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The Evening of Excellence is NSU’s premier celebration of philanthropy, honoring donors who have reached significant giving milestones. Fellows Society donors have reached a cumulative level of giving of $100,000 or more.* Shark Circle donors have reached or exceeded $1,000,000 of cumulative giving to NSU.
This year’s event is co-chaired by Rick and Patricia Derrer and Tommy and Erin Smith, whose generosity reflects the momentum fueling NSU’s rise to national prominence. Proceeds from the evening, through sponsorships, underwriting and individual tickets, will support NSU’s strategic initiatives that foster academic excellence, leadership, integrity, scientific, economic, and community contributions.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to celebrating with you.
Event Details
Date & Location:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Don Taft University Center
Rick Case Arena & RecPlex
NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus
Schedule:
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5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Reception
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6:30 p.m. — Dinner & Program
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8:30 p.m. — Dessert & Entertainment
NSU Shark Circle
NSU recognizes donors whose cumulative giving to the University exceeds has reached $1 million or more by inducting them into NSU’s Shark Circle. In recognition of their generosity, President and CEO Harry K. Moon, M.D., FACS, FRCSEd 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.
2026 Shark Circle Inductees
- Associa
- The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation
- Community Foundation of Broward County
- Elevate Healthcare
- Mary E. Fracassi**
- Nicholas, Natalie** and Deanne** Licausi
- Loretta A. Neff
- Quadracci Cabrera Family
- Erin and Tommy Smith
- Truist Financial Corporation
- US Anesthesia Partners
- Gregory Ward and Jany Martinez-Ward
- Wayne and Lucretia Weiner
NSU Fellows Society
Established in 2011 by Susie and Alan B. Levan, the Fellows Society honors donors whose cumulative giving exceeds $100,000.* Together, the Fellows Society and the Shark Circle comprise more than 800 members whose generosity helps propel NSU’s mission forward.
New Fellows Society Members
- Mrs. Juanita Campitelli and the Anthony Campitelli Endowed Fund
- CooperVision
- Trevor A. Fried
- Eric and Claire Gleit
- J. Mark Grosvenor
- Mark S. Hart
- Hotwire Communications
- Jon A. Kotler, M.D. and Anita Paoli Kotler, Esq.
- The Kuznetsov Family
- The McDonnell Family
- Cherilyn G. Murer, J.D.
- Gary Opper and Family
- Dr. Kevin Payton
- Antonio Permuy
- Ranger Good Works
- John and Rowena Ridings
- Eric S. Rosen
- Slivnyak Family
- Eric J. Stelnicki, M.D.
- Kitty and Chuck Tatelbaum
- TD Charitable Foundation
- Karen Weiner Escalera
- Justin Weinstein
- Ross and Marisa Zelnick
*Please note the level to be recognized as a Fellows Society member increased from $50,000 to $100,000 on July 1, 2025. Those who reached Fellows Society status before that date were eligible at a cumulative giving of $50,000.
** Deceased
Our Generous 2026 Sponsors
Excellence Sponsor
Charles and Laura Palmer
Champion Sponsor
Leader Sponsors
Table Sponsors
ARPI GROUP
Berger Singerman
Chartwells
Cresa
Fort Lauderdale United FC
Hewlett Packard Enterprise/CSPi
IST Management Services
Carol Kalagher
Softtek
Truist
WTW | Willis
NSU Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center
NSU Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
NSU College of Computing, AI, and Cybersecurity
NSU College of Dental Medicine
NSU College of Optometry
NSU College of Psychology
NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
NSU Health
NSU Health Cathy J. Husman ALS Center
NSU Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
NSU Shepard Broad College of Law
Friends of NSU
Ai Media Group
Bien-Air USA
Henderson Behavioral Health
PepsiCo
Johanne and Paul Sallarulo
Starmark
Underwriters
Wine Underwriter
NSU Dr. Pallavi Patel School of Health Sciences
Cocktail Reception Underwriter
Photography Underwriter
Valet Underwriter
Special Thanks
This evening was made possible through the efforts of many talented members of our NSU family and vendors.
Special thanks to the NSU Advancement and Community Relations team; Division of Public Relations, Marketing, and Creative Services; Office of the President; Shark Dining; Facilities Management; Mako Band; NSU Shark Gold Talent Program; Division of Student Affairs; NSU Printing Services; Office of Public Safety; Davie Police; President’s 64; Razor’s Edge Students, and the Rick Case Arena staff.
And thank you, valued vendors:
ARPI GROUP, Chartwells, Deco Productions, Drummer Boy Productions, Michael Hopkins Photography, and New Visual Spectrum.
Information regarding sponsorship levels and benefits is available below. For additional assistance, please contact Sharon McCaslin at smccasli@nova.edu. For questions about the event please contact SpecialEvents@nova.edu.
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