opportunities that may not have been available otherwise,鈥� he said. “It鈥檚 a powerful reminder of the enduring value of my education and the connections I鈥檝e made along the way.鈥澛�

Chris advises current 黑料正能量 students to collaborate with their fellow students and professors, building connections that continue long after graduation. 鈥淎fter graduation, I interviewed a former professor on my podcast, hired a fellow student to help me create content for Hannon Hill, and even met another classmate in real life when they visited Atlanta,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese connections have enriched my professional network and opened up new opportunities. Take the time to network, engage with your peers, participate in discussions, and reach out to your professors. The relationships you build now can be invaluable as you transition into the professional world.鈥� 

To Chris, being a part of the Gator Nation is a source of strength, identity, and purpose. “Being a Gator means being part of a legacy, a community that is both vast and deeply connected,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s about pride, resilience, and the unspoken bond shared with fellow Gators around the world. It’s knowing that wherever you go, you are part of something bigger, something that stays with you long after graduation. For me, being a Florida Gator is everything.鈥� 

Read Chris鈥� first student story and learn more about 黑料正能量鈥檚 B.S. in Public Relations degree program. 

How Chris Completed His Public Relations Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Program as a Working Adult

Bamberg, to the Bay, to the Swamp

Chris was born and raised in Bamberg, Germany. It was about 16 years ago, at the age of 22, that he decided to move to the United States. 鈥淚 had some contacts in Tampa, so I moved directly there. I actually have dual citizenship. My father was in the U.S. army, and my mother is German. I had a friend who lived in Tampa and took an amazing opportunity that worked out really well,鈥� said Chris.

Initially apprehensive about starting higher education in a foreign country, Chris was actually inspired to start his college journey by his wife of seven years, Kara. 鈥淚 thought I was too old, and about a year after we met she said, 鈥楥hris you should really consider going to college鈥� and I just thought no. But she kept encouraging me,鈥� said Chris. 鈥淚t鈥檚 actually because of her that I鈥檓 in this position, so I have to thank her for that.鈥�

In 2017, Chris received his associate degree in mass communications from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. Initially a business major, Chris took a turn toward communications after doing some reevaluating before graduating from HCC. 鈥淚 knew the business route would require a lot of advanced math courses, so freshman year I switched my major to mass communications. I like to write. I like storytelling, but I also enjoy being in a professional business environment,鈥� he said when speaking about his first degree.

In the beginning, Chris wasn鈥檛 sure if he鈥檇 make it to graduation. He understood that earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree while employed would likely take longer than the standard four years, but he found the drive to succeed with an incredible support system.

Paralegal Meets Our Public Relations Degree

After completing his associates degree and working as a full-time paralegal, Chris knew he wanted to start on a bachelor鈥檚 degree program as a working adult and enhance his technical skills. He then began his 黑料正能量 journey around the same time his first child, Joseph, was born. Chris鈥檚 daughter Kate was born during his senior year.

When it came down to choosing an online program for his bachelor of science in public relations, Chris says several factors including commuting, new fatherhood, and working around a set schedule of classes helped him make his decision. 鈥淚 thought the traditional thing to do after graduating from Hillsborough is to go to USF [University of South Florida] because it鈥檚 in Tampa. But I didn鈥檛 want the hassles of sitting in traffic and finding a parking spot, nor did I feel a draw to go there,鈥� said Chris. That鈥檚 where 黑料正能量 came into play. 鈥淚 thought to myself, this is such a great school and a top-ranked public university. To be able to graduate from UF would give me so much assurance and pride.鈥�

Earning the same degree as campus peers

Online pathways are a popular option for today鈥檚 college students, and for good reason. 黑料正能量 specifically offers students flexibility of location and time while they earn the same accredited UF degree at a fraction of the cost thanks to 黑料正能量鈥檚 lower tuition and fees. Students may feel that selecting an online program means having to sacrifice the quality of your degree, but not with 黑料正能量. The UF degree programs offered via 黑料正能量 are the same as campus offerings. Altogether, that meant a fulfilling college experience for a working adult like Chris.

