On April 12, 2017, University Women’s Club held their annual Scholarship Luncheon with University of Florida first lady Mrs. Fuchs as well as former first lady Chris Machen in attendence. At the event, three students from the College of the Arts received scholarships named after former first ladies of UF:
Leda Eleni Balch
Balch, a student from St. Augustine, FL, majoring in Creative Photography, received the ANN GARNETT MARSTON SCHOLARSHIP. Her works utilize photography, video and performance to help her viewers connect with others through shared experiences. She is committed to developing a critical arts practice once she graduates in December 2017. As a professional photographer, her goal is to provide her audience opportunities for engagements, to build understanding and foster a sense of community. Balch, also, is an Ambassador for UF’s School of Art and Art History (SA+AH), a work-study employee on campus and an active member in the newly created SA+AH Cares program, an initiative aimed at fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the school and across campus.
Sophie Press
Press, a student from Tequesta, FL, majoring in Music and minoring in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership in combination with a Master’s in Business Management, received the FRANCES MILLIKAN REITZ SCHOLARSHIP. She plans to be a development officer for a professional orchestra or performing arts center and is particularly interested in helping both donors and the organization make a difference in the community. Press is a member of the UF Wind Symphony and Clarinet Ensemble as well as serves as Treasurer and Librarian. She, also, is an Ambassador for UF's School of Music and was elected to the School of Music Council of Representatives, a group that advocates for student concerns. Last year, she was awarded the Arts Advocacy Award by the Florida Higher Education Arts Network, which was awarded in Tallahassee as part of the Arts Advocacy Day rally and lobbying efforts.
Ariel Reich
Reich, a student from Seminole, FL, majoring in Theatre Performance, received the CATHRYN LOMBARDI SCHOLARSHIP. She plans to relocate to New York City hoping to combine her love of acting with her desire to raise awareness about health issues through theatre. She has volunteered with UF’s Center for Arts in Medicine, completing an undergraduate Certificate in Arts in Medicine. Her University Scholars research study is entitled Suicide Prevention Through Theatre Intervention. Reich has been involved as an actor at the Hippodrome Theater and in university productions. During a UF-sponsored Study Abroad program in Northern Ireland she was able to interact with brain injured patients and adults with mental disabilities through music and dance.
