lombardi scholars

History | Responsibilities | Benefits | Application | News

History

John V. Lombardi, one of the University of Florida's most charismatic and popular presidents, led the university during the 1990s, a period of unprecedented achievement and growth. His visionary leadership and indomitable spirit instilled in students, faculty and alumni an aspiration to fulfill their greatest potential. During his tenure, the size and quality of the student body grew to even higher levels, faculty productivity increased, national rankings steadily improved, research funding doubled, and the university's endowment soared to almost $500 million. By the turn of the century, the university had ascended to the top tier of public research universities - a testament to the legacy of John V. Lombardi.

Responsibilities of Scholars

Lombardi Scholars will make satisfactory progress towards their degree and sustain high academic and personal standards throughout their time at UF. Upon their selection, they will each plan with an academic advisor how to best take advantage of the opportunities that UF provides for research, travel and experiential learning. To remain in good standing Scholars must participate fully in the summer enrichment programs and all other aspects of the program.

Benefits

Lombardi Scholars receive $2,700 each fall and spring semester for 8-10 semesters, depending on the student's major; four summer enrichment programs, which include two international study trips, leadership training, and a community service retreat, are also funded by the scholarship. Florida's Bright Futures Program will cover tuition.

Scholars will each be paired with one of UF's most distinguished faculty in their field of study and will also have many opportunities to interact with visiting faculty and speakers. For four summers, beginning with the summer before their freshman year, scholars will participate in study abroad, internships, academic research or other enrichment programs, designed to enhance student leadership and problem-solving skills, encourage service to the community, increase confidence and integrate classroom learning with real-world experience.

For photos and stories from the summer travels, please click here.

Application

Applicants must postmark their completed application form and letter of nomination from their high school principal or guidance counselor by February 1, 2010. Although students will not receive their admission decision until mid-February, applicants must be nominated prior to that date in order for the selections committee to review all applications.

Download the application here.
Download the letter of nomination form here (each Florida high school may nominate only one student).
*If the files do not download when you click on them, right click and save the target on your computer. You may then fill them out and print them. Applications are also available by mail from the Honors Program, or from the Admissions desk in Criser Hall.
**The following forms are in .PDF format. If you do not have a PDF reader you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free from here.


A blue-ribbon committee of faculty and alumni will choose eight Lombardi Scholars, based on the student's application, which includes an essay and an interview. Eight additional Scholars will be added each of the following years until the program has a total of thirty-two Scholars.

Nominees for this award will rank at or near the top of their class. Other criteria for selection include:

Timeline for application

News