UCF College of Sciences Hosts Annual Scholarship Dinner
Annual event acknowledges scholarship recipients across the College and the supporting donors
By: Sultana Ali | December 3, 2024
Recently, the College of Sciences celebrated more than 90 student scholarship recipients and the donors who support them. Austin Wilson, Manager of Public Affairs, emceed the event and welcomed guests.
Provost Michael D. Johnson provided remarks at the event, congratulating the students, and thanking the donors.
“Students, each of you has demonstrated remarkable dedication, resilience, and ambition in seeking to unleash your potential and pursue your dreams,” says Johnson. “We are also here to thank the generous donors who make our students’ scholarships possible. To each of you, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support not only helps ease the financial burden on these students, but it also sends a powerful message: that you believe in their potential and are invested in their success.”
Provost Michael D. Johnson speaks to the attendees about the students’ success and the donors’ generosity.
Teresa Dorman, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs for the College of Sciences, shared updates about the College of Sciences and reflected on the challenges facing students and the importance of their education.
“Students are experiencing immense change in today’s world and as one of the largest public universities in the U.S. (and as we are its largest College), we recognize that a diversity of learners from a range of backgrounds are coming from our community – into our classrooms,” says Dorman. “Our students are those who may be the first in their family to pursue a university education and UCF may be their first experience ever in higher education. They may be struggling financially or balancing taking care of family, parents, or other loved ones. They are students who may have learning disabilities or impairments or those who may have overcome significant personal obstacles and are now ready to pursue a university degree. We believe all students deserve the opportunity to be successful here at UCF and in the College of Sciences.”
Dhanya Nair, a member of the College of Sciences’ Dean’s Advisory Board, spoke to the opportunity available through a UCF education—inspiring her to support students through scholarships.
“I assure you that my story or the story of thousands of other students could not have happened anywhere else,” says Nair. “We often refer to ourselves as SpaceU. However, the lift is not just an aeronautical metaphor. Students from diverse backgrounds and challenging circumstances who face insurmountable odds, take flight into careers and a bright future from this campus.”
Don Bergquist graduated in 1984 from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in radio/television program and watched the university grow over the years. He spoke to his time at the university and how he is contributing back to the College.
“My experience at UCF left a lasting impression; it has taken me to places I never imagined,” says Bergquist. “This is why I chose to create an endowed scholarship fund—an investment that will continue to benefit students for years to come. And I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to consider doing the same.”
Leah Sudhir, a senior pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in global sociology, shared her unlikely journey and the power of receiving three scholarships to support her UCF education.
Leah Sudhir shares her remarkable story and gratitude for the scholarships she has received with the attendees.
“My first year at UCF was challenging for my family and me, having to pay for my tuition and expenses out of pocket, and working a part-time job was not enough money. I’m sure some of you may relate to that as well,” says Sudhir, “With these scholarships, I was able to pay for my tuition and other expenses, take internships with local news media outlets, and most of all, pursue my love for journalism without worrying about financial burdens.”
Rebecca Hallanan, a junior studying Biology at UCF, shared how receiving the Walter K. Taylor scholarship changed her life.
“This scholarship has done so much for me—affording me time to prioritize my classes as a biology student here at UCF rather than at work,” says Hallanan. “I will take this gift, and continue to give my all towards my education, passions, and working to make a difference for Florida’s wildlife.”