UNF Heart Walk 2026
Join the UNF Heart Walk Team on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. in beautiful downtown Jacksonville to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and support lifesaving research.
Welcome Message from Interim President Angela Falconetti
"At the University of North Florida, we are committed to fostering a culture of well-being, service, and community. The American Heart Association First Coast Heart Walk provides an opportunity for Ospreys to come together in support of a cause that touches so many lives. I invite our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to join Team UNF in the 2026 First Coast Heart Walk as we raise awareness, promote heart health, and support lifesaving research and education.
Whether you walk in honor of a loved one, for your own health, or to support our community, every step makes a difference. Together, we can demonstrate the strength of the Osprey community and our shared commitment to creating a healthier future for Northeast Florida."
-Dr. Angela Falconetti, Interim President of the University of North Florida
Join the UNF Heart Walk Team
Be part of the movement! Click the link to register under Team UNF and take your first step toward making an impact. Fundraising isn’t requested, only your participation.
Link to participate coming soon
About the American Heart Association (AHA)
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA funds innovative research, advocates for stronger public health policies, and provides vital resources for prevention and education.
For over a century, the AHA has led the charge against the world’s No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death—heart disease and stroke—improving outcomes for millions.
What Is the Heart Walk?
The First Coast Heart Walk, hosted by the American Heart Association, is a community-wide event aimed at raising funds and awareness for cardiovascular health. It’s a celebration of life, perseverance, and the promise of a healthier future.
Whether you walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, your involvement makes a difference.
Steering Committee
This leadership team is guiding our campus-wide efforts to mobilize support, promote wellness, and show the heart of UNF.
Steering Committee members are committed to engaging their campus communities and building momentum for a successful Heart Walk showing.
Honorary Chair: Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti
Chair: Dr. Julie Merten 
Amelia Dyal 
Dr. Lorraine Beach 
Dr. Adrienne Lerner
Nick Morrow
George Boston
UNF Participants
We’re proud of our growing list of Ospreys who have committed to walk, volunteer, and raise awareness.
| Participants |
|---|
| Aaron Brunner |
| Alexandra Bennett |
| Alice DeLeon |
| Allison Moody |
| Ally Tween |
| Alya Limayem |
| Amanda Slater |
| Ameera Ayubi |
| Amelia Dyal |
| Ana Diaz Trochez |
| Andres Granados |
| Annabella Steele |
| Anne-Marie Campbell |
| April Mattedi |
| Ashley Muench-Epstein |
| Ashley Ballard |
| Brandon Knuckley |
| Brian Levy |
| Brooks Antretter |
| Bryan Palka |
| Bryan Knuckley |
| Carissa Amoroso |
| Casey Knowles |
| Catrina Ashley |
| Chris Brochu |
| Chris Wrenn |
| Christian Baker |
| Christina Anderson |
| Christine Malek - Richard |
| Clarissa Fleurimond |
| Contessa Michalkiewicz |
| Courtney Chambers |
| Dabin Chen |
| Deb Miller |
|
Debbie Kochanowski |
|
Tina Stanton |
|
Trysten Pujol |
|
Wren Merten |
|
Yamiyah Israel-Rice |
|
Zainab Alsultan |
| Participants |
|---|
| Elizabeth Gregg |
| Elliana Corbett |
| Emily Batt |
| Erica Knuckley |
| Erin Byrd |
| Ernestine Baldwin |
| Gabriel Volz |
| George Boston |
| Glenda Kelsey |
| Hannah Boudreaux |
| Hannah Straughn |
| Hannah Sjostrom |
| Heather Muriello |
| Inga Meyer |
| Irena Jusic |
| Jason Jones |
| Jennifer Murray |
| Jess Overton |
| Jim Littleton |
| Joanna Lynn |
| Jodi Newton |
| Joe Stewart |
| Joseph Mantione |
| Julie Merten |
| K J |
| Karen Fieschko |
| Katherine Kanupp |
| Kayla Little |
| Kierra Barnett |
| Laila Johnson |
| Laura Boudreaux |
| Leah Muriel |
| Lisa Jurrens |
| Lori Rice |
| Lori Trifaro |
| Lorraine Beach |
| Lucy Hollins |
| Lynn Pinner |
| Madeline Mumford |
| Madelyn Moore |
| Madison Mastandrea |
| Participants |
|---|
| Maria Rea |
| Maria Hazzard |
| Marie Stephanie Sutton |
| Mary Kelli Palka |
| Mary Page Hebert |
| Megan Kuehner |
| Mei Zhao |
| Melissa Frank |
| Michael Antretter |
| Mike Binder |
| Miracle Deveaux |
| Miranda Dornford |
| Moez Limayem - Coach |
| Nancy Schubiger |
| Peter Magyari |
| Phin Byrd |
| Quaneisha Graham |
| Rachel Edmands |
| Raygan Knopp |
| Remi Byrd |
| Rezwana Chowdhury |
| Richmond Wynn |
| Rob Kochanowski |
| Rob and Suzanne Haley |
| Robert Mattedi |
| Robyn Blank |
| Ryan Dobbertien |
| Sara Brochu |
| Sara Limayem |
| Sarah Schechter |
| Sarah Boudreaux |
| Scott Solice |
| Sedekah Robinson |
| Shadia Blair |
| Sonja Martinez |
| Stephanie Castro |
| Stephanie Urbas |
| Steven McNally |
| Tammy Haight |
| Teresa Medrano |
Contact & Questions
For questions or to get more involved, contact:
Indira Willadsen, i.willadsen@unf.edu
Let’s show Jacksonville the power of the Osprey Nation. Together, we walk with heart.