College of Sciences Hosts 2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards
Notable Alumni are honored for their outstanding career achievements.
By Emily Dougherty | April 3, 2025
The evening of March 27th was filled with joy, laughter, and community at the annual College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Awards, to recognize the College’s most outstanding alumni.
Kelsey Larsen, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs and Associate Director of UCF’s Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, hosted the award ceremony.
“This annual awards event recognizes our remarkable alumni who have achieved exceptional personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements in their respective areas of expertise,” Larsen said to the attendees. “The awardees are excelling in life, and they bring immense pride to Knight nation.”
Dean of the College of Sciences and Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Maggy Tomova, took to the stage to welcome attendees and congratulate the awardees.
“I look forward to our Distinguished Alumni Awards each year because I’m so incredibly proud of our students and our alumni,” Tomova says. “The awardees we recognize tonight are meeting adversity with courage, showing the innovative spirit that UCF is known for, and making a difference in the organizations where they work, and the communities they serve.”
She shared how the College of Sciences’ growth and success is supporting students on their journeys towards achievement.
“UCF is a university for the future. We are on the path to become a preeminent university in Florida. The College of Sciences is supporting that vision—increasing the number of students that complete their undergraduate education in four years, growing the number of doctoral degrees, and catalyzing research,” Tomova says. “Our strategic plan is helping shape the future aligned with three pillars: student success, research and innovation, and community and culture.”
Executive Director of the College of Sciences Advancement team, Anthony Pomonis, also addressed the room, sharing the importance of philanthropy and the positive outcomes for students in the College of Sciences.
“Your accomplishments inspire us and remind us of the incredible potential within our UCF community. The College of Sciences represents the very best of UCF,” Pomonis says. “Your contributions are making a significant impact on our students and faculty, and we are deeply grateful.”
Each award recipient during the evening was introduced by a special guest—either a nominator, College representative, or a community member—and presented with their award.
Bruce Wilson, director and professor in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs, presented the Distinguished Social Sciences AlumKnight Award to alumnus Joe Funderburke, which was accepted on his behalf by his West Point classmate, Leon Gantt.
“Dr. Joe Funderburke is 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. A West Point graduate and decorated Army Colonel, he has held pivotal roles in the White House, the Pentagon, U.S. Congress, and U.S. Special Operations Command, playing a key role in advancing U.S. national security interests worldwide,” Wilson says. “Beyond government service, Dr. Funderburke is a highly regarded educator and mentor, shaping the next generation of leaders.”
Although Funderburke couldn’t attend, he shared what this honor means to him.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 UCF College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Award for Social Sciences,” Funderburke says. “My connection to UCF runs deep, from my graduation with a doctorate in Security Studies in 2019, to my son’s graduation in 2022, and soon my daughter’s graduation next month. Our family is proud to be Knights, our blood truly runs black and gold.”
During the ceremony, a moment was also taken to honor Tony and Sonja Nicholson, with a thoughtful speech from friend and Nicholson School of Communication and Media Advisory Board Member, Kimberlee Strong.
“The Nicholsons are more than just a name,” Strong says. “They are our supporters, our advisors, and most importantly, our friends.”
She shares how the Nicholson School of Communications would not be where it is today without their generosity and support. The Nicholsons received a standing ovation from the room of UCF alumni, staff and faculty, and community members.
The evening concluded with a new inductee into the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame. Each year, this prestigious honor recognized the alumni who have made outstanding endeavors in the field of communications and media.
Heather Fagan, Chief of Staff to Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando, was presented her award by previous inductee, Dan Ward. He shares the impact Fagan has made during her career.
“Heather Fagan plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Mayor’s strategic vision for the city. She advises on innovative solutions to address emerging issues and drives city-wide projects, advocates for legislative priorities, and fosters community collaboration,” Ward says. “Following the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, Heather led the City of Orlando’s crisis communication response, which has been recognized across the country as a model for other local governments to follow. As a passionate strategic communicator, Heather conducts crisis communication training across the country through the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, providing guidance to government agencies on responding to emergencies.”
Fagan thanked the crowd of supporters, sharing her gratitude for her instructors during her time at UCF and sharing her Knight pride to this day.
Nominations for the College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Awards open each Spring. Read about all 2025 Distinguished AlumKnights below.
2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Winners
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 (M.S. Statistics) 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
Hall of Fame Award
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.