A Public Servant...
Often referred to as a gentle giant, Ryan was passionate about life in general and public service in particular. At the time of his passing, he was a senior, majoring in political science and minoring in public administration and policy. Ryan also served as a UNF Student Government Senator and planned to continue his education as part of the Osprey Community, pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and policy. His internship in his local government’s Neighborhood Services Department in his hometown of Port St Lucie, FL reinforced his intention to devote his life to public service.
Who many thought would change the world!
Ryan was one of those individuals that you knew was going to change the world. “Anyone who met Ryan immediately connected with him. His warmth, quick smile, and enthusiasm for changing the world was infectious,” said Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, director of the Public Service Leadership Program. “During our trip to DC for the Real World Policy class, he was a true leader – and just plain fun.” “I was sure I was going to see Ryan moving and shaking things up in D.C.,” said a classmate and friend.
Former Student Government president, John Aloszka, remembers Ryan as a “go-getter … always looking for problems to solve.” One of those problems was getting the microwaves at Starbuck’s replaced! His Student Government classmates still smile when they recall how committed Ryan was to tackling that issue.
Ryan's Legacy
Honoring his memory with the Senator of the Year Award
Ryan's family was incredibly moved to learn that his Student Government "family" decided to honor his memory with an annual award in his name. The Ryan See Senator of the Year Award is granted to a senator annually who exemplifies Senator See's altruistic attitude and commitment to serving the student body. Senator See transferred to the University of North Florida in the Spring of 2019, the same semester he was appointed as a member of the Senate. Senator See was passionate about Student Government and embodied servant leadership as a student who was serving students. The recipient of the 2024 Ryan See Senator of the Year Award is Sergeant at Arms Elizabeth (Liz) Kramer.
According to fellow members of Student Government …
“Ryan was a dedicated and hard-working Senator with an infectious smile, and he never hesitated to help others.”
“He loved to be involved on campus, and always signed up to volunteer.”
“He was a kind and joyous soul who put others ahead of himself.”
“I think he was going to go far in life.”
How others describe Ryan:
“Ryan was a gentle giant with an infectious smile.”
“Ryan represented the absolute best in humankind.”
“Ryan was an angel walking the Earth.”
“Ryan quite literally saved my life!”
Support the Ryan Patrick See Annual Scholarship
The scholarship was created in 2020 by Ryan’s mother, aunt and cousin – Patricia Deshler See, Kathleen McMullan and Caitlin McMullan, respectively – to honor his memory. It’s intended to help students who, like Ryan, aspire to a life of public service. Students who have declared a major in political science and public service are eligible for the annual scholarship. Preference is given to students who currently hold or have held positions in the UNF Student Government.
Please join us in making a gift today to the Ryan Patrick See Annual Scholarship. Help us reach our goal of $2,500 in donations by June 12th - what would have been Ryan's 25th birthday!