UWF kicks off inaugural Founders Week with flag unveiling ceremony
The University of West Florida kicked off the inaugural Founders Week with a flag unveiling ceremony in downtown Pensacola this morning. Founders Week is a weeklong celebration that serves as an opportunity to bring the UWF family together, welcome alumni and visitors to campus and give back to the community.
A UWF flag was unveiled at the ceremony held outside the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum. The same flag will be on display at UWF properties throughout downtown Pensacola and will represent UWF’s presence and impact on the community.
Following the flag unveiling, UWF President Martha D. Saunders presented a check to county and city leaders in the amount of $950 million, representing UWF’s economic contribution in personal income to the economy of Escambia County.
“Founders Week celebrates the significant impact we have made on our state, our region and our community,” Saunders said. “UWF is a spirited community of learners, launching the next generation of big thinkers who will change the world. We see this in the lives of our students who choose to make our region their home as teachers, accountants, nurses, entrepreneurs, engineers and more.”
The Honorable Ashton Hayward, Pensacola mayor, spoke at the event about the role a strong community-university partnership plays in enhancing the lives of residents.
“Education, economic development and quality of life are all tied together to make Pensacola a great place to learn, work, build a business, grow a family and enjoy life,” Hayward said. “Pensacola is very fortunate to be home to such an innovative and distinguished University. We are proud of the UWF’s continued growth, academic and athletic excellence, and fantastic leadership.”
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, a UWF alumnus, made remarks on the impact the University has made on him and the community.
“UWF’s impact in our community cannot be overstated, and I am honored to be a part of the first-ever Founder’s Week celebrating this outstanding institution,” May said. “Escambia County is fortunate to have a University that is dedicated to bettering the lives of not only its students, but our entire community. As a UWF alumnus, my time spent there helped prepare me to be a leader and a public servant, and I am pleased to see the University continue to positively impact the lives of young people.”
The flag unveiling ceremony commenced the week of events to celebrate the University’s founding. UWF will engage in the community, honor traditions and celebrate the future of the University throughout the week.
Founders Week events will include:
- Tuesday, April 17: Argos Day of Service
- Wednesday, April 18: Argos Bleed Blue & Green
- Thursday, April 19: UWF Day of Giving
- Friday, April 20: University Park Center Grand Opening
- Saturday, April 21: Blue and Green Football Spring Game
For more information about UWF Founders Week, visit uwf.edu/foundersweek.