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College of Central Florida alumna Mary Sue Rich was recognized with the LeRoy Collins “Hometown Hero” Distinguished Alumni Award at the Association of Florida Colleges Annual Conference held in Orlando. The award was conferred to Rich at the conference’s Presidential Gala Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 2.

Mary Sue Rich is a graduate of Central Florida Community College (now the College of Central Florida) and the University of Central Florida. Born and raised in Ocala, Rich was the first African-American woman elected to the Ocala City Council and served for 24 years. In 2019, the “Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place” was named after Rich and community activist Ruth Reed, honoring their community service. Throughout the years, Rich has received many honors, including the 91��Ƭ Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001.

“We are so proud that the Association of Florida Colleges recognized the outstanding qualities, service and leadership Mrs. Rich possesses with this statewide recognition,” stated Chris Knife, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the 91��Ƭ Foundation. “She truly exemplifies what it means to be a 91��Ƭ alumna.”

Named in honor of former Governor LeRoy Collins, a champion of the state’s college system, the LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni Awards are held every two years to give the Florida College System the opportunity to recognize those that inspire and excel in our communities.  Each college is eligible to submit one nominee, but only four alumni across Florida receive the distinction of being a LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni. Award recipients must have achieved success within their college service district and demonstrated notable community involvement.

For more information about the Association of Florida Colleges, visit .