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Alumni Recognition Award Recipients

Congratulations to all of our previous award recipients.

2025

2025 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Sam Inman ('88)

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of the University. To be nominated for this award, a University of North Florida graduate must have made significant contributions to his or her profession, community and/or society, and have consistently maintained the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of UNF.

This year’s recipient is Sam Inman (’88), the president and CEO for Community First Credit Union of Florida. He graduated from the UNF Coggin College of Business with his bachelor’s degree in business administration before entering the finance realm.

Inman has held various positions within CFCU since joining the organization in 1990. He started as assistant accounting manager before quickly becoming the institution’s first internal auditor. A couple years later, he was promoted to VP of Finance and then to Chief Financial Officer in 1997. He added on the title of Chief Risk Officer in 2016 before being named to his current role last fall.

Inman played an instrumental role in growing Community First’s assets from $156 million to now more than $2.8 billion. Among his successes, Inman led a 2016 planning process establishing a goal of becoming a $2 billion credit union by 2020, a goal that was achieved and surpassed. He is also credited with building the organization’s risk management function, aggressively expanding the ATM and branch network and growing the retail investment services program to over 5,000 clients and $400 million in assets under management. In his CFO role, Inman was responsible for ensuring the healthy financial condition and viability of the credit union, having developed and implemented long-term strategies, policies and operating objectives. As CRO, he was also responsible for assessing and mitigating risk, especially related to technology and cyber-attacks.

While a senior member of the executive team, Inman oversaw several departments including finance, accounting, investment and insurance, as well as credit card operations. He also served as chairman of the asset liability management committee, which is responsible for the overall financial condition of the credit union, new product development, loan and deposit pricing, monitoring risk to capital and developing marketing strategies for current or new select employee groups. Inman has also been responsible for guiding innovation and planning for the future of the financial services industry. He has led the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, the most radical and comprehensive branch redesign and renovation in the organization’s history, which seeks to align branches with modern banking.

Inman has more than 30 years of experience in the finance industry, including four years at Coastline Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville prior to joining Community First. He has served on the board of the Credit Union Executive Society’s Florida and is a member of the Credit Union Economic Group.

He also serves on the UNF Foundation Board, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida board and the UNF Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Advisory Council, and previously served on the board for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. Inman was a graduate of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2002, and was previously named an “Ultimate CEO” by the Jacksonville Business Journal.
2025 Young Alumni Achievement Award -- Rhianna Scyster ('17)

The Young Alumni Award is presented to a University of North Florida alum who has completed their degree within the last 10 years for their outstanding professional achievement, contributions to the community and exemplary service to the University.

This year’s recipient is Rhianna Scyster (’17), who graduated from the UNF College of Education and Human Services with a bachelor’s degree in special education and teaching while also serving as a student ambassador for the college.

Rhianna currently serves as the Community Equity and Policy Manager at 904WARD, a non-profit with a vision to “end systemic racism so all people thrive.” In her current role, Rhianna leads the organization’s policy and advocacy initiative, which is primarily focused on civic engagement, youth mental health, education disparities, economic justice, and juvenile justice.

In 2020, Rhianna was awarded the Nat Glover Policy Fellowship from Jacksonville University, where she earned her Master’s in Public Policy, with a research focus of disproportionate discipline of Black students in Florida’s schools. In 2021, she presented at the WJCT TEACH conference, where she provided insight on the intersection of equity and policy in education. Rhianna furthered her conference presentation skills by presenting at the National Education Association Conference on Racial and Social Justice in 2024.

She previously received the Alumni Achievement Award from the UNF Black Alumni Association for her contributions to the field of education, was a distinguished panelist for the 8th annual Black Mental Health Symposium, and most recently received the OneJax Humanitarian Acost-Rua Young Professional’s Award as the 6th recipient of this award in award history. In 2023, Rhianna founded the Jacksonville Policy Engagement Group (JPEG), a small group of public policy professionals dedicated to informing their local community on policy initiatives and activating all through dialogue and education.

Rhianna is honored to serve as a board member for The Sanctuary on 8th Street and a Board Service Fellow for Jacksonville Public Education Fund. Her elevated experiences, coupled with hands-on community service, have developed Rhianna’s expertise on the impact of empowering differences. She is dedicated to improving her community through social justice, policy advocacy, and servant leadership.
2025 Alumni Service Award -- Suzette Wilhelm ('99)

The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni of the University of North Florida who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service on a local, state, national or international level - including at UNF, through clubs or service organizations, or through other community involvement. Candidates must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of UNF.

This year’s recipient is Suzette (Gagnon) Wilhelm (’99), senior learning leader for Eduscape, Inc. She graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with her bachelor’s degree in community health before beginning her teaching journey.

After graduation, she became the middle school health teacher for Northwestern Middle School before leaving to teach science at San Jose Catholic School. In 2006, she started teaching at Christ the King Catholic School, where she stayed for 17 years. She spent five years developing the programs and educator training that allowed CTK to become the first STEM accredited Catholic grade school in Florida, achieving Platinum status for Duval County in 2021. CTK also earned Green Apple status and received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a Green Ribbon School for their practice of sustainability. Wilhelm also assisted in the development of UNF’s Summer Coding camps.

