CF Foundation
Distinguished Alumni
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus/a, who exemplifies the College of Central Florida’s tradition of excellence through their personal accomplishments, professional achievements, or humanitarian service. One recipient is selected each year.
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient was the Honorable Dennis Baxley. Born in Ocala, Baxley earned an Associate in Arts degree from CF in 1972. After serving as a Belleview City Commissioner and mayor, he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, then elected to the Florida Senate where he served until 2024. He holds the unique distinction of being the first and only Floridian to serve as both speaker pro tempore of both the House and Senate. His dedication to public service in Marion County and the districts he served is noteworthy, and he adds to his unique accomplishments by being the only recipient of both CF’s Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service Awards.
Previous CF Distinguished Alumni
- May 1996: The Honorable Craig Curry
- Aug. 1997: Richard Knight
- May 2001: Morrey Deen
- Aug. 2001: The Honorable Mary Sue Rich
- Dec. 2001: Lewis Dinkins
- May 2002: Jim Williams
- Aug. 2002: Mary Steddom
- Dec. 2002: Jim Huber
- May 2003: Roy Abshier
- Dec. 2003: Kay Johnson Boyer
- Aug. 2004: Bobby James
- 2005: Lori Hornby
- Aug. 2005: Michael Mangan
- May 2006: The Honorable Gerald Ergle
- Dec. 2006: Judge Hale R. Stancil
- Fall 2007: Van McKenzie
- Spring 2008: Dean Blinkhorn
- Fall 2008: Sandra Himmel
- Spring 2009: Clinton Hart
- Spring 2010: Dr. Stacy Dickson
- Spring 2011: The Honorable Charles Dean
- Spring 2012: Gloria James
- Spring 2013: George Tomyn
- May 2014: Sindy Schneider
- May 2015: Sheriff Chris Blair
- May 2016: Capt. Shane Ferguson
- Dec. 2016: Mike Joyner
- May 2017: Judge Carlos E. Mendoza
- May 2018: Luther Drummond
- May 2019: John and Shirley Rudnianyn
- May 2020: Benjamin Marciano
- May 2021: Ire Bethea
- May 2022: Dr. Jennifer Sumner
- May 2023: Melissa Tony Stires
- May 2024: Marty Smith
- May 2025: The Honorable Dennis Baxley