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NSU Giving

The Evening of Excellence is NSU’s premier celebration of philanthropy, honoring donors who have reached significant giving milestones—our Fellows Society members ($100,000+) and Shark Circle donors ($1 million+). 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:

  • 5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Reception

  • 6:30 p.m. — Dinner & Program

  • 8:30 p.m. — Dessert & Entertainment

 

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NSU Shark Circle 

NSU recognizes donors whose cumulative giving to the University exceeds $1 million each year 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
  • Quadracci Cabrera Family
  • Erin and Tommy Smith
  • Truist Financial Corporation
  • US Anesthesia Partners
  • Wayne and Lucretia Weiner
  • Gregory Ward and Jany Martinez-Ward

More About the Shark Circle

Shark circle people at event

nsu fellows society

 

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.

2026 Fellows Society Inductees

  • CooperVision
  • Trevor A. Fried
  • Eric and Claire Gleit
  • J. Mark Grosvenor
  • Mark S. Hart
  • Hotwire Communications
  • Dr. 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
  • 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.

Learn About NSU Giving Societies

 

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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