In 2018, Wilhelm completed a master’s in education from Adams State University with a focus on STEM Education. She also received a Leadership in STEM Education certificate through the NASA Endeavor STEM project. She served on the Project Learning Tree Steering Committee and helped create virtual training for the PLT programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has presented at many conferences, including the Future of Educational Technology, Root2Stem, the Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST) and the National Association for School-University Partnerships.

Although having recently retired from teaching, Wilhelm currently leads a team of professionals to develop a STEM Coordinator Certificate as part of a badging program at UNF. This course has become a state, national and soon-to-be internationally utilized for developing STEM leaders.
2025 Alumni-Owned Business Service Award -- David Main ('14)

The Alumni-Owned Business Service Award is presented to an alumni-owned business which has demonstrated continuing outstanding service to the University of North Florida and through other community involvement on a local, state, national or international level.

This year’s award goes to Main Made Studios. Located in Atlantic Beach, David Main’s (’14) alumni-owned business has been a full-service metal fabrication shop for almost nine years, crafting everything from custom metal signs to large-scale installations for many of your favorite Jacksonville businesses.

Originally from Naples, Main and a few high school friends wanted to get as far away from home while staying in the state, and the combination of beach and city life allured the gang to Jacksonville. After graduating from UNF, marrying a Jacksonville native, raising their three children and starting his own business, Main’s roots are dug deep in Duval.

Growing up, Main’s parents owned a marina deck in South Florida, but his interests always lied in the arts, focusing on photography before expanding into typography and branding. When he moved up to North Florida, he enrolled in the UNF Graphic Design program. To earn money as an undergrad, he was bartending at TacoLu and tinkering with some welding projects at home in his spare time. While taking ceramics and sculpture classes, he loved the hands-on nature and thought “this is more my speed,” and pivoted his concentration. For his senior showcase, he welcomed Ospreys to a storefront in downtown Jacksonville he rented to display his art.

Once he graduated with his BFA, he got a job with a graphics company working on promotional materials and vehicle wraps, while still freelancing welding work from his garage. After about a year and a half, he told his wife, Caitlin, he’d like to turn this side gig into a full-time business. He found a 13,000 sq ft warehouse in Jacksonville Beach available for rent and set up shop. Until the business got off the ground, David was picking up night shifts at TacoLu while Caitlin was working full time for Brooks Rehabilitation. Having worked with his parents in their marina, he knew the long nights that come with being an owner. However, they had their first kid shortly after and Caitlin became a stay-at-home mom. Luckily for the Mains, the business had been doing so well he’s been able to support the family and their now 6-year-old and 3-year-old sons and 1-year old daughter.

Main Made Studios is an architectural fabrication shop that designs, builds and executes an array of custom metal projects. Their warehouse features an enclosed fiber laser machine and 3-axis tube laser machine. Plus, they provide plasma cutting and in-house and on-site welding. Main said their goal is to build projects that are “artistic, yet functional.” In 2024, Main Made has done everything from the lemon sculpture at the new Jacksonville Beach Publix to the main stage, railings and benches at Lift Evr'y Voice and Sing Park in the historic LaVilla neighborhood all the way to the metalwork at Daytona Beach’s Daisy Stocking Park.

“The world of metal is very vast, Main said. “The more we evolve, the more people we hire and the minds we attract, we can think about these things collectively and be able to come up with ideas.” Main says the key to their success is recruiting good people who can problem solve. Main is joined by graphic design alumna Sara Pool (‘14), and sculpture alumni Mark Ewing (‘14) and Kayla Smith (‘22). Through the help of his team, Main is able to take the projects from conception to completion.

Main is constantly at the shop outside of normal hours, but when he’s not working on the next project, he tries to spend as much time making memories with his family. They enjoy biking down the beach and are taking a family road trip to California.
2025 Honorary Alumni Award - Sam Garrison

The Honorary Alumni Award is given to friends and supporters of the University of North Florida for exemplary service to the University. This year’s recipient is Representative Sam Garrison.

Through his role as a state legislator, Rep. Garrison has been exceptionally supportive of UNF's efforts to secure recurring funding and capital requests for new and existing buildings on campus. He tirelessly advocates for UNF and continuously promotes our university in Northeast Florida and across the state. He actively participates on campus, through seminars and other events.

After earning his degrees from Samford University and the University of Illinois College of Law, Garrison moved down to Fleming Island in 2001. As part of the law firm Bradley, Garrison & Komando, P.A., he specializes in defending clients throughout North Florida in serious criminal matters and city, county and local government law, focusing on land use, application of government regulations, public records and constitutional law. He previously worked 10 years as an Assistant State Attorney in Clay and Duval counties with more than 70 jury trials to his credit, including capital cases and a specially designated Governor’s assignment to Alachua County. He is rated AV (Preeminent) by Martindale Hubbell-Lawyers, has served as a trial instructor at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, and is a past president of the Clay County Bar Association.

In 2020, Garrison was elected to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 11 and has been reelected subsequently. He has worked to address some of our state’s greatest challenges, including protecting our communities, creating jobs, promoting mental health, fighting for lower insurance premiums, cutting taxes, and supporting a more affordable Florida. As Chair of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, Garrison expanded access to Florida KidCare, increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for pediatricians and invested in opioid addiction programs that combat Florida’s fentanyl crisis. His colleagues in the legislature have chosen his to serve as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives for 2026-28.

