By Alena Poulin
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Department of Food and Resource Economics (FRE) is marking its 100th anniversary with a gala and fundraiser in late March. This milestone event brings together industry leaders, alumni, faculty, students and generations of Florida’s agricultural leaders to celebrate a century of impact.
This event, to be held on March 27 in the Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., promises an evening of culinary excellence, thought-provoking presentations, community engagement and support for the continued success of FRE for many generations to come. Tickets are available now.
“This will be an evening to bring together as many members of the FRE community as possible for one unforgettable night,” said Lisa House, UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics professor and department chair. “We’re looking forward to providing a special opportunity for our alumni, faculty, students, and friends to reconnect, celebrate and share in a century of memories.”
Highlights of the evening include:
- Keynote speech by Mike Lee, Food Futurist + Innovation Strategist, and author and designer of Mise: On the Future of Food
- Live jazz quintet from the UF School of Music
- A live auction hosted by FRE Alumnus (B.S., ‘93), registered auctioneer and Florida House Representative Chad Johnson
- A plated dinner catered by Cacciatore Dining
The event is more than just an opportunity to celebrate past accomplishments, though.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the FRE 100 Fund, supporting immersive experiences for faculty and students that are critical to developing impactful research, well-rounded alumni and a culture of collaboration.
“By supporting new student welcome events, alumni visits, and other professional development opportunities, gifts to the FRE 100 Fund play a vital role in giving future students the chance to build the friendships, memories, and transformative experiences that so many of our alumni cherish,” House said. “These meaningful, well-rounded experiences have long defined our FRE community, and we are deeply grateful for the invaluable support that will help propel us confidently into the next 100 years.”
Tickets: $150 (purchase on the event website)
Registration Deadline: March 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Those registering for the event are welcome to make an additional gift to the FRE 100 Fund when purchasing their ticket or sponsor the attendance of a current FRE student. Anyone can give directly to the fund by visiting the UF Foundation website. For more information, including about available sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event website or contact Alena Poulin at alenarene@ufl.edu.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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