UNF Alumni

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UNF Alumni To champion a life-long relationship between the University of North Florida and its alumni. So don't miss out – please join us!

The University of North Florida Alumni Association is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to foster, maintain and support a mutually beneficial relationship between alumni and the University. Vision Statement
The University of North Florida Alumni Association is a dynamic organization that is recognized as a valuable resource by the UNF community. A dedicated Board of Directors will partner effectively with Alumni Services to offer programs that foster campus traditions and perpetuate a passion for a life-long involvement with the University. The Mission Statement
To champion a life-long relationship between the University of North Florida and its alumni. Guiding Principles
Build relationships and a sense of camaraderie among students and alumni

Engage alumni and students through the perpetuation of tradition and pride

Recruit alumni to actively promote of UNF and showcase the Alumni Association as an essential partner of the University

Stay Connected
Once you graduate from the University of North Florida you automatically become a member of the UNF Alumni Association. Your status as an alumnus entitles you to participate in all UNF Alumni Association programs, events and activities.

10/19/2026

As some of our graduating Ospreys prepare to leave The Nest, they shared some insightful advice for incoming students. 🫶

A huge thank you to all of our alumni who joined us for last night’s match!
10/19/2026

A huge thank you to all of our alumni who joined us for last night’s match!

HISTORY MONDAY! For those of you who missed last night's Tampa Bay Rays victory over the Cleveland Guardians, University...
10/19/2026

HISTORY MONDAY! For those of you who missed last night's Tampa Bay Rays victory over the Cleveland Guardians, University of North Florida alumnus Bryan Baker became just the SECOND PITCHER IN MLB HISTORY (and first since 1996) to record 5 or more saves and allow 1 or fewer hits in his first 6 postseason appearances!

There's still plenty of baseball left to play, but tune in tonight for Game 6 of the ALCS to see if the head to the World Series!

10/19/2026

BAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT! Once again, UNF alumnus Bryan Baker shuts the door on the Guardians, collecting his 5th save of the postseason and taking a 3-2 ALCS lead back to the Sunshine State!

We’ve given our University of North Florida alumnus Bryan Baker a lot of attention this season (and rightfully so), but ...
10/17/2026

We’ve given our University of North Florida alumnus Bryan Baker a lot of attention this season (and rightfully so), but he’s not the only member of the OspRays team that deserves to be praised for their work.

A lover of art and sports, Lisa Walesheck (’03) serves as a graphic designer for both the Tampa Bay Rays & Tampa Bay Rowdies after having earned her bachelor’s in fine arts from the UNF College of Arts and Sciences. Whether it’s designs you see on social media, signage throughout the stadium, or giveaway items being worn throughout the community, it likely came from her creative team. As the Rays look to build their new home in Tampa’s Westshore District, Lisa is playing an active role in strengthening the visual identity in the region.

After graduating last fall, Elysse Aguero (’25) has quickly made her impact as a registered dietitian for the Charleston RiverDogs, the single-A affiliate of the Rays. Throughout the season, she supported athletes through injury, rehabilitation, and return-to-play alongside the medical and performance staff, and helped the South Division champions understand how nutrition can support their healing and recovery. After earning her bachelor’s from Texas A&M, she came to the UNF Graduate School for her master’s in nutrition sciences while serving as a Graduate Research Assistant at the UNF Brooks College of Health.

Brett Schneider (’16) serves as the hitting coach for the Rays farm club, helping develop these sluggers to compete in the big leagues. While his promising playing career was cut short, he earned his degree in Sports Management from the UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services while working as a student assistant for the North Florida Ospreys baseball team. He joined the Rays organization in 2023 working with the RiverDogs and Bowling Green Hot Rods, their High-A affiliate.

And finally, Carlos Herazo III (’12) works as a Professional Scout for the Rays, ensuring there’s a pipeline of talent for years to come. After earning his degree in Sport Management, he immediately made the jump to the major leagues and is going on 9 years in the Rays organization. Before his latest stint with the Rays, he spent time as an international crosschecker for the Miami Marlins and worked for the MLB in both Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Last weekend, North Florida Ospreys held its annual 10th Blue & Gray Bash. This year's theme of "Suits & Sneakers" invit...
10/16/2026

Last weekend, North Florida Ospreys held its annual 10th Blue & Gray Bash. This year's theme of "Suits & Sneakers" invited guests to enjoy a vibrant celebration complete with carnival games, live entertainment, a DJ, a gourmet buffet, interactive experiences throughout the UNF Arena, and an auction featuring over 120 packages.

More than 180 alumni, donors, sponsors and guests joined the festivities to support the 300+ UNF student-athletes. This year’s fundraising efforts centered around nutrition as over $110,000 was raised to support key initiatives such as post-practice meals and rebooting the campus fueling station with nutritious snacks.

If you missed out on the festivities, it’s not too late to support your University of North Florida athletic programs. Visit https://unfospreys.com/sports/ospreyclub and become the next Osprey Booster!

Before we wrap up this week’s campaign, we have one last story to share, and while this Osprey couple *technically* di...
10/16/2026

Before we wrap up this week’s campaign, we have one last story to share, and while this Osprey couple *technically* didn’t Meet in the Nest, it’s where their romance developed, so we’re going to count it!

