My Gator Nation story begins even before I was a student at the University of Florida.
I have been a Gator all my life and attended Gator games when I was in grade school and high school but I never thought that my life would depend upon the efforts of Gator scientists whom I never knew existed.
I began my college career in 1982 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, GA (I know, how could a Gator fan even consider attending a University System of Georgia school?). During my first year at ABAC, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer - I was 19 years old and honestly thought that I was invincible. After removal of the tumor in Valdosta and a lymph node dissection surgery in Tampa, I was sent to Shands Hospital for an extensive regimen of chemotherapy that had been developed by University of Florida scientists.
The chemotherapy, while brutalizing my body, saved my life. I was able to continue on in school and eventually graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Food and Resource Economics in 1989. I was even featured in a University of Florida article focused on research and the benefits of UF Cancer research on patients. After working for a number of years, I also entered the Warrington School of Business Weekend MBA Program and was awarded by MBA from the University of Florida in 2001.
I am truly a product of the University of Florida, both personally and professionally. When the University of Florida commercial comes on and the doctor is told to, "Go find a cure for cancer.", it has a special meaning for me. I am and always will be a member of the Gator Nation!
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Roger Ward
Loan Officer/Relationship Manager
Farm Credit of Florida
Live Oak FL
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