Distinguished Achievement Awards
This award is given to individuals for exceptional achievements in a chosen profession, for demonstrated leadership, and for other exemplary accomplishments that merit the special recognition of the university. Nominees must be persons whose distinctive accomplishments merit the special recognition of the university. The nominee need not be an alumnus. Similar to the honorary degree and distinguished alumnus award, nomination with resume and three or more letters of recommendation should be sent to the Chairman of the Committee on Honorary Degrees, Distinguished Alumnus Awards and Memorials.
Past Recipients
Jan E.W. Beneken
Biomedical researcher and engineer, dean of the College of Electrical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida. Recognized December 16, 1995.
S. Clark Butler
Businessman, builder and civic leader and his interest in public service have been a great benefit to the university, local communities and to the state of Florida. Recognized December 21, 2002.
Louise H. Courtelis
Businesswoman and civic leader, leader in the fund-raising activities for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Recognized August 7, 1993.
George K. Davis
Distinguished professor emeritus, pioneer in human and animal nutrition research, and first University of Florida scientist to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Recognized December 21, 1996.
J. Lee Dockery
Scientist and clinician who dedicated his career to advancing medical education at the University of Florida and throughout the nation. Recognized December 15, 2001
George G. Kirkpatrick, Jr.
Public servant, member of the Florida Senate, dedicated leader and accomplished advocate for education. Recognized August 10, 1995.
Tom Petty
Recognized October 2006.
John Crayton Pruitt
MD, world-renowned vascular surgeon, surgical equipment inventor, and author of A Crusade for Stroke Prevention, written to educate the public about the inexpensive artery blockage screening and simple surgical procedures that could prevent most strokes. Recognized December 18, 1999.
Alfred A. Ring
Educator, realtor, businessman and philanthropist, whose gifts included the Alfred Ring Park to the City of Gainesville and the funds for the university's varsity tennis complex. Recognized May 1, 1999.
Carol and Stephen Shey
Recognized May 2006.
James H. Shimberg
Builder, developer, housing industry leader, champion of affordable housing and benefactor of the University's Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing. Recognized May 2, 1998.
John W. Walsh
Founder and successful operation of the Alpha-1 Foundation and AlphaNet, innovative not-for-profit organizations designed to fund research toward a cure and to provide health management services to individuals diagnosed with Alpha-1. Recognized August 11, 2001.
George H. Wedgworth
Founding president and CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, chair of the steering committee for University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Recognized December 20, 2003.
Romulus Earl Whitaker
Internationally prominent in efforts to promote knowledge and conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat worldwide. Recognized April 2006.