advancement Archives - University of West Florida Newsroom News articles from the University of West Florida Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:13:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://news.uwf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/favicon.png advancement Archives - University of West Florida Newsroom 32 32 UWF’s annual Day of Giving returns April 16 https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-annual-day-of-giving-returns-april-16/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22336 Two students and a puppy in UWF Day of Giving merch sitting on a football field with the bottom half of the Argonaut helmet logo visible on the field behind them.

UWF’s annual Day of Giving returns April 16

University of West Florida Argonauts and supporters worldwide are invited to participate in UWF’s eighth annual Day of Giving on Thursday, April 16. Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the Argos will come together to support education, innovation and community during this 24-hour online fundraising initiative. 

]]> Dan Lucas appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration at UWF https://news.uwf.edu/dan-lucas-appointed-vice-president-of-finance-and-administration-at-uwf/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21652 UWF's Dan Lucas smiles in front of greenery on campus.

Dan Lucas appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration at UWF

The University of West Florida has selected Daniel Lucas to be the next vice president of Finance and Administration following the retirement of Betsy Bowers, effective Nov. 1, contingent on UWF Board of Trustees approval. He will maintain his role as chief financial officer of the UWF Foundation.

]]> UWF increases capital campaign goal to $100M, announces new advancement leadership https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-increases-capital-campaign-goal-to-100m-announces-new-advancement-leadership/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21588 Tori Bennett smiles in front of UWF's Cantor Al Sol Archway

UWF increases capital campaign goal to $100M, announces new advancement leadership

The University of West Florida is building on its record-breaking fundraising success, increasing the goal for its “Here for Good” capital campaign from $90 million to $100 million. The campaign, which launched publicly in April 2024, has already surpassed its original goal thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors, alumni and community partners.

]]> UWF recognizes decades of giving from Warren Averett https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-recognizes-decades-of-giving-from-warren-averett/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:32:45 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21481 Photo: Nine people stand in front of a blue backdrop that reads, "University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business" with a green nautilus shell backdrop on both sides. The three people in the center hold a large check with text: "Warren Averett. Date: September 19, 2025. Pay to the order of University of West Florida $250,000 Two Hundred & Fifty Thousand 00/100 dollars. Memo: Lifetime Giving Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business." Signed, "Warren Averett."

UWF recognizes decades of giving from Warren Averett

The University of West Florida celebrated the lifetime giving of Warren Averett at a special ceremony in the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business. The regional accounting and advisory firm’s philanthropic relationship with UWF began when Mort O’Sullivan’s accounting firm made its first gift to the accounting and finance department in 1986, and since then, it has provided gifts totaling more than $250,000.

]]> UWF celebrates grand opening of state-of-the-art laboratory building https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-celebrates-grand-opening-of-state-of-the-art-laboratory-building/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21264 Twenty-one people stand inside a lab building in front of a sign that reads, "University of West Florida Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program."

UWF celebrates grand opening of state-of-the-art laboratory building

Yesterday, the University of West Florida celebrated the grand opening of Building 80, a newly remodeled space that will house the institution’s new civil engineering program and Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program on UWF’s Pensacola campus. The upgraded building features three new wet and dry labs where construction management and civil engineering students can gain hands-on experiences with construction materials. 

]]> Florida Power & Light gift funds UWF robotics summer camp https://news.uwf.edu/florida-power-light-gift-funds-uwf-robotics-summer-camp/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21202 Kids in a lecture hall learning robotics

Florida Power & Light gift funds UWF robotics summer camp

A $50,000 gift from NextEra Energy Foundation, a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company, gave local middle and high school students the opportunity to ignite a passion for engineering, math, science and technology at the inaugural Florida Power & Light Robotics Summer Camp. The inaugural camp was hosted by the University of West Florida Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. 

]]> A $225,000 gift establishes the Charles Anderson Penton STEM Scholarship Endowment https://news.uwf.edu/a-225000-gift-establishes-the-charles-anderson-penton-stem-scholarship-endowment/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21113 Three students around a robot and chess board in an engineering lab.

A $225,000 gift establishes the Charles Anderson Penton STEM Scholarship Endowment

A $225,000 gift from the Penton Family has established the Charles Anderson Penton STEM Scholarship Endowment for Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering students. Through his estate, the late Carl Penton left the gift in memory of his father, Charles Penton, a devoted advocate for higher education who found great joy in the sciences.

]]> UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health celebrates 10th anniversary with Community and Alumni Awards https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-usha-kundu-md-college-of-health-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-community-and-alumni-awards/ Wed, 21 May 2025 18:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21034 Five award recipients hold their clear glass awards standing in front of a blue backdrop that says, "Here for Good"

UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health celebrates 10th anniversary with Community and Alumni Awards

The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health awarded community members for their achievements at its inaugural Community and Alumni Awards during the college's 10-year anniversary celebration, held on May 20 at the Pensacola Museum of Art. The College also announced a $25,000 gift from family and friends of UKCOH’s founding dean, Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl. The “Founding Dean, Dr. Ermalynn Kiehl Excellence Endowment” will provide scholarship and operational support for the College.

