Launch into IA

Kick off your journey as an Innovation Academy Gator at Launch into IA, our official convocation celebrating the start of the academic year and welcoming all new IA students to the University of Florida!

• Doors open at 8:30 AM — come early for a great seat!
  
• Family and friends are welcome.
  
• Attendance is mandatory for all first-year IA students.
  
• Business professional attire required.

At the event, you’ll:

• Be officially welcomed by UF Interim President Donald W. Landry and meet your college deans as you take the UF Honor Pledge.
  
• Connect with IA faculty, advisors, and your incoming cohort. This is your first opportunity to meet classmates and begin building your IA community.
  
• Hear from Student Government leaders, an IA sophomore who will share their experience, and keynote speaker Rob Jones, Marine veteran, Paralympian, and leadership trainer.
  
• Receive exclusive IA items such as free merchandise, curated swag bags, and enjoy light refreshments for attendees.

Keynote Speaker: Rob Jones

Retired U.S. Marine and Leadership Instructor at Echelon Front

Upon his retirement from the Marines, Rob was forced to adapt to a new way of being a leader. To do this, he turned to the world of sports. In 2012, he competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England, bringing home a bronze medal in rowing. In 2013, he became the first double above-knee amputee to ride a bicycle across the United States, riding 5,181 miles from Bar Harbor, Maine to Camp Pendleton, California. In 2017, he ran 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days in 31 different cities.

Throughout this journey, Rob has relied upon the principles taught at Echelon Front to turn the darkest moment of his life into a life of impact—more meaningful than he ever could have expected. Rob now brings his experience to Echelon Front to help teams of people take Extreme Ownership and overcome the challenges they face in business and in life.