On Thursday, February 6, the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) College of Business Administration will host the 15th Annual Business Hall of Fame Awards Banquet at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel. This “Roaring Twenties”-themed event, honoring distinguished alumni and partners of the College of Business, will serve as venue for the induction of two UCF alumni into the Hall of Fame: the Honorable Kenneth W. Bradley, ’85, and Mr. Rasesh Thakkar, ’84.
The Honorable Kenneth W. Bradley, mayor of the city of Winter Park, has been serving the Central Florida area for decades. With 28 years of Central Florida healthcare experience, Bradley also serves as the Campus CEO of Winter Park Memorial Hospital and has acted as Campus CEO (and COO) of Florida Hospital Kissimmee and COO of Florida Hospital’s Celebration Health. Mr. Bradley is a member of the Winter Park Library Board and the Wells Fargo Central Florida community bank board. He has received numerous awards within the community, including the Orlando Business Journal’s “Central Florida’s Most Influential Businessmen” award in 2010, and the 2011 Crystal Angel award from Adventist Health System. The Honorable Kenneth W. Bradley graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1985 with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Mr. Rasesh Thakkar, senior managing director of Tavistock Group, has also made a significant impact on Central Florida. With roots in Orlando, Mr. Thakkar’s professional reach extends from Orlando to service on three different continents, operating in corporate finance and structures, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and executive management. Thakkar has been a driving force behind Lake Nona’s Medical City and the growth of the life sciences business and economic cluster throughout the region and state. In addition to his role with Tavistock Group, he currently serves as a director of both Iapyx Medical and Kalypsys, Inc. Mr. Rasesh Thakkar is a 1984 graduate and holds a BSBA (Honors) in accounting from the University of Central Florida.
The University of Central Florida’s Business Hall of Fame consists of 62 members (soon to be 64) who have made significant strides in their career, business and the communities they serve. Each member has made a substantial impact on the UCF community by improving the institution’s reputation by their success, professionalism, and service to our community. This event will help to strengthen the relationship between UCF College of Business alumni and its partners, helping to foster connections for attendees both internally and externally.
“This year’s program is a major upgrade of our college Hall of Fame event,” said Dean Paul Jarley. “The goal is to draw more attention to our successful alumni, invite back past honorees, and give attendees the opportunity to extend their professional networks in valuable ways.”
The 15th Annual Business Hall of Fame Awards Banquet will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando. Reception doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and cocktail attire is required. Individual seats may be reserved for $60 and corporate tables of eight may be reserved for $750. For more information on the event, or how to reserve your spot, please visit http://bit.ly/CBAHallofFame or contact us at 407-823-3899.