]]> UWF breaks University record for donors participating in Day of Giving https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-breaks-university-record-for-donors-participating-in-day-of-giving/ Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=20909 UWF President Martha Saunders stands smiling with a colored-white bandana tied around her neck and holding a colored-blue and white sock in her hands.

UWF breaks University record for donors participating in Day of Giving

The University of West Florida exceeded its fundraising goals during the seventh annual Day of Giving, raising more than $194,000 from 1,256 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University. The annual 24-hour, online, social media-driven fundraising initiative was held on April 17 during UWF’s Founders Week. This year’s Day of Giving marked more than $1 million raised from UWF’s Day of Giving events over the last seven years.

]]> UWF’s annual Day of Giving returns on April 17 https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-annual-day-of-giving-returns-on-april-17/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=20875 Photo- two girls walk on a sidewalk toward the camera. One of the girls wears a colored-blue hat and walks with a dog on a leash. The other girl has a colored-white decorative bandana on her head.

UWF’s annual Day of Giving returns on April 17

University of West Florida Argonauts and supporters worldwide are invited to participate in UWF’s seventh annual Day of Giving on Thursday, April 17. Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University have the chance to make a positive impact and contribute to UWF's success during this 24-hour online fundraising initiative.

]]> UWF celebrates seventh annual Founders Week beginning April 12 https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-celebrates-seventh-annual-founders-week-beginning-april-12/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20832 Two students walk down the steps to the right of the UWF entrance sign that is colored blue, while three other students stand to the left of the sign chatting amongst themselves and three more sit on the concrete steps in front of the sign.

UWF celebrates seventh annual Founders Week beginning April 12

The University of West Florida will honor traditions, engage in the community and celebrate the future of the University during its seventh annual Founders Week, which will be held April 12-17. Founders Week is a weeklong celebration that serves as an opportunity to bring the UWF family together, welcome alumni and visitors to campus and give back to the community.

]]> A $500,000 gift establishes the John W. Merting Family Office of Research and Intellectual Growth at UWF https://news.uwf.edu/a-500000-gift-establishes-the-john-w-merting-family-office-of-research-and-intellectual-growth-at-uwf/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20823 Students sit in a classroom smiling with a Here for Good graphic overlaid

A $500,000 gift establishes the John W. Merting Family Office of Research and Intellectual Growth at UWF

A $500,000 gift from the Merting Family has established the Merting Family Fellowship Support Endowment, which will fund the John W. Merting Family Office of Research and Intellectual Growth at the University of West Florida. The program will be based in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and recruit and prepare students and faculty universitywide to compete for prestigious fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

]]> UWF receives $125,000 gift to create scholarship endowment benefitting electrical and computer engineering students https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-receives-125000-gift-to-create-scholarship-endowment-benefitting-electrical-and-computer-engineering-students/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20292 Three UWF students in an electrical engineering lab with a banner that says "HERE FOR GOOD | The Campaign for UWF"

UWF receives $125,000 gift to create scholarship endowment benefitting electrical and computer engineering students

The University of West Florida has created the Electrical Engineering Juergen and Helen Ihns Scholars Endowment through a $125,000 gift from Helen Ihns. The endowment, established in honor of Helen and her late husband Juergen Ihns, will provide four annual need-based scholarships to UWF electrical and computer engineering students. 

]]> UWF celebrates the grand opening of the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-celebrates-the-grand-opening-of-the-sandy-sansing-sports-medicine-center/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:51:46 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19726 Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center ribbon cutting

UWF celebrates the grand opening of the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center

The University of West Florida celebrated the grand opening of the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center at the Darrell Gooden Center, a $6 million state-of-the-art facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for UWF student-athletes. The Darrell Gooden Center expansion includes areas for student-athletes to warm up and cool down prior to and post practice, receive innovative physical therapy and restorative treatments, additional offices for athletic training and football staff and new team meeting spaces for UWF Athletics.

]]> Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center Ribbon Cutting and Open House https://news.uwf.edu/sandy-sansing-sports-medicine-center-ribbon-cutting-and-open-house/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:33:20 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19705 Design rendering of the new UWF Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center

Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center Ribbon Cutting and Open House

WHAT: Media are invited to the ribbon cutting and open house for the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center at the Darrell Gooden Center. The new state-of-the-art Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center will provide enhanced care and expanded space for more than 370 UWF student-athletes and staff. The Darrell Gooden Center expansion includes areas for student-athletes to warm up and cool down prior to and post practice, receive innovative physical therapy and restorative treatments, and additional offices and meeting spaces for coaches of multiple UWF athletic teams.

]]> UWF announces $320k gift from Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care to name MSAT program and support Department of Athletics  https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-announces-320k-gift-from-andrews-institute-and-baptist-health-care-to-name-msat-program-and-support-department-of-athletics/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19694 Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care game recognition

UWF announces $320k gift from Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care to name MSAT program and support Department of Athletics 

UWF announced a $320,000 gift from Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care to name the Andrews Institute and Baptist Health Care Master of Science in Athletic Training program, housed in the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. The gift will also support Intercollegiate Athletics.

