Donor Stories
海角社区receives a major gift from the Lastinger family supporting Florida history programs and scholarships
The College of Arts and Sciences received a transformational gift from Allen and Delores Lastinger to support new professorships, research grants and paid internships, enriching student engagement with Florida’s history and culture. Three COAS faculty members have been named Allen Lastinger Annual Professors, recognizing and amplifying their research and scholarly activities in fields of study linked to Florida history and culture. The gift supports these professors in expanding their research and scholarship, travel expenses, community and conference presentations and student researcher support. This gift amplifies faculty research and provides hands-on learning for students, continuing the Lastinger family's commitment to education since 1990.
A Beacon of Opportunity: Jim Van Vleck's Transformative Gift to UNF's College of Arts and Sciences
Jim Van Vleck’s generous $250,000 gift to the College of Arts and Sciences supports student research and inspires philanthropy. With $200,000 dedicated to the COAS Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) program, undergraduates will engage in hands-on research with faculty mentors across disciplines. An additional $50,000 will challenge donors to support the College by Giving Day 2024. This gift continues Jim and his late wife Joan’s enduring legacy of fostering academic excellence and innovation at UNF, empowering students and faculty for years to come.