{"id":34356,"date":"2025-04-03T10:33:56","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T14:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=34356"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:37:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:37:54","slug":"college-of-sciences-hosts-2025-distinguished-alumknight-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/college-of-sciences-hosts-2025-distinguished-alumknight-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"College of Sciences Hosts 2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notable Alumni are honored for their outstanding career achievements.\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By Emily Dougherty | April 3, 2025\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The UCF Knight mascot poses with flexed arms in front of a UCF-branded backdrop.\" class=\"wp-image-34357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-299x199.jpg 299w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5085-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The evening of March 27<sup>th<\/sup> was filled with joy, laughter, and community at the annual College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Awards, to recognize the College\u2019s most outstanding alumni.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kelsey Larsen, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs and Associate Director of UCF\u2019s Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, hosted the award ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis annual awards event recognizes our remarkable alumni who have achieved exceptional personal, professional, and philanthropic achievements in their respective areas of expertise,\u201d Larsen said to the attendees. \u201cThe awardees are excelling in life, and they bring immense pride to Knight nation.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI look forward to our Distinguished Alumni Awards each year because I\u2019m so incredibly proud of our students and our alumni,\u201d Tomova says. \u201cThe 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<s>,<\/s> and the communities they serve.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She shared how the College of Sciences\u2019 growth and success is supporting students on their journeys towards achievement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUCF 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\u2014increasing the number of students that complete their undergraduate education in four years, growing the number of doctoral degrees, and catalyzing research,\u201d Tomova says. \u201cOur strategic plan is helping shape the future aligned with three pillars: student success, research and innovation, and community and culture.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman speaks at a podium labeled UCF, while another woman in a purple outfit is seated on stage. Several awards are displayed on a table beside them.\" class=\"wp-image-34358 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-299x199.jpg 299w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5166-scaled.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Dean of the College of Sciences and Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, Maggy Tomova, addresses the audience, sharing her excitement for this year\u2019s awardees at the 2025 College of Sciences Distinguished Alumni Awards.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYour accomplishments inspire us and remind us of the incredible potential within our UCF community. The College of Sciences represents the very best of UCF,\u201d Pomonis says. \u201cYour contributions are making a significant impact on our students and faculty, and we are deeply grateful.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each award recipient during the evening was introduced by a special guest\u2014either a nominator, College representative, or a community member\u2014and presented with their award.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDr. 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,\u201d Wilson says. \u201cBeyond government service, Dr. Funderburke is a highly regarded educator and mentor, shaping the next generation of leaders.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Funderburke couldn\u2019t attend, he shared what this honor means to him.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is an incredible honor to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 UCF College of Sciences Distinguished AlumKnight Award for Social Sciences,\u201d Funderburke says. \u201cMy connection to UCF runs deep, from my graduation with a doctorate in Security Studies in 2019, to my son\u2019s graduation in 2022, and soon my daughter&#8217;s graduation next month. Our family is proud to be Knights, our blood truly runs black and gold.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the ceremony, a moment was also taken to honor <a href=\"https:\/\/communication.ucf.edu\/benefactors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tony and Sonja Nicholson<\/a>, with a thoughtful speech from friend and Nicholson School of Communication and Media Advisory Board Member, Kimberlee Strong.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A man in a wheelchair is posed with a woman and a person in a knight costume at an indoor event.\" class=\"wp-image-34359 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-299x199.jpeg 299w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/IMG_5146-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Tony and Sonja Nicholson with Knightro at the Distinguished AlumKnight Awards.<\/em>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Nicholsons are more than just a name,\u201d Strong says. \u201cThey are our supporters, our advisors, and most importantly, our friends.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHeather Fagan plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Mayor\u2019s 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,\u201d Ward says. \u201cFollowing the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, Heather led the City of Orlando\u2019s 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.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Nomina<\/em><em>tions for the <\/em><em>College of Sciences <\/em><em>Distinguished <\/em><em>Alum<\/em><em>Knight<\/em><em> Awards <\/em><em>open each Spring. <\/em><em>Read about all 2025 Distinguished Alum<\/em><em>Knights<\/em><em> below<\/em>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Winners<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Distinguished Young AlumKnight Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/7-1.png\" alt=\"Woman with long dark hair wearing a light-colored blazer against a gray background.