May 1, 2025 — There’s something in that first moment at the University of Florida College of Medicine, when humility, awe and excitement fill new students’ eyes and they step into their academic home for the next few years. And in the feeling of slipping on their white coats — one arm in, then the next — celebrating their triumph in the classroom and their eagerness to step forward into the clinic or lab. And in the jubilant cries of friends and family rejoicing as students cross the commencement stage, taking the last steps toward their diplomas and moving beyond with a new title and tender hope for the future.

For Meghan Carl, helping students create these core memories is her north star as event manager at the UF College of Medicine.

“My work is a bit different than most,” she said. “I can’t cure cancer like our students will one day, but my hope is for these experiences to last a lifetime, to be that ‘remember when’ moment they talk about years later.”

Carl has been with the College of Medicine for two and a half years and was recently promoted from event planner with the M.D. Office of Student Affairs to events manager, overseeing celebrations for both medical and physician assistant students. Supporting hundreds of future doctors and PAs from orientation through graduation is a fast-paced role rife with fun and collaboration, where Carl balances creativity, flexibility and problem-solving to make each milestone a positive, meaningful experience for the college family.

“The goal is to work as a unit and share resources, best practices and tips and tricks to host the best events possible for our deserving students,” she said.

Before joining the College of Medicine, Carl coordinated commencement celebrations for UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and served as an events planner with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, raising money for families in need who journeyed from all over Florida and the U.S. for critical care at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

“I love Gainesville, and I loved the people I worked with for Ronald McDonald House events to support families,” she said. “I was hoping I could stay connected with some of them. When a job at the UF College of Medicine came open in events, it just felt right. Now, I get to help celebrate all the milestones and achievements of our future Gator doctors and PAs who will one day be helping families in need, like those at Ronald McDonald House.”

Working with students is the perfect niche for Carl, who draws inspiration and energy from their dreams and ideas. One of her favorite projects so far was planning a surprise party with M.D. and PA students for the 40th teaching anniversary of beloved UF anatomy and physiology professor Kyle E. Rarey, Ph.D. Although outside of the normal events calendar, Rarey’s anniversary surprise was a special night that brought the college community together in honor of a Gator legend. The thunderous applause and cheer students felt that evening created a heartwarming, unforgettable moment that united and uplifted everyone’s spirits.

“Getting to know students and seeing them grow is so rewarding,” she said. “Just seeing their joy makes the hard days worth it. Here at the College of Medicine, there’s a path. I’m on it. And I feel like I am headed in the right direction to keep doing what I love, what I’m good at and grow with the college.”

On top of her normal responsibilities, Carl is working on attaining her Certified Meeting Professional credentials, a certification that recognizes those who demonstrate a high level of competence and knowledge in meeting and event planning.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, her Canadian and American family and her mini Australian shepherd, Gimli. In her spare time, she can be found running an online book club, growing out her hair to donate to children with hair loss and exploring Florida’s many beautiful springs, beaches and rivers.