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For over 40 years, the Southwest Florida Gator Club, a local chapter of the University of Florida Alumni Association, has contributed to scholarships that assist students in earning their degrees from the University of Florida. This year, the SWFL Gator Club awarded $18,500 for local students that will be attending the University of Florida.
Last year, the club awarded a record-breaking $20,000, doubling its community contribution to maximize its impact.
The SWFL Gator Club raised funds through their Gator Gathering with University of Florida Head Football Coach Billy Napier in April, as well as alumni donations during game-watching parties and other club activities.
This year's donation will support 20 local students, with scholarship amounts varying between $500 and $2,000 and renewable for up to four years to continue to support students during their academic journey. Students were selected based on their leadership skills, community involvement and financial need.
"As University of Florida alumni, it is our mission to continue the legacy of UF by supporting future Gators," said Noelle Casagrande, president of the SWFL Gator Club. "Through our club events and generous Gator community in Southwest Florida, we are able to support more students annually and invest in their futures at the University of Florida, and beyond."
The SWFL Gator Club is ready to raise more funds for local students looking to attend the University of Florida in 2024 with their Fall Kick-Off Party on Saturday, August 26 at 3 p.m. at the Edison Restaurant. This free-to-attend event is open to the public. All UF Alumni and Gator Fans are welcome to learn more about the SWFL Gator Club and help raise scholarship funds through raffles, drawings, and upcoming events. To RSVP or to learn more, please reach out toswflgatorclub@gmail.com.
The scholarship winners are:
Renewals — Alexandria Henson, Shion Simms, Morgan Russell, Savannah Duff, Lolina Bruggeman, Nathan Wydra, Dinah Ceilley, Isabelle Carminati, Jaime Suckovich, Jinyi (Jimmy) Lian, Kasi Borgerink, Kenise Jackson, Beckham Borgerink (Norbeck), Reagan Fitzgerald and Courtney Dingerson; new recipients: Ashley Buckley, Benjamin Smith, Jimmy Rose, Marina Garcia-Bello, Celeste Schreiber and Tobin Hertz.