2024 Award Recipients
Partnership Initiative: UF Health Urgent Care Center – Eastside: UF Health Urgent Care Center – Eastside is a culmination of the efforts of UF Health, the City of Gainesville, and Alachua County to expand healthcare to areas previously underserved. By working alongside the residents in the area, this center represents a dedication to creating a healthier community and ensuring that medical resources meet people where they are. Open seven days a week with extended hours, east Gainesville residents can rely on this facility rather than driving far distances or relying on an emergency center. This center will make a difference in Gainesville and represents the beginning of a healthier, empowered future.
Community Member: Sherry Houston: Sherry Houston is the former CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida. Houston’s leadership featured a $3.4 million capital campaign to transform the vacant former Hope Lodge into a 50-room haven for families with children undergoing critical care at UF Health, a project that increased capacity by 40%. In addition to her time at the Ronald McDonald House, Houston has made an impact as president of both the Junior League of Gainesville and Sunrise Rotary Club. Houston has continually connected the Gainesville community and its visitors with the mission of UF and UF Health. Sherry Houston will soon begin her role as the Vice President of Advancement at Santa Fe College, where she will continue to champion her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
UF Faculty or Staff: Dr. Lily Elefteriadou: Dr. Elefteriadou, Director of the University of Florida Transportation Institute, has found the intersection of academia, the public sector, and private industry to solve critical transportation issues. Known for her work on the I-STREET living lab, this partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and City of Gainesville has been instrumental in developing, testing, and deploying transportation technology. Since 2016, this work has led to tailor-made solutions for Gainesville’s transportation needs. Dr. Elefteriadou’s leadership is responsible for the introduction of the autonomous shuttle, one of the first in the nation to operate as part of the public transit system. Her work impacts all areas of the community and campus, working towards efficient and effective transportation to keep Gators connected.
About the Award
The Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award was established in 2022 to celebrate the connections between the University of Florida and the Greater Gainesville area and highlight the achievements of those who collaborate for the mutual benefit of the campus and community.
Nominations are welcome for individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in strengthening relationships between the university and the community, regardless if they were representing the town or the gown.
Categories for nominations (Not all categories may be recognized each year):
- Government – agency or official
- Community member
- Business/Nonprofit
- UF Faculty/Staff
- Partnership initiative – between UF and external entity
- Innovation Award
- Legacy award – lifetime achievement
Nominations:
Nominations are welcome annually between October 1 and November 1. Self-nominations will be accepted. Scroll down for the nomination form.
About Dr. Win Phillips
Dr. Phillips spent 35 years building and maintaining the University of Florida’s relationships with local governments and businesses. He created the path that transforms UF research into successful business ventures. This continues to spur economic development in Gainesville and is responsible for the impactful Innovation District. In 2014, he was presented “The Guy Who Made It All Happen” award at the UF Technology Showcase to mark his game-changing creation of the UF technology licensing program and the development of what is now UF Innovate and the larger community-based Innovation District. It was noted that his work helped bridge the gap between UF and the business community and that the technology innovation focus in our community would not have happened without him. In addition, Dr. Phillips was honored with the Legacy Award by the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce for his many years of service in multiple roles with that organization.
