Class Notes
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Sarah Peerson
MSF ’07
Peerson recently began a new role with Wells Fargo as Group Head – Speciality Housing. She has been with Wells Fargo for 19 years, most recently leading as managing director.
Read more about Peerson in this story from Warrington.
February 2026
Jennifer (Blackburn) Futch
BSAc ’12, MAcc ’13
Futch, a CPA, was recently promoted to Senior Tax Manager at James Moore & Co.’s Gainesville office. She has been with the firm since she completed her master’s degree in accounting at the University of Florida Fisher School of Accounting in 2013.
January 2026
Alan Levine
MBA ’93
Levine is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballad Health, an integrated health system serving a large region of Appalachia, including Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Western North Carolina. Prior to serving as chairman and CEO of Ballad Health, Vice Chair Levine served for more than 25 years as chief executive officer of hospitals and health systems ranging from a small rural hospital to one of the largest public health systems in America.
He was recently named the Board of Governors Chair for the State University System of Florida.
January 2026
Stefanie Ink Edwards
MBA ’23
Ink Edwards is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Cooperative. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation Board of Directors, the PACE Center for Girls Advisory Board and the Meals on Wheels Florida Board of Directors.
She was recently appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Commission on Community Service.
January 2026
Richard B. Franz III
BSAc ’98
Franz is the Chief Operating Officer and Southeast Regional Managing Partner at Sorren, Inc. Active in his community, he is a member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and previously worked as a Certified Public Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
He was recently appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the St. Petersburg College District Board of Trustees.
January 2026
Jen Frazer
BS ’98
Frazer recently moved into a new position at Carter’s, Inc. as Vice President of Human Resources & Talent Acquisition. She has been with the baby and children’s apparel company for more than 10 years and previously served as Senior Director of Talent Acquisition. Prior to Carter’s, she served in several human resources roles for Target over 14 years, including Group Human Resources Manager – Atlanta.
January 2026
Tamas Kereszy
MSM ’20
Kereszy is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Fire Neural Network (FNN™), a wildfire detection company powered by AI. In his role, he oversees the company’s detector manufacturing and deployment operations. He brings extensive experience in engineering and operations, having previously served as a Technical Engineer at Procter & Gamble and as a Mechanical and Operations Engineer at Alchemr.
He was recently named to the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Energy & Green Tech list.
January 2026
Stephen Bunch
BSAc ’98, MAcc ’99
Bunch is Partner In Charge at the Tampa Bay offices of Sorren. He was recently appointed to the Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Bunch is a member of the Fisher School of Accounting Advisory Board and previous member of the UF Alumni Association Board.
January 2026
Michelle Barnett
BSBA ’00
Barnett is an attorney and founding shareholder of Alexander, DeGance, Barnett, P.A. Active in her community, she is a member of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute Board of Trustees.
She was recently reappointed to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
January 2026
Zack Seltzer
BSBA ’19
Seltzer is the Broker and Owner of Seltzer Real Estate in Panama City Beach, FL, a family-run boutique firm known for a client-first, no-nonsense approach. A born entrepreneur, Seltzer launched a successful mobile iPhone repair business at 16, building deep local ties across the Panhandle before moving full-time into real estate. Her earned his Sales Associate license in 2016 and Broker license in 2018.
January 2026
Adam Goldstein
BSBA ’01
Goldstein is Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation. The company recently announced its plans for a Miami area air taxi network that would connect Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale with 10-20 minute electric flights.
Read more about the plans from Archer Aviation.
December 2025
Patricia Goodwin-Peters
DBA ’25
Goodwin-Peters contributed a chapter to the book, “Shaping AI Without the Hype: How Women Turn Technology Into Real-World Impact,” which was recently published. In the book, the authors set out to tell a different story about AI: one rooted in real experiences, real challenges, and the real opportunities ahead when technology and humanity move forward together.
In her chapter, Goodwin-Peters shares why the future of AI depends on people—on the leaders who will design work differently, on the employees who bring insight and creativity, and on the cultures that make innovation possible. AI may scale intelligence, but people create meaning.
