2025 Scholarship recipients
Ben Cheser
Gotham Gators Incoming Freshman Scholarship Recipient
Hi, my name is Ben Cheser and I’m a senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School on Long Island. I’m starting at UF in the Fall of 2025, and plan to study environmental engineering. Throughout high school, I’ve been devoted to community service and helping my community, logging countless hours over the years and now serving as the president of my school’s Community Service Club and National Honor Society. I enjoy going out with friends, working out, listening to music, and watching movies. Thank you to the Gotham Gators for awarding me this scholarship, and I’m so excited to start my journey at UF. Go Gators!
Grace Rhine
Gotham Gators Incoming Freshman Scholarship Recipient
Grace Rhine is Toms River South’s valedictorian. She is heavily involved in school activities, holding various leadership positions including President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Future Business Leaders of America, and Vice President of the Class of 2025. Grace has earned her Gold Award for her community service involvement in starting the Adopt-a-Grandparent Club at High School South. She has also earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Grace is a competitive all star cheerleader, varsity swim team captain, and a school mascot. When she isn’t attending one of her many activities, she enjoys watching Gators sporting events, spending time with family, and playing word games.
Kelly Yu
Gotham Gators Incoming Freshman Scholarship Recipient
Kelly Yu is an incoming from Great Neck South High School in Great Neck, NY. Passionate about both the arts and communications, she will strive to use her continued education in Advertising/UF Honors to foster connection and understanding between people, each other and the world. Kelly is incredibly grateful for all the support the Alumni have shown her and will try her best to make the Gotham Gators proud.
Zachary Levy
Gotham Gators Continuing Education Scholarship Recipient
Hello, my name is Zachary Levy, and I am a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Florida, graduating in May 2027. I hold a certification in Mechanical Design through SolidWorks and aim to pursue a career in retail, apparel, or technology, combining engineering with creative innovation. I have served as Philanthropy Chairman for Pi Kappa Phi and coordinated operations for The Big Event. Currently, I am the Interfraternity Council Director of Philanthropy, a First Year Florida Peer Leader, and an active member of the UF Men’s Club Soccer Team as well as a practice player for the UF Division I Women’s Soccer Team. I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain during the summer of 2024, which further broadened my global perspective and creative approach. I am sincerely grateful to the Gotham Gators for their support and recognition. Go Gators!
Alexandra grundfast
Summer in the City Scholarship Recipient
Hi! My name is Alexandra Grundfast, and I am a rising Senior in the Honors program at the University of Florida. I am from Long Island, NY and am pursuing a major in Media Production, Management and Technology alongside a Media Sales Certificate. On campus, I serve as the New Business Development & Research Operations Manager at The Agency at UF, a full-service strategic communications firm, where I lead corporate outreach and manage new business pitches and partnerships across key industries. Additionally, as the Public Relations Chair within the Florida Cicerones, the university's official student ambassadors, I direct the digital strategy for the student branch of UF’s Alumni Association, Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow. I am also a member of Pi Beta Phi and Journalism Communications Ambassadors, and I work as a Teaching Assistant within UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. This summer, I will be working at NBCUniversal in NYC as an Ad Sales Intern on the Owned Stations Business Development, Sports Sales team. I am excited to further immerse myself in the media industry and continue building on my passion for advertising, sales, strategy and business operations. I am extremely grateful to the Gotham Gators for their support and am looking forward to growing both personally and professionally this summer! Go Gators!
Angelina Valdez
Summer in the City Scholarship Recipient
I'm Angelina Valdez, a senior majoring in political science and public relations. This summer, I’ll be interning at Azione, a public relations agency in New York City, where I’ll focus on media relations, influencer strategy and brand communication. I'm passionate about working in luxury fashion PR and committed to helping brands connect with audiences through intentional, ethical storytelling. With a foundation in strategic communication and a clear focus on the fashion industry, I’m building the skills to grow into a meaningful career in high-end brand representation.