2024

2024 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Julie Brazil (''03)

The highest honor awarded to UNF alumni and most coveted of them all, the Distinguished Alumni Award, goes to Julie (Blacker) Brazil!

Brazil (’03) graduated from UNF with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a nursing degree from FSCJ. From a young age, she had an interest in health care and a desire to make an impact on people’s lives. After several years as a hospital nurse, she started her own consulting firm, working on delivering unique health care information to the public via the web.

Currently, Brazil serves as the co-founder and COO for Gravity Diagnostics, a medical laboratory located in Covington, Kentucky. Established in 2016, they provide accurate and time efficient test results for patients across the country. Originally focused on toxicology and pharmacogenomics testing to help combat the opioid epidemic, they added infectious disease testing including upper respiratory diagnostics. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, their lab was well-positioned to handle the challenge as they aimed to run 500 tests a day with a 48 hours turnaround time.

By the end of 2020, Gravity had been averaging 20,000 tests a day and from clients across the country, including some from her alma mater. Despite the volume of work, Gravity Diagnostics maintained an impressive turnaround with 95% of the COVID-19 test results reported within 24 hours of receipt. “The stories we were hearing about waiting 10-14 days for results were heartbreaking,” Brazil said. “With families separated from loved ones, unable to visit or say final goodbyes, I could not help but think of parents I had cared for.”

Brazil also made a generous donation to the North Florida Ospreys athletic department toward enhancements for the UNF Arena. The J. Blacker Gym is accessible from the arena lobby and equipped with various accessories from new trap bars, Keiser functional trainers and a mounted TV which displays athlete data along with strength and conditioning programs. Brazil said after working closely with UNF during the pandemic, it was obvious that the health of the student-athletes was a top priority.
2024 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Matt Brockelman ('12)

The Young Alumni Achievement Award goes to Matt Brockelman!

Brockelman graduated from UNF in 2012 after serving as the student body president. He earned two bachelor’s degrees (Corporate Finance and Marketing) from the UNF Coggin College of Business. He was a member of the UNF Presidential Envoys and Sigma Chi - University of North Florida. He was also elected by his peers as vice chairman of the Florida Student Association, an organization which represents the interests of Florida’s public university students.

Brockelman serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs at VyStar Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest credit unions. His department is responsible for managing the financial institution’s local, state, and federal advocacy efforts as well as facilitating relationships with civic leaders, trade associations, and other business community organizations. Prior to joining VyStar, Matt was a partner at The Southern Group, the Southeastern United States' largest lobbying firm. His professional experience also includes stints as a public higher education lobbyist for the University of North Florida and a City of Jacksonville mayoral aide.

Matt is involved with several community nonprofit boards including Family Support Services of North Florida, The Cathedral District Jacksonville and Build Up Downtown, and he’s very active in civic life. He is a former Jacksonville Waterways Commissioner and is currently a mayoral appointee to Jacksonville’s Downtown Development Review Board.
2024 Alumni Service Award - Kelli Bethel ('16)

Our first 2024 Alumni Service Award goes out to Kelli Bethel!

Kristin Kelli (Wilson) Bethel started volunteering at a young age and has given over 4,100 hours to the Jacksonville community.Her first major community involvement was in high school, where she weekly went to the Children's Home Society of Florida to tutor children in all areas of scholastic. She also created several fundraisers including a Build-A-Bear drive for children in foster care. While at the University of North Florida, Bethel was one of the first campus representatives for Rethreaded, bringing awareness to human trafficking. She also worked with the Jacksonville Giants, traveling to schools in at-risk areas to teach their students the importance of reading.

Bethel is an advocate in her community for heart disease, and created a group called Tommy's Tigers in honor and memory of her dad, whom she lost to congestive heart failure. She has been involved in the annual American Heart Association Walk where she encourages others to participate.

Bethel is currently a social media volunteer with the Sunshine Foundation – the oldest wish granting organization in the country. – sharing stories of the children and their mission. She also checks in attendees and assists with the auction at their yearly gala.

For the past eight years, Bethel has been involved in the yearly “Halloween Doors and More” to benefit Community PedsCare – a division of the Community Hospice & Palliative Care. She has done many different jobs from costuming to managing groups of youth volunteers during the event. Bethel also visits nursing homes to perform and sing for the residents through the Alzheimer's Association, believing that keeping the elderly involved with music and activities can help stimulate their minds. In addition, she volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville, Inc. and has collected over ten gallons of pop tabs to help pay for daily expenses. She also works with Project Linus, an organization that provides blankets to children who are seriously ill or traumatized.

After being a child of adoption, Bethel is determined to show others that it's not about where you come from, but how you chose to help others and make a difference. She loves to get her family involved – including her husband, John (who works at the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department), her mom and her little cousins – who have joined her volunteering efforts with the Fostering Connections 5K, Limitless Run, Gate River Run and Halloween Doors and More.
2024 Alumni Service Award - Alan Hartley ('05)

Our second winner of the Alumni Service Award is Alan Hartley (‘05), founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Black Cypress Capital Management. He has been in the investment field for over 20 years.

