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The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Association honored distinguished graduates and prominent members of the community for their outstanding service and contributions to the University at the annual Alumni Recognition Awards Ceremony during Homecoming Week. 

This year’s honorees include alumni Sam Inman (‘88), president and CEO of Community First Credit Union; Rhianna Scyster (‘17), community equity and policy manager at 904WARD; Suzette Wilhelm (‘99), senior learning leader at Eduscape, Inc.; David Main (‘14), founder of Main Made Studios; and honorary alumni Sam Garrison, speaker designate for the Florida House of Representatives.  

“I am incredibly proud of our alumni and the lasting impact they continue to make in our communities which is reflected in this year's Alumni Award recipients,” said Patrice Abner, president of the University’s Alumni Association Board. “Their dedication, passion and leadership not only reflect the values of our institution but also inspire future generations to make a difference and find their true north at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.” 

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Winner 

Inman is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor that a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ graduate can receive from the Alumni Association. This award recognizes alumni who have made a significant contribution to their profession, community and/or society, while consistently maintaining the pursuit of excellence as a representative and graduate of the University. 

In his current position at Community First Credit Union, Inman has played a pivotal role in its growth. A Coggin College of Business graduate with a degree in business administration, he joined Community First in 1990 and has since held multiple leadership roles. His expertise in financial management, risk assessment and strategic planning has led to major advancements, including a branch transformation project and an expansion of investment services.  

Inman also serves on several boards, including the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Foundation Board, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida and the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Advisory Council. A past Leadership Jacksonville graduate, he was named an Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal. 

Alumni Service Award Winner 

Wilhelm is the recipient of the Alumni Service Award, presented to alumni who have demonstrated continuous outstanding volunteer service to the University and/or meritorious public service. With a passion for education and STEM advocacy, Wilhelm has dedicated her career to shaping the future of learning.  

A College of Arts and Sciences graduate with a bachelor’s degree in community health, she spent 17 years teaching and developing STEM programs at Christ the King Catholic School, helping it become the first STEM-accredited Catholic grade school in Florida. Her current position at Eduscape has led numerous professional development initiatives and contributed to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s STEM Coordinator Certificate program, which is gaining national and international recognition. 

Young Alumni Achievement Award Winner 

Scyster is the recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award, presented for outstanding professional achievement, contributions to the community and exemplary service to the University.  

A ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services graduate, Scyster went on to earn a master's in public policy from Jacksonville University. She has spoken at numerous national conferences and founded the Jacksonville Policy Engagement Group (JPEG) to educate the community on local policy initiatives. Scyster has received multiple accolades, including the OneJax Humanitarian Acosta-Rua Young Professional’s Award. 

Alumni-Owned Business Service Award Winner 

Main is the recipient of the Alumni-Owned Business Service Award, presented to an alumni-owned business which has demonstrated continuing outstanding service to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and through other community involvement.  

A College of Arts and Sciences graduate with a bachelor’s in graphic design, Main turned his passion for metal fabrication into a thriving business. His company, Main Made Studios, specializes in large-scale metal installations across Jacksonville, including the lemon sculpture at Jacksonville Beach Publix and the metalwork at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. Main employs fellow ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ alumni, creating a team dedicated to transforming ideas into functional art. 

Honorary Alumni Award Winner 

Rep. Garrison is the recipient of the Honorary Alumni Award, given to friends and supporters for exemplary service to the University. A strong advocate for higher education and ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Garrison has played a crucial role in securing recurring funding and capital requests for the University’s infrastructure and initiatives. He tirelessly advocates for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and continuously promotes the University in Northeast Florida and across the state. He actively participates on campus, through seminars and other events. His leadership has advanced key initiatives in mental health, economic growth and public safety.