UF Law Honors Past, Present, and Future Leaders

Annual Past, Present, and Future Awards Ceremony hosted on May 15, 2025

University of Florida Levin College of Law was honored to celebrate several alumni and student leaders from the Class of 2025 during the college’s annual Past, Present, and Future Awards Ceremony on May 15.

The ceremony began with a presentation of the Heritage of Leadership inductees, who were individually recognized for their lifelong contributions to UF Law and their lifetime commitment to excellence and service.

“These six individuals helped pave the way for our success, and we continue to build on their legacy,” said Merritt McAlister, Interim Dean and Levin, Mabie, & Levin Professor of Law during her opening remarks to a crowd of more than 350 guests. “The stories of our inductees, I hope, will serve as an inspiration to our graduates as they begin their careers.”

UF Law alumni Russell W. Divine (JD 80), Karen C. Dyer (JD 87), Patrick G. Emmanuel (JD 46), Judge Richard W. Ervin III (JD 60), Steve J. Uhlfelder (JD 71), and John G. White III (JD 83) were formally inducted into the Heritage of Leadership following remarks from colleagues, classmates, and family members.

“It is our honor to induct this year’s honorees into the Heritage of Leadership,” said Dean McAlister. “To their families and friends, please know their legacies will continue to live on here at UF Law.”

During the next portion of the event, Dean McAlister presented the college’s annual Alumni Awards, which honor distinguished Gator lawyers who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, service, and professional excellence.

The Outstanding Public Service Award was presented to Judge Patricia Barksdale (JD 96) and Timothy M. Cerio (JD 95) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to critical social, economic, and public needs.

Gerald Rosenthal (JD 73) and Ellen Bellet Gelberg (JD 76, LLM 77) received the Distinguished Service Award, which honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the advancement of the law school and its students.

The Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recognized Jennifer Dweck (JD 17) and Iesha Nunes (JD 16) for exemplifying the UF Law ethos of excellence early in their careers through notable personal accomplishments, professional achievements, and humanitarian service.

Finally, Gregorio Francis (JD 94) and Pedro Martin (JD 78) were honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award for their decades-long commitment to excellence, demonstrated through distinguished personal, professional, and humanitarian contributions.

“Each of these leaders represents the very best of UF Law,” said Dean McAlister. “Their careers and personal commitment to the university, to the community, and to the legal profession serves as a model for UF Law’s current and future students.”

The ceremony then turned to honoring the future—UF Law’s Class of 2025—by recognizing graduates who exemplified leadership, community service, and academic excellence. Dean McAlister began with the Dean’s Leadership Awards, celebrating students who launched new initiatives, led organizations, mentored peers, and strengthened community ties. The Pro Bono Awards followed, honoring those who contributed exceptional hours to providing law-related services to organizations with limited resources, including legal aid organizations, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies.

The college also recognized graduates who demonstrated leadership and service through their roles in student journals and advocacy teams, honored our graduating John Lewis Fellows, celebrated those who received one or more Book Awards during their time in law school, and acknowledged the contributions of students who served as Levin Ambassadors.

Congratulations to all students and alumni who were recognized during this special event.

To view photos and to learn more about our award recipients, visit our commencement page.