Gainesville, FL June 4, 2026 – Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, a senior living community with more than 450 residents, has met criteria to be recognized as a Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC)™, the highest category among more than 85 University Retirement Communities (URCs) nationwide. A link to the Oak Hammock page on the UBRC website can be found here: Oak Hammock recognized by UBRC
The Certification program was launched in 2024 by UniversityRetirementCommunities.com, the nation’s largest directory and information resource for senior living communities with connection to a host university or college. Oak Hammock is among the first “Certified UBRCs™” in the nation, along with Mirabella at ASU in Tempe, Arizona and The Woodlands at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.
“As universities and colleges prepare to celebrate commencement’s nationwide, we are incredibly proud to graduate to ‘Best in Class’ status,” stated Kevin Ahmadi, President and CEO at Oak Hammock. “We are truly honored by our long partnership with the University of Florida in creating the active, intellectually stimulating and intergenerational environment unique to University Retirement Communities.”
“With the rapid growth of URCs in the U.S. it was imperative to bring both structure and a trusted resource to the sector, in particular, recognizing communities representing the highest level of programmatic, operational and cultural integration with an academic institution,” stated Andrew Carle, Founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com.
Carle created the UniversityRetirementCommunities.com certification program to recognize university retirement communities so individuals and families who are looking for academically focused communities for older adults would have a valuable, trusted resource. Certification criteria for communities include the proximity of the community to the campus, documented resident-to-university and student-to-community programs, a continuum of senior living services, a large the percent of residents who are alumni or retired university faculty or staff and a strong relationship between the community and university which supports long-term operational success.
Opened in 2004, Oak Hammock is home to the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, or ILR. Through the ILR, residents enjoy lectures and presentations from university faculty across multiple disciplines offering robust curriculums through four semesters year-round.
Residents living at Oak Hammock benefit from proximity to UF with access to UF museums, performing arts centers, academic medical facilities and research institutes. They have opportunities to participate in research about senior health and aging, among other topics and to audit classes on the UF campus. On-site services offered by UF faculty, staff and students include primary medical care, veterinary care and volunteer programs. All residents receive a UF Gator One card, offering admission to a wide range of campus amenities. These include access to UF’s recreational facility at Lake Wauburg on Paynes Prairie, UF fitness centers and libraries, reduced rates at the UF golf course, perks at Florida Gators sporting events, access to special cultural events and class offerings across the university campus.
Many Oak Hammock residents have a personal connection to UF as alumni or retired faculty or staff. The community offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.
Oak Hammock also supports the community by offering student internships, employment and volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact Marketing and Communications Coordinator Anne Riker Garlington, at 352-548-1025 or agarlington@oakhammock.org