In May, the University of Florida honored members of The Gator Nation® (alumni, faculty, staff and students) who have had substantial impact on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and/or justice efforts within their local communities, industry or at UF.
The inaugural LeaDErshIp Awards program featured awardees among five categories: volunteer service, industry achievement, young alumni, philanthropic support and university community.
This year, two EduGator alumni were honored in the Volunteer/Community Service Category:
Adrienne Garcia (M.Ed. ‘70, Ed.S. ‘71, Ed.D. ‘78), executive director of the Hillsborough Community College FoundationIn, was recognized for raising private donations for scholarships, particularly for Hispanic and African American students.
Delphine Jackson (B.A. ‘71, Ed.S. ‘73, M.Ed. ‘75), a retired high school guidance counselor, was recognized for helping to open the Institute of Black Culture, serving as president of both the Black Students Union and the Association of Black Alumni. Jackson was also the first black female president of the UFAA in 2001.
The Volunteer/Community Service award recognizes alumni who have noteworthy and distinctive DEI-related civic or cultural achievements within their local, regional, state or UF communities.
Visit the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer Marsha McGriff for more information about ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at UF.
