Donor Stories

Tom Hendrick ('74)

University of North Florida alumnus Tom Hendrick ('74) made a planned gift through his estate planning to the UNF Coggin College of Business. "I'm really impressed with the growth that they've done here," he said. "Whether they use the money to give 10 scholarships or build another building, it's just fun to give back to the program." This seven-figure commitment will help support the future growth of the University.

In honor of that, we'd like to share an alumni spotlight and a donor spotlight on Hendrick who had the Original Recipe^™ for success, transitioning from fast food real estate to the luxury hotel market.

After earning his bachelor's degree in marketing and mathematics at Southeast Missouri State University, Hendrick joined his older brothers in the US Navy and was stationed at the Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville. After serving his time, he was honorably discharged and started to explore his future options. The University of North Florida had just launched its master's program, so Hendrick pursued his MBA, funding his tuition by teaching flight lessons, in addition to taking night classes to earn a real estate license.

After graduation, Hendrick joined the real estate realm with his older brother, a commercial broker in Texas representing a handful of fast-food chains. A few years later, KFC offered Tom a role to join the internal team. He became their director of image enhancement, which entailed everything including products, features, uniforms and even the physical structures. He worked with architecture, construction and marketing teams to develop indoor seating and drive-thrus for the restaurants.

Once his mentor left to join Holiday Inn as the head of strategic investments, Hendrick made the switch from restaurants to hotels. Shortly after, he joined one of the largest Marriott franchise developers before moving to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. As the years passed, so did his expertise. He pivoted to luxury properties with Regent International Hotels, Inc., then Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, then Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. To conclude his career, he joined the board of directors for FelCor Lodging Trust where he finished as CIO. Altogether, he has spent over 40 years in the hospitality industry. Although officially retired, he kept his consulting business, TCH Partners, to continue providing his expertise on luxury hotels.

"It's very important to give back," Hendrick said. As a global business owner and military veteran, Hendrick has previously worked with UNF on the creation of two endowments, the Thomas C. Hendrick Endowed Scholarship for Veterans and Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship. He loves seeing the potential of students who can take advantage of the scholarship to pursue their studies, and how often they live successful, balanced lives after graduating. "They're all really bright students, and just to hear their stories of where they come from and what they're doing...I really enjoy that."

Dr. Earle C. Traynham

Dr. Earle C. Traynham, retired UNF provost and dean of the Coggin College of Business (CCB), and his wife, Ann M. Traynham, have made a bequest in their estate plan to support scholarships in the International Business and Transportation and Logistics flagship programs at CCB. Traynham, a longtime UNF faculty member, said, "These scholarships are to be named the Ann M. Traynham Scholarships to recognize and thank my wife for her support and the many sacrifices she made during my tenure as dean of the Coggin College of Business. Believe me, she earned it. We have been a part of UNF, and it has been a major part of our lives since July 1, 1973. We are grateful for that, and our gift is a small 'Thanks' for all these years."

Traynham credits a group of benefactors for motivation including Luther and Blanche Coggin, Ann and David Hicks and faculty members, the late Dr. Richard Kip, Dr. Lowell Salter and Dr. Jeff Michelman, who have given so generously of themselves as well as financially to students, faculty, and the college.

"There are literally hundreds of individuals and businesses who recognize the importance of providing supplemental resources to attract and retain excellent students and faculty and to offer outstanding academic programs. I find this to be a great source of inspiration to participate in this effort," Traynham said.

In 1973, Traynham accepted a job as an assistant professor of economics at UNF and rose through the ranks until he was appointed the Coggin College dean in 1994. During Traynham's tenure as dean, he oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art business building and led the college through reaccreditation and separate accreditation for the accounting programs. Traynham started working as UNF's provost in 2013 and retired from the University as provost in summer 2017.

"We are so grateful for Earle and Ann's generous gift, which will continue the Traynham legacy at the Coggin College of Business and UNF where he taught, mentored and advised students for over 40 years," says Dean Mark Dawkins of CCB.

