2019 40 Gators Under 40

The 2019 40 Gators Under 40 event honored 40 outstanding young alumni spanning 15 colleges and 10 states. These high-achieving Gators, all under age 40, range from a trailblazing woman sports announcer to a leading Alzheimer’s researcher to an expert in developing diverse “smart cities.” Held this year at Emerson Alumni Hall on April 13, the annual awards ceremony is organized by the University of Florida Alumni Association.

Former All-SEC Gator linebacker James Bates (BSTEL ’97) hasn’t rested on his laurels since he co-captained the 1996 National Championship football team. Since graduating with a degree in telecommunications, he carved another career path as a sports announcer for more than a dozen TV networks, earning 3 Emmy Awards. The multitalented Bates also created the design for this year’s 40 Gators Under 40 award, which he’s shown here introducing at the April 13 event.

Right: Honoree Ashley Boxer (BSTEL ’06) is a leader in healthcare public policy in South Florida. As the corporate director of government relations for Memorial Healthcare Systems, she oversees legislative, regulatory and policy issues related to the hospital system and healthcare industry. She’s shown here with UFAA life member Michael Lessne (BSAC, MACC ’06), a Fort Lauderdale attorney.

Painted by former All-SEC Gator linebacker and sports analyst James Bates (BSTEL ’97), the colorful image for this year’s 40 Gators Under 40 awards is titled “Palm & Pine Are Blowing and Gator Grads Are Glowing.”

Three Engineering alumni were named in UF’s 40 Under 40 awards, including Marcus Johnson (BS ’07, MS ’08, PHD ’11, Aerospace Engineering), shown at left with Dean Cammy Abernathy. Johnson credits his UF education with fostering his analytical and problem-solving skills, which he parlayed into a career with NASA. Now serving as Deputy Product Manager for NASA’s Ames Research Center, in 2014 Johnson was one of a team of engineers who solved how to manage drones entering the U.S. national air space.

Right: Honoree Justin Ortagus (BA ’07, MED ’11) directs UF’s Institute of Higher Education, which conducts research and offers recommendations for administrators and policymakers in higher ed. As a UF assistant professor and researcher, he examines the growing influence of online education and technology, and how community college enrollment and state policies impact college enrollment among historically underrepresented students.

Left to right: Former All-SEC Gator linebacker James Bates (BSTEL ’97) painted a palm tree and pine tree embracing Century Tower to adorn the 2019 40 Gators Under 40 awards. Grateful for his artistic contributions are Matt Hodge (BSADV ’94), Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations and Executive Director UFAA; and UFAA President Brian Burgoon (BA ’94, JD ’97).

Center: Honoree Christian George (BA ’04, JD ’07) is an expert in commercial and bankruptcy litigation, and managing partner of Akerman LLP’s Jacksonsville office. He earned his UF law degree just prior to the 2008 recession, which motivated him to offer legal services for banks and financial institutions trying to weather the economic turmoil. Also shown here are (L) Jon Cannon, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Warrington College of Business, and (R) Christian’s wife, Whitney George (EDS ’08, MED ’08, PHD ‘10).

Duffy Kelber (left), father of honoree Karen Persis (BSJ ’01, JD ’04), chats with Ted Spiker, Chair of the Department of Journalism. Daughter Persis earned a degree in journalism at UF before attending the Levin College of Law. Today as a reproductive attorney in Orlando, she helps couples navigate the complicated legal waters involving surrogacy, same-sex couples, assisted reproductive technology and adoption.

Center: Honoree Heather Sarkis (BSN ’04, MSNSG ’09) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in mental health and integrative medicine. She maintains a private practice in Gainesville at Sarkis Family Psychiatry and works to end the stigma of mental illness via her nonprofit, the Sarkis Family Charitable Foundation. She’s shown here with Philip Young and Holly Young.

Celebrating the success of UF’s outstanding alumni are (left to right): Amanda Sullivan, Director of Development, Regional Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; Paras Saxena, Assistant Director of Development, CLAS; alumna Kristine Lambert (BA ’91, JD ’94); and Joel Rivera, Assistant Director of Development, CLAS.

Four alumni of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were honored at the 2019 40 Under 40 event, notes CALS Dean Elaine Turner, shown here with honoree Terry Baker (BS ’04). Baker is the first African American to serve as CEO of the Society of American Foresters, a role he’s had since 2018. He’s also held leadership positions at the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, as well as the Pawnee National Grasslands, all in Colorado.

Left: Honoree Ari Luxenberg (BA ’03) was voted Top Tour Guide when he was a Florida Cicerone. He channeled that energy into earning a JD at Emory before pursuing a career in entertainment. He now serves as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for Paramount Television, in Hollywood, where he handles contacts and other legalities for Jack Ryan and The Haunting of Hill House. He’s pictured here with James Bates and Dr. Charles Luxenberg, Ari’s father.

Established in 2006, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes UF alumni under age 40 whose achievements positively reflect and strengthen the Gator Nation. Now known as 40 Under 40, this year’s event was held Saturday, April 13, at Emerson Alumni Hall, during Orange & Blue weekend.

To be eligible for a 40 Under 40 award, the nominee must be a UF alumnus under 40 years; should be engaged in making a significant impact on their industry; and must have civic or professional accomplishments at the state, national or international level.