Two CLAS graduates named 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award winners
Bob Hesterman and Stephen Goldman were recognized for their accomplishments and service
This past weekend, faculty, students, and their families came together for Spring 2024 graduation celebrations. In addition to handing out thousands of degrees to its newest Gators, the University of Florida also awarded Distinguished Alumnus Awards, which recognize alumni who have excelled in their field or have performed outstanding service for the university. This year, two College of Liberal Arts and Sciences alumni were honored during the college’s recognition ceremonies: Bob Hesterman and Stephen Goldman.
Bob Hesterman, a graduate of the Department of Geography with a master’s degree in 1986, was recognized by Department Chair and Professor Jane Southworth. Hesterman’s distinguished career spanning nearly four decades has been devoted to humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and empowering underprivileged communities, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Throughout his career, Hesterman has collaborated with various governments and non-governmental organizations as a project manager and designer, initiating numerous projects over the decades designed to combat poverty, discrimination, and medical inequity.
One of Hesterman’s most significant projects focused on promoting sustainable rural development and climate-conscious agriculture in Tanzania and Benin, resulting in improved infrastructure and increased farming activities in these regions. He has also been a lifelong advocate for gender equality and child rights. He directed a project that provided entrepreneurial education to children in Ghana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, with a special emphasis on empowering young girls.
Department of Physics Chair Steve Hagen presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Stephen Goldman, a physics graduate in 1974. Goldman leveraged his knowledge of physics to pioneer advancements in the computing industry during the rise of personal computers in homes and businesses.
In 1977, Goldman founded Distributed Processing Technology, where he led the development of innovative technologies such as the disk caching controller and the Small Computer System Interface. Both of these innovations significantly improved the communication capabilities of computers, making them more accessible and effective for users.
Since retiring from the tech industry in 2000, Goldman has devoted his time to his passion for music. Over the past two decades, he has made significant contributions to the art and music community as an active member of several prominent organizations. Notably, Goldman has served on the boards of the esteemed Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orlando Museum of Art.
In addition to his involvement in these organizations, Goldman founded the National Young Composers Challenge, a competition that provides aspiring pre-college musicians with an opportunity to showcase their talent and have their musical compositions performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
