Gators leave a legacy
Shaping the future through generous contributions
July 29, 2026 — The University of Florida College of Medicine celebrates alumni who have made impactful contributions to the college, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting future generations of medical professionals.
Through their generous philanthropy in the past 12 months, the following alumni have funded scholarships, established professorships and contributed to groundbreaking research, ensuring the college’s legacy of excellence in medicine continues to thrive.
Lawrence Lieberman, M.D. ’64: Investing in the next generation of Gator physicians
When Lawrence J. “Larry” Lieberman, M.D. ’64, graduated from the UF College of Medicine, he left Gainesville with much more than a medical degree. He left with the foundation for a career that would span more than five decades, impact thousands of patients and inspire countless students, nurses and physicians along the way.
Larry and Betsy Lieberman during a College of Medicine reunion.
Today, thanks to his wife, Betsy Lieberman, that foundation will continue supporting future physicians for generations to come.
Following Larry Lieberman’s passing in May 2024, Betsy Lieberman established the Lawrence J. Lieberman, M.D., and Betsy L. Lieberman Medical Scholarship, an endowed fund that will provide lasting scholarship support for UF College of Medicine students.
“Larry was always grateful for being able to attend UF,” she said. “He was a lifelong supporter, and he was concerned with the costs of medical school today. I feel that creating this endowment would not only honor him but make him happy.”
The couple had supported the College of Medicine for years through annual giving, contributing to funds that strengthened medical education. As Betsy Lieberman learned more about endowed scholarships through UF Health Advancement, she realized there was an opportunity to create something permanent. A scholarship could reflect her husband’s values and ensure his passion for medicine would continue long after his lifetime.
“Supporting the College of Medicine is important,” she said. “I think Larry would say to every graduate, ‘UF gave you your foundation, so why not give back and help those who will follow in your footsteps? Continue your legacy.’”
That philosophy defined Larry Lieberman’s life.
After growing up in New York City, attending Stuyvesant High School and graduating from the City College of New York, he earned his medical degree at the University of Florida before completing his residency and cardiology fellowship at UF. In 1970, he began practicing cardiology in Bradenton, Florida, where he would care for patients for the next 51 years.
For him, medicine was never simply a profession.
Larry and Betsy Lieberman during a College of Medicine reunion.
Larry Lieberman became known not only for his clinical excellence but also for his extraordinary commitment to teaching. He mentored medical students and residents, encouraged nurses pursuing advanced careers and regularly taught classes on interpreting electrocardiograms. With his office next door to the hospital, he would often walk over to help staff review difficult EKGs, particularly in units where cardiologists were not routinely present.
“He loved working with hospital staff,” Betsy Lieberman said. “He wanted everyone to learn. He encouraged people to ask questions and call him whenever something didn’t seem right. Teaching was just part of who he was.”
That willingness to share knowledge reflected his belief that great medicine depends on teamwork. Larry Lieberman understood that every member of the healthcare team played an essential role in patient care.
Patients experienced that same sense of partnership.
“He cared not only about their medical problems but about what was important in their lives,” Betsy Lieberman said. “He would make notes in their charts reminding himself to ask about a vacation, a family celebration or a new business venture. Most patients had his cellphone number because he knew if they called, it mattered, or maybe someone just had a new joke to tell.”
Medicine is what brought the couple together. Betsy Lieberman spent her own career as a nurse, giving them a shared appreciation for compassionate care and lifelong learning. Married for 37 years, they believed that helping others succeed was one of life’s greatest rewards.
That belief extended beyond the hospital.
Larry Lieberman financially supported students pursuing medical careers, mentored young people considering medicine and remained closely connected to his alma mater. He especially loved returning to Gainesville for College of Medicine reunions.
“He loved seeing his classmates,” Betsy said. “They would spend hours talking about former professors, those little study cubicles and all the late nights preparing for exams. I was always camera-ready to document another year of the ‘Docs of ’64.’”
One of her husband’s proudest moments came when he returned to campus as grand marshal for the College of Medicine commencement ceremony in May 2014, a full-circle moment celebrating the institution that launched his career.
Larry Libeberman, M.D. '64,
returned to campus as grand marshal for the College of Medicine commencement ceremony in May 2014, a full-circle moment celebrating the institution that launched his career.
Family remained equally important. He treasured family gatherings — birthday parties and cookouts, the Lieberman golf team at hospital events, and trips throughout the eastern United States. Family cruises were among his favorite traditions, especially “Gator Night,” when he, as a devout Gator fan, insisted everyone dress in orange and blue. He found great joy in watching his grandchildren grow from curious children into accomplished adults. While he joked that none of his children chose UF, he was immensely proud of each of their educational journeys.
