UF/IFAS Advancement

The VP Promise is a commitment to support and enhance programs that enrich the educational experience for undergraduate students in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Interim Sr. Vice President Rob Gilbert invites you to join in this promise by supporting opportunities beyond the classroom.

We believe every undergraduate student should have this opportunity, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our students will experience an unparalleled collegiate journey that stands out among—and above—our academic peers. Join us with a gift to one of the following funds:

General Enrichment Support

These funds provide flexibility in supporting diverse student enrichment experiences.

CALS Student Enrichment Endowment - Supports student enrichment in UF/IFAS academic programs.
Wayne and Jo Beardsley Family Experiential Learning Endowment - Supports CALS student development activities outside of the classroom.
Cathryn Herrin Morris Student Enrichment Fund - Supports School of Forest Resources & Conservation students in gaining experience outside the classroom.
John and Ethel Stephens Endowment Fund - Supports students in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication in their development as future educators, communicators and leaders in agriculture.

Internships

Increasing practical knowledge of a career path through an internship contributes to a student's individual success. This kind of practical experience helps students define their career interests.

Jimmy and Benita Boyd Experiential Internship Fund - Supports CALS students participating in the UF/IFAS Extension Summer Internship Program.
Larry R. Arrington Extension Internship Endowment - Supports CALS students participating in the UF/IFAS Extension Summer Internship Program.
Beyond the Classroom Scholarship Fund - Supports CALS students pursuing international work, internship or volunteer outreach experiences, with preference for an internship.

Research Opportunities

Research provides undergraduates with valuable hands-on experience and important connections with faculty and researchers that can translate into opportunities post-graduation.

Path to Pioneers Fund - Supports CALS undergraduate research experiences and opportunities, including paid summer internships with UF/IFAS faculty.
NCBS Research Internship Fund - Supports CALS students conducting research at the Nature Coast Biological Station.
William Wolfson Internship Endowment - Supports CALS undergraduate student internships at the Nature Coast Biological Station.
Joshua C. Dickinson IV Memorial Fund for Tropical Forestry - Supports field experience in tropical forest ecology and management for School of Forest Resources and Conservation undergraduate students.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Experience in leadership and service prepare students to be society-ready.

Adam and Melissa Putnam Leadership and Policy Internship Endowment - Supports CALS students pursuing public policy internships.
Carl Loop Legislative Internship Endowment - Supports CALS students participating in either state or federal legislative internships.
Paul and Shari Willis CALS Ambassadors Fund - Supports the CALS Ambassador Program.
Wayne Smith Student Leadership Fund - Supports leadership development of student organizations and/or student leaders in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation.

Study Abroad

Global perspectives help our students tackle the world's greatest challenges.

Di Girolamo Enrichment Endowment - Supports CALS students participating in the CALS study abroad program in Italy.

Academic Competitions

Many majors and student organizations offer the opportunity to represent the university on competitive teams. Team members develop employability skills such as decision making, teamwork and communication. Additionally, they have the opportunity to travel and network with peers across the country.

W. Bernard and Elaine P. Lester Student Development Fund - Supports student participation in the National Agri-Marketing Association, Quiz Bowl and other competitive and personal skill enhancement activities within the Food and Resource Economics Department.
Don Wakeman Student Judging Support Fund - Supports the UF/IFAS livestock and meats student judging teams in the Animal Sciences Department.

For information about how CALS students can apply for financial assistance through VP Promise funds, visit cals.ufl.edu/vppromise.

If you wish to establish an endowment/fund other than the ones listed above, please reach out to UF/IFAS Advancement at advancement@ifas.ufl.edu.