Pichardo (MBA 2021) and Alvarado (MBA 2021) are founders of Fragaria, New Zealand-style ice cream. The plant-based, unique dessert is made by blending premium vanilla ice cream with real fruit, using a special machine that produces an airy and velvety
Alumni Class Notes: page 1
In UF Warrington’s Alumni Class Notes, you have the opportunity to let your classmates know what’s going on in your life and career.
Did you get a promotion, new job or retire (lucky you!)? Maybe you got married, bought a house or had a baby (congrats!)? Are you just kicking butt and taking names (snaps for you!)? Let your fellow Business Gators know by submitting your Class Note!
Submitting a Class Note is also a great way to expand your network of Business Gators. By sharing what you’re up to, along with a link to your LinkedIn page, you give other Business Gators the opportunity to connect.
Share about yourself and connect with other Business Gators by submitting your Class Note today!
Page:
In Memoriam | February 2025
Gloria G. Bender | BSBA ’78 | 2025 | Bender, of Orlando, Florida, passed on January 25. Born in Gainesville, Florida, on January 2, 1950, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida alongside her husband, Bruce. The
Thomas Zhang (MS-ISOM ’15) | March 2025
Zhang (MS-ISOM 2015) was recognized by BestAgents.us as a 2025 Top Agent. He is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners in Jacksonville, Florida. In just eight months since entering the real estate field, Zhang has closed an impressive
Seth Ruhter (DBA ’24) | March 2025
Ruhter (DBA 2024) is among the Idaho Business Review Excellence in Finance winners for 2024. The Idaho Business Review Excellence in Finance awards program celebrates financial professionals in Idaho whose fiscal accomplishments set a high bar for their company and Idaho’s
Rama Bondada (MBA ’05) | March 2025
Bondada (MBA 2005) was appointed Vice President of Investor Relations at StandardAero, a leading pure-play provider of aerospace aftermarket services for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. In this new role for StandardAero, Bondada will be responsible for developing and executing a
Toby Spill (BSBA ’96) | March 2025
Spill (BSBA 1996) is a senior real estate development executive with over 30 years of experience as a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker and Certified General Contractor. He is currently developing large scale mixed-use and multi-family communities in Central Florida
Larry Pitcher (MBA ’11) | March 2025
Pitcher (MBA 2011) was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Kincell Bio, a leader in cell therapy development and manufacturing. He brings extensive experience in the advanced therapies Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) space, having had P&L responsibility, deep operational
Ian Willis (BSBA ’13) | March 2025
Willis (BSBA 2013) is Executive Director Information Technology for Cleveland Clinic. In his role, he leads the Infrastructure Foundations team, responsible for IT Platforms, Networks, Communications, Cloud, as well as IT Facilities Planning and Growth. Responsible for 140 caregivers, supporting
Robert Bell (BSBA ’69, MA ’70, PhD ’72) | March 2025
Bell (BSBA 1969, MA 1970, Ph.D., 1972) retired as President of Tennessee Tech University in 2012, and now serves as President Emeritus, working with University Advancement and regional economic development. He also serves as Chairman of the regional Industrial Development
Eric Blanco (MAcc ’08) | March 2025
Blanco (MAcc 2008) was promoted to Senior Vice President of Accounting at Codina Partners. Blanco previously served as Vice President of Accounting. In his new role, Blanco will oversee all accounting operations for Codina Partners, utilizing his extensive accounting experience
Page: