An FGCU alumnus was honored and more than $7,000 was raised for FGCU Foundation scholarships at the recent Great Gatsby Gala.
Michael Nachef (’10, Political Science) received the Young Professional of the Year Award at the event organized by Peter Cuderman (’11, Legal Studies; ’13, MBA), president of Pegasus Painting and chairman of the 28-member gala hosting committee. Nachef is director of government relations for Lee Health, formerly known as Lee Memorial Health Systems. He previously served as chief knowledge officer at CertainSafe and as a legislative assistant for State Sen. Garrett Richter. He is an active member of the board of directors of the FGCU Alumni Association.
“This award means the world,” Nachef said. “My work with Lee Health has advanced my Southwest Florida education and community involvement. I am committed to investing in something larger than myself and giving back to this place that has given me so much.”
More than 200 young professionals attended the Oct. 22 gala, which raised funds for the Dr. Bart S. and Peggy I. Cuderman Endowed Scholarship.
“We couldn’t find another fundraising event specifically geared toward the growing ranks of young professionals in Southwest Florida, so we decided to start one,” Peter Cuderman said. “It will benefit students who have overcome major life obstacles.”