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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

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University of West Florida

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12/20/16   9:13 AM