Emily Zimmerman ('89)

If you have ever doubted your ability to make a valuable difference in the world, consider the story of UNF graduate Emily Zimmerman. Ms. Zimmerman enlisted in the Marine Corps on her 20th birthday, October 27, 1943, and was trained in airplane assembly and repair. Her enlistment lasted nearly three years, until the end of World War II. Thinking her marching days were over, she joined the Marine Reserves in 1949 expecting to attend drills one night a week and make friends. However, the outbreak of the Korean conflict brought her back to active service as a supply sergeant in New York City.

Ms. Zimmerman relocated at the end of her second term of active service to the warmer weather of Jacksonville to work for the Prudential Insurance Company in the legal and data processing and programming departments. Her higher education journey started in 1943 with an insurance class in New York City and ended 46 years later in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in insurance from the now Coggin College of Business at UNF.

Emily Zimmerman had a desire to help other UNF students enjoy the same learning experience and growth she had at UNF. The Emily R. Zimmerman Endowed Scholarship was established upon Ms. Zimmerman's death in 2013 after she named UNF as a residuary beneficiary in her will. Ms. Zimmerman said, "I would encourage others to include UNF in their wills because it is important to help people with their education. My gift will perpetuate endowed scholarships and leave a legacy for years to come."

Ida Broward Boyd

Ida Broward Boyd traveled the world with her husband Crowther learning about cultures and customs far from her beloved Jacksonville, according to Ida's niece Kristanna Broward Barnes. "There may have been only one or two ports of call around the world they didn't visit," she said. Knowing a college education was the key to opening that door to the world, Ida established a need-based scholarship funded by a $1 million bequest at her death.

Ida, who lived to the age of 98, came from a family with historical roots in Jacksonville. Her extended family included Florida Governor Napoleon Broward, after whom the Dames Point Bridge is named. Crowther was a Jacksonville investor and owned the Jacksonville Tars baseball team from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Ida became familiar with UNF when Kristanna's daughter Margaux became a student here. "We would often talk about UNF and the importance of education. She believed everyone should have a shot at college and wanted to do something to help make that possible," Kristanna said.

The Crowther Mann Boyd and Ida Broward Boyd Scholarship does exactly that. The scholarship is for Duval County students who are attending college for the first time and demonstrate financial need. Kristanna, a former member of the Duval County School Board, is pleased that her aunt's bequest will help future generations attend college. "The bottom line is she wanted to help young people," according to Kristanna.

Dr. Richard Kip

Dr. Richard Kip is remembered for many things at the University of North Florida. Some stories recall the bow-tie loving professor walking through UNF buildings and turning off lights in empty classrooms. Other stories detail how he shunned purchasing lunch, preferring instead to bring his lunch every day - a yogurt, a banana, and a bag of marshmallows. However, Kip's legendary frugality had its benefits, especially for what is now the Coggin College of Business. Today the UNF Foundation has multiple endowments carrying the Kip name with a total value of more than $3.9 million. The impact of these endowments has been transformational, said Dr. Earle Traynham, a former colleague of Kip's. "This remarkable man, in his quiet and understated way, transformed the College of Business - benefiting faculty and students alike," said Traynham, who served as the college's dean from 1993 to 2003 and as UNF provost from 2013 to 2017.

Dr. Kip arrived at UNF in 1971 - well before the students began enrolling - and helped founding Dean Jim Parrish build the College of Business. Dr. Kip served in a variety of roles, including assistant dean and director of Graduate Studies, before retiring in 1983 - completing a 47-year career in education. It was after his retirement, however, that the surprises began. In 1989 he gave his wife, Kathryn Magee Kip, a card on her 85th birthday. The card contained an agreement establishing a $100,000 UNF endowment in her name in the College of Business. That gift was quickly followed by a second endowment in his name.