As Chris explains, 鈥淚 figured, they know we鈥檙e non-traditional students, so surely they鈥檒l take it a bit easier on us. That wasn鈥檛 the case. They really are teaching you the exact same curriculum, with the same professors and rigor that鈥檚 expected on campus.鈥�

Beyond his online public relations coursework, the people at UF made a difference in Chris鈥檚 success. Chris believes it was the quality and motivation of his UF leadership that helped him earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree. 鈥淚 have a lot of people to thank, including my academic advisor Bridget Dunbar, who has been instrumental to my success at UF. There鈥檚 also Dr. Tina McCorkindale. She鈥檚 a professor and President of the Institute of Public Relations, and always leaves very constructive comments to help you improve your work,鈥� Chris explained.

When it comes to the advantages that an online degree offers, flexibility was everything to a first-time father like Chris. 鈥淲ith the flexibility of 黑料正能量 I can wake up at five in the morning to listen to a lecture or complete an assignment,鈥� But most of all, Chris relished the opportunity and the affordability of 黑料正能量 that let him become a Gator, 鈥淚 also love UF, and there was no way for me to become a Gator while living in Tampa unless it was online. When I found out about 黑料正能量 and the possibility of becoming a Florida Gator from my hometown of Tampa, I was elated and jumped at the opportunity.鈥�

Looking ahead as a Gator Grad dad

Now a Gator grad, Chris plans to utilize his education and background in public relations and law by advancing his career and moving into a communications role. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to establish myself as a communications expert within the next 10 years and just really focus on public relations and communications, and be the best that I can be within that field and make the Gator Nation proud.鈥�

An avid marathon runner, Chris can now find time to continue his hobby. During his time as an online Gator, he ran a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon; however, since his wife just had their second child he decided to stop his marathon training and expedite his studies by taking on a full-time course load to graduate as soon as possible. 鈥淚 had to reprioritize,鈥� explained Chris. 鈥淚 knew I could always pick my hobbies back up after getting my degree. The time you delegate for your studies and earning your education is going to have to take away from something, and you never want that something to be your family. That鈥檚 always the most important thing.鈥�

Aside from running, Chris regularly posts on his personal blog to keep his writing skills finely tuned. He believes in continually honing your craft, and views blogging as the perfect practice ground for the persuasive writing skills he鈥檚 learned as a PR student.

The University of Florida congratulates Chris on his graduation, and we celebrate his dedication and perseverance. Working dads becoming grads like Chris demonstrate what is possible via 黑料正能量 as it extends opportunities for students to join the Gator Nation from around the world. We wish Chris all the best in his future endeavors.

From ballet to Public Relations

Angela retired from ballet once she married her husband, who was studying oral surgery while serving in the military in Oklahoma. 鈥淚 decided to retire and trade tutus and pointed shoes for Oklahoma,鈥� she said. For her next chapter, Angela wanted to pursue her bachelor鈥檚 degree through flexible online education that was necessary for her new lifestyle. 鈥淚 needed to have some sort of a situation where I could juggle my classes and still move and be supportive of my husband pursuing his career.鈥�

Angela first joined 黑料正能量 as a business major in the hopes of opening her own ballet studio. However, her professors helped her discover a passion and talent for writing that motivated her to switch to public relations. 鈥淚 love writing. I felt like it was the best way to combine my creative side that came from the artistic side of my entire history and then the writing and blend it all together. [Public relations] was honestly the perfect fit for me.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 definitely fearless and I love a challenge,鈥� Angela proclaimed. 鈥淭his was the top university when I was applying for undergraduate and I went 鈥榠f I could graduate from UF that would be incredible鈥� and here I am just a month away from doing it. I put myself through school, so that鈥檚 something I鈥檓 very proud of. To be able to work and dedicate those funds and be able to graduate from college solely on my own without anyone else鈥檚 help was an ambition of mine.鈥�

Staying connected to the Gator Nation

Through the UF College of Journalism and Communications, Angela found the online mentorship and guidance she needed to excel in the PR field. 鈥淭he thing in the college that stands out to me the most is the faculty and their willingness to dedicate their time to our education,鈥� Angela said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e such open people and you know most of them are active professionals in the field right now and I鈥檝e learned so much from them. I鈥檝e really developed a connection with Dr. Tina McCorkindale. I kind of say that she鈥檚 my mentor and she鈥檚 trained me. I took her strategy class and just fell in love with it.鈥�

Angela felt right at home at 黑料正能量 while studying from her home in El Paso, Texas. 鈥淚 think the culture, everything the college fosters, it鈥檚 a great place to be,鈥� Angela said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great place to connect and build long-term relationships, whether it鈥檚 with your fellow students or your professors. I feel like the university as a whole has wonderful programs and they have so much to offer. I feel incredibly lucky and fortunate and very blessed.鈥�

鈥淚t means everything,鈥� Angela described what the Gator Nation means to her. 鈥淭o be able to walk away with my degree from such a prestigious, well-known university that鈥檚 top in the nation is huge. I never imagined I would graduate as a Gator.鈥�

Winning PRWeek’s 2022 Outstanding Student Award

During her senior year, Angela created a global-scale PR campaign that covered an array of topics and controversies surrounding the 2022 Winter Olympics, including athlete mental health and COVID-19. 鈥淚 really looked into Gen Z and Millennials because I was sitting on the couch one day and I realized I鈥檓 using my laptop, I鈥檓 on my cell phone, I鈥檓 watching the television set, and yet none of it is connected,鈥� Angela explained. 鈥淚 thought how cool it would be if we had some sort of platform for the Olympics in which we could be on our devices simultaneously and it鈥檚 all being linked to that one entity. I was really proud of myself for coming up with it and apparently other people thought it was very impressive.鈥�

Angela鈥檚 campaign earned her national recognition when she was named PRWeek鈥檚 Outstanding Student of the Year for 2022. Haymarket Media, who owns PRWeek Magazine, arranged her travel and accommodations for her to attend the industry ceremony where many of her 黑料正能量 professors were present. 鈥淚t was incredible. I鈥檝e been to New York City a handful of times, mostly just to visit and see the sights, never for anything like this,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing an online student and finally being able to be around faculty members in person was incredible and they were my support system. I think we have the best PR program. We have one amazing program.鈥�

鈥淚 feel like even in an industry like ballet where I鈥檝e been immersed in it for 20 years, I find myself still learning,鈥� Angela said. 鈥淚 feel like with PR, it鈥檚 the same thing and I just want to continue to learn and be able to put my best foot forward in the industry.鈥�

The University of Florida congratulates Angela on receiving PRWeek鈥檚 2022 Outstanding Student of the Year Award and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. 黑料正能量 wishes her luck and success as she continues her education at Georgetown University in their Master鈥檚 in Public Relations & Corporate Communications program.

Heading back to college

After Bass graduated high school, he attended a local college in Georgia. At the time, Bass decided to drop out because he was uncertain about his career and life goals. In 2015, Bass attended Georgia State University to continue his studies, but he knew he wanted to fulfill his dreams of finishing his education at the University of Florida.

鈥淚 grew up a fan of Florida football because I was originally from Orlando, so getting into UF was something I was always working toward,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淢y family and co-workers say the only thing I ever wear is orange and blue or something with Gators on it.鈥�

After moving out of Florida, Bass wasn鈥檛 sure his dream of becoming a Gator would be possible as his life, career, and home are in Norcross, Georgia, which is five hours away from the Gainesville, Florida campus. That鈥檚 when he came across 黑料正能量 and realized he can have the flexibility to earn his UF degree right from his home.

