UF Distinguished Alumnus
The UF Distinguished Alumnus Award stands among the University of Florida’s highest honors, celebrating graduates whose lives reflect excellence, leadership, and service. Presented through the Office of the President, this prestigious award recognizes those who have not only achieved distinction in their chosen fields, but who have also given back in meaningful ways to their alma mater. These remarkable individuals embody the very best of the Gator spirit, inspiring others through their accomplishments and lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Distinguished Alumnus
The UF Distinguished Alumnus Award stands among the University of Florida’s highest honors, celebrating graduates whose lives reflect excellence, leadership, and service. Presented through the Office of the President, this prestigious award recognizes those who have not only achieved distinction in their chosen fields, but who have also given back in meaningful ways to their alma mater. These remarkable individuals embody the very best of the Gator spirit, inspiring others through their accomplishments and lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Dr. Willis Holcombe
MED 1972, PhD 1974
Alumni Honoree (2014)
Mrs. Delores Lastinger
BSE ED 1965
Alumni Honoree (2012)
Governor Beverly Perdue
MED 1974, PHD 1976
Alumni Honoree (2011)
Mrs. Anita G. Zucker
BAE ED 1972
Alumni Honoree (2009)
Adrienne Garcia
MEd ‘70, EdS ‘71, EdD ‘78
Alumni Honoree (2023)
Larry Kubiak
EdS ’76, PhD ’87
Alumni Honoree (2022)
Mark Rosser
BAE 1979
Alumni Honoree (2020)
Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez
BA 1973, MED 1976, PhD 1978
Alumni Honoree (2018)
Dr. Henry Boekhoff
MED 1970, PhD 1978
Alumni Honoree (2016)
Dr. Renee Clift
BAE 1972
Alumni Honoree (2015)
Dr. Andy Horne
MED 1967
Alumni Honoree (2013)
The Dean’s Excellence Award
The Dean’s Excellence Award is presented to outstanding and distinguished members of the College of Education community. Chosen by the Dean, each awardee reflects the values and ideals that the College strives to uphold and advance. This honor recognizes exceptional dedication, impactful contributions, and a commitment to elevating the educational experience for students, colleagues, and the broader community. Award recipients embody the spirit of leadership, service, and excellence that defines the College of Education.
Larry Kubiak
Dr. Larry Kubiak received his M.Ed. and Ed.S. In Counselor Education in 1976 and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 1987. He worked as the Director of Psychological Services at the Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center for over 30 years. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni, spoke at the COE graduation and is a member of the UF Foundation.
Allen & Delores Lastinger
Allen Lastinger, a proud product of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School (1960), earned his B.A. in 1965 and M.B.A. in 1971, both from the University of Florida. His wife, Delores, graduated from UF in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Together they have grown a family of teachers and nurtured a lifelong devotion to learning.
In 2002 the couple founded the Lastinger Center for Learning in the College of Education to spark innovation in teaching across Florida. Through professional development and family-engagement programs the Center has touched thousands of educators and millions of students, a testament to the Lastingers’ relentless commitment to quality education.
Delores received the UF Distinguished Alumna Award in 2012 and Allen was honored as UF’s Citizen of the Year in 2018 by the Bob Graham Center. Today, Allen and Delores continue to serve as advisory board members for the Lastinger Center, championing the Center’s mission as the cornerstone of Florida’s educational excellence.