100 Years of Food and Resource Economics

FRE 100 Gala

On Friday, March 26, 2026, the 100 Years of Food and Resource Economics anniversary gala marked a memorable milestone celebration of the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department (FRE), bringing together over 250 alumni, faculty, students, and industry leaders to honor a century of impact and achievement.

Building on FRE's rich history which began in 1926, the gala celebrated not only past accomplishments but also a vibrant future driven by innovation, collaboration, and continued support for students and programs that strengthen agriculture, natural resources, and the broader economy.

Going all the way back to 1969, every single generation of the FRE community was there to join in on the occasion. In addition to serving as a reunion, this event also served as a fundraiser benefit. Through their generous support of the FRE 100 Fund, attendees have helped us pave the way toward a bright future for the next generation of FRE ahead.

FRE chair, Dr. Lisa Hope making opening statements at the FRE graduate students

FRE chair, Dr. Lisa House making opening statements at the FRE 100 Gala.

Dr. Jose Rossignoli, Chair of the FRE Leadership Council, at FRE 100 Years Gala, UF/IFAS image by Cat Wofford

Dr. Jose Rossignoli, Chair of the FRE Leadership Council, at FRE 100 Years Gala.

Keynote speaker at the FRE 100 Years Gala, Mike Lee.

Live benefit auction conducted by special guest auctioneer, Rep. Chad Johnson at the FRE 100 Years Gala. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

Live benefit auction conducted by special guest auctioneer, Rep. Chad Johnson, at the FRE 100 Years Gala.

Attendee at the FRE 100 Years Gala holds and reads a small invitation card for a UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics event. Uf/IFAS image by Cat Wofford

Attendee at the FRE 100 Years Gala holds and reads an invitation card for a UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics event.

FRE alum, Tori Rumenik, Dr. Kati Migliaccio, and Dr. Saqib Mukhtar. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

(L to R) FRE alum, Tori Rumenik, Dr. Kati Migliaccio, and Dr. Saqib Mukhtar

FRE 100 Years Gala commemorative drinking glasses. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

FRE 100 Years Gala commemorative drinking glasses.

Display of blue sponsor plaques and awards for the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics 100th anniversary gala. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

Sponsor plaques and awards for the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics 100th anniversary gala.

Illan Sweitzer attends the FRE 100 Year Gala. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

Illan Sweitzer attends the FRE 100 Year Gala.

Dr. Thomas Anderson and wife attend the FRE 100 Years Gala. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

FRE faculty, Thomas M. Anderson Jr. takes a selfie with his wife at the FRE 100 Gala.

FRE Instructional Assistant Professor Dr. Xumin Zhang, advisor for Quiz Bowl, poses with members of the 2026 FRE Quiz Bowl Team. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

FRE Instructional Assistant Professor Dr. Xumin Zhang, advisor for Quiz Bowl, poses with members of the 2026 FRE Quiz Bowl Team.

FRE Undergraduate Coordinator Misti Sharp poses for a photo with current students. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

FRE Undergraduate Coordinator Misti Sharp poses for a photo with current students.

FRE undergraduate students Bernardo Andrade, Paisley Norman, and Han Nguyen. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

FRE undergraduate students Bernardo Andrade, Paisley Norman, and Han Nguyen

Undergraduate students hand out commemorative gifts to guests at the end of the evening. UF/IFAS photo by Cat Wofford

Undergraduate students hand out commemorative gifts to guests at the end of the evening.