Alumni Spotlight: Andrew LoFaro
Andrew LoFaro graduated from Lake Sumter State College in 2016 and holds degrees in Political Science and Business Management from the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida, respectively.
Tell us about yourself
I am a graduate of Lake Sumter State College class of 2016. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and Master of Science in Business Management from the University of Florida. Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Koch Foundation in Gainesville, a private foundation that seeks to support global evangelization initiatives in the Catholic Church. Additionally, I serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the UF Health Leesburg Hospital Foundation and strategically support the efforts of our local healthcare leaders to continue bringing world class healthcare right here to Lake and Sumter Counties.
Why did you choose LSSC?
I chose Lake Sumter State College for the close proximity to home and the direct connect partnership with UCF. The small class sizes and opportunities for on campus involvement allowed me to make the necessary transition from high school into college life before attending the university. This transition period at Lake Sumter most definitely set me up for success.
Most Memorable Moments at LSSC
Graduation/Commencement Exercises! I was so excited to graduate and move on to UCF! I was sad to leave Lake Sumter but I was so proud of my accomplishment as a first generation college graduate in my immediate family.
Where you were involved in extra-curriculum activities on campus? If so. What were they?
I was heavily involved in Phi Theta Kappa and serve my last semester at Lake Sumter as the Co-President for the South Lake (Clermont) campus.
The importance for the LSSC alumni to stay connected
Don’t forget your roots and stay connected! I always like to remember where it all started and it is important for me to put things into perspective. If it wasn’t for the foundation that Lake Sumter helped build for me, I would not be where I am today. Including earning a graduate degree from one of the top 4 business schools in the nation.
Advice you will offer to our current students
Do not give up! The journey can be long and hard and sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel may seem faint and distant, but when you reach the end, it is well worth it. Stay the course and I assure you that you will NEVER regret it! Education is more than a diploma, or a mere piece of paper, but a world of opportunity!