However, that wasn't the end of the surprises. Unbeknownst to anyone at UNF, Kip established several charitable remainder trusts allowing him, his wife, and a few relatives to receive the income of those trusts with UNF receiving the principal after their deaths. When Kip and his wife both died in 1996, the full extent of their generosity became apparent. The UNF Foundation received more than $2.8 million. "Dick never wanted any recognition. We were astounded when we realized the scope of the gifts," Traynham said.

The college has used the money slowly and deliberately, not only to recruit and retain the best and brightest faculty to UNF but to help students as well. A Kip Prize exists to this day to reward outstanding business students. Funds were also given to faculty to undertake research during summer months. "It enabled us to compete against much larger schools. No state funds were available for research at the time. It helped us recruit some wonderful faculty members," Traynham said.

One of the current Kip Professors, Mina Baliamoune-Lutz, says, "This award has allowed me to free up significant time that I used to spend trying to get sources of funding for my conference attendance and other research activities. To have a professorship named after a great individual, Dr. Richard de Raismes Kip, who was an economist and educator, is a very special honor for me as an economist whose greatest joy has always been in teaching."

John Barrett ('73)

John Barrett would do homework in his car while waiting to begin his shift loading trucks at United Parcel Service. His determination and hard work paid off. Barrett earned a BBA in transportation and logistics in 1973 from the UNF College of Business and parlayed his part-time UPS job into a career, retiring after 30 years as the company's North Florida district manager.

As a longtime employee, Barrett held a considerable number of shares of stock when UPS went public in 1999. In 2001, he provided long-term scholarship funding for the UNF Athletic Department with the creation of the John Barrett Endowed Scholarship and added to that gift in 2003 as a charitable remainder unit funded with UPS stock.

A unitrust like Barrett's is a custom-designed and individually managed trust that makes it possible for someone to make a gift to UNF - while retaining a variable lifetime income or an income for a fixed term of years - and claim a current income-tax deduction. At the end of the term of the unitrust, the principal goes to UNF to support the donor's wishes.

As Barrett intended with his donation, the John Barrett Endowed Scholarship has supported more than a dozen UNF student-athletes across multiple sports - including the current recipient, Ivan Gandia-Rosa, a guard for the men's basketball team.

"I am grateful to Mr. Barrett for believing in UNF athletes at such an early stage," said Gandia-Rosa, an ASUN Academic Honor Roll member. "I know my scholarship would not be possible without the help of people like him. The Barrett Scholarship is more than financial assistance to me. It's part of a community of support cheering for me on and off the court."

Dr. Andrew Robinson

Dr. Andrew Robinson is well known as a pioneer of education in Jacksonville. He was Raines High School's first principal, dean of the UNF College of Education and Human Services twice, the first director of the Florida Institute of Education and interim president at the University of North Florida from 1980 to 1982. His wife, Mildred Cooley Robinson, was also one of Duval County's outstanding educators, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to the local school system.

Upon Dr. Robinson's death in 1988, Mrs. Robinson established the Andrew A. Robinson Endowed Scholarship to benefit incoming UNF freshmen, particularly inner-city youth. The scholarship was further endowed with a planned gift after Mrs. Robinson's death in 2013 with the proceeds from a life insurance policy.

Education was viewed as "one of the keys to advancement in life and success," said Conchita Robinson, one of Dr. and Mrs. Robinson's daughters and a UNF Foundation board member. "With both parents as educators, there was clear and consistent communication regarding the value of education to my sister, Estella, and me," Robinson shared. "My father said, 'You can't build your chimney from the top. You must have a strong foundation with key components of character and education.' " The Robinson scholarship helped provide that foundation for Kendrick Taylor, '09.

Kendrick was a Robinson Scholar at UNF for eight semesters and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently working at Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) as a turbine performance engineer in the electric production department. Kendrick shared, "I was raised by a single mother, who also takes care of my grandmother, so removing the financial burden of college was one of the best gifts I received in my life. It allowed me to just focus on the academic aspect of college. It was an honor to be an Andrew Robinson scholar - he had such an impact on educating youth in the Jacksonville area."

