{"id":22165,"date":"2024-11-06T12:10:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T17:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/?p=22165"},"modified":"2026-03-06T19:05:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T19:05:25","slug":"scholarship-and-awards-dinner-2024-a-celebration-of-philanthropy-and-student-achievements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/2024\/11\/06\/scholarship-and-awards-dinner-2024-a-celebration-of-philanthropy-and-student-achievements\/","title":{"rendered":"Scholarship and Awards Dinner 2024: a celebration of philanthropy and student achievements"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]The banquet hall foyer buzzed with anticipation as guests greeted each other with hugs and handshakes. A student is heard introducing himself to the donor who supports his scholarship. An alumna catches up with her professor from decades past.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert and Alberta meandered through the gathering crowd, posing for countless photos \u2013 the most popular Gators in the room among hundreds of UF students, alumni, faculty, and donors assembled for the College of Education\u2019s 21st annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The dinner provides a unique opportunity for scholarship and award recipients to be recognized among generations of Edugators, including many of the benefactors who share their passion for education. This year, more than 150 students benefited from 82 scholarships \u2013 the most scholarships of any college at UF.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese scholarships reduce financial barriers and ensure that the next generation of educators can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and making the world a better place,\u201d Dean Glenn Good said as he addressed the state of the college. \u201cNone of this work happens in isolation. It takes all of us \u2013 faculty, students, donors, and community partners \u2013 working together to advance teaching and learning.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Albert and Alberta pose with event attendees<\/p>\n

Christine Wusylko<\/p>\n

Lelydeyvis Boza<\/p>\n

Heidi Keigan<\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Research Award \u2013 Christine Wusylko<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christine Wusylko, a doctoral student in the educational technology program<\/a>, has established a research agenda related to designing, developing, and studying technology-enhanced curricular interventions to support STEM learning and online literacy, embodying the college\u2019s mission to solve critical educational problems through collaborative generation and use of knowledge. Christine\u2019s intellectual curiosity, drive to help teachers and students, and aptitude to learn new research methods and skills help her contribute new knowledge and theory to multiple fields including educational technology, communications, and literacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Leadership Award \u2013 Lelydeyvis Boza<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lelydeyvis Boza is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in the educational leadership and policy program<\/a> and graduate of UF\u2019s education sciences<\/a> bachelor\u2019s degree program. An EduGator through and through, Lely is a dedicated scholar who has demonstrated significant leadership by mentoring new graduate students, engaging in faculty search processes, serving as President of SAGE, and serving in progressively higher roles within Miami-Dade School Board Member Luisa Santos\u2019s Student Fellowship in her local community of Miami.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Professional Practice Award \u2013 Heidi Keegan<\/strong><\/p>\n

Heidi Keegan is a student in the teachers, schools, and society doctoral program<\/a>. As an administrator in the state of Florida for the past 12 years, she is responsible for leading her staff to make the best decisions to enhance student learning and development. She has mentored aspiring school principals, served on multiple committees related to school administration, and has previously been recognized with the NAESP 2022 National Distinguished Principal Award.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dean Good then invited Anita Zucker (BA \u201872), alumna and namesake of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies (AZCEECS), to the stage, revealing that she was being recognized with the Dean\u2019s Excellence Award. Zucker, a featured speaker of the evening, was delighted by the dean\u2019s surprise acknowledgment and went on to deliver a compelling speech centered around hard work and resilience, highlighting personal stories of her family life and the transformative power of education.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is through education that we equip the next generation to heal the world,\u201d Zucker explained, \u201cby building bridges, by creating understanding, and by ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The audience enjoyed engaging speeches from several others, including Kelsly Chatraw, Dahlia Fabregat, and Julie Brown, the chosen undergraduate, graduate, and professorship speakers, respectively. The college also recognized dozens of undergraduate and graduate students for their scholarships, along with the following professorship recipients:<\/span><\/p>\n