The Osprey experience that sparked a lifetime of impact

For Juliette and Jonas Gredenhag, the University of North Florida did more than provide an education. It sparked a relationship that has spanned more than two decades, launched successful careers and inspired a lifelong commitment to helping future Ospreys thrive.

Jacksonville native Juliette (Cascone) Gredenhag ('99, '99, '02) initially planned to complete her introductory coursework at UNF before transferring elsewhere, but something changed. During her time as a freshman, she made some great friends and enjoyed learning from her professors. As a result, she stayed at UNF for six years, completing two bachelor's degrees in English and communications and a master's degree in English.

Jonas Gredenhag ('00) left his home country of Sweden in 1993 to join Fletcher High School as an exchange student to improve his golf game, become fluent in English and experience American culture. After returning home to earn his diploma, he missed the Florida sunshine and the Jacksonville lifestyle. He returned to the First Coast and was recruited to play golf at Florida State College at Jacksonville, but the team discontinued while he was pursuing his associate's degree. Knowing several players on the UNF golf team and recognizing the strength of the Information Systems program at UNF's College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, he transferred in to earn his bachelor's degree.

Juliette and Jonas met as UNF students and have now been married for 24 years. Together, they have four children. The couple has been finding ways to support UNF students ever since.

The UNF Experience

Their UNF experiences could not be more different. Jonas lived with Swedish roommates and enjoyed meeting new people, playing on various golf courses, trying unfamiliar foods and participating in the nightlife at the Beaches. He was a dedicated student, putting in his all in demanding classes, including professor Ron Zucker's Data Structures course, which focused on Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL). On weekends, he even worked as a caddy.

The lessons Jonas learned at UNF played a significant role in his career progression.

"While I gained valuable technical skills in the classroom, the most important lessons I took away were the values of hard work, problem-solving and teamwork," he said.

The coursework was challenging on its own but completing it in a second language added another layer of difficulty. With the help of inspiring professors and supportive classmates, he had all the tools to succeed.

Meanwhile, outside of classes and part-time jobs, Juliette spent her free time with her large family. She was the fifth of six children, with her older siblings already living outside of the home. She enjoyed having her own space and the conveniences at home.

Branching out, she participated in two study abroad programs that changed her life. Her first study abroad adventure was an independent program with the American University of Paris that showed her how radically different life can be overseas. But her second experience with UNF's first sponsored trip to France was the real game changer. Led by Dr. Shira Schwam-Baird, the students studied in Strasbourg, and with such an experienced guide, Julie felt she got deeper insights into politics, history, art, culture, language and so much more.

"Having a UNF professor leading the program made the study abroad experience more meaningful, secure and special," Juliette said.

Learning values of hard work

During his last semester at UNF, the PGA TOUR hired Jonas as an intern working as a web developer in the new media department, where he was then promoted to full-time after graduation. Three years later, he had a devastating setback when his position was eliminated, but he was offered a role in the IT department. Hard work, long hours and a positive attitude helped him advance quickly, and he eventually oversaw the TOUR's entire server infrastructure.

In 2018, he was promoted to Senior Director and soon after became the Vice President of Golf Technology Enterprise Architecture. In his role, he oversees the ShotLink scoring system, managing both the technology and operations at the headquarters as well as the onsite operations at PGA TOUR tournaments. He has also served as the Information Officer for the International Golf Federation for the Olympic Games, overseeing the technical implementation of golf.

Starting a family together and building a legacy

One night in 1996, Juliette and her friends attended a UNF party where friends introduced her to several students from the international program.

"They were nicely dressed and had incredible manners," she said.

Upon first sight of Jonas, Juliette told the other girls, "He is mine!"

The two married in 2002.

Juliette's parents and grandparents have always been the model example for helping others and making a positive difference in the community, both through visible and invisible ways. When her parents established the Cascone Family Foundation, they gave Juliette the opportunity to support personal interests.

One of her first philanthropic priorities was supporting UNF students.

"An advantage of a college education is having transformative, mind-opening and at times, humbling, experiences," she said.

That vision led to the creation of the Cascone Family Study Abroad Scholarship in 2007. Open to UNF's College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) students, the fund enables more Ospreys to have transformative educational experiences without worrying about breaking the bank.

"Supporting the next generation of students to have the same transformative experiences not only helps them to have a strong college experience, but it strengthens UNF and the community too, as those students bring their lessons learned and new connections back to Jacksonville," Juliette said. "Maybe one day some of those students will also find themselves able to pay it forward as well."

A legacy of support for UNF

The Gredenhag and Cascone families have supported many different areas of UNF, including Athletics, Brooks College of Health, Coggin College of Business, COAS and much more. The legacy has continued with both Juliette and Jonas being named to Dean Kaveri Subrahmanyam's COAS Leadership Council, where they can directly witness the impact of their involvement.

"Seeing professors' work firsthand is fascinating," Juliette said. "I've learned that UNF is conducting and patenting cancer-fighting research, training top-tier nurses, conducting social media mental health studies and offering solutions, improving senior citizens' driving skills, conducting political polling, working with students on important environmental initiatives, giving students the opportunity to visit foreign embassies in Washington D.C., achieving stellar athletic records, building top-notch facilities, showcasing thought-provoking art, offering really lovely grounds for the public to enjoy, providing job training for adults with developmental disabilities, and so much more."

Between all their work and community engagement, their extra time revolves mostly around their children's activities and interests. Yet somehow, this still ties directly back to the University. Three of their children play tennis, so they're thankful to have built connections with UNF alumni like Till von Winning ('19, '22), who has served as their coach.

As Juliette reflects on the Cascone family legacy, from the generosity modeled by her grandparents and parents to opportunities now available to her children, it all ties back to UNF.