Focus on 40 Honorees/
Alumni Board of Trustees Members
Marny Gilluly
UWF Degree/Grad. Yr.:
BA – English; 1971
Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I had married my high school sweetheart in 1969 when he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy after completing two years at Stetson University. My husband went Navy Air and we moved to Pensacola for his flight training. Since I still needed to complete my degree, and UWF was brand new, I decided to attend school there.
What were your goals as a student?
My goal was to complete my degree in a field that would be useful throughout my life. I chose English, and the skills learned in this field at UWF have been incredibly helpful.
What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I distinctly remember all of the faculty and the buildings. It seemed incredible all of them were there for the handful of students attending UWF in 1969.
What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am a retired computer specialist for the U.S. House of Representatives and helped design and develop the House Voting System in use today. I also formerly worked for the Naval Research Laboratory doing ocean floor analysis in the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans. I earned a pilot’s license, have flown twin engine and aerobatic airplanes and have jumped out of airplanes. I enjoy running and have competed in fifteen marathons, including races in Athens, Greece, Rotterdam, Holland and St. Petersburg, Russia. UWF was instrumental in giving me the confidence to believe in myself and dare to do things differently. UWF taught me to dream big dreams and make them happen.
Please describe any other areas that you are involved in, such as volunteer work, mentoring, serving on various Boards, etc.?
I’m the UWF Foundation President, a member of the UWF Board or Trustees and a member of the Steering Committee for the Creating Great Futures Campaign. Also, I’m a National Vice President for my sorority from college, Alpha Chi Omega. UWF was instrumental in giving me excellent leadership and governance skills, as well as an ability to facilitate mentoring and success in others.
How do you stay connected to UWF?
I stay connected to UWF through my present board service as Foundation President, member of the UWF Board of Trustees and member of the Steering Committee for the Creating Great Futures Campaign. Although I live in Washington, DC, I make trips to UWF at least monthly to attend meetings and events.
What advice do you have for current and future UWF students?
Dream your biggest dreams and dare to make them happen. Don’t limit yourself to what others expect you to be and to become. Look inward and decide for yourself what is right for you. If your heart is in tune with your mind, you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
What quality makes UWF special or unique?
UWF is a magical place where students are #1, and everything revolves around them. UWF students have exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, be mentored and succeed.
Why do you support UWF and specific programs, such as the honors international study program?
I support UWF because I believe in its emphasis on students and their success. I am particularly supportive of the honors international study program because it is such a life-changing experience. When I see students such as Brook Hardy, who have never been out of the Panhandle, experience places such as Italy, Cuba and Australia, they come back with a totally changed and energized view of life. It is so worthwhile to provide Brook and others this chance of a lifetime to change their lives.
What compels you to continue to give?
I continue to give because of the students. I have been successful in life and want to give forward, to help others succeed.
What does UWF represent to you?
UWF represents an enormous opportunity for students, the community and the Florida panhandle. It is a place where excellence is a common word, where students are motivated to do extraordinary things.
Where do you see UWF going today, tomorrow and 10 years from now?
Today, UWF is poised to be catapulted to a new level of excellence. With the Creating Great Futures Campaign, I foresee UWF attracting an unprecedented amount of private funding in the years ahead. Ten years from now, I firmly believe UWF will be the best regional comprehensive university in America.