Every two years the UF Alumni Association (UFAA) selects a faculty member to receive the "Distinguished Alumni Professor (DAP) Award.” The title holder, serves as an ambassador of the university's academic and research achievements to the Gator Nation. The DAP Award was originated by Bruce Flower in 1978 with Robert Bryan, Steve Wilkerson, Michael Gannon and Samuel Proctor. The recipient of the DAP Award is asked to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for a two-year term, and work with the Alumni Association in various programs (to the degree that his/her schedule permits) including speaking at Club events, Gator Nation U and the Phil Griffin Distinguished Lecture Series.