UF awards Sapp with Distinguished Alumnus Award

September 13, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dempsey Sapp, a pioneer in Florida’s $2 billion pest control industry, has been honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Florida for his achievements and contributions to the industry, state and students.

Sapp, 83, who completed his bachelor’s degree in entomology in 1947 and his master’s degree in the same discipline in 1949, received the award from Jimmy Cheek, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, during Aug. 6 ceremonies at the University of Florida Foundation in Gainesville. Sapp and his wife, Margie, were honored during a special dinner program at the foundation’s Emerson Hall.

“Over the years, we have recognized many outstanding graduates from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, but the Distinguished Alumnus Award is reserved for those whose achievements and contributions to UF have made an enormous difference in our statewide teaching, research and extension programs,” Cheek said.

He said Sapp has been a strong supporter of UF entomology and nematology programs, including the establishment in 1999 of a $1 million endowed distinguished professorship in urban and structural pest control. The endowment supports the work of Phil Koehler, a professor of entomology who oversees UF’s Urban Pest Management Laboratory.

Upon graduation in 1949, Sapp started Florida Pest Control & Chemical Company, which is now one of the largest pest control companies in the state, employing more than 550 people and serving thousands of homeowners and businesses in central and north Florida. In the Gainesville area alone, the company has issued more than 40,000 termite service contracts.

In 2000, the Florida Pest Management Association honored Sapp with its first-ever Pioneer Award. In 1997, Sapp received the leadership award from Pest Control Technology magazine.

Now retired, Sapp still serves as chairman of the board for the company, and he attributes much of his success to his educational experiences at UF. His son, D.R. Sapp Jr., is president and chief executive officer of the firm.