Joyce Penman

Joyce Penman believes in the value of education. The UNF alumna has vivid memories of her father working relentlessly to overcome the financial burden of putting six children through college. His sacrifice inspired her in 2014 to create the Joyce B. Penman First Generation Scholarship at UNF with distributions from her IRA, an investment that will benefit generations to come.

Her motivation for the scholarship also grew from her desire to help those who immigrate to our country, in part because of her own upbringing. Penman's family moved from Canada to the U.S., and she is a first-generation American on her mother's side. Her immigrant lineage is something she shares with many other American families. "My belief is that our country is enriched by 'newcomers,' such as refugees," she said.

Penman, who earned a Master of Arts in school counseling at UNF, met two U.N. refugee students during her work as a counselor at Terry Parker High School. She said she admired both for their persistence in moving forward; one was fleeing war in Africa. In addition, through her volunteer work with Lutheran Services, she often picked up refugees as they arrived in Jacksonville with one suitcase to call their own. Those personal experiences, her dedication to learning and her commitment to the University of North Florida and its mission of educational excellence culminated in the scholarship fund.

In 2017, Penman sponsored four students - three of whom have refugee backgrounds. All wrote to her expressing their gratitude and thankfulness for making their roads through college less rocky. Aleul Ngom, a recipient of Penman's generosity, shared how the scholarship came at a perfect time to provide the resources she needed to be successful. "The Joyce B. Penman First Generation Scholarship took away my financial stress so that I could focus on my studies," said Ngom, who, after meeting her donor, has been inspired to also give back and support others.

Through Ngom and others, there is no doubt that the impact of Penman's gift will be felt far into the future.

Debbie Johnson ('85)

Debbie Johnson, who received her accounting degree from the University of North Florida in 1985, was looking for a way to stay connected to her alma mater when she accepted a position on the Alumni Association board the following year. Since then, her work on behalf of UNF has included service on the Alumni board as a member and a chair, the UNF Foundation Board, the Student Affairs Community Council and more. Johnson's impact, which has spanned more than three decades, has been truly profound.

Johnson has also made a significant contribution through her work with The Arc Jacksonville, which serves people with intellectual and developmental differences. In a pairing of her passions, Johnson helped create On Campus Transition at UNF in 2006 - a program that allows students with differences to attend classes and fully participate in campus life. "Many young adults who might not ever have had an opportunity to go to college are now having a rewarding college experience," Johnson said. 

In addition, she has mentored four women over the past seven years through the Coggin College of Business, maintaining friendships and staying connected after graduation. Johnson said mentoring broadened the scope of her UNF experience, adding, "We should always be thanking the University for providing us with some of the most fulfilling memories of our lives."

Debbie's gratitude and love for UNF has led her to include a provision in her estate plan to provide need-based scholarships to UNF undergraduate students. "I get so much more out of my involvement with UNF than I can ever repay," she said. "It is my hope that through this gift someone else will be able to come to UNF as a student and find the same level of fulfillment that I have."

Mark Cagnassola ('95, '97)

With the unique claim to UNF fame as the first scholarship player for the men's soccer program, Mark Cagnassola began his long-term relationship in 1991 as a four-year student-athlete. Since then, he has continued his support of Osprey Athletics in his post-playing days through the Osprey Club, as a season ticket holder, and other athletic endeavors. Mark, an Ameriprise financial planner, earned a business administration bachelor's degree from UNF in 1995 and followed it up with his master's in public administration in 1997.

Cagnassola, a fixture in the Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area and ardent champion for UNF Athletics, is never shy about encouraging people to support the Ospreys by attending games or through financial support. In chatting with some UNF Development staff members, Cagnassola considered how he could help and felt that "As a former student-athlete and longtime UNF Athletics supporter, my family and I wanted to do something that left a legacy. It quickly became apparent that a planned gift was the way to go."