December 2025
Mauricio Quezada
BSBA ’92
Quezada was appointed President and CEO of Jiffy Lube International, Inc., an industry leader in automotive preventive maintenance. Quezada brings more than two decades of automotive OEM and aftermarket experience to the role, most recently serving as Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Direct Lubricants for The Pennzoil Quaker State Company (Shell USA).
The appointment marks a homecoming for Quezada, who served as Director of Operations of Jiffy Lube International from 2015-2018. In his new role, he will leverage his operational expertise to set the company’s strategic direction, including driving growth for the network of more than 2,000 independently owned Jiffy Lube service centers across North America.
Since joining Shell in 2005, Quezada has held a wide range of leadership roles across its downstream businesses in the U.S. and abroad. Previously, he also served as a Subway franchisee, giving him a unique perspective on the importance of franchise collaboration – an insight he brings to his leadership at Jiffy Lube.
November 2025
Mike Balter
BSAc ’88
Balter was honored by South Florida Business & Wealth magazine with a 2025 Apogee Award for Executive Excellence in Accounting. An awards ceremony was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 19, 2025. The Apogee Awards is a unique awards program created by South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) magazine to recognize distinguished C-Suite leaders whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition.
Balter is Regional Leader, Southeast at CBIZ.
Connect with Balter on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Edward Cohen
BSAc ’80
Cohen is Strategic Advisor at SprintRay, Inc.
From the Fisher School’s first graduating class, Cohen has lived and worked in 75+ countries. In 2026 he will publish Transforming Teams: A Six-Phase Path for Thriving Workplaces, Worlds Apart: A True Story of Courage, Connection, and Change, and Vulnerable: One Man’s Journey from Abuse to Abundance. His career includes leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Satyam, Amazon, SprintRay and his own firm.
Connect with Cohen on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Terri Pepper
BS ’79, MBA ’09
Pepper is CEO of TerraLex, an award-winning global network of law firms committed to collaboration. She’s been active in the legal community for more than 30 years, most recently serving in roles such as Chair Emeritus of the Law Firm Marketing Summit; Co-Chair of the Futures Conference of the College of Law Practice Management; and as a frequent speaker at leading industry conferences. During work travels, she volunteers around the world, focused on nutrition, wellness and yoga.
Connect with Pepper on LinkedIn.
November 2025
Gina Martin Adams
BSBA ’98
Adams has been appointed Chief Market Strategist and Key Investment Promotions at HB Wealth, one of the nation’s leading independent, fee-only wealth management firms. In her new role, the former Chief Equity Strategist and Head of Equity Strategy and Fund Research at Bloomberg Intelligence will collaborate with HB Wealth’s investment team to deliver timely market perspectives, share actionable insights, and enhance the firm’s visibility as a leading voice in the industry.
With more than 25 years of experience at leading global financial institutions, Adams brings deep expertise in market analysis, thematic research, and translating complex economic trends into actionable strategies. With a top-down perspective, she leverages fundamental, technical, and quantitative perspectives to inform investment decisions. She will also contribute to advancing proprietary research, supporting the development of new investment products, and enhancing the client experience through thought leadership and education.
Adams will also serve as a bridge between HB Wealth’s investment philosophy and the clients it supports, helping translate the firm’s market insights into meaningful conversations. As a member of HB Wealth’s investment committee, Adams will collaborate with the firm’s private and public market investment teams to shape portfolio construction and asset allocation decisions.
Adams serves on the Board of the CMT Association and the Advisory Council at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. She is also a member of the Economics Club of New York, 100 Women in Finance, and the Financial Women’s Association, and an advocate for mentoring emerging female professionals in the finance industry.
November 2025
Todd Wilson
BSBA ’99
Wilson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at BJ’s Restaurants.
Wilson brings nearly two decades of exceptional financial leadership to BJ’s. Most recently and since November 2022, Wilson has served as the CFO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a publicly traded full-service restaurant chain, where he played an integral role in improving restaurant-level margins and achieving improved financial results, while driving effective communication with the investment community. During his tenure at Red Robin, he was responsible for the company’s financial disciplines including accounting, financial planning & analysis, tax and treasury.