Alan has served on the University of North Florida Foundation board for over twelve years. He has chaired the Foundation’s Investment Committee since 2016, helping to oversee the $150 million endowment.

Alan’s career started with a research associate position at Ergates Capital, a long/short hedge fund. Alan next joined Morningstar as a generalist/IPO equity analyst where he covered thirteen different industries. Alan then managed $50 million in assets on the behalf of six different investment advisers. Alan launched Black Cypress in the midst of the 2008 and 2009 recession, with an account of $400,000. The firm now manages over $220 million. Black Cypress was Emerging Manager Monthly’s 2022 Emerging Manager of the Year for United States Large-Cap Equity.

Alan graduated from the UNF Coggin College of Business summa cum laude in 2005, receiving a B.B.A. in finance. Alan has also earned the right to display the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The CFA credential is the most respected and recognized investment management designation in the world.

Alan has been published in Morningstar, SumZero, Barrons.com, Seeking Alpha, and other syndicated publications. In addition to his UNF board involvement, Alan regularly serves as UNF’s industry mentor for the annual CFA Research Challenge.

He lives with his wife Golden (’08), son, and two daughters in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
2024 Alumni-Owned Business Service Award - David Hacker ('08, '09)

Our inaugural Alumni-Owned Business Service Award goes to David Hacker and Construction Specialties of North Florida LLC!

Hacker (’08, ’09) is an alumnus of the UNF Construction Management program, having earned his bachelor’s degree at the UNF College of Computing, Engineering & Construction (CCEC) before returning to the UNF Graduate School to complete his MBA. He returned to his alma mater in 2011 to serve as an adjunct professor. He is also a season ticket holder for the men's basketball program and a huge supporter of all things University of North Florida.

Hacker started Construction Specialties of North Florida in 2006 while he was a sophomore at UNF. CSNF quickly became the number one installer of storm shutters in Jacksonville. Today, CSNF has diversified to offer a full range of outdoor features for builders, remodelers and homeowners.

CSNF has received numerous awards throughout the years, including Jacksonville Business Journal’s fastest growing companies, Nefba - Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Hardscape Projects, UNF’s Hard Hat Banquet awards and the Builders Care Plaque of Appreciation for Home from the Heart.

Hacker was a student of Dr. James Sorce, whom he developed a strong bond with before his passing in 2020. He, along with the Sorce family, launched the Dr. James Sorce Golf Tournament, which raises money for the James Sorce Endowed Scholarship.
2024 Honorary Alumni Award - Rhodes Robinson

Rhodes Robinson has served UNF as a member of the UNF - College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Leadership Council for over a decade. He recently finished his term as council chair and remains active as a member. Rhodes also serves on the IERE community council.

Robinson and his wife, Sarah, founded Environmental Services, Inc., an ecological consulting firm headquartered in Jacksonville. He has 30 years of experience in the environmental consulting field and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in wildlife biology from NC State. He has served as director and chair of the Ways and Means committee for the Society of Wetland Scientists, and is former president for the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program. He has also served on the certification team for the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals.

As a business leader, Rhodes has supported many UNF interns in Wetlands Science and Biology at his company. Rhodes also served as a UNF adjunct professor of Wetlands Science since 2021. He has been a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the College and University, and he and Sarah established an endowed scholarship in 2022.
2024 Honorary Alumni Award - Darnell Smith

Darnell Smith is Florida Blue’s market president for the North Florida region. He has worked for Florida Blue for more than 30 years and was promoted to his current role 10 years ago. In this role, he is responsible for Florida Blue’s business market growth, as well as customer and community engagement across 36 North Florida counties covering cities from St. Augustine to Pensacola. Also, starting this month, he is now serving as Mayor Donna Deegan’s chief of staff.

Throughout his career, Smith has been very active in serving the community through numerous organization boards and councils, including United Way of Northeast Florida, YMCA of Florida's First Coast, Sulzbacher Center, Communities In Schools of Florida and Cathedral Arts Project. Smith has served the community through numerous board appointments including Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council of Tallahassee and JAXUSA Policy Council. Smith also served as the 2017 chair of the JAX Chamber Board of Directors.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from FSU and is a graduate of Harvard’s advanced management program and the University of Michigan’s advanced HR executive program.

2023

2023 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Hugh Tappan

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest award given to a University of North Florida graduate by the UNF Alumni Association. To be nominated for this prestigious award, an individual must have made significant contributions to his or her profession, community and/or society, and have consistently maintained the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of this University.

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is being presented to Hugh Tappan (’93). Tappan is president of HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tappan joined HCA Healthcare in 1994 and has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience. He has held CEO roles at Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital in Georgia and Wesley Medical Center in Kansas, where he led the acquisition of Galichia Heart Hospital. Additionally, he served as COO for Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver.

In 2015, he was promoted to lead HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division, which includes 12 hospitals and more than 200 sites of care in six markets across South Carolina, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. In 2018, the South Atlantic Division’s 20,000 healthcare professionals treated more than 1.8 million patients, provided care in more than 900,000 emergencies, performed more than 110,000 surgeries and delivered nearly 14,000 babies. HCA South Atlantic also contributed more than $110 million in state and local taxes and provided more than $300 million in care to the uninsured or underinsured.

