Established in 2001 by the Lewis Schott Foundation, this fund honors John V. Lombardi, one of the University of Florida’s most charismatic and popular presidents, and provides scholarships for worthy entering freshman. Lombardi led the university during the 1990s through a period of unprecedented achievement and growth. During his tenure, the size and quality of the student body grew, faculty productivity increased, national rankings improved, research funding doubled and the University’s endowment soared to almost $500 million. By the turn of the century, the University of Florida had ascended to the top tier of public research universities.