Mainstreet Daily News
The UF Alumni Association recently named 16 honorees to its inaugural class of Gator Nation LeaDErshIp (DEI) Award winners.
The DEI awards recognized alumni, students and UF employees who are championing diversity, equity, inclusion-related issues and social justice efforts in their communities, industries and on campus, according to a DEI press release.
This year’s honorees were chosen from a large pool of applicants representing dozens of companies, civic groups and UF academic and support departments. Honorees were recognized in one of five categories: volunteer service, industry achievement, young alumni, philanthropic support and university community. The DEI Leadership celebration took place at UF on May 20.
“These DEI leaders represent the best of us — women and men who put words into action for the greater good,” said Brian Danforth, executive director of the UF Alumni Association. “They’re on the frontlines creating opportunities, building bridges and tearing down walls. These 16 honorees, and thousands more Gators like them, truly are making the world a better place for all of us.”
- Industry Achievement
- Tonya Harris Cornelius
- Jessica Anderson
- Mahogani Chery
- Young Alumni
- Jonathan Lovitz
- Roy Broderick Jr.
- Alicia Williams
- Volunteer and Community Service
- Adrienne Garcia
- Delphine Jackson
- Rhonda Wilson
- Philanthropic Support
- Yolanda Cash Jackson
- University Community — Faculty and Staff
- Aysegul Gunduz
- Madeline Joseph
- University Community — Students
- Adania Flemming
- Adrienne Widener
- University Community — Departments and Organization
- Florida Cicerones
- UF Career Connections Center
This past year, UF received a No. 5 ranking in the most recent U.S. News and World Report’s list of public universities, along with being recognized with the No. 1 online bachelor’s degree program (UF Online) and having the state’s top-ranked medical school,
The UF Alumni Association is responsible for a network of nearly 100 Gator Clubs, is actively involved with the recruitment of superior students, and hosts outreach and on-campus programs to connect alumni with their alma mater.