In 2017, Tappan helped initiate an organizing committee to support the new health administration committee. For his service to UNF and the health administration department, he was selected as the health administration distinguished alumnus award winner for 2018. He was also a founding member of the health administration alumni board and was appointed as the national chair in 2019. In 2020, Tappan led a panel of healthcare leaders for UNF’s first annual Fellowship & Residency Forum. Tappan was also instrumental in the 2022 partnership between HCA and UNF for the Simulation Center at the FSCJ Deerwood Campus.

Tappan earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and earned both his MBA and Master of Health Administration degrees from the University of North Florida.
2023 Alumni Service Award - Damon Olinto

The Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated continuous outstanding volunteer service to the University and meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.

The Alumni Service Award is being presented to Damon Olinto (’83). Olinto serves as the market president for Northeast Florida at Synovus Financial Corp.

A native of Jacksonville, Olinto was a high school math teacher for many years before moving to the world of finance. Possessing a degree in banking and finance from the University of North Florida, he first worked at three other Jacksonville-area banks as a specialist in industrial and commercial real estate lending.

He initially joined Synovus in 2003 as president of Synovus Bank of Jacksonville. In 2009, he was appointed CEO of Synovus’ Northeast Florida division, which includes both Synovus Bank of Jacksonville and First Coast Community Bank. Olinto is responsible for client services and financial operations with a focus on business banking and wealth management.

In the local community, Olinto is known for his role as Red Coat (chairman) of the 2018 PLAYERS Championship, leading over 2,000 volunteers and partnering with over 300 nonprofit organizations in the five-county area. He had previously served as Blue Coat (vice-chair) since 2012, and will also become the chairman-elect for the 2023 Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS Champions Tournament. Additionally, he serves as treasurer of the Rotary Club of Deerwood, a member of UNF’s AD Council, a board member for the UNF Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, and served as past board chair of the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services and past board member of the Clara White Mission, the Northeast Florida Builders Association, the Otis Smith Foundation and the St. Augustine Diocesan Advisory Board of Education. He also volunteers with the American Heart Association and serves as a youth sports coach.
2023 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Travis Williams

The Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes current and future leaders among University of North Florida graduates. It is presented to alumni in recognition of their outstanding professional accomplishments and contributions to the community in the early stages of their careers.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award is being presented to Travis Williams (’12). Williams is vice president of operations and impact for LIFT JAX, an initiative of business and community leaders working to eradicate generational poverty in Jacksonville. LIFT JAX is a nonprofit organization that drives the community revitalization initiative in Jacksonville’s Eastside, where he was born and raised as a fourth-generation resident.

Prior to joining LIFT JAX, Travis served as the senior director of communications for Kids Hope Alliance, a fiscal agency of the City of Jacksonville. Williams also cultivated a relationship between the Coggin College of Business and Kids Hope Alliance. In 2021, this relationship led to Kids Hope Alliance funding the Diversity in Business program with a catalytic $50,000 grant to help launch the initiative. Williams was vital to the development and growth of the Diversity in Business program and continues to serve as an advisor to the director. Williams was also influential in launching UNF’s Community Alliance for Student Success, serving as a representative community professional.

As a student, Williams was a founding member and president of the Psi Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. He was one of the first students to join the pilot Financial Services BA program in the Coggin College of Business and pursued a career in financial planning. He was nationally recognized as a top 15 intern in Northwestern Mutual’s prestigious internship program and was ranked top intern in the region. Afterward, he started his own financial planning practice serving over 200 clients across the country and earned many accolades including top new financial advisor and top 10 advisor in the region. While in practice, Williams was able to help provide internship and employment opportunities to dozens of UNF students and mentor many of them with aspirations in business and financial services.

Williams is a true community servant of Jacksonville through local board work and volunteerism, primarily in areas focused on economic development, urban revitalization and services benefiting the less privileged. His commitment to excellence and service leadership presents him with many opportunities to advise on initiatives and projects throughout the city. Williams currently serves as the co-chair of the Jax Chamber Lewis and White Advisory Board. He also serves as a board member for local nonprofits Rethreaded, the Clara White Mission, and The Potter’s House International Ministries. His service has also extended nationally, as he’s been called upon to help lead initiatives around diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry.

Of all these accomplishments, Williams is most proud of being married to his best friend and college sweetheart, Kristin, and the amazing family they’ve built together.

2022

2022 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Ed Jones

Mr. Edward Jones is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) located within the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. HMRI is the flagship research enterprise for Houston Methodist. HMRI achieved the status of a top 20 independent research institute within the first decade of operations. Mr. Jones is the senior executive responsible for the execution of HMRI’s biomedical research strategy with a particular focus on governance, finance, compliance, and facilities. HMRI is complemented by the Houston Methodist Education Institute (HMEI) which serves as the organization’s broader educational enterprise overseeing Graduate Medical Education, Continuing Medical Education, Medical School Partnerships, and Academic Affiliations. HMEI oversees over 50 GME programs, nearly 400 medical residents and fellows, and provides a context for 30,000 trainee experiences at Houston Methodist annually. Mr. Jones also serves as the Chief Business Officer of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute, which provides executive and governance oversight for both Houston Methodist Research Institute and Houston Methodist Education Institute.