Being involved in helping people plan for their financial futures, Cagnassola knew the benefits of participation in a planned giving program. He completely understands that these gifts can not only be deeply impactful to UNF, but also most planned gifts do not alter the donor's financial health during his or her lifetime. Planned gifts can also help mitigate the impact of taxes like capital gain on appreciated stock and support UNF Athletics.

"The process and the UNF planned gift team are the best," added Cagnassola. "They were professional, organized, and extremely thoughtful. All UNF supporters should consider a planned gift and leave a legacy for future Ospreys."

Almeta Monroe-Turner

Monroe-Turner's mother was the first in her family to finish high school. At the age of 50, she graduated from Biscayne College with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, the same year Almeta's brother was a freshman at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Almeta entered UCF shortly after and recalls not only her mother's commitment to education but also the tremendous sacrifices her father made to support his wife and children during those college years.

The memories and sacrifices continue to inspire Monroe-Turner and motivated her to make the dream of a college education a reality for others. In 2011 she started the Almeta Monroe-Turner First Generation Scholarship at the University of North Florida. In addition to her mother, her husband Jeff was also a first-generation student.

"I wanted to start the scholarship early in my life and career so I could meet, interact with, and watch students grow," said Monroe-Turner, a State Farm Insurance agent. This year she pledged a significant estate gift to add to her endowed UNF scholarship. She also established a scholarship for graduate students at FAMU, The Almeta Monroe-Turner Women in STEM Scholarship.

Since her first donation to UNF, two students have benefited from Monroe-Turner's generosity, with one graduating in May-a proud moment for both her and the student, though an in-person commencement was not possible due to the pandemic.

She and Jeff have enjoyed interacting with the scholars over the years, particularly at UNF Foundation scholarship luncheons where they talk to the students about their experiences and plans for the future. In fact, that interaction is one of the reasons she picked UNF.

"I sought out UNF," said Monroe-Turner. "I wanted to do this at a school where I could participate. The University responded wonderfully. UNF just became my school."

Monroe-Turner, who serves on the UNF Foundation board, said instead of birthday or holiday gifts, she encourages friends to direct their well wishes to the scholarship fund or the Foundation- and she also tells them how they can begin their own legacy of giving. "I never thought that I would have an opportunity to do this," she said, "but I'm constantly telling people how easy it is."

Almeta Monroe-Turner's gift will change the lives of many students and their families-a fact that is a bit awe-inspiring to her. "It is such a wonderful way to impact someone's life-to help someone go to school," she said. "It is truly just the coolest, best thing I've ever done."

Susan Remmer Ryzewic

Susan Remmer Ryzewic has seen firsthand how a college education can transform lives. With the help of scholarships, her parents were able to earn undergraduate degrees, which then afforded Susan and her siblings many opportunities they otherwise never would have had. As a result, the children went on to earn college degrees and graduate debt-free.

"We now have a responsibility to give back and help others change their lives and those of future generations," she said. In 2008, Susan and her siblings established the Remmer Ryzewic Family Fund Scholarship, which she also supports through a bequest in her estate plan. Susan enjoys attending the annual First Generation and Endowed Scholarship Luncheon and hearing the students' stories about what a difference scholarships make in the lives of recipients.

"My family spent time identifying values and living their lives according to those values," said Susan, president and CEO of EHR Investments Inc. in Jacksonville and past president of the University of North Florida Foundation Board. "My work with UNF reflects three of my core values: the power of education, the obligation to develop and use your skills and social responsibility." During her tenure as board president, Susan's primary focus was to promote the role of board members as ambassadors for the University. "UNF makes a huge difference in the quality of life in Jacksonville," she said. "I believe that a strong university contributes to the local intellectual community in all aspects."

At the end of her term, Susan was presented with the Presidential Medallion, the highest honor the University awards to volunteers. She continues to serve on the Foundation Executive Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Governance Committee. Her service to UNF combines two key components of her life - investments and a way to stay involved in her former career in education.

Susan attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts and earned a doctorate in the sociology of education from the University of Chicago in 1981. She taught college for several years and worked for two banks in New York before moving to Florida in 1989.