This fund was established by Linda Connell in 2008 in memory of her husband, Dr. Richard G. “Doc” Connell, Jr., to support undergraduate scholarships in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Doc earned his doctorate at the University of Florida in Materials Science and Engineering in 1973. He was a faculty member of UF for more than 30 years as a professor of metallurgical engineering. Doc served as Associate Chairman and Associate Professor of the department, an undergraduate academic adviser and a faculty adviser before retiring in 2004. He won numerous awards, including “Teacher of the Year” and “Adviser of the Year.” Doc had a passion for teaching and worked alongside the students throughout his career. He passed away in 2007.