Mr. Jones joined HMRI in January 2005 as the founding administrative executive of the organization. From its inception, Mr. Jones nurtured HMRI into a full spectrum world-class biomedical research institute within the highly competitive Texas Medical Center to support the academic mission of Houston Methodist Hospital. The formation of HMRI required the de-novo development of all policies and procedures, recruitment of scientific faculty, establishment of all regulatory committees (IRB, IACUC, IBC, HSC, etc.), development of core facilities, including a robust comparative medicine program, implementation of a faculty appointment & promotion process, establishment of a Phase I clinical research unit, and clinical integration efforts to support clinical trials and translational research projects. Within 5 years, Mr. Jones created a scalable, flexible administrative infrastructure to support the extraordinary growth of HMRI, which achieved the rank of a top 20 domestic hospital-based research institute, as measured by NIH funding. Mr. Jones was also responsible for the design, budget, opening, and daily operations of the Institute’s marquis 12-story 440,000 square foot state-of- the-art translational research building, which was featured in Architectural Record magazine in August, 2011. As President and CEO, his current efforts are focused on developing a culture of rigorous and reproducible science, finding a sustainable financial model for translational research, further integration of laboratory science with the clinical enterprise, and migration of clinical research from an academic medical center into a community practice/hospital setting while maintaining the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

Prior to joining HMRI, Mr. Jones brought more than 10 years of academic biomedical research experience including as the Administrative Director and Clinical Trial Core Administrator for the multi-state, multi-site operations of the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children and Nemours Children's Clinic. Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. In addition, Mr. Jones has continued his graduate studies at Rice University and the Wharton School of Business.

Mr. Jones is a member of the Medstar Health Research Institute (MHRI) Board of Directors in Washington, DC and serves as the Chair of MHRI’s Regulatory and Research Integrity Oversight Committee. Mr. Jones also serves a member of the External Advisory Board for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Institute for Translational Sciences.
2022 Alumni Service Award - Vanessa Fleury

Vanessa is a 10 year experienced nonprofit professional. Her professional years of service started as a 2-year Americorps member where she was awarded the City of Miami Mayor’s Service Award. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida receiving her Bachelor of Science in Communication and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Vanessa is the Development manager at Genspace, NYC's first community biology lab where she leads fundraising plans and strategies and manages the organization's internal and external communications. Vanessa is also the Founder and Director of Carl's Village, Inc., a nonprofit agency providing tutoring and after school support programs for school children in the region of Grand-Goâve, Haiti, created in honor of her late grandfather. She strives to inspire a new generation of forward thinking and conscious individuals. She lives by the quote: “I'm not saying I'm going to change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”- Tupac Shakur
2022 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Sichao Ni

Sichao Ni is an American commercial diplomat and represents the United States at the nexus of international business and international relations. Prior to his appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Mr. Ni served as a member of the United States Foreign Service with the U.S. Department of State posted in Guangzhou, China. Preceding his government career, Mr. Ni spent seven years in the medical technology industry holding various commercial and regulatory roles within Medtronic. He has worked and studied across four continents in seven countries. Mr. Ni earned his MBA and dual BBAs in economics and international business from the University of North Florida with dual minors in finance and public administration, an MA in international relations from American University with a concentration in U.S. foreign policy and national security. Mr. Ni is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese, and basic Cantonese.

"UNF truly exemplifies the tagline, "No one like you. No place like this." As a student, I was able to work with academic and career staff to customize my program that allowed me to tailor my education towards the professional that I wanted to be. Looking back, if I were to choose my choice of college again, I would still choose to be an Osprey!"
2022 Honorary Alumni Award - Tony Marinatos

Tony Marinatos is Managing Director of Chartwell Capital and received his bachelor's degree in accounting and an M.B.A. in finance from St. Johns University, New York. Marinatos' love and steadfast support for UNF began when his oldest son graduated from UNF in 2002, and when his youngest became the University's men's soccer coach in 2010. Since then, he has contributed to a variety of campus initiatives.

Marinatos has served on the Foundation Board of Directors, the Audit, Finance, and Investment committees, the Executive Committee, the Osprey Club, and the ITS board. In addition to his service to University organizations, he is also a dedicated community volunteer, who serves on the boards of Seven Bridges Radio, and the Association for Corporate Growth. Marinatos adds that "my passion for giving to this wonderful University has been driven by my desire to give selflessly; and more importantly due to the inspiration I derive by working with other outstanding volunteer board members."

2021

2021 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Dr. Barbara A. Darby

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of the university. To be nominated for this award, a UNF graduate must have made significant contributions to his or her profession, community and/or society, and have consistently maintained the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of UNF.

