Fall Alumni Reception on the Davie Campus
Monday, Oct 13, 2025
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Alumni and Community Engagement team, hosted its Fall Alumni Reception on Thursday, October 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Student Union on the Davie campus. The event brought together alumni, faculty, staff and students for an evening of connection and reflection.
The program featured several speakers, including two-time alumna, Rachel Huerta ’07, ’11, who serves on the Florida Atlantic Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. In her remarks, she noted that the caring philosophy she learned as a student continues to guide her as Owner and Nurse Practitioner of Direct Primary Care of Boca. She also explained that membership in the Alumni Association directly supports student scholarships.
Dr. Marvalee Gilbert-Harris ’99, Chair of the Nursing Professionals Alumni Network, described how caring, defined by the college, motivated her to pursue nursing and remain active as an alumna. “It was the support of the faculty and their genuine compassion of knowing what students needed to succeed that has brought me back as an alumna to support the next generation of nursing professionals,” she explained.
Dr. Ashley Rivera ’19, Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing’s Davie campus, shared her journey of discovery that led to obtaining her Ph.D. at Florida Atlantic. From student to alumna to faculty member, she expressed how rewarding it is to teach at Florida Atlantic.
Carlos Valladares, an Accelerated BSN student, extended his gratitude to the alumni, faculty, and Dean Cameron Duncan for providing opportunities to achieve his goals. “Once I’m graduated, I plan to stay connected as an active alumnus,” he added.
Dean Duncan emphasized the powerful role of alumni in student success, encouraging them to help seniors as they prepare for final exams and graduation.
For information about future alumni events or joining the network, please visit our Nursing Alumni Network portal or email inquiries to nuralumni@health.fau.edu.
View photos of the event.