The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Pre-Health Professions Office is providing additional support for Pre-Health track students pursuing goals of attending medical and health professional careers thanks to the newly founded Golberg Scholarship. The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Bibiana Appolon (pictured left), who is pursuing a B.S. in Biology.

Bibiana aims to earn her M.D. and has aspirations to give back by joining Doctors Without Borders. She states, “my main objective is to improve the health and well-being of those around me through education and application.” Bibiana is a first-generation college student who is thankful for the support of the Golberg Scholarship for providing the resources and tools to succeed in the competitive journey to medical school. A source of inspiration and motivation for Bibiana is her mother, “My role model is my mother. She is a strong-willed and kind woman, who despite facing hardships, always made it a priority to give back, and even personally preparing food to feed people in need.”

The Golberg Scholarship was formed thanks to the generous contributions of Marla and Marvin Golberg, longtime Boca Raton residents who have been involved in government, education, and the dental professional communities across South Florida. The scholarship was formed in memory of Libby Golberg, Marla’s mother, and Marvin’s wife. They shared the story, “My mother left a beautiful ring from my father and we decided the ring had the potential to benefit so many by selling it and creating this scholarship which we intend to grow over time. Students are our future, and this scholarship provides a strong foundation in perpetuity serving generations to come. Motivated and gifted students like Bibiana have a positive impact on society and will pay it forward in the future by helping countless lives.” The Golberg Scholarship supports students who need assistance by providing them the financial opportunity to earn their degree and, successfully achieve their goals.

Marla had a 33 year career with Miami-Dade County government, whereas a Program Coordinator, she was responsible for managing administrative functions and directing several county-wide programs and initiatives. Marla now plans on using her public sector experience to help strengthen and enhance our local community. Marvin retired from a successful private dental practice in Miami. He then transitioned to NOVA Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine, as a faculty member providing expertise for CAD/CAM (computer-aided- design and computer-aided-manufacturing) studies and digital dentistry, often traveling around the country lecturing on the subject. He hopes to join the FAU Pre-Health medical school committee that provides guidance to students on their path to medical school.