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.

"Warren Averett's lifetime giving is an investment in the lives and futures of our Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business students, faculty and the Pensacola community," said Dr. Scott Keller, dean of the college. "Our students become the very best young professionals they can be as we offer them high-impact learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Warren Averett's generosity throughout the decades has provided the resources that help us provide such opportunities through scholarships, professional mentoring and the funding of live financial industry data utilized to educate students, faculty and the community. There is no greater contribution than to help others succeed in life as Warren Averett has done and continues to do."

Most of the firm's giving has been to the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business - specifically the Warren Averett, LLC College of Business Endowment, which has produced multiple student scholarships over the years. Along with scholarships, their support has provided funding for multiple programs in the college, such as the Executive Mentor Program and the Cox Communications Trading Lab. The gift has also provided opportunities for student professional development, facility improvement and faculty development support.

"At Warren Averett, giving back to our community is a core value, and we are proud to share our success with the University of West Florida through this endowment," said Cyndi Warren, Partner-in-Charge-Growth for Warren Averett's Pensacola and Daphne offices. "With many current and former team members who first grew as students at UWF and have gone on to thrive in their careers - including here at Warren Averett - we see every day how these investments not only support future leaders in accounting, but strengthen our entire community."

Allison Wilhelms, a finance and accounting double major at UWF, is just one of many students whose academic journey has been positively impacted by the generosity of Warren Averett.

"This scholarship means so much to me and my family - not just financially, but personally as well," Wilhelms said. "Thanks to this support, I was able to enroll in four classes this summer so I can graduate a semester early. This accelerated path not only reduces the overall cost of my degree but also positions me for future career opportunities sooner than expected."

As these summer classes were online, Wilhelms was also able to travel home to Brazil to spend cherished time with family.

"Since coming to the United States to pursue my degree, I haven't had many chances to return home or enjoy quality time with my loved ones," Wilhelms said. "Your generosity is making something truly special possible for me."

For more information about giving to UWF, visit uwf.edu/give. For more information about the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, visit uwf.edu/lbjcob.