Jaden LeGate, a senior majoring in health sciences, is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Student Award. The recognition, which is presented by UCF Alumni, is the highest annual award granted to an enrolled Knight.
LeGate was honored for his academic excellence and contributions to both the campus and local community. He is the vice president of the 4EVER Knights recruiting committee, and a member of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. He has also completed 100 undergraduate research hours. LeGate serves in the Health First hospital system’s emergency department as a medical scribe and volunteers with the Coalition for the Homeless where he tutors children experiencing homelessness.
“I would be remiss without mentioning Dr. Ferdowsi who nominated me for this award,” says Legate. “I was also extremely fortunate to have her as my instructor for pathophysiology I & II, which turned out to be my favorite courses throughout my time as an undergraduate student.”
“Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Rovito for sparking my love for research while pushing me past what I thought was possible when authoring and presenting my first group research proposal,” says LeGate. “I am confident that he has provided me a gift that will translate into something I will use both daily and for the rest of my life.”
“I was also lucky enough to obtain my first undergraduate research position under Dr. [Humberto Lopez Castillo], so I would also like to express a world of thanks towards him for his mentorship which truly allowed me to expand upon my interest in research,” he says.
LeGate accepted the honor at the 2022 Shining Knights Alumni Awards on Oct. 27.
