Tom Benton, MD ’85, shows his Gator pride at the UF College of Medicine Alumni Reunion’s tailgate party. Photo by Maria Belen Farias

UF College of Medicine graduates shared memories, cheered on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and toured the growing campus during this year’s 2011 Alumni Weekend, held Sept. 9-11.

“We spent so much time together— it’s like we’re brothers and sisters.”

Alan Siegel, MD ’86

More than 250 alumni and their guests attended the weekend-long event, which featured lectures, campus tours, a reunion dinner, Gator game day activities and breakfast with the deans and faculty. It was a special year for members of the class of 1961, which celebrated its 50th reunion, while the class of 1986 reunited for its 25th anniversary.

“We were a little young to be the greatest generation, but our class … they just don’t make them like that anymore.”

Sheldon Sbar, MD ’61

UF College of Medicine Dean Michael L. Good presented the Dean’s Award for Humanitarian Service to father and son graduates, John F. Lovejoy Jr., MD ’66, and John F. Lovejoy III, MD ’01, for their service in Haiti. Photo by Maria Belen Farias

At Friday night’s reunion dinner, Michael L. Good, MD, dean of the College of Medicine, presented the Dean’s Award for Humanitarian Service to father and son graduates John F. Lovejoy Jr., MD ‘66, and John F. Lovejoy III, MD ’01, for their work in Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit the island in January 2010.

“You are part of our legacy and our greatness,” Good told the roomful of alumni. “We thank you for coming back this weekend, so we can celebrate you and all your accomplishments.”