Leukemia survivor among 8,448 students set to graduate from UF

April 25, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When Abu-Bakr Zafar was 6 years old, doctors never expected him to experience high school, much less college or graduate school.

But Zafar, who was diagnosed as a child with acute lymphoid leukemia and given less than a 15 percent chance to live, will graduate May 6 from the University of Florida with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. A chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry, he will start medical school in the fall to pursue his dream of becoming a pediatric physician.

Though he has been free of cancer since his intensive treatment ended about two years after he was diagnosed, Zafar still has to deal with some lasting side effects. He has had cataract surgery on his eyes due to damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy, and he still has to have annual check-ups with an oncologist.

As a person who has some experience with stress and juggling multiple priorities, Zafar can offer some advice to his fellow students.

“No matter what happens, life will go on, and everything will be OK,” Zafar said. “Know how to balance your time between academics and social life, and just know how to get away from everything.”

Of his experiences in Gainesville, Zafar values most of all the relationships he has made. The opportunities to meet new people on such a big campus are amazing, he said.

Of course, UF winning three major sports championships in the last two years hasn’t exactly put a damper on his college experience either, he said.

Zafar is just one of 8,448 students who have applied for graduation this spring, including 5,544 bachelor’s degree candidates and 2,055 master’s degree or doctoral candidates.

Based on the number of caps and gowns ordered through the UF bookstore, 5,828 students will participate in their commencement ceremonies, most of which take place between May 3 and May 6, depending on the college. Commencements for the Levin College of Law will be May 11, the College of Medicine May 19, the College of Dentistry May 18 and the College of Veterinary Medicine May 26.

California Institute of Technology professor emeritus Barry Barish will receive an honorary doctor of science degree and will deliver the keynote address at the May 3 advanced degree ceremony. Barish is one of 24 members of the National Science Board, which advises the president and Congress on policy issues related to science, engineering and education.

Graduates to be named outstanding male leaders are John Boyles, Christopher Chase, Christopher Roy, Luis Suarez-Isaza and Eric White. Outstanding female leader awards will go to Tolulope Adebanjo, Ashley Bittner, Jamie Cronin, Heather Cumming and Yordanos Eyoel.

Each year, the University Athletic Association recognizes one male and one female graduating student athlete with the Doug Belden and Tracy Caulkins awards. The winners are chosen for their outstanding athletic, academic and leadership achievements, as well as community involvement.

Chris Leak, who led the Gator football team to victory over Ohio State in January for its second national title, will receive the Doug Belden award. Amber McCray, a dominant right-side hitter for the UF volleyball team, will receive the Tracy Caulkin award.

For more information and a detailed schedule of commencement ceremonies, visit http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/commencement/.