Pace Scholar Perspectives

Keysha Cron, 2003 Pace Scholar

Keysha, a psychology major, credits the scholarship with enabling her to focus on her studies and extracurricular involvement without stressing about how to pay for her education. "The program allowed me to focus on studying and participating in on-campus activities, without having to worry about finding extra income from a part-time job."

“I came to an open house my senior year in high school and found out about the scholarship,” Cron said. “The fact that I was chosen to receive it was one of the biggest deciding factors for me when choosing to attend UWF.”

Keysha chose to go to Italy for two weeks for her summer experience component. "I liked being able to visit a place outside of my normal realm and be able to learn about other cultures and their behavioral differences. It was such a great experience for me."

Christina Genualdi, 2003 Pace Scholar

Christina also made the most of her award by partcipating in many campus organizations. She became active in the Student Government Association and eventually served as SGA President. She majored in Environmental Studies with a specialization in Environmental Policy. She chose to visit Australia to study natural resource management, rainforest ecology, and socio-economics.

“Australia has so many unique ecosystems, and it is a country that has fascinated me from a young age, so it was a simple decision to travel there for my summer experience,” she said.

Genualdi plans to further her studies by attending law school to study environmental law.

“The Pace Scholarship’s biggest impact on me has been the opportunity I had to travel and study in another country,” she said. “Having hands-on experience in field work and environmental problem solving will separate me from other students in my field.”

Where are They Now?

Auburn Thompson, Jr.

Auburn was part of the first group of eight University of West Florida students to be awarded the scholarship in 1994. We tracked him down to get all the details.

Year you graduated and your major at UWF? I graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s in chemistry.

What is your career? I am the Science Department head at the private high school, All Saints’ Academy, in Winter Haven. I teach various chemistry classes.

How did you decide on this career path? For my John C. Pace Jr. Scholarship summer experience, I chose to go on a mission trip to Africa. While in Africa, I met a woman who had dedicated her life to teaching kids. At that point, God opened my eyes to the critical need for positive Christian role models in our schools, particularly in science fields.

What is your best memory from your time at UWF? I have so many great memories, including Sigma Alpha Mu winning the “Corporate Service” award for three consecutive years, all my adventures with Student Government, late nights in the lab and tons of student activities on campus. My fondest memories come from campus life and living in the residence halls. While living on campus, there is so much that goes on that I think it is impossible not to enjoy your “college experience.”

How did the Pace Scholarship help you in your college career? First and foremost, financially. The Pace Scholarship provided for all my academic expenses. I worked several jobs throughout my UWF career and was able to graduate with minimal debt. Also, by providing for the summer enrichment opportunity, it allowed me to explore and decide on a career path.

Describe the impact the Pace Scholar program had on you. The generosity of John C. Pace Jr. enabled me to receive an exceptional education at UWF. That education has afforded me the opportunity to find a career that I thoroughly enjoy.