CF Distinguished Alumni Award Announced

The College of Central Florida has announced the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award. John S. Rudnianyn and Shirley B. Rudnianyn will be honored at a reception on April 4 at the Appleton Museum of Art and at CF’s spring commencement on May 3.

Recipients are selected based on peer recommendations and notable accomplishments in the community and in their careers. The CF Alumni Association has recognized 28 Distinguished Alumni since the award began in 1996.

The Rudnianyns have supported numerous local nonprofit organizations over the years, including the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership’s Leadership Ocala Marion Youth program, 4-H and the Future Farmers of America, the Marion County Literacy Council, United Way of Marion County, Operation Hope, Friends of the Library and the Reilly Arts Center. Additionally, the Rudnianyns open their farm in northwest Marion County every year to host the agriculture education session for LOMY participants.

They are both graduates of the College of Central Florida and lifelong residents of Marion County. Their three children were raised and work and live in Ocala. They have built numerous successful development projects and businesses, and have made it a point to give back generously to their community, whether through purchasing livestock at the local Southeastern Youth Fair, helping make possible the construction of the Freedom Library, or assisting with government acquisition of numerous conservation lands. Together they are a true homegrown success story.

“Our Distinguished Alumni honorees are great examples of what it means to be a CF Patriot, each one making a unique and lasting impact in their community. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with CF alumni and friends,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president.

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Award or to nominate someone for next year, please contact Elvie Tyler, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving coordinator at the CF Foundation, at tylere@cf.edu or 352-573-5808, ext. 1726.