On Jan. 31, NSU began a new chapter with the investiture of President and CEO Harry K. Moon, M.D., FACS, FRCSEd. In a video detailing his vision for the university, Dr. Moon promises to “safeguard the extraordinary legacy left by those who came before me and to propel Nova Southeastern University to unprecedented heights.” We look forward to helping Dr. Moon achieve his goals.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the celebration and attended the investiture. We are very grateful to the 85 sponsors who helped make the inauguration ceremony a truly unforgettable moment in NSU’s history. And we’d like to extend a special thank you to our Diamond Mako sponsors—Panza Maurer and Tommy and Erin Smith from Fort Lauderdale United FC.

NSU’s path to preeminence continues with the official designation as an R1 Research University by the Carnegie Foundation. NSU is one of only two private universities in the state of Florida with this prestigious designation. R1 is an elite designation given by Carnegie to universities with the highest levels of research activity, including research funding exceeding $50 million and more than 70 doctoral degrees awarded. This classification marks NSU’s culmination of building a leading research university, and a rigorous two-year effort to recognize investment in our research enterprise.

Did You Know?

• Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D., senior vice president of research, was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.
• On February 20, 2025, Fitch Ratings upgraded Nova Southeastern University’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘A+’, reflecting the university’s strong financial health and positive outlook. This upgrade also includes the rating on bonds with $557.7 million outstanding par as of fiscal year-end 2024.
• NSU alumnus Alonzo Williams, adjunct professor for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, has provided scholarships for the next generation of dancers at NSU through his dance company, AlonzoWill Creative Dance Company. Mako Media recently published an inspirational story about Williams’ impact on his students.
• After winning a pitch competition at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation on South Florida Innovation Day, the NSU inventors of CampusRun earned a spot in the eMerge Americas pitch program. CampusRun is an app designed to connect struggling college students with busy individuals in need of everyday services, whether it’s dog walking, grocery shopping or a Starbucks run.
• Congratulations are in order to our men’s and women’s swimming teams, both of which were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America.
• Our men’s basketball team is on quite a streak with 10 wins in a row. The team has moved up to second in the coaches’ poll.

In this issue of the Donor Connection, we welcome Dr. Moon to his new role, feature our ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association, highlight another transformational gift from David Husman to support the university’s ALS research, and invite you to participate in a series of writing workshops sponsored by the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.

On a final note, March Madness is just around the corner. Join us at an upcoming men’s or women’s basketball game to cheer on our Sharks. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fins Up!

Terry J. Mularkey, M.A.S., CFRE
Vice President for Advancement and Community Relations