Today, Betsy Lieberman continues the couple’s tradition of giving by remaining active in and supporting organizations throughout her community, believing that giving back is both meaningful and rewarding.
The Lieberman scholarship ensures future medical students will have opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. At a time when the cost of medical education continues to rise, endowed scholarships help relieve financial burdens, allowing students to focus on becoming compassionate physicians and future leaders in healthcare.
With the endowment, the Liebermans have created an enduring legacy that honors a physician who spent his life caring for others while investing in those who will carry that mission forward.
“I was raised to help your community in whatever way was needed,” Betsy Lieberman said. “Now, since UF is an extended part of my community — as it was Larry’s — I consider myself part of the UF family.”
Meet more alumni supporters
By Alex Gonzalez
Garry Banks, M.D. ’90
Garry Banks, M.D. ’90, established a $250,000 planned gift from his living trust to be used for the Cullen W. Banks, M.D., Scholarship, named for his father. Dr. Cullen Banks was the first African American physician to have full hospital privileges at Alachua General Hospital in Gainesville. The scholarship aims to make a meaningful contribution to the student body at the College of Medicine.
“I wanted to help out in any way possible,” Garry Banks said. “My father was very humble. He wanted to make sure we chose what careers we wanted individually — something that matched our personalities and our interests. Hopefully I’ve been able to bring some joy.”
Paul Dell, M.D. ’71
Paul Dell, M.D. ’71, established a $250,000 planned gift from his living trust to be used for the Neurology Mobile Stroke Unit Fund, supporting multiple mobile stroke units across the state of Florida and stroke research that will benefit patients across the country. By deploying to the patient, the team can begin treatment while in transit to the nearest available stroke center, saving critical moments to reduce long-term disability from the stroke.
“Having spent my entire career in orthopaedics at the University of Florida, I have always trusted the expertise of providers at UF and their empathetic care,” Paul Dell said. “On Dec. 21, 2023, when I needed immediate care, the UF Health Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit was in my driveway within minutes of the 911 call. Knowing now that ‘time is brain,’ I am grateful for this revolutionary care that had such a positive impact on the quality of my life.”
Steven Kraft, M.D. ’81
Steven Kraft, PA ’76, M.D. ’81, and his wife, Randy Kraft, established the Dr. Steven M. Kraft and Mrs. Randy E. Kraft Endowed Scholarship, an endowed scholarship with a preference to individuals who serve or have served as first responders. The Krafts have also endowed a separate academic/clinical excellence award to a graduating student.
“Entering the PA program jump-started my dream of a career in medicine,” Steven Kraft said. “Working as a PA, then entering medical school and practicing as a cardiologist, fulfilled my dream and allowed me to enter a successful retirement. Randy and I hope this scholarship will allow others to benefit as I have.”
Garrison Rolle, M.D. ’90
With a $100,000 gift, Garrison Rolle, M.D. ’90, and his wife, Katrina Rolle, established the Dr. Garrison and Katrina Rolle Endowed Scholarship, supporting students with financial need who have demonstrated academic capacity to enter medical school.
“We established this scholarship in honor of our parents and in recognition of the countless students who are working to overcome adversity while pursuing their dreams,” Garrison and Katrina Rolle said. “By giving preference to students from underserved communities in Florida, we hope to help expand opportunities for future physicians who may one day return to serve communities much like the ones in which they were raised.”
Rodger Shaver, M.D.
With a $500,000 gift, Rodger Shaver and his wife, Cynthia Shaver, established the Dr. Rodger W. and Cynthia A. Shaver Endowed Scholarship, a scholarship to help College of Medicine students thrive.
“Our hope is this scholarship will encourage and support aspiring physicians as they receive their medical education,” Rodger Shaver said. “By investing in future doctors, we want to honor the mentors, teachers, patients and institutions that helped shape our lives. May this scholarship continue to bless deserving students for years to come, helping them fulfill their dreams and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through the healing profession.”
David and Diane Weems, M.D. ’82
David and Diane Weems, both M.D. ’82, established an estate bequest to create the Drs. David and Diane Weems Endowed Scholarship in Medical Education, a need-based scholarship for medical students in the College of Medicine.
“It is our hope that this need-based scholarship will help ease that burden and open doors for future physicians whose passion, dedication and potential might otherwise be limited by financial circumstances,” David Weems said. “The University of Florida played a transformative role in our lives, and through this scholarship, we hope to give back to the institution that gave us so much.”
Barbara and Dennis Williams, M.D. ’75
Barbara and Dennis Williams, both M.D. ’75, have established multiple endowed scholarships for the College of Medicine through three IRA funds and an estate gift to establish the Dennis E. Williams, M.D., Scholarship Fund.
“We want qualified students who are faced with financial need to be given the opportunity and privilege to attend the UF College of Medicine to receive their medical degree,” Dennis Williams said.
