MAJOR ALAN Rogers Memorial Scholarship
In a first of its kind collaboration, three UFAA affiliate groups have joined forces to launch a new scholarship program.
The Association of Military Alumni, Association of Black Alumni, and Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni will honor the memory of Major Alan Rogers, a University of Florida Alumni who was killed in Iraq on January 27, 2008.
We join forces to share the incredible story of Alan Rogers, and honor his memory by providing inspiration and support to new generations of Gators. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, which is funded by an equal contribution from all three groups.
MAJ ALAN ROGERS BIOGRAPHY
Alan Rogers was a US Army intelligence officer, pastor, and civil rights activist. He was born in New York City on September 21, 1967. He was raised in an orphanage until the age of 3, when he was adopted by George and Genevieve Rogers.
In 1990, Rogers joined the United States Army as a chaplain’s assistant and deployed to Kuwait during the Gulf War. Upon return he enrolled at the University of Florida with a US Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology, and later accepted a commission as an Army Officer.
While serving in Arizona, he earned a master’s degree in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix before deploying to South Korea where he served as Commander of a Military Intelligence company.
The Scholarship
This scholarship is jointly funded and administered by all three groups. The selection committee consists of two members from each of the three groups, plus a chairperson that rotates annually between the three groups.
2025 Selection Committee
-
Chairperson: Heather Bevacqua, VP of Scholarships, Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni
-
Aaron Riffa, Director of Young Alumni, Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni
-
Lisa Wilkes, Director of Mentorship, Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni
-
Abby Dillard, VP of Scholarships, Association of Military Alumni
-
Ranata Simmons, Secretary, Association of Military Alumni
-
Chris Saunders, VP of Student Engagement, Association of Black Alumni
-
TBD - Association of Black Alumni
Application information
This Scholarship is open to current University of Florida undergraduate students and incoming freshmen may apply!
The winner will be selected based on a 2 page essay (approximately 500 words) addressing the following two questions:
-
How has MAJ Alan Rogers’ life of service inspired you?
-
What are some of your goals that can build upon his legacy?
The open application period is from October 14th - November 11th, 2025.