Bea Awoniyi Scholarship
The Bea Awoniyi Scholarship was established to honor the state and national professional leadership of Dr. Bea Awoniyi. This $1,000.00 Scholarship is available to one Florida AHEAD member only. The Bea Awoniyi Leadership Scholarship will recognize leadership in our current Florida AHEAD membership and enable one of these members to attend the national AHEAD Conference.
- 2025 – Lisa Diekow, University of Florida
Founders Award
The Founders Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Florida AHEAD, both professionally and personally. This award recognizes our founding members and those who continue to advance our mission in disability services.
Among those instrumental in the organization’s founding and development are Peg Connell, Kimberly Smith, Claudia Connelly, Paul Nolting, Stefanie Silvers, and Bea Awoniyi—all of whom have dedicated their time and energy to Florida AHEAD. From the very beginning and throughout the years, their unwavering commitment and exceptional excellence have helped shape the organization into what it is today. This award serves as a tribute to their enduring impact and the foundation they have built for future generations.
- 2025 – Steven Kolberg, Florida SouthWestern State College
Peg Connell Memorial Fund
In loving memory of Peg Connell, one of the founding members of Florida AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability), we are proud to announce the creation of the Peg Connell Memorial Fund.
Peg’s tireless dedication and passion for advancing accessibility and inclusion within the state of Florida have left an indelible mark on our organization and its members. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have shaped the work of Florida AHEAD, inspiring countless individuals to promote equity in higher education.
This memorial fund has been established to honor Peg’s enduring legacy and dedication to our field. The fund will provide financial support for individuals to attend the annual Florida AHEAD in-person conference. By reducing financial barriers, this initiative will ensure that Peg’s mission of fostering collaboration, professional development, and advocacy within our community continues to thrive.
Together, we can celebrate Peg’s life and work by continuing the mission she so passionately supported.
Her dedication lives on in the work we do and the lives we touch.
- To Be Determined.