Prior to joining Red Robin, from 2018 to 2022, Wilson served as the CFO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, a privately held L Catterton Growth portfolio company, where he engineered significant operating margin expansion, doubled unit count through organic growth & acquisition, and completed two successful debt refinancings. From 2016 to 2018, he was Vice President of Finance for Jamba Juice, leading finance & investor relations, and spearheading the process that culminated in a successful strategic sale of the company. Prior to that, he served in progressive financial leadership roles at Bloomin’ Brands from 2006 to 2016.
November 2025
Brendan McKitrick
BSAc ’06, MS-ISOM ’09
McKitrick was admitted to James Moore & Co.’s partnership. An employee of the firm for over 12 years, McKitrick is a highly regarded leader on James Moore’s Government Services team, where he helps lead the firm’s rapidly growing government practice that currently serves over a dozen counties, 50 municipalities and dozens of special districts in varying capacities. The work performed by him and his team ranges from traditional external auditor relationships to consulting-oriented services as part of the firm’s Municipal Finance Support Services.
In addition to McKitrick’s contributions to the government team and its clients, his unique background includes the Certified Information Systems Auditor designation and prior experience as an IT auditor with a national firm. This knowledge and experience have helped the firm’s audit department consistently stay ahead of the curve with the increasing impact of information technology systems on an organization’s financial operations.
November 2025
Barry J. Rassin
MBA ’73
Rassin recently published his memoir, The Rassin Story: Of Love, Loss & Leadership, through its official publisher, World Caribbean Books.
Rassin has devoted his career to advancing healthcare, education, and humanitarian service across the Caribbean and beyond. He currently serves as Trustee and Chair of the Advancement Committee at the University of The Bahamas, and is also Past President of Rotary International (2018–2019) and Chair of The Rotary Foundation (2023–2024).
The book reflects the very essence of Service Above Self, resilience, and leadership in action — shaped by his parents’ pioneering work founding The Bahamas’ first private hospital, the tragic loss of his father (whose passing following an act of kindness deepened his lifelong devotion to humanity), and his own journey from building a modern healthcare legacy to leading one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations. Above all, it is a heartfelt testament to his love for The Bahamas and the leadership values instilled during his time at the Warrington College of Business.
November 2025
Samir Yajnik
MSRE ’08
Yajnik has been named Managing Director of Investments at Momentous Sports, a global sports and real estate investment platform backed by quarterbacks Tim Tebow, John Elway, Blake Bortles, and other investors. With more than 20 years of experience and over $2 billion in real estate transactions, Yajnik previously held leadership roles at Satori Collective, Encore Capital Management and DeBartolo Development.
November 2025
Kevin Boone
BSAc ’00
Boone has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CSX.
Boone joined CSX in 2017 and has held several key leadership roles. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. He brings exceptional expertise to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer, a position he previously held for two years during the company’s navigation of supply chain challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boone also served as vice president of corporate affairs and investor relations at CSX.
Prior to joining the company, he spent nearly two decades in the investment industry, specializing in finance, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions.
October 2025
Jose Godoy
BSBA ’02
Godoy transitioned into the role of Director of Business Development at Vertix Group LLC. He previously spearheaded Portfolio Management functions at the group.
With nearly 20 years of experience in private credit, capital markets, and wealth management, Godoy brings deep industry expertise and a robust professional network.
October 2025
Glenn Cooper
BS ’95
Cooper joined Shutts & Bowen as a Partner in its Tax & International Law Practice Group, based in the firm’s Miami office.
Cooper brings more than 25 years of experience advising international companies, investors and entrepreneurs on cross-border business transactions, corporate law and U.S. immigration matters. His practice focuses on helping foreign companies establish and grow their U.S. operations, obtain business and investor visas and navigate complex corporate and regulatory requirements.
Fluent in French and proficient in Spanish, Cooper has been a frequent speaker on international business and immigration issues in Europe and North America, addressing organizations such as the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the Canada Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s South Florida District Export Council and has held leadership positions with multiple business development organizations throughout Florida.