In her written memoir entitled, My Leadership Journey: Wisdom from the Trenches, Barbara quoted an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This quote is exemplified by her commitment to joint efforts in her community work. She served as a board member and board chair for Leadership Jacksonville; as an Advisory Board of Directors member for the Eartha M. M. White Legacy Fund; as a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Board; as a member of the Community Advisory Council for WJCT public media; as a board member for the City Rescue Mission; as a member of the Board of Trustees for Memorial Hospital; and as a member of the board for Volunteers in Medicine.
2021 Alumni Service Award - Monica V. Hernández

The Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni of UNF who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service on a local, state, national, or international level – including at UNF, through clubs or service organizations, or through other community involvement. Candidates must possess the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of UNF.

Monica was appointed as President of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019. During that same year, she was recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal in the Top 40 under 40, Northeast Florida’s brightest, most promising professionals under the age of 40, and was selected to be part of the Hightower Emerging Leaders Program by the Jax Chamber. In 2020, Monica was selected to be part of Leadership Jacksonville’s Class of 2021.
2021 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Katelyn T. Wildes

The Young Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni of UNF for outstanding professional achievement, contributions to the community and exemplary service to the University. The recipient must have completed his/her UNF degree within the last 10 years.

Katelyn Wildes is an impressive representative of the University in the Jacksonville community. Her ambition academically and professionally, along with her compassion for those she cares for in her work are noteworthy. As a student at UNF, Katelyn distinguished herself by attending Hicks Honors College and participating in the Presidential Envoys student ambassador program between 2017 to 2018. She was awarded the Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll distinctions multiple semesters during her academic career, and had the opportunity to study abroad in Iceland with the UNF Sociology department in 2017.
2021 Honorary Alumni Award - Susan Schantz

The Honorary Alumni Award is given to friends and supporters of UNF for exemplary service to the University. Do you know someone who loves UNF and is full of Osprey pride, but isn't actually an Osprey? Let us know!

Susan has been a consistent and generous contributor of her time and finances to the University of North Florida. She is a devoted member of the University and Jacksonville communities, representing all the ideals of the Osprey spirit.

In her service to the University, Susan serves as a valued member of the UNF Foundation Board and as the Chair of the Grants Committee and member of the Executive Committee. Since 2006, she has made significant gifts to the UNF Writing Center, Foundation Unrestricted Fund, Public Service Program, and, most recently, the COVID Student Emergency Relief Fund. She also previously served as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council.

2020

2020 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Myron Pincomb

"I am honored and humbled to receive the 2020 UNF Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. My years at UNF taught me to Dream Big, Work Hard and Invest in Others. This motto has been invaluable in nearly every aspect of my life."
2020 Alumni Service Award - The Honorable Tracie Davis

"When I graduated from UNF, I never thought that I would return to receive such a prestigious award. I hope my life has been a testament that we are all called to serve others. I am truly appreciative to the UNF Alumni Association for recognizing me in this manner."
2020 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Ashley R.C. Pratt

"I am incredibly honored to receive the UNF Young Alumni Achievement award. This award is the result of what happens when one has been fortunate to have many years of enduring support and guidance from mentors, family and friends. I love being connected to UNF by mentoring students through our Administrative Internship Program at Mayo Clinic. I look forward to more years of dedication to the Jacksonville community and the University of North Florida."
2020 Honorary Alumni Award - Stephen E. Bachand

" I am flattered to be receiving this award from UNF's Alumni Association. Counting myself now as a fellow alum with the many students we've supported over the years who have gone on to do great things is a special honor "