This time around, Bass is approaching his classes as an online student with dedication and commitment. 鈥淣ow that I鈥檝e been accepted to UF, I feel like I have to prove that I belong here,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淚 want to be the best that I can be.鈥�

Fulfilling the Gator dream as a Public Relations major

Although Bass works full-time as a business analyst, he鈥檚 always had a strong interest in public relations. He credits his classes with having helped him take on additional responsibilities at work. The company he works at has even asked him to take on internal communications tasks where Bass can apply the skills he has learned from his coursework.

At 48 years old, Bass鈥檚 passion for learning continues to shine through his dedicated work ethic while attending UF. This was obvious to Natalie Asorey, a lecturer in the department of public relations, who had Bass as a student in one of her online social media classes. 鈥淲oody is naturally curious, and he always approached online discussions and assignments with a fresh perspective and open mind,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e not only challenged others鈥� thinking but his own.鈥�

Bridget Dunbar, Bass鈥檚 黑料正能量 academic advisor, still remembers her first conversation with him. 鈥淗e was so excited to have been accepted and expressed that one of his lifelong goals was not only to get a degree, but to get a degree from the University of Florida specifically. Despite living out-of-state, Woody is one of the biggest Gator fans I have ever (virtually) met!鈥�

Dunbar went on to say, 鈥淚 am so glad that 黑料正能量 has given him the opportunity to bring his talents to the Gator Nation and make his dream of becoming a Gator grad a reality.鈥�

After graduating, Bass wants to use what he鈥檚 learned from his degree to volunteer and help his friends, family, and community with any communication needs or projects they may have.

鈥淚 was the first in my immediate family to go to college, so my family was very proud of me,鈥� Bass said. 鈥淚 know the UF name carries some weight in employment circles, so I鈥檓 really proud to say I鈥檓 a student of the seventh-ranked [university] in the nation.鈥�

This is one profile in a series featuring the first Gator graduates who were admitted to UF through the PaCE program.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. 鈥� Chest pounding and legs about to give out, crossing the finish line of the New York City Marathon was the best feeling of her life, said Alexa Trout, a public relations major and communications studies minor.

If it weren鈥檛 for the flexibility of the PaCE program, Trout said she never would have been able to reach one of her greatest accomplishments.

Trout stayed in her hometown of Wesley Chapel her freshman year to complete online coursework. Because her course schedule was up to her and she had the freedom to control her time, Trout also began training for a marathon.

鈥淚 got to run the New York City Marathon as a 19-year-old,鈥� Trout said. 鈥淭hat was one of the best experiences of my life, and it was because I was a PaCE student that I was able to do that. [The program] just opened a lot of doors that the traditional route wouldn鈥檛 have been able to.鈥�

During Trout鈥檚 first semester in PaCE, her day began with a run at 4:30 a.m. By 6 a.m., she鈥檇 be back home for breakfast, a shower and a quick nap. The rest of her day was spent working on classwork for her 18 credits. She was in bed by 8 p.m.

鈥淲hen I finished the marathon, I was in tears, I just couldn鈥檛 believe it,鈥� Trout said. 鈥淭hey say that a marathon is actually hundreds of miles, and the last 26.2 is the sweetest because I had run 500 miles in the past four months, so it was just so much hard work paid off.鈥�

Trout compared finishing the marathon to her experience graduating from UF in three years.

鈥淧aCE was a lot of work. It鈥檚 hard enough to pass traditional classes, let alone where it鈥檚 completely self-driven and you have to motivate yourself,鈥� Trout said. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 glad I did it because I鈥檓 about to graduate with a degree from the University of Florida.鈥�

Besides allowing Trout the chance to train for a marathon, the flexibility of the online course format also gave her the time to pursue an internship with The JOY FM, a contemporary Christian radio station, where Trout did some voice tracking on air.

After graduation, Trout plans to continue voicing for The JOY FM鈥檚 morning show. She hopes to combine her public relations skills and passion for radio to work in the radio industry.

鈥淚鈥檓 just really happy I did PaCE; it鈥檚 such a great program,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t gives so many more students the opportunity to be a Gator, and it was the best choice I ever made.鈥