College of Sciences Celebrates Scholarships
By Julia Anderson
Cynthia Pesch, Emily Bader, Mindy Yang, Erin Barbeau and Michael Johnson
On Friday, September 23, the UCF College of Sciences held its fourth annual scholarship luncheon to honor its student recipients and the donors that make their scholarships possible. The Cape Florida ballroom in the University of Central Florida’s student union housed the 55 attendees – composed of students, donors, faculty and staff of the college.
Lisa Kauffman
The event is held annually to give students the opportunity to meet and have lunch with the people who fund their scholarships. This year, 45 students received a total of $61,050 toward the furthering of their education.
COS Director of Development Ray Allen opened the ceremony by thanking all of the donors and students for attending.
“This event offers a unique opportunity for us to acknowledge the achievements of the college’s most accomplished students and to recognize the continued support of the college’s most loyal donors,” Allen said.
COS Dean, Michael Johnson, Ph.D., then welcomed guests and provided an overview of the college’s most recent accomplishments.
Lisa Kauffman, a broadcast journalism and political science student, followed Dean Johnson. She received the Sonja Rose Nicholson Endowed Scholarship and the Margaret Gerow/Daniel J. May Communications Scholarship. Kauffman spoke at the event, sharing the impact scholarships have on students like herself.
“By recognizing our potential, you’re helping us recognize the potential within ourselves,” Kauffman said to the donors in the room. “You give us motivation and the confidence in our abilities to pursue our passion.”
Shirley and Art Sotloff
Following Kauffman’s speech, Art and Shirley Sotloff spoke at the event about their recently funded scholarship.
Art and Shirley Sotloff created the Steven Sotloff Memorial Endowed Fund in memory of their son Steven, a former UCF student who studied journalism. He was working as a journalist in Syria when he was captured and murdered by the Islamic State in 2014. The Sotloffs created the scholarship to aid other aspiring journalists. Senior journalism major Adam Manno was the inaugural recipient.
Associate Dean, Jana Jasinski, Ph.D., then acknowledged each scholarship recipient and donor by name as she called them to the front to take pictures.
In total, 36 scholarships were awarded to students throughout the departments and school of the college. Students and donors alike applauded Dean Johnson as he gave his closing remarks.
“Our donors have seen their wise investment and our students have been inspired by your generosity,” Johnson said. “I want to thank you for making this an afternoon to remember.”
To find out how you can make a contribution to the UCF College of Sciences click here.
