{"id":25243,"date":"2025-11-12T20:35:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T20:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/?p=25243"},"modified":"2026-03-05T18:07:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:07:24","slug":"celebrating-student-faculty-and-alumni-excellence-at-the-annual-scholarship-and-awards-dinner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/2025\/11\/12\/celebrating-student-faculty-and-alumni-excellence-at-the-annual-scholarship-and-awards-dinner\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Student, Faculty and Alumni Excellence at the Annual Scholarship & Awards Dinner"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The College of Education recently hosted the 22nd annual Scholarship and Award dinner. This dinner is a unique event where students, alumni, faculty and friends come together to recognize the outstanding achievements of EduGators.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Following a warm welcome from Education Dean Glenn Good, UF Interim President Donald Landry spoke about the college\u2019s successes contributions to the university\u2019s land-grant mission.<\/p>\n

“Education-enhancing initiatives emanate from this college across all 67 school districts and the state of Florida,\u201d Landry said. \u201cWe’re talking about a vast reach, a transformative reach across the state \u2014 this is the engine of education in the state of Florida.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/25-SAAD-097.jpg” alt=”Speaker in a dark pinstripe suit and red tie stands at a clear lectern with microphones, reading from a green folder, on a stage with potted palms and a \u201cCollege of Education\u201d backdrop showing a sketched building with a clock.” title_text=”25 SAAD-097″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Dean Good echoed President Landry\u2019s comments during the State of the College address. Highlighted achievements, interwoven among notes of gratitude, included the college\u2019s unmatched rise in rankings and research expenditures, as well as expansive educational innovations that support the entire state. He thanked the EduGator community in attendance for their collective contributions toward enhancing the college\u2019s excellence.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Dean-Good-SAAD-2025.jpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery one of you, whether you\u2019re students, faculty, donors or alumni, is making this success happen,\u201d Good said. \u201cIt would not happen without each and every one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

It was a night full of recognition and celebration. Three stalwart champions were announced as recipients of the Dean\u2019s Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to the college and the community. Larry Kubiak, Allen and Delores Lastinger accepted the awards for their vision, generosity, and dedication to elevating the college and advancing its mission.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Dean Glenn Good” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” portrait_width=”0px” portrait_height=”0px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]It’s my great honor to recognize three of our champions for advancing the college’s mission, strengthening education, and improving our communities.[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The dinner continued with Kristina Tyson, Valarie Taran and J\u00f3hanna Bjartmarsd\u00f3ttir being recognized by Dean Glenn Good and Associate Dean Elayne Col\u00f3n for outstanding undergraduate student awards. Dean Good and Associate Dean Col\u00f3n then awarded Thacher Loutin, Jennifer Parra and Minji Yun for being outstanding graduate students. The college also presented scholarships to 166 students and professorships to 19 faculty members.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/25-SAAD-kubiakjpg.jpg” alt=”Two people in suits hold a large framed award on stage in front of a UF College of Education banner and a blue line-art building backdrop, with a podium and palm plants to the left.” title_text=”25 SAAD kubiakjpg” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/25-SAAD-lastingers.jpg” alt=”Three people on stage at a UF College of Education event, with two of them holding a large framed award in front of a blue line-art campus backdrop; a podium with a microphone and potted palms are to the left.” title_text=”25 SAAD-lastingers” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”3px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”234.5px” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Early Childhood Education Program\u2019s Outstanding Undergraduate Student \u2013 Kristina Tyson<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kristina Tyson is currently pursuing her early childhood education<\/a> degree. She is motivated to make a lasting impact in her students’ lives and strives to help them discover their potential by fostering curiosity and creativity. Ultimately, Tyson plans to combine her love of learning, dedication and personal experiences to make a positive difference in her classroom and community.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Kristina_Tyson.jpg” title_text=”Kristina_Tyson” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Kristina Tyson<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Elementary Education\u2019s Outstanding Undergraduate Student \u2013 Valerie Taran<\/strong><\/p>\n

Valerie Taran recently graduated from her elementary education program<\/a> and is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction while teaching kindergarten at a public school in Gainesville. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on education in her classroom by using effective teaching practices.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Valerie_Taran.jpg” alt=”Portrait of a person with long wavy brown hair wearing a white knit sweater against a gray mottled studio backdrop.” title_text=”Valerie_Taran” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Valerie Taran<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|3px|auto||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Education Sciences\u2019 Outstanding Undergraduate Student\u2013 J\u00f3hanna Bjartmarsd\u00f3ttir<\/strong><\/p>\n

J\u00f3hanna Bjartmarsd\u00f3ttir recently graduated from her education sciences program<\/a> summa cum laude, having completed the University Scholars Program and a high honors thesis. She has a passion for instructional design and educational technology, with a mission to ensure every student has an equitable opportunity to receive an education. Bjartmarsd\u00f3ttir has published research on school\u2010based mental health literacy curricula and plans to continue her studies in health education and behavior at the graduate level.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Johanna_Bjartmarsdottir.jpg” alt=”Person with shoulder-length curly brown hair wearing a blue-green patterned top, standing in a softly lit room with tall windows, beige curtains, and red lounge chairs.” title_text=”Johanna_Bjartmarsdottir” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

J\u00f3hanna Bjartmarsd\u00f3ttir<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Outstanding Graduate Student Awards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|-3px|auto||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Leadership Award \u2013 Thacher Loutin<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thatcher Loutin is a third\u2010year Ph.D. student in curriculum and instruction<\/a>, researching language, dialect and voice in virtually relevant pedagogy. She has shown exceptional community-engaged leadership as an instructor and site coordinator for the Akwaaba Freedom School and was awarded the prestigious Ella Baker Overall Excellence Award. Loutin\u2019s other contributions include co\u2010authoring a peer\u2010reviewed article, publishing children\u2019s books, curating an exhibition and presenting at national and international conferences.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Thacher_Loutin.jpg” alt=”Person in a white blazer over a gray top, wearing layered pearl necklaces and drop pearl earrings, with hair styled in a braided updo, posed against a blue-gray studio backdrop.” title_text=”Thacher_Loutin” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Thacher Loutin<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|-1px|auto||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Professional Practice Award \u2013 Jennifer Parra<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jennifer Parra recently graduated from her Ed.D. program in special education<\/a> with a specialization in dyslexia with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently working for the College of Education as an adjunct lecturer for the Ed.D. program and is a coach for the UFLI dyslexia certificate program. Parra is committed to elevating the field of special education by supporting students and contributing to their success.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Jennifer_Parra.jpg” alt=”Person with short curly brown hair wearing a maroon T-shirt, indoors with leafy houseplants and warm lighting in the background.” title_text=”Jennifer_Parra” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Jennifer Parra<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Outstanding Graduate Research Award \u2013 Minji Yun<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minju Yun is a Ph.D. student in the science education program<\/a>, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Through her research and teaching, she connects theory and practice by broadening access to emerging STEM fields and creating conceptually rich learning experiences that prepare educators for meaningful science instruction.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/news\/files\/2025\/11\/Minji_Yun.jpg” alt=”Portrait of a person with chin-length dark hair wearing a dark blue button-down shirt, posed against a light gray studio background.” title_text=”Minji_Yun” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Minji Yun<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”347.3px” custom_margin=”|auto|1px|auto||” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Professorships<\/h3>\n

The college also recognized the following faculty with professorship awards:<\/p>\n