Management student recipient of UF Outstanding Leader Award

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Management major Jacob Van De Car (BSBA ’22) is among the university-wide recipients of the University of Florida Outstanding Leader Award from the UF Alumni Association and UF Honors Program for his exemplary leadership during his time as a student.

The Outstanding Leader Award is given to select graduating candidates each semester, and recipients are featured in the commencement program.

“Winning this award alongside so many other amazing leaders has been a great experience,” Van De Car said. “If you should know one thing about me it’s that I love the University of Florida, so to be recognized by the Alumni Association and leave a legacy behind is an honor.”

As part of the award application, candidates must submit an essay describing why they should be chosen as an Outstanding Leader at UF. In his essay, Van De Car shared about his Gator roots.

“My parents are alumni, so growing up I always heard stories about things they wish they could go back and do,” he said. “Growing up hearing this, I wanted to make sure that I left the University of Florida with no stone unturned!”

During his time at UF, Van De Car was deeply involved with many student organizations, including the Florida Cicerones, Student Government Veteran’s Affairs Cabinet Director, Florida Blue Key, President of Pi Kappa Phi and Senior Class President. At Warrington, he was a Warrington Welcome Peer Leader and participated in Florida Leadership Academy.   

Beyond his involvement with student organizations, Van De Car completed an internship with Babolat, a tennis company, during his freshman year and an internship with Ice Butcher, a start-up ice company, during his junior year.