October 2025
Taylor Cole
MBA ’07
Cole was named as an operating partner focused on industrial investments at Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, a middle market private equity firm specializing in the industrial and healthcare sectors.
Cole brings more than 35 years of operational and executive leadership experience across the industrial and heavy equipment manufacturing sectors. His background spans public and private companies in both U.S. and international markets, including the Asia-Pacific region, where he spent over a decade working in Indonesia and Singapore.
He most recently served as CEO of Canam Steel Corporation, a private equity-sponsored supplier to the commercial construction industry, where he oversaw the company’s growth from $400 million to $1.5 billion in revenue and led operations across a multi-site domestic manufacturing network.
Prior to Canam Steel Corporation, Cole served as President of Firestone Building Products, where he led a four-year turnaround of the global business. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Bridgestone, Howden North America, Intergraph Corporation, Sandvik Mining and Construction, Freeport McMoRan, and International Shipholding Corporation.
October 2025
Vivian (Lee) Wong
DBA ’25
Wong’s abstract, “Conscientiousness and Neuroticism Interact to Affect Job Performance: The Mediating Roles of Goal Commitment and Goal Orientations,” was accepted for presentation at the International Conference of Applied Psychology (ICAP 2026).
She is an adjunct business lecturer at the University of Colorado – Boulder and Chinese Agricultural University.
September 2025
Billy Gilchrist
BSBA ’07, MSE ’09
Gilchrist was named Senior Vice President – Originations at Peachtree Group, a leading commercial real estate investment firm overseeing a diversified portfolio of more than $8 billion. In this role, Gilchrist will be responsible for originating commercial real estate and hotel investments across Peachtree’s lending platform.
Gilchrist brings more than a decade of leadership experience in finance, real estate and hospitality to Peachtree. He has a proven track record in executing large-scale acquisitions, new construction and capital improvement projects totaling more than $400 million. His expertise spans debt structuring, capital raising and asset management, making him a strong addition to the firm’s credit platform.
Before joining Peachtree, Gilchrist served as chief financial and investment officer of ARK, where he oversaw investment strategy, financial planning and operations. Previously, he held senior executive roles with Hotel Development & Management Group where he was instrumental in driving the company’s development pipeline, acquisitions and investor engagement. Earlier in his career, he held positions with Insight Credit Union and BB&T, managing credit portfolios and small business relationships.
September 2025
Anu Rajakumar
BSBA ’08
Rajakumar was named one of Pensions & Investments’ 2025 Most Influential Women in Institutional Investing. She is Managing Director and Multi-Asset Advisor at Neuberger Berman in New York.
She has been with Neuberger for 16 years and has played a pivotal role in transforming and elevating the company’s Multi-Asset platform. Beyond her business impact, Rajakumar is a respected thought leader in the industry and is admired for fostering a collaborative culture, mentoring colleagues and empowering others to innovate.
September 2025
Flavia Vaduva
MSM ’15
Vaduva was recently awarded recognition as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) – Nutrition College.
Vaduva joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2024 as a Scientific Communications Senior Specialist and is a valued member of the USPVA team. She is a 2016 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Before specializing in veterinary nutrition, she served as a general practitioner and held several roles in the veterinary industry.
September 2025
Updated January 2026
Elizabeth A. Murray | BSBA ‘97, JD ‘00 | 2011 | Murray, of Noorco, Louisiana, passed on June 28.
Christine E. Feldman | BSBA ‘90 | 2019 | Feldman, of Lithia, Florida, passed on January 1. She was a devoted wife to Greg, her husband of 25 years and had three daughters: Claire, Mary Beth and Olivia. She is survived by her husband, daughters, parents, brother and extended family.
James W. Fillegar | BABA ‘66 | 2022 | Fillegar, of Saint Johns, Florida, passed on October 20. During his time at the University of Florida, he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity while pursuing a degree in business. Post-graduation, he owned and operated a wholesale business for 32 years. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his son, Jeffrey; his daughter, Mandy; and his grandchildren.
James T. Medick | BABA ‘68 | 2022 | Medick, of Lafayette, California, passed on April 6. He founded and served as the CEO and director of Precision Opinion, Inc. until his passing. Above all, Medick had a heart for adventure and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sons, Christian Thomas and Alexander James Medick; his daughter, Meagan Medick Ourada; and his grandchildren.
Kathleen A. Willard | BSAc ‘76 | 2022 | Willard, of North Redington Beach, Florida, passed on August 5. She had a heart for service; she volunteered as the computer teacher at Cornerstone School, served as a librarian and collection counter at First Presbyterian Church and participated in several local charities and mission trips. She battled melanoma cancer with the support of her former husband, Mark and her children, Becky and Joshua. She is survived by her children, sister, granddaughter, niece and nephew.
Clayton C. Johnson | BSAc ‘73 | 2023 | Johnson, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed on October 7. He was a devoted member of St. Vincent’s Episcopal Church for more than 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sisters, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Jack S. Holtsberg | BSBA ‘49 | 2024 | Holtsberg, of Jupiter, Florida, passed on October 21.
Geoffrey Heekin | BABA ‘78, JD ‘81 | 2024 | Heekin, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on February 13. He was a former Captain in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, a retired litigator and a lifelong Catholic. He was known for his strength, inspiration and willingness to help others. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karen; and his children, Kacey, Karly and Geoffrey.
Robert H. Butler | BSBA ‘52 | 2025 | Butler, of Decatur, Georgia, passed on November 7. He was in the US Army and served in Korea. His career path led him to be an owner and operator of several orange groves throughout Central Florida. He was also an active member of First United Methodist Church with his wife of 60 years, Charleton. He is survived by his three children, Patricia, Deborah and Stefanie; his grandchildren; and extended family.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin | BABA ‘53 | 2025 | Franklin, of Fair Oaks, California, passed on August 24.
Gary R. Gerson | BSAc ‘54, MBA ‘55 | 2025 | Gerson, of Miami Beach, Florida, passed on October 22. At 21, Gary became the youngest CPA in the United States. He also served honorably as Assistant Gunnery and Operations Officer during the Korean War. At 25, Gerson founded the public accounting practice, Gerson Preston Robinson & Company, where he worked for more than six decades. His philanthropic efforts and familial devotion complemented his professional excellence. He was married for more than 60 years to Neity Gerson and had four children.
Mitchell L. Appelrouth | BABA ‘56 | 2025 | Appelrouth, of Richmond, Virginia, passed on October 31. Upon graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in marketing, Appelrouth served in the US Army as an active-duty Training Officer and Captain in the Army Reserve. After his service, he began a 40-year career as a residential real estate broker. Appelrouth was known for his kindness, wisdom and his connection to those he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and son, Ivan L. Appelrouth. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; his son, Scott; his daughter, Lisa; and his extended family.
Richard V. Veith | BABA ‘56 | 2025 | Veith, of Cobleskill, New York, passed on December 2. Veith was a successful salesman, owning and operating Sugar Maples Resort in New York. He was devoted to his family, a Freemason and a lifelong Christian. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Doris, and his daughter, Karalee Manda. He is survived by his son, R. Sherwood; daughter, Allison Parker; brother; grandchildren; and extended family.
James M. McMurry | BSAc ‘61 | 2025 | McMurry, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on June 15. He served in the Army, Army Reserves and Air Force National Guard from 1958 to 1964. Afterwards, he began his professional career as a CPA for more than forty-five years, working as a treasurer for the Jacksonville Ronald McDonald House. He was known for his generosity, kindness and loyalty. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Winnifred. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Faye; his children, Helen, Carol and Christopher; and his extended family.
Steve C. Horowitz | BSAc ‘62, JD ‘65 | 2025 | Horowitz, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed on October 30. After earning two degrees from the University of Florida, he had a remarkable 56-year career as a tax practitioner. He was a loving husband to Maxine for 37 years and a caring father to his five children. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, generous giver and a passionate leader.
