The UF Alumni Association established the Outstanding Young Alumni (OYA) Award in 2006 and in 2019 began awarding 40 Gators the OYA award at the 40 Gators Under 40 ceremony to honor young alumni whose achievements positively reflect The Gator Nation®.
Recipients are selected annually by the Alumni Association’s awards committee and honored during Orange & Blue weekend festivities. Criteria for the award include being an alumnus of the university, under the age of 40 by April of that year, making a significant impact on their industry and having professional and/or civic accomplishments.
Leaders in their profession and community, 40 Gators Under 40/ OYA Award recipients possess an unmistakable tradition of achievement and a commitment to strengthening The Gator Nation®.