Every SF Honors student has a unique story — a different major, a different path,
a different reason for being here. What they share is a commitment to getting the
most out of their education. Here are some of theirs.
Francisco Lourenco
Major at SF: Biology and STEM | Graduated: 2018 with 4.0 GPA (Highest Honors) Transferred to: University of Florida Scholarship: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (2018)
Francisco came to Santa Fe College from Brazil and found mentors in the Honors Program,
including Honors Coordinator Bobby Hom. He maintained a 4.0 GPA while undergoing treatment
for lymphoma, completed pre-med prerequisites, and volunteered in UF health-research
outreach programs. In 2017, he was the only community college student accepted into
a research internship at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, where he was later offered
continued work.
His Honors coursework, service, and academic record helped him earn the Jack Kent
Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship — awarded to fewer than 2% of
applicants nationwide — and he enrolled full time at the University of Florida in
fall 2018.
"With Bobby I felt a sense of safety right away, that I could open up and talk with
him about my classes and also my personal life."
Major at SF: Associate in Arts | Honors Graduated: 2025 Transferred to: University of Florida Honors Program Now: Studying Forest Resources and Conservation with a specialty in Wildfire Management Scholarship: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (2025)
Bryan Rowland graduated from Santa Fe College as an Honors student and earned one
of the nation's most competitive transfer scholarships. He is continuing his education
in the UF Honors Program, focusing on forest resources and wildfire management — a
path shaped by rigorous coursework, campus leadership, and the support of the SF Honors
community.
"I know this is a life-changing opportunity and I am going to do everything I can
to take advantage of it."
Major at SF: Associate in Arts (dual enrollment pathway) Graduated: 2021 Scholarship: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (2021)
— Santa Fe College's second JKCF winner
Charly started at Santa Fe College through dual enrollment, earned his Associate in
Arts, and completed prerequisites for biomedical engineering before winning the Jack
Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. His path shows how early engagement
at SF — combined with Honors-level academic preparation — can open doors to nationally
competitive transfer awards.
Major at SF: Pre-law track | Honors Scholarship: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship
Luci Hodge was selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholar — one of
the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate transfer scholarships in the country.
As an SF Honors student on a pre-law track, she earned the award through sustained
academic excellence, intellectual drive, and mentorship from faculty and staff across
the college, including Eugene Zaldivar, Tommy Maple, and Linda Musillo.
Santa Fe College Honors students have earned four Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate
Transfer Scholarships to date. Learn more about transfer scholarship opportunities available to Honors graduates.
