Olympia alum inducted into UF Hall of Fame

An Olympia High School alumna recently was awarded one of the highest honors at the University of Florida. 

Hannah Theis was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame April 22 for her campus and community involvement. The Hall of Fame recognizes seniors and graduate students who have consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving UF through campus and community involvement, participation in organized campus activities and scholastic achievement. 

During her time at Olympia, Theis was involved with the swim and water polo teams, serving as a captain for both. She graduated in 2011.

“I think anything that she decides to do, she’s going to be the best at it,” said her father, Tres Theis. “She’s a hard worker; she doesn’t let anything get in her way.”

Hannah Theis, a sport management major, said she was not expecting to receive the highest recognition to student leaders given by UF.

“I never really thought that was a possibility,” she said.

And although she may have been surprised, her résumé shows exactly why she is deserving of such an honor. During her time at UF, she has served as an orientation leader and was named a Wright Scholar. She also has served on the Board of Cicerones and as a Google Student Ambassador. 

“She really had the complete package,” Director of External Relations and Student Affairs Myra Morgan said.

Morgan worked closely with Theis in the Wright Scholars program as well as the Preview Program.

Although she maintained a steady involvement with the campus and community, Hannah Theis always made sure to focus on her academics. Her major, along with a minor in business, helped her learn how to manage her time appropriately. 

“It taught me that it (academics) always needs to be my first priority,” she said.

Morgan said Theis has been an asset to any organization with which she has been involved.

“She’s very outgoing; she has a very good heart,” Morgan said. “She’s always looking for ways to help people and looking for ways to make the organizations she’s a part of better.”

During her last semester at UF, she also is working full-time at Girls Place, a nonprofit aimed toward empowering young girls.

“She always been very persistent and very hard working,” Tres Theis said. “I think that that aspect of her personality has really blossomed at the University of Florida.”

Last February, 90 students submitted applications for the Hall of Fame; Theis was one of the 26 selected.

“I’m just really shocked and surprised and grateful that this happened,” she said.

Hannah Theis will graduate in August from UF.

Contact Emilee Jackson at [email protected].