College of the Florida Keys Names Ocean Reef Community Foundation Inaugural Honoree

CFK recognized Ocean Reef Community Foundation at the second annual Upper Keys Center Community Day on January 31, 2026. The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) named the Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) as the inaugural honoree of its new tradition to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the College and the broader community, CFK said in its announcement on February 25, 2026.

ORCF was selected for its exceptional partnership, dedicated community service, and commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the Florida Keys. CFK framed the honor as a way to acknowledge partners who have supported students and campus programs across the county as the college marks its 60th anniversary.

CFK cited a series of concrete contributions by ORCF in explaining the choice. ORCF funded or assisted construction of the College’s Upper Keys Center and backed CFK-led COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Monroe County. The announcement lists the ORCF Building Bridges Scholarship as a “last dollar” scholarship program that ORCF helped establish. “ORCF support enabled CFK to launch an annual Community Day at the UKC in 2025, modeling it after the longstanding tradition at the Key West Campus,” the college said.

The Upper Keys Center Community Day on January 31 grew from that 2025 launch to include more than 35 community organizations, student clubs, and academic programs in 2026. CFK also highlighted recent ORCF grant funding that upgraded student spaces: “Recent ORCF grant funding enhanced the UKC student experience through the purchase of a Public Address System, refrigerator, and ice maker for the student lounge to provide comfort and convenience for students during long days of studying and extracurricular involvement.”

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are especially grateful for exceptional partners like the Ocean Reef Community Foundation,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. For organizations or individuals interested in partnering with CFK or donating to the CFK Foundation, contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at 305-809-3214.

A photo from the event lists people pictured left to right as Bill Parfet, Linda Owens, Richard Weinstein, ORCF President & COO, and Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President & CEO; the caption in the event materials does not explicitly clarify whether Richard Weinstein is the person identified as ORCF President & COO. CFK presented the recognition at the Upper Keys Center Community Day and formalized the public announcement on February 25 as it establishes this new tradition to honor partners who support CFK’s mission in the Florida Keys.