Page 44 - 2022 May Report

May Report 2022
University of Florida Machen Scholars report
Attendance: Bea Awoniyi and Caleb Awoniyi on behalf of the Foundation. Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Graduation
Reception (MFOS)
The MFOS graduation reception was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Earl and Christy Powell University House, of the University of Florida campus.
It was the first time in two years that events such as this was held in person. The beauty of the day is that those unable to be present were able to view the reception virtually as it was being streamed. 185 students were celebrated as they became the first in their families to graduate college.
As a proud hosts, President Emeritus Machen, and his wife, Chris, were also in attendance. President Machen welcomed students and guests as they walked across the grass to where the food was set. President Kent Fuchs and his wife, Linda, were also in attendance.
Dr. Leslie Pendleton, the MFOS Senior director, opened the
formal event by welcoming attendees. She congratulated
the students and thanked the faculty, staff, students, and
donors for pouring into the lives of the students. She reminded the students how they felt when first arrived four years ago in the same spot and what they have accomplished now despite the twists and turns of the last two years.
Dr. D’Andra Mull, Vice President for Student Affairs, herself a first-generation college graduate, took the stage to congratulate the students. She reminded the students to remember the color green as an emblem of “go” as well as new beginnings. She introduced President Fuchs who also proudly congratulated the graduates and thanked all those who work with them. President Machen thanked President Fuchs for continuing to support the program and he discussed the value of partnership with many donors who
support the program. He said President Fuchs will go down in history as someone who takes some good and make it better. He then looked to the students and remind them that they are the hopes of the future and that they are no longer first-generation college students, but they are now proud first in their families to earn a college degree.
The highlight of the event were the speeches by two graduating students, Brittany Page from Coconut Beach and Yasmine Adams from West Palm Beach. Both reflected on the bumps they experienced during their first semester in college and how the MFOS picked them up, brushed them up, and set them on the right path. Both talked about the value of finishing college debt free—thanks to the scholarships provided through the program. Many nuggets were shared by both students. Both were introduced by Tyler Brown, MFOS Coordinator who was also a Machen Scholar.
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