Previous Winners

Previous Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Recipients
- 2019: R. Bruce Ogier B.A. '74
- 2018: Dr. Debra A. Harrison, D.N.P '12
- 2017: The Honorable Travis Cummings, M.B.A. '01
- 2016: Lisa M. Davis, B.S. '97
- 2015: Awards not distributed
- 2012: Dr. Robert "Bob" Graham, M.Ed. '95, Ed.D. '04
- 2009: Todd Haley, B.A. '91
- 2008: Jean Brophy Lamar, BAE '79, M.Ed. '97
- 2007: Dr. Shyam Paryani, MHA '02
- 2006: Melanie Jennings Husk, BA '77
- 2005: Ann C. Hicks, BA '95
- 2004: Mark Vitner, MBA '92
- 2003: Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., M.Ed. '80
- 2002: Betty Holzendorf, M.Ed. '73
- 2001: Bob Touchton, MS '95
- 2000: Donna Harper Gibbs, BBA '89, MHRM '91
- 1999: (Marylou) Arlene Shipley, BA '93
- 1998: Carol C. Thompson, MS '79
- 1997: Elaine Smith Coffman, BA '88, MHRM '91
- 1996: Diahann W. Lassus, CPA, CFP, MBA '77
- 1995: Nathaniel Glover, Jr., ME '87
- 1994: Shirley K. Webb, BA '86, ME '94
- 1993: Michael W. Lanier, BA '74, MA '77
- 1992: Darby N. Bloodgood, BA '78
- 1991: Linda L. Black, ME '80
- 1990: Michael D. Reynolds, ME '83
- 1989: Sharon T. (Weaver) Wilburn, BSH '79, MSH '80, ME '90
Previous Young Alumni Achievement Award Recipients
- 2019: Henna Bakshi B.S. '14
- 2018: Tyler Lasher Morris, B.A. '07, M.B.A. '15
- 2017: Andrew W. Rush, B.S. '09
- 2016: Dr. Derrick A. Robinson, B.A. '09, B.S. '09
- 2012: Naomi Kouri
- 2009: Kara W. Tucker, BA '06, MS '07
- 2008: David S. Birkelbach, BS '01, MBA '05
- 2007: Dr. Jarik E. Conrad, Ed.D. '06
Previous Alumni Service Award Recipients
- 2019: Dr. Irvin "PeDro" Cohen B.A. '97
- 2018: Judy Eisen, M.A. '78
- 2017: Shannon Italia, M.B.A. 2012
- 2016: D. Samuel Inman
Previous Honorary Alumni Award Recipients
- 2019: Cheryl Cummer
- 2018: Gerald F. Hurst and Walter R. Graham, Jr., M.D.
- 2017: Dwight L. Cooper III
- 2016: David E. Polovina
- 2012
  - Robert "Bob" Tonsfeldt
  - Gilchrist B. Berg
  - Doug M. Baer
- 2009
  - Admiral Jonathan T. Howe
  - Irene J. Lazzara
  - Jim Milligan
  - Susan Ryzewic
  - A. Hugh Greene
- 2008
  - John R. Cobb
  - Hy W. Kliman
  - Joan W. Newton
  - Bruce A. Smathers
- 2007
  - Helen L. Brown
  - Russell B. "Rusty" Newton, III
  - Walter Moore
  - Howard C. Serkin
  - Anthony "Tony" Weight
- 2006
  - Dr. Arthur "Buster" Browning
  - Donald Ditzenberger
  - Barbara Fletcher
  - Ambassador Marilyn McAfee
  - Gerry Nichol
- 2005
  - Toni Crawford
  - W. Radford Lovett II
  - James Van Vleck
- 2004
  - Thomas Borowy
  - Thomas Brown
  - Luther and Blanche Coggin
  - Kevin Twomey
- 2003
  - Lisa M. Kaye
  - Dr. Betty Flinchum
  - David A. Stein
  - Delores Barr and J. Wayne Weaver
- 2002
  - Barry Allred
  - Debbie and Mel Gottlieb
  - Herbert and Miyuki Scheidel
- 2001
  - Hugh Jones
  - Delores Kesler
  - Dr. R. Bruce Taylor
- 2000
  - John A. Hammack, P.E.
  - John Hayt
  - James Horton, P.E.
  - Mary Virginia Terry
- 1999
  - James E. Cobb
  - Andrew Farkas
  - Elizabeth P. Petway
- 1998
  - Adam W. and Karen L. Herbert
  - Dorrie S. and E. K. Fretwell
  - David M. Hicks
  - Ronald H. Foster
  - Frederick H. Schultz
- 1995: Mary Malone
- 1979: Will Hardee
Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients
- 2012
  - Honorable Dawn K. Hudson
  - Nathaniel R. Herring
  - Timothy W. Kenney
  - Ann D. Sabbag
  - Glenn R. Layton
  - Deborah A. Johnson
- 2009
  - Jason B. Burnett
  - Anna L. Brosche
  - Joni S. Shook
  - Donna T. Jones
  - Earl N. Shimp
  - Jennifer E. Jones
- 2008
  - R. Bruce Ogier
  - Margaret "Peggie" Black
  - Keith Goldsmith
  - Gerald D. Holland
  - Carlie M. Abersold
  - Sandra M. Grimes
  - Mary G. Tappouni
- 2007
  - Mary S. Lesperance
  - Don Packard III
  - Dr. Helen D. Jackson
  - Ryan Fryman
  - Laine Silverfield
  - John R. "Jack" Conway
- 2006
  - Tammy Lynn Carroll
  - Kerry Dunlavey
  - Theodore 'Sylvester' John
  - Elaine Johnson
  - Karen E. Bowling
  - Brian S. Malek
  - Linda Carlson Gunn
  - Deirdra McDowell-Sutton
- 2005
  - Eugene "Gene" Baker III
  - Charles "Chuck" Diebel
  - José Saez
  - Cleve E. Warren
  - Dr. Greg Bollella
  - Dr. Monica McAleer
  - Dr. Judith Poppell
  - Barbara Drummond-Huth
  - Garry Karsner
  - Christopher M. Kirby
- 2004
  - Charles M. Ged
  - Mary Biggs Knauer
  - Francis (Frank) J. Mackesy
  - Michael Tanner
  - Philip Mobley
  - William C. "Bill" Mason III
  - William Edward (Ed) Pratt-Dannals
  - Ann Hanawalt Van Ormer
  - Gary Jarvis
  - Teri Coutu
  - Issis Richter
- 2003
  - Ronald C. Brannan
  - John R. Barrett
  - Sidney D. Roberson
  - Kevin D. Walsh
  - Tomislav (Tom) Kustura
  - J. Amos Hatch
  - Bennie H. Furlong
  - Santa J. Mann
  - Tzu-Yung (Eric) Chang
- 2002
  - Dr. Susan Wilkinson
  - Dr. John Ruis
  - Pat Brzozowski
  - W. Scott Parker
  - Dr. Xuezhi Guo
  - Dr. Harry Wallace
  - Michael Rutledge
  - Dr. Graham Watts
  - Leah Brown
  - Jesus Mendoza