SFFGS annual Spring Celebration more than an award ceremony
Press release from UF/IFAS
BY SUZETTE COOK
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Families equipped with nets traipsed through the woods with an entomologist in search of bugs. Kids learned how to cast with fishing poles. The cornhole game was adjacent to enormous drones used by top geomatics scientists. Winners of the mini Tree Quest contest took home saplings.
On Saturday, April 11, more than 300 faculty, researchers, students, staff, alumni, and family members showed up at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest to celebrate UF’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science (SFFGS) programs and accomplishments.
This was the 14th year for the event that serves as more than a dinner and awards ceremony.
SFFGS Director Red Baker made sure to thank all the family and friends of SFFGS faculty, staff, and students “For your continued support,” as he acknowledged that due to working long hours or traveling to faraway places to conduct research, family support makes all the difference.
“Spring Celebration is an annual open house for faculty, staff, students, friends, families, and partners of UF’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences,” he said. “Outdoor activities and interactive educational stations provide visitors the opportunity to see, touch, and experience the work we do in the school. And, each year, the Spring Celebration awards luncheon provides the opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our friends, colleagues, and students over the previous year.”
According to Baker, SFFGS awarded more than $130,000 in scholarships in 2025. “Our students also receive CALS scholarships,” he added.
Baker kicked off the awards portion of the event by announcing SFFGS Assistant Director and Forester Scott Sager as the recipient of the Outstanding Staff Member award.
“There aren’t many aspects of life within SFFGS that Scott doesn’t somehow interact with,” Baker said. “He is primarily responsible for much of the SFFGS teaching program, facilities, and the Austin Cary Forest; however, his experience with the school and the Florida forestry profession translates to almost all aspects of what we do.”
The Outstanding Program Staff Member award was presented to two recipients: SFFGS Geomatics Program Specialist Ali Gonzalez and Geomatics Instructional Designer Alejandro Perez.
“Alejandro’s heart is to serve the students and the program. His talk has most definitely been backed up by his walk. Alejandro is the type of person to always volunteer to work amongst peers to achieve a common goal. His industry experience before arriving at our school has been a huge asset for our program and our students,” Baker said.
“Ali’s unwavering commitment to geomatics student success, stakeholder engagement, the advancement of the geomatics profession, and the realization of the SFFGS and UF/IFAS mission exemplifies the spirit of this award,” Baker continued.
Former SFFGS Director Wayne Smith and his wife were called on stage as Baker presented Dr. Smith with the Distinguished Service Award. A standing ovation erupted.
Dr. Smith served as SFFGS’ fifth director from May 5, 1995, through 2003. He worked as a forest biologist with the USDA Cooperative State Research Service and as federal agency liaison for IFAS on two faculty leaves from the university. His research programs have targeted forest soils, nutrition and biogeochemical cycling, biomass energy, and organics composting and utilization.
The Director’s Service Award went to Fishing For Success Lead Volunteer Bob Centofanti, who is steadfast in his rule that he announces to students and families who visit the ponds at the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Millhopper Unit. “If you catch a bass, you gotta kiss it,” he always announces.
Baker acknowledged the retirement of Professor and Extension Specialist for Aquatic Medicine Ruth Francis-Floyd, Ph.D.
“Ruth’s impact reached far beyond her own clinical and scientific expertise. She showed extraordinary courage and determination early on by pursuing and completing her DVM at a time when few women were entering the profession, let alone stepping into leadership in an emerging field like aquatic animal health.
“While her expertise and knowledge are unprecedented, it was Ruth’s passion and compassion that made her so successful. Today, there are hundreds of veterinarians throughout the world — many now next generation leaders in the field — who got their feet wet because of the programs that Ruth started. Because of her strong, caring mentorship and skill at collaboration, UF/IFAS is world-renowned for our training and expertise in aquatic medicine.”