Whitney Koonce, who completed her MA in Hispanic Linguistics with us in 2015, was killed in a car accident in June of 2016. We were all saddened to learn of her tragic passing. Everyone who worked with her, students and faculty alike, remembers her infectious laughter, her seemingly permanent smile, and an enduring goodwill, regardless of the time of the semester or how difficult coursework got. We have chosen to honor the memory of her good nature by establishing a yearly award in Whitney’s name, in recognition of a graduate student in the department of Spanish and Portuguese studies who has demonstrated tenacity and kindness during their time here.
Everyone who worked with her remembers her infectious laughter, her seemingly permanent smile, and an enduring goodwill.
Donations in memory of Whitney can be made by check or online. Checks should be made payable to UF Foundation with SPS Fund 16099 – Whitney Koonce memorial gift referenced in the memo and mailed to UF CLAS Development PO Box 117300, Gainesville, FL 32611. Online donations can be made at www.uff.ufl.edu/appeals/SPS, with “Whitney Koonce memorial gift” in the comments section. The UF Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization; therefore, your gift may be eligible for a charitable contribution income tax deduction.
For questions about making a donation, contact Christy Popwell.