\" class=\"wp-image-34361 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/7-1.png 288w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/7-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/7-1-144x144.png 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 288px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 288\/288;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Tamar Yuval Yishay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">B.S. Biology<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Distinguished Noble Knight Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"384\" height=\"384\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2.png\" alt=\"A person with curly hair and glasses smiles, wearing a black blazer and silver necklace, set against a neutral background.\" class=\"wp-image-34362 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 384px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 384\/384;width:294px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2.png 384w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2-299x299.png 299w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/2-144x144.png 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Gina Berko Solomon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">B.A. Political Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s a nonprofit professional who is making a big difference in Central Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Distinguished Social Sciences\u00a0AlumKnight Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/3.jpg\" alt=\"A person in a U.S. military dress uniform stands smiling, with an American flag and another flag in the background. The uniform features multiple insignia and ribbons.\" class=\"wp-image-34363 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 288px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 288\/288;width:322px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/3.jpg 288w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/3-144x144.jpg 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Joe Funderburke<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Ph.D. Security Studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Distinguished Physical Sciences AlumKnight\u00a0Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/4.png\" alt=\"A person with long dark hair wearing a plaid shirt and pearl earrings stands in front of a building with a circular emblem.\" class=\"wp-image-34364 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 288px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 288\/288;width:342px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/4.png 288w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/4-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/4-144x144.png 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Shengwei Xu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">M.S. Statistics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s Strategic Plan, providing insights to leaders, and is also passionate about giving back as a strong community advocate for expanding access to STEM fields. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Distinguished Natural Sciences AlumKnight\u00a0Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/5.png\" alt=\"Person wearing a blue lab coat stands in front of a microscope with arms crossed, smiling. &quot;Flammable&quot; sign visible in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-34365 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/5.png 288w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/5-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/5-144x144.png 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 288px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 288\/288;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Charles Richardson-Gongora<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">B.S. Forensic Science (Chemistry)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s College of Sciences Alumni Chapter and was previously recognized in UCF\u2019s 30 Under 30 Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Nicholson School of Communication and Media<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Hall of Fame&nbsp;Award<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/6.png\" alt=\"Person with short brown hair, wearing a purple top and pearl necklace, smiling outdoors with blurred cars and trees in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-34366 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 288px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 288\/288;width:314px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/6.png 288w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/6-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/04\/6-144x144.png 144w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Heather Fagan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">B.A. Advertising &amp; PR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Notable Alumni are honored for their outstanding career achievements.\u00a0 By Emily Dougherty | April 3, 2025\u00a0 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\u2019s most outstanding alumni.&nbsp; Kelsey Larsen, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics, Security, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":250,"featured_media":34370,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[31,20,3,34,38,5957,6,7,13,37,6525,16,6491,28],"tags":[170,376,3516],"class_list":["post-34356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni-news","category-psaclassnotes","category-awards","category-biology-departments","category-breaking-news","category-distinguished-alumni","category-events","category-forensic-science","category-news","category-communication","category-sdmss","category-political-science-departments","category-statistics-data-science","category-top-news","tag-alumni","tag-awards-2","tag-ucf-college-of-sciences"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>College of Sciences Hosts 2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards\u00a0 - College of Sciences News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/college-of-sciences-hosts-2025-distinguished-alumknight-awards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"College of Sciences Hosts 2025 Distinguished AlumKnight Awards\u00a0 - College of Sciences News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Notable Alumni are honored for their outstanding career achievements.\u00a0 By Emily Dougherty | April 3, 2025\u00a0 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\u2019s most outstanding alumni.&nbsp; 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