The Distinguished AlumKnight Awards celebrate extraordinary alumni whose lives and careers have had an outstanding contribution to Knight Nation and beyond.
About the Awards
Each year, the UCF College of Sciences honors a select group of alumni whose lives and careers reflect the university’s values of excellence, innovation, and service. Through their leadership, research, and community impact, these distinguished individuals embody the spirit of Knight Nation and the far-reaching aspirations of a UCF education.
Selected through a thoughtful nomination and review process, the honorees are recognized at the annual Distinguished AlumKnight Awards celebration—an inspiring evening that highlights the legacy and future of the College of Sciences.
2025 College of Sciences Distinguished Honorees
This year’s honorees exemplify UCF Knight Nation and the College of Sciences values through their contributions to their communities and beyond. Click here to read more about the honorees.
Distinguished Young AlumKnight Award
Tamar Yuval Yishay
B.S. Biology
Tamar Yuval Yishay is driven by a passion for biomedical research and its clinical applications and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. With a deep commitment to advancing neuroimmunology, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and medicine, integrating her expertise into clinical practice through medical school.
Distinguished Noble Knight Award
Gina Berko Solomon
B.A. Political Science
Gina Berko Solomon joined the Adult Literacy League of Central Florida in 2005, where she now serves as Executive Director. A former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer with an executive MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, she’s a nonprofit professional who is making a big difference in Central Florida.
Distinguished Social Sciences AlumKnight Award
Joe Funderburke
Ph.D. Security Studies
Joe Funderburke serves as a Senior Military Fellow at the Institute for National Strategic Studies and an Adjunct Professor at both Syracuse University and Georgetown University. He is a West Point graduate and a respected leader in national security, strategic policy, and crisis management, with over 25 years of experience shaping U.S. defense policy at the highest levels.
Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight Award
Shengwei Xu
M.S. Statistics
Shengwei Xu has served as the Research and Accountability Administrator for Seminole County Public Schools since 2012. She plays a pivotal role in monitoring and evaluating the District’s Strategic Plan, providing insights to leaders, and is also passionate about giving back as a strong community advocate for expanding access to STEM fields.
Distinguished Natural Sciences AlumKnight Award
Charles Richardson-Gongora
B.S. Forensic Science (Chemistry)
Charles Richardson-Gongora is a Senior Chemist at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as part of contractor-run chemical analysis laboratory in support of KSC Space Port operations. He serves as Past Chair of the UCF Alumni Association’s College of Sciences Alumni Chapter and was previously recognized in UCF’s 30 Under 30 Awards.
Nicholson School of Communication and Media
Heather Fagan
B.A. Advertising & PR
Heather Fagan serves as the Chief of Staff for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Mayor’s strategic vision for the city. Heather advises on innovative solutions to address emerging issues and drives city-wide projects, advocates for legislative priorities, and fosters community collaboration. She was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by FPRA Orlando Area Chapter.
Nominations
Nominations for the Distinguished AlumKnight Awards are accepted on an ongoing basis, with an annual deadline in the Spring. Nominations can be submitted online using the form linked below.
Nominations will open in early 2026Awards
Noble Knight: This award recognizes a living alumnus or alumna that demonstrates leadership service to our community. This award acknowledges contributions of time, talent, and resources that have significantly improved and amplified the joy, opportunities, and outcomes of others in our broader communities.
Young AlumKnight: This award honors a UCF alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through outstanding achievement in their personal, professional, or volunteer work. In addition to remarkable accomplishment, this award acknowledges an individual that has maintained direct and meaningful involvement with their alma mater since graduating.
Natural Sciences AlumKnight: This award celebrates a UCF alumnus or alumna that embodies the values of UCF College of Sciences through outstanding personal, professional, and volunteer achievements in the field of Biology or Chemistry.
Physical Sciences AlumKnight: This award celebrates a UCF alumnus or alumna that embodies the values of UCF College of Sciences through outstanding personal, professional, and volunteer achievements in the field of Physics, Statistics, or Mathematics.
Social Sciences AlumKnight: This award celebrates a UCF alumnus or alumna that embodies the values of UCF College of Sciences through outstanding personal, professional, and volunteer achievements in the field of Anthropology, Sociology, or Psychology
NSCM Hall of Fame AlumKnight: This award is presented to an alumna/us for major career accomplishments and contributions to the Nicholson School of Communication & Media (NSCM). Inductees include professionals from all communication majors within NSCM.
For any questions about nominations or awards, please contact Tracey Olaez, Asst. Director, Alumni Engagement College of Sciences at tracey.olaez@ucf.edu.