Gerald D. Babbitt | BSAc ‘62 | 2025 | Babbitt, of Burtonsville, Maryland, passed on November 1. He began his studies at the University of Florida before pursuing law with the Internal Revenue Service. He also proudly served his country in the Coast Guard and the reserves. He also transformed his passion for baseball into a business called Babbitt Baseball for youth and founded the Ponce De Leon Baseball League. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; his son, Tracey; his son, Carson; his siblings; and his grandchildren.
Judson I. Woods Jr. | BABA ‘63, JD ‘66 | 2025 | Woods, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed on October 9. After earning his bachelor’s and JD degrees at the University of Florida, Woods served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. He also pursued a career in law, practicing in Daytona Beach for more than 50 years. Woods is preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his children, Kelly, Judson and Client; nephews; grandson; and Carolyn Woods, the mother of his children.
John A. Cox | BABA ‘65 | 2025 | Cox, of Winter Park, Florida, passed on November 8. Throughout his time at the University of Florida, he studied finance, was active in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and met the love of his life Constance, who he shared 62 years in marriage with. He was a top producer at the firms he worked with, specializing in corporate risk management. He lived a life of love, loyalty and laughter, keeping his family as his greatest joy.
George M. Good Jr. | MBA ‘66 | 2025 | Good, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on January 29. He served in the United States Coast Guard and as a Deacon in the St. Mathew’s community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Missy. He is survived by his children, Melinda, Meghan and George; his grandchildren; his siblings; and extended family.
Lynn Stokes | BAA ‘67 | 2025 | Stokes, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on April 21.
Hjalmar R. Berg Jr. | BABA ‘68 | 2025 | Berg, of Venice, Florida, passed on October 27. Post-graduation, Berg practiced law in Venice, beginning a fifty-year legal career. He was also an inventor, earning multiple patents for various inventions. He was known for his integrity and commitment to others, both professionally and personally. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Debra; his cousin Linda; his nieces; and his nephew.
Thomas H. Tyree | MBA ‘68 | 2025 | Tyree, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, passed on December 12. He served as a Naval officer and later founded his own company, Church Data Systems, which he operated out of an RV. He also fulfilled his goal of working at a large corporation through his success at Unisys Corporation. Above his professional life, he married the love of his life, Maxine, and was a devoted member of Jarrettown United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his sons, Ian, Ted, Ty and Rafael; his daughter, Tamara; his siblings; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Nicholas T. Schroeder | BABA ‘69, JD 73’ | 2025 | Schroeder, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on November 19. After becoming a Double Gator, Schroeder dedicated his professional life to practicing law as an attorney. In 1969, he married Donna, together raising two daughters: Susan and Catherine. He was also a longtime member of Faith Presbyterian Church.
Fredrick M. Taylor Jr. | BABA ‘70, MBA ‘71 | 2025 | Taylor, of Crystal River, Florida, passed on October 12. After working in the corporate world after graduation, Taylor ran an Antique Furniture Restoration business, “Furniture Doctors,” with his wife, Gail, for 20 years. Throughout that time, he also taught classes and wrote books about his expertise. Taylor is survived by his wife; his two children, Fredrick III and Shana; his grandchildren; and his extended family.
Albert R. Cook | BABA ‘72, JD ‘75 | 2025 | Cook, of Lithia, Florida, passed on June 8. He shared his life with his high school sweetheart, Kathy. Together, they attended college and law school at the University of Florida and served in active duty in the Army JAG Corps. After service, they moved to Orlando where Cook practiced law and was involved with the Florida Bar for fifty years. He is survived by his wife; his two daughters, Elizabeth and Christina; his grandchildren; and his extended family.
Douglas F. Smith | BABA ‘72 | 2025 | Smith, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, passed on October 25. After studying at the University of Florida, he attended the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School and became a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. He later worked as a CPA and CFO at various accounting firms and medical technology startups. He will be remembered for his listening ear, easy smile and dependable heart. He is survived by his wife, Rosamond; and his daughters, Cassandra and Deirdre.
Ronald W. Tacy | BSBA ‘73 | 2025 | Tacy, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed on September 2. He worked at Baer’s Furniture for 20 years and volunteered at Boca Hoops for more than a decade. Tacy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and member of Grace Community. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, John. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet; his daughter, Sarah; his granddaughters; and his extended family.
