Gators Live the Way They Want to Be Remembered

Anne and John Sofarelli's scholarship began helping building construction students in 2013.

John (BBC '81) and Anne Sofarelli recently created an endowment in their wills to support scholarships, teaching, research and programs in UF's Rinker School of Construction Management.

The Lake Mary couple say there are three reasons why this is smart.

First, "it's what Gators do," says John, president of J. Raymond Construction Corp. in Longwood, a lifetime Gators fan and longtime alumni supporter of the Rinker School of Construction Management.

Second, John and Anne say it's important to reinforce for their children that philanthropy is a family matter, not something parents decide in secret.

"Our philanthropy started with what [our kids] saw us do at church," Anne says. "But we expanded to giving of our time and talents, too. We never had to push them to do charitable work. For us, it's a way for the kids to see a diverse part of our community and appreciate how blessed they are."

The third reason is personal. They want to create a permanent legacy of helping future Gators.

When John's sister died from cancer in 2008, the couple chose to do the same for her. Carol Sofarelli Schraml (BAE '72) was a teacher, so John and Anne endowed a scholarship for education students. Each year, it provides a boost for a UF teacher-in-training.

"We did it as a way to keep her memory alive and to appropriately honor her," Anne says. "It's a fear that when you lose someone they will be forgotten. But this way, the scholarship is ongoing and Carol will never be forgotten."

In addition to helping Gators, the scholarship has helped the Sofarellis cope with the loss of Carol. Each year, they receive letters from the student recipient. Those messages reaffirm that Carol's passions are being carried forward.

Because of their vision, John and Anne's passions eventually will be carried forward in the College of Design, Construction and Planning. One day, it will be their children and relatives whose hearts will be warmed by Gators who appreciatively and fondly speak their names.

"John and Anne mean so much to us in the Rinker School," says Director Robert Ries. "From John's service on our advisory board as a member and as chair, to mentoring students to providing for the school's future through this endowment, their actions say it all. We are better because they took the time to show us how much they care."

Make Your Impact for Students
Like the Sofarellis, you can help UF students achieve their goals. Contact UF's Office of Estate & Gift Planning at 352-392-5512, toll free at 866-317-4143 or giftplanning@uff.ufl.edu to explore ways to support a program that is significant in your life.