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  • 1.  Product of UF Research

    Posted 11-17-2015 12:38

    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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