Barry I. Meyer | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Meyer, of Leland, North Carolina, passed on September 3. He spent his working career as an Area Supervisor and Direct Import Manager for the American Greetings Corporation. He spent his time volunteering and holding offices in various social clubs throughout his community. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gail; his son, Kevin; and his granddaughter, Rayla.
Dale A. Davis | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Davis, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on November 11. His career was built in retail management, working at large corporations such as Winn-Dixie and Food Lion. He also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is survived by his children, Jason and Meredith; his grandsons; and his brothers.
Larry A. Lennon | BSBA ‘74 | 2025 | Lennon, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed on November 28. He met his wife, Barbara, while studying at the University of Florida, and lived a life together of joy and infectious energy to everyone around him. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Kristen; son, Stephen; granddaughter, Kamdyn; and brother, Michael.
Walter G. Beasley IV | BSAc ‘77 | 2025 | Beasley, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed on October 14. After graduating from the University of Florida, Beasley worked with Piper Aircraft before joining Becker Holding Corporation for more than thirty years. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eileen. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Beau, Matthew, David, Tom and Jenna; his brothers; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.
Mary J. Humphrys | BSAc ‘77 | 2025 | Humphrys, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on October 16. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting, she became a certified public accountant and worked in the Florida Community College system. She had a deep passion for travel and lived her life with love, laughter and spontaneity. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her daughter, Ginger; her brother Harold; and her parents. She is survived by his children, Margaret and David; her eight grandchildren; her great-grandsons; and her extended family.
Travis W. Pitts | BSBA ‘78 | 2025 | Pitts, of Chipley, Florida, passed on September 5. Apart from his time at the University of Florida, he was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was known for his servant heart and worked as the county’s Clerk of the Court. He is survived by his sister, Carol; his brother, Larry; and extended family.
Mary Lou Nethers | BSAc ‘79 | 2025 | Nethers, of Winter Park, Florida, passed on September 19. After studying accounting at the University of Florida, Nethers built a career in tech support. She was also a passionate advocate for equality and justice. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Larry; daughter, Brittany; and extended family.
Lesley A. Grob | BSBA ‘79 | 2025 | Grob, of Long Beach, New Jersey, passed on November 11. After earning three degrees, including her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, she worked in finance, management and communications at Bowater and AT&T. She later moved to New York to pursue her passion as a reading specialist for children. Lesley is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Phyllis. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth; brothers, Jeffrey and William; and extended family.
Aldo J. Cattoi | BSBA ‘90 | 2025 | Cattoi, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed on October 9. After studying at the University of Florida, he served in the United States Navy for twenty-four years. Post-service, he worked as a senior accountant for the government. His character was marked by his quiet kindness. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Yon; his son, Aldo; his daughter, Bethany; his stepchildren, Sharon and Christopher; and extended family.
Thomas Hawkins Sr. | MBA ‘96 | 2025 | Hawkins, of Fort White, Florida, passed on January 27. His life was marked with servitude as he was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired Navy lieutenant commander. He also practiced radiology at Alachua General Hospital and was a past-president of the Alachua County Medical Society. His commitment to his community and Holy Trinity Episcopal church created a legacy of generosity and kindness. He is survived by his sons; Will, Alan, Matthew and Thomas; his siblings; his grandson, Rowan; and his former wife, Mary.
Matthew W. Sand | BSBA ‘07 | 2025 | Sand, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed on December 4. After studying economics at the University of Florida, he worked in financial services across the United States. He later shifted his career towards real estate finance and development. Above all, he kept his wife, children and faith as the center of his joy. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his sons, Liam and Austin; his parents; and extended family.
Larry B. Glisson | BSBA ‘15 | 2025 | Glisson, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on October 3. He studied business and information systems at the University of Florida. He went on to publish several books and work as a reporter at the Alachua Chronicle. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry; and his step-father, Robert. He is survived by his mother, Jane; aunt; uncle; and cousins.