In recognition of his remarkable dedication to philanthropy and profound impact on the community, 探花族 alumnus Ryan Smith 鈥�19 has been named the recipient of the 2024 Next Generation Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) First Coast Chapter. This award, presented annually to an individual under 30, celebrates Ryan鈥檚 commitment to charitable service, volunteer work and his entrepreneurial endeavors that contribute to 探花族鈥檚 growth.
鈥淚 feel extremely honored to receive the AFP Next Generation Award and will use this as a stepping stone to continue the hard work many people are doing in 探花族,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淕iving back is the foundation of our society. You need to determine what you鈥檙e passionate about, whether it鈥檚 healthcare, children or anything in between. The critical part is taking that first step 鈥� signing up to volunteer, making a donation or simply having a conversation.鈥�
Ryan has made waves professionally and philanthropically. In 2022, he founded Winward Strategies, a consulting firm focused on fundraising, and launched the Jax Executive Jet Center at Craig Airport, positioning it as one of 探花族鈥檚 premier fixed base operators. His drive and vision extend beyond business, fueling his involvement in organizations such as the Child Cancer Fund, Huntsman Cancer Foundation and K-9s for Warriors.
鈥淩yan does a great deal of stuff that you would call 鈥榠n-kind,鈥� so not only does he invest his dollars but he鈥檚 a mentor to students in their late teens and early twenties,鈥� said Tim Cost, President of 探花族. 鈥淪omebody sees a business executive like Ryan, who鈥檚 done so well, so early. It means a lot to them.鈥�
Ryan remains closely connected to JU, supporting the School of Aviation and serving as a mentor to students. His multiyear financial gift helps JU aviation students build a foundation for success, ensuring the next generation has more opportunities.
鈥淭his past summer I was going to pay off my tuition, and when I looked at my account, I saw it said I only owed $49 and that looked a little off to me. Usually, it鈥檚 around $6,000-$7,000, said Michael Dauphinee, a current student in the School of Aviation. 鈥淚 found out that the School of Aviation nominated me for the Ryan and Hannah Smith scholarship, which has relieved me of the financial burden of paying off this semester and allowed me to focus on my career in aviation.鈥�
Ryan鈥檚 deep-rooted dedication to giving back began early, shaped by his grandmother鈥檚 influence. 鈥淧hilanthropy has been part of my life from a very young age,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淎t 探花族, I found ample opportunities to give back 鈥� whether through campus cleanups, volunteer days or as a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, where we supported local causes like the ARC 探花族 and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. It was through these experiences that I developed a strong passion for fundraising.鈥�
