UNF celebrates students, faculty, staff and gives away scholarships during Convocation

The University of North Florida welcomed the 2026-27 academic year Friday during Convocation, celebrating record enrollment of more than 18,900 students, impactful research, and expanded business and community partnerships, while recognizing outstanding students, faculty and staff through scholarships, awards and special honors.

"We must celebrate these achievements as reflections of the commitment of faculty, staff and administrators to providing high-quality experiences for our students," said UNF Interim President Angela Falconetti. "And students, this is a testament to you for relying on us to support you during your academic journeys at UNF."

UNF Board of Trustees Chair Steve Moore thanked faculty and staff for all they do.

"Never underestimate the power of what you do, it is the knowledge you impart, your guidance and belief in the students that fosters their success," he said.

He encouraged students to get to know faculty and staff, say yes to that research project and raise your hand for that internship opportunity.

Moore shared that UNF has the right conditions to help students be successful. "Here you can dream bigger and discover what you're truly capable of."

The annual campus tradition featured surprise giveaways of thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes, while highlighting the University's achievements of the past year.

Student Success Spotlight

During the Friday event, UNF senior Valentina Bonilla Villalobos reflected on her journey from Venezuela and Colombia to becoming a physics and astrophysics student at UNF. Villalobos has conducted research and presented her work at conferences in Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Germany. She also completed summer research experiences at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and most recently at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

She said she realizes that most undergraduate students don't get to do as much research, especially working directly with professors, as students at UNF.

"Every star needs the right conditions to form," she said. "And every student needs people who believe in them."

She highlighted UNF faculty who believed in her and encouraged her to pursue ambitious opportunities.

"It was through experience and through the support of the people around me that I was able to believe in myself enough to chase opportunities that once felt out of reach."

Villalobos aims to pursue a PhD in astrophysics.

State of the Osprey Nation

During her remarks, Falconetti recognized the incredible achievements of Villalobos, as well as every student, faculty and staff member, board member, administrator, donor and volunteer who has shaped UNF's rich history.

"Astrophysics reminds us that no star shines in isolation," Falconetti said. "Each contributes to its own light, but together, they illuminate something far greater. As we begin this academic year, let us be steadfast in our purpose, unwavering in our commitment, and limitless in what we believe is possible."

Falconetti highlighted a year of significant growth, innovation and impact across the University, including record enrollment and incredible academic excellence. She also highlighted the opening of the Perry Weather Heat Lab at UNF's Korey Stringer Institute, the naming of Mayo Clinic as UNF Athletics' official healthcare provider, and an $8 million gift from the Kernan Hodges Estate for renovations of the stadium.

Support for the University increased as 2026 Giving Day raised more than $1.7 million from 5,884 donors, racing past the goal of 4,750 donors and marking UNF's largest single day of donor participation.

And just this month, UNF ranked 58th among 210 public college and universities nationwide in TIME's inaugural America's Best Colleges 2026-27.

Caring Award

The 2026-27 Albert D. Ernest Caring Award was presented to Elijah Rojas, a rising senior studying marketing, in recognition of his exceptional commitment to service and leadership. This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated meaningful community impact through service, and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism for which Ernest, former President and CEO of Barnett Bank, was celebrated.

Rojas serves as an officer in several student organizations including First Generation Ospreys, Latin Student Organization, UNF American Marketing Club, UNF Social Work Club and French Club. He also participates in regular beach cleanups, engages students on Instagram as the Ospreys4Change social media specialist and mentors students as a resident assistant.

Core Value Awards

Karen B. Patterson, PhD., UNF executive vice president and provost, joined Falconetti in presenting the Core Value Awards to faculty and staff who exemplify the University's values of accountability, civility, culture of care, excellence and integrity.

• Accountability
  • Scott Curry, Senior Director of Industry Engagement, Career Services
  • Jason Haraldsen, Professor of Physics
• Civility
  • Elizabeth Hardy, Coordinator of Student Success
  • Russ Turney, Professor of English
• Culture of Care
  • Christopher Brewer, Military Compliance Manager
  • Jennie Ziegler, Assistant Chair of English
• Excellence
  • Catherine Dunagan, Women's Tennis Coach
  • Swapnoneel Roy, Professor of Computing
• Integrity
  • Yentl Dunbar, Budget Coordinator, School of Music
  • Casey Colin, Associate Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics

Faculty Awards

Patterson also recognized the outstanding achievements of faculty by presenting the 2026 Faculty Awards. The winners have proven excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and innovation.

Lynne Arriale with the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences was recognized as the 2026 Distinguished Professor. An internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and educator, Ariale is widely recognized for her contributions to contemporary jazz and her lasting influence on music education. The runner-up for the award is Dr. Tes Tuason, professor, program director in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and a licensed clinical psychologist.

Read more about all the 2026 Faculty Awards winners.