Gifts made in Dr. van Niekerk’s memory will be used to provide scholarship support to students studying at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. I understand that my gift will be put towards endowment of this fund should the overall amount of contributions received reach or exceed the minimum endowment level of $25,000.

Dr. Mathilda van Niekerk was our lioness from South Africa, exemplifying the highest courage, determination, positive energy and professionalism. She taught at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management for seven years of her eighteen-year academic career. Everything she worked on, she did with style, a smile and to perfection.

She was an outstanding and dedicated teacher, a thorough researcher (she authored or co-authored more than 110 academic publications) and an amazing servant leader. Dr. van Niekerk was a committed advocate for all UCF faculty and staff members. She was a much admired representative of UCF Rosen College whenever she traveled.

For all of those who knew her, van Niekerk was more than a good colleague — she was a friend who cared and supported us all.

Recognizing that many faculty members experienced hardships living thousands of miles away from their families, she initiated the “We Care” Rosen College campaign — a hospitable support network for faculty, staff and students. Her “We Care” campaign at UCF Rosen College continues to stimulate an environment where faculty and staff members embrace each other as friends and family.