Celebrate NSU Achievements and Look to the Future
The Celebration of Excellence is Nova Southeastern University’s annual signature event hosted by University President and CEO, George L. Hanbury, Ph.D.
During this celebration, Dr. Hanbury shares NSU’s achievements and future vision with the community, as well as presents the President’s Award for Excellence in Community Service.
The President’s Award recognizes superior engagement in the community and encourages the ongoing pursuit of community service as one of NSU’s core values—community. The president also introduces the newest members of NSU’s Shark Circle—donors who have generously given $1 million or more to support the University’s mission to educate and serve.
Celebrating Your Impact at NSU and Beyond

2023 President's Award for Excellence in Community Service Honoree
NSU proudly presents the 2023 Excellence in Community Service Award to "Alligator Ron" and Ali Bergeron.
2023: "Alligator" Ron and Ali Bergeron
2020: James and Cathy Donnelly
2018: Drs. Kiran C. and Pallavi Patel
2017: Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman
2016: The Miniaci Family- Rose, Dominick and Meike, Albert and Beatriz
2015: Judy and Barry Silverman
2014: Winifred and Joseph C. Amaturo
2013: Guy Harvey
2012: Ron and Kathy Assaf
2011: Mike Jackson and David Horvitz & Francie Bishop Good
2010: John C. Johnson and Don Taft
2009: I. Lorraine Thomas
2008: Claire and Dan Marino
2007: Frank Till, Jr. Ed.D. and David H. Rush
2006: Alvin Sherman, August Urbanek
2005: Wayne and Marti Huizenga
2004: August & Toni Paoli, Morton & Geraldine Terry
2003: Jim and Jan Moran
2000: Robert and Millicent Steele
1999: William and Norma Horvitz
1998: Leo Goodwin, Sr.
1997: Abraham L. Mailman
2023 Shark Circle Inductees
NSU recognizes donors whose cumulative giving to the University exceeds $1 million each year at the Celebration of Excellence. In recognition of their generosity, President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., presents new Shark Circle members with a limited edition, Maquette replica of the specially commissioned Kent Ulberg mako shark statue located in front of the Don Taft University Center on NSU's Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.
- Bien-Air Medical Technologies
- Health Foundation of South Florida
- Robert E. Dooley Trust and Mrs. Janice Sheppard

Our Generous 2023 Sponsors
The Preeminent Sponsor




Champion Sponsors


Mr. Austin Forman and Mr. William Murphy together with Berger Singerman LLP
Leader Sponsors


Florescue Family Foundation, Inc., and Sharon Gustafson Florescue
David and Peggy Sokol, Teton Capital, LLC