Hailey Surrency (’22) and Jacob Sheets (’23) first met while attending Creekside High School and shared the same friend group, but it wasn't until both happened to transfer into the University of North Florida during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic that their paths crossed again in a new way.

What started as a familiar connection quickly grew into something more. While she earned her Communication Studies degree from the UNF College of Arts and Sciences and he earned his in Business Marketing from the UNF Coggin College of Business, they built a relationship alongside their college experience and continued cheering each other on after graduation.

Since leaving UNF, the couple has reached several milestones together, including growing their careers, traveling to national parks across the country, purchasing their first home, and getting engaged.

Now, they're celebrating their biggest adventure yet as they get married THIS WEEKEND! Please join us in celebrating Hailey and Jacob and wishing them a lifetime of happiness together!

Please join us in welcoming the two newest all stars of the North Florida Ospreys Development team, Cameron Osburn & Nit...
10/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming the two newest all stars of the North Florida Ospreys Development team, Cameron Osburn & Niti Modi!

Osburn, an Atlanta native, is serving as the new Associate Athletic Director of Development. An Oklahoma State University Alum, he spent the previous four years at the University of Miami running the Golden Canes Society, Miami’s premier leadership giving society to athletics. During this time, the Golden Canes Society saw record membership and revenue year over year. Prior to Miami, he worked at the University of Wyoming holding a variety of roles, including Assistant Athletic Director of Ticketing & Sales.

Osburn is passionate about collegiate athletics and creating the best possible experience for our student athletes. In his free time he likes to workout, go to the beach and watch college football. While not a native to Jacksonville, he grew up going to Amelia Island every summer where his family owns a home.

Modi joins the Ospreys as our new Coordinator of Athletic Development Events and Donor Engagement. The Tampa native is a proud double gator after earning both her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Florida. During her time at UF, she worked with the Gator Boosters to support the university's athletic development efforts.

Modi brings a steadfast passion for athletic development and loves spending time with her sister, going to the beach, and baking in her free time.

You might've already run into these two around The Nest during volleyball and soccer matches or the Blue & Gray Bash, but if you haven't met them yet, please join us in giving them a friendly University of North Florida welcome!

In this week’s , we’d like to offer our congratulations to both Paula Naugle Bides (’11) and Farrah Haidari (’14) on th...
10/16/2026

In this week’s , we’d like to offer our congratulations to both Paula Naugle Bides (’11) and Farrah Haidari (’14) on their recent promotions! Bides was named Chief of Strategy & Development at Ability Housing, a nonprofit organization expanding affordable housing opportunities across Florida, while Haidari was promoted to Vice President & Branch Manager at M&T Bank, a community-focused commercial bank that offers a spectrum of financial services nationwide and abroad.

Both women bring years of leadership and community-relations experience from their respective fields into their current roles. Haidari manages branch operations, audits, organizational coaching, and financial advising, while Bides oversees business strategy, fund development, partnership growth, and communications.

Bides and Haidari have passionately spent their careers advocating for others. Addressing barriers to care and creating programs that support underserved populations, Bides will now help advance Ability Housing’s mission of building more than 2,200 affordable housing units statewide by 2030. Building strong customer relationships and leading high-performing teams, Haidari will continue contributing to M&T Bank’s legacy in guiding communities through their financial journeys, especially as they open more locations.

In addition to their promotions, Haidari has been recognized by Influential Women in the Banking Industry, while Bides is active in Leadership Jacksonville, The DONNA Foundation, and the Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center.

Way to go, Paula and Farrah! Both your leadership and commitment to strengthening communities make your fellow Ospreys proud. Swoop! 🦅

From studying the past to preparing for their future… Grace Glennon (’24) and Parker Thorlakson (’24) are looking forwar...
10/16/2026

From studying the past to preparing for their future… Grace Glennon (’24) and Parker Thorlakson (’24) are looking forward to a lifetime together, all thanks to a connection that started at the University of North Florida.

The two as freshmen in Gen. Tryon's Honors American History class, where a friendship quickly formed through shared conversations and daily walks across campus. By junior year, that friendship had turned into a relationship.

Grace graduated with a degree in Communication from the Hicks Honors College at UNF. Parker earned his degree in Construction Management from the UNF College of Computing, Engineering and Construction - CCEC, while also staying involved as a brother of Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity.

After graduation, the couple spent a year in Jacksonville before beginning their next adventure together in Tallahassee. Today, Parker works for a commercial contractor and Grace works for an architecture firm. Along the way, they've checked off several exciting milestones: buying their first home, welcoming two beloved dogs, and as of this past week, getting engaged!

The proposal was one Grace never saw coming. During a trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, Parker proposed at a picturesque apple orchard nestled in the North Georgia mountains. Surrounded by breathtaking views and fall scenery, it was a magical moment the couple will cherish forever.

Congratulations once again Grace and Parker, and as always, !

Address

1 UNF Drive, Alumni Hall
Jacksonville, FL
32224

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19046204723

Website

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