I work at the University of Florida and since 1989, I’ve given to UF, too.

Some people wonder why anyone would give back to the place where they work. But to me, it’s so important to support the missions in which you believe. As a trained archeologist, I believe in bringing the past to life for visitors to the Florida Museum of Natural History. And with less than 30 percent of our funding coming from the state, private donations make all the difference.

For more than 25 years, I’ve developed exhibits and educational programs and I’m always looking for new ways to share our fascinating history with children and the general public. We collaborate with faculty, staff and students all across campus, and then we get to watch visitors – including 15,000 students annually – learn to look at our world in new and exciting ways.

That’s inspiring. And it’s important, because when curiosity is sparked, knowledge is expanded and a mind is opened. You never know where that will lead.

It’s a privilege to play a small part in each visitor’s journey.