VIP Pensacola at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach
T
he University of West Florida hosted it’s 50th
Anniversary Gala to celebrate the public launch of
the 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign. During the
event, UWF offi cially announced its fundraising goal
of $50 million - the largest capital campaign in University history.
“The University’s 50th Anniversary is a prime opportunity to
prove not only to ourselves, but to our community, our region and
our state that UWF is a key resource for Northwest Florida and
every gift is essential to UWF’s success,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly,
vice president for University Advancement.
The University also made its last major gift announcement
of Judy Bense’s presidency - a $1 million contribution to the
campaign from President Judy Bense.
The gala featured a special performance by Grammy Award-
winning composer Eric Whitacre and the UWF Singers,
accompanied by a virtual choir of UWF alumni. It also included
remarks by Lewis Bear, Jr., chair of the UWF Board of Trustees
and honorary chair of the 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign
Executive Steering Committee, UWF President Judy Bense and
Mort O’Sullivan, vice chair of the UWF Board of Trustees and
chair of the UWF 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign Executive
Steering Committee.
Anniversary
Gala
Dr. Judy Bense
Dr. Judy Bense, Allan & Tonie Bense
Lewis Bear, Jr. & Collier Merrill
Eric Whitacre and the UWF Singers
46 | VIPPensacola.com
photos & story by
University of West Florida
46-47 Events UWF 50th Anniversary Gala.indd 1
12/20/16 9:13 AM