Endowed Fund Will Support Degree Completion For Deserving NSU Student-Athletes Who Have Completed Their Athletic Eligibility
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Department of Athletics is honored to announce the Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. NSU Athletic Degree Completion Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was created to support scholarships for student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility but have yet to complete their undergraduate degrees.
“Our student-athletes are among our greatest ambassadors!” expressed Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D. “Having said that, I believe we, as an academic community, have an obligation to see that they are able to complete their degree requirements even though they may have exhausted their athletic eligibility. By establishing this endowment, it is my hope that others – alumni, friends, NSU supporters and the university itself – will join in this mission.”
In December 2019, NSU Athletics Advisory Council hosted an intimate reception with close friends and supporters of Shark Athletics during a rooftop reception at Andy’s Live Fire Grill & Bar. The event honored Chancellor Ferrero’s considerable contribution and lead gift to establish the endowment fund.
NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D.
Chancellor Ferrero served as NSU’s fifth president from January 1998 to December 2009, before being named chancellor in January 2010. He began his time with NSU in 1984 and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for six years. One of his most notable accomplishments was playing a major role in the merger between Nova University of Advanced Technology and Southeastern University of the Health Sciences, setting the groundwork for the largest independent university in the southeast and the seventh-largest in the country.
During his 12-year presidency, Ferrero presided over the athletic department as it was granted full membership into NCAA Division II and was simultaneously accepted into the Sunshine State Conference. He also oversaw a transformation of NSU’s main campus, including the construction of the Don Taft University Center – home to the Sharks’ volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams – the NSU Soccer Complex, NSU Aquatic Center, a student-athlete academic services center and a private workout facility for student-athletes.
“This gift is both transformational and unprecedented that will truly impact student-athletes at NSU for years to come,” noted Director of Athletics Michael Mominey. “The generosity of Ray Ferrero, Jr. and his family, the foresight of our advisory council and the support of the university have all aligned to establish this groundbreaking endowment fund. The creation of a scholarship fund to assist student-athletes to ensure the completion of their academic degree, proves once again that our university and our athletic program have the best interest of our students in mind and that we are truly student-centered.”
This generous gift will also enhance and enrich the student-athlete experience and support the vision and mission of NSU Athletics in perpetuity. NSU Athletics’ mission statement emphasizes “providing a first class student-athlete experience through the participation in a highly competitive and nationally recognized intercollegiate athletic program. Through the platform of higher education, we offer young men and women the opportunity to develop leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork skills that will serve as a foundation for success today and in the future.”
Elizabeth Zubero
In Spring 2020, the Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. Athletic Degree Completion Endowed Fund was awarded to its first recipient, women’s swimmer Elizabeth Zubero. During her two years at NSU, Zubero was crowned an SSC Champion in the 100 butterfly and was a two-time All-SSC Second Team recipient. She also shined academically, earning College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American and SSC Spring Commissioner’s Honor Roll accolades both years.
“Being awarded the Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. NSU Athletic Degree Completion Endowed Scholarship Fund meant so much to me being a student-athlete at NSU, as I was able to complete my Recreational Therapy degree Field Placement during an extra semester of my senior year,” said Zubero. “Over this past summer, I had the opportunity of working with a nursing home in Maryland and compiled a COVID-19 Safety and Activity Manual to provide assistance and relief to residents during this tough time. I am truly grateful for this experience and hope that this scholarship will be helpful for future student-athletes like me who need extra time to complete their degree.”
NSU is an NCAA Division II institution in the Sunshine State Conference, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Sharks currently boast eight NCAA national championships, 23 individual national champions, 303 All-Americans and 288 Scholar All-Americans. To follow the Nova Southeastern Sharks on social media, please go to @NSUSharks on Twitter and Instagram, as well as /NSUSharksAthletics on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Morgan Shattuck, Athletic Communications Coordinator
954-275-2694
mshattuck@nova.edu