]]> UWF Historic Trust Unveils Train Pavilion   https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-historic-trust-unveils-train-pavilion/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:31:55 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19418 University of West Florida Historic Trust hosts unveiling event for the Barbara Goggins Train Pavilion.

UWF Historic Trust Unveils Train Pavilion  

The University of West Florida Historic Trust received a $110,000 gift from the McMillan family and $400,000 from the late Barbara Goggins estate in efforts to enhance the train exhibition and improve the outdoor space around the Museum of Industry. The new train canopy area includes a locomotive and flat car formerly owned by the T.R. Miller Mill Company as well as an L&N caboose. The new space will be named the Barbara Goggins Train Pavilion in recognition of her support of the project.

]]> UWF alumni, community advocates Stephen and Mona Wright gift $500,000 to establish new institute https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-alumni-community-advocates-stephen-and-mona-wright-gift-500000-to-establish-new-institute/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:29:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19410 Dean David Bellar, Provost Dr. Jaromy Kuhl, Mona Wright, Stephen Wright, President Martha D. Saunders, Dr. Mark Diana, and Vice President Howard J. Reddy at donor event

UWF alumni, community advocates Stephen and Mona Wright gift $500,000 to establish new institute

Alumni Stephen ‘81 and Mona ‘79 Wright, community advocates and co-founders of the nonprofit Coastal Connection, are investing $500,000 in the University of West Florida to create the Wright Family Institute for Global and Population Health housed in the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.

]]> Lifelong scholar, learner and educator, the late James E. Miller honored with named programs https://news.uwf.edu/lifelong-scholar-learner-and-educator-the-late-james-e-miller-honored-with-named-programs/ Mon, 06 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19226 Lifelong scholar, learner and educator, the late James E. Miller honored with named programs

Lifelong scholar, learner and educator, the late James E. Miller honored with named programs

The University of West Florida Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering recently received a gift from Diane Miller to name the Bachelor and Master of Science in Computer Science programs in honor of her late husband, James E. Miller. The funds will be used in part for equipment and faculty support to enable some advanced research programs. Miller was a consummate scholar, learner and life-long educator. A legacy and naming event was held at the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering on UWF’s Pensacola campus on May 3.

]]> UWF announces $150,000 gift to establish the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-announces-150000-gift-to-establish-the-elizabeth-s-calhoun-endowment-for-industrial-careers/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:30:06 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19207 UWF announces $150,000 gift to establish the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers

UWF announces $150,000 gift to establish the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers

A $150,000 gift to the University of West Florida established the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers and named the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Analytical Lab, which will benefit undergraduate chemistry majors in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. The endowment will focus on supporting women and Pell-eligible students.

]]> UWF surpasses fundraising goals on sixth annual Day of Giving https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-surpasses-fundraising-goals-on-sixth-annual-day-of-giving/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19189 UWF surpasses fundraising goals on sixth annual Day of Giving

UWF surpasses fundraising goals on sixth annual Day of Giving

The University of West Florida exceeded its fundraising goals during the sixth annual Day of Giving, raising nearly $198,000 from 1,226 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University. The annual 24-hour, online, social media-driven fundraising initiative was held on April 18 during UWF’s Founders Week.

]]> University of West Florida memorial scholarship created to honor UWF alumnus https://news.uwf.edu/university-of-west-florida-memorial-scholarship-created-to-honor-uwf-alumnus/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19178 University of West Florida memorial scholarship created to honor UWF alumnus

University of West Florida memorial scholarship created to honor UWF alumnus

A $150,000 gift to the University of West Florida from the late Ann Fell established the David Gus Fell Memorial Scholarship Endowment, which will benefit undergraduate engineering majors in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering.

]]> UWF’s Day of Giving returns on April 18 https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-day-of-giving-returns-on-april-18/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19167 UWF’s Day of Giving returns on April 18

UWF’s Day of Giving returns on April 18

University of West Florida Argonauts and friends are invited to support the University of West Florida and its programs on UWF’s sixth annual Day of Giving scheduled for Thursday, April 18. Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends will have the opportunity to invest in the University’s future during the 24-hour online fundraising initiative and social media event.

]]> UWF launches ‘Here for Good capital campaign,’ announces gift in excess of $9 million to name football stadium https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-launches-here-for-good-capital-campaign-announces-gift-in-excess-of-9-million-to-name-football-stadium/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19162 UWF launches ‘Here for Good capital campaign,’ announces gift in excess of $9 million to name football stadium

UWF launches ‘Here for Good capital campaign,’ announces gift in excess of $9 million to name football stadium

This evening, the University of West Florida launched the public phase of the “Here for Good capital campaign,” the largest campaign in University history. President Martha D. Saunders announced the campaign at a gala held at the Field House on UWF’s Pensacola campus.

]]>