Honoring a Tradition of Excellence
Recognizing outstanding alumni is one way Northwest Florida State College Foundation shows its commitment to showcasing the impact of NWFSC on the personal and professional lives of its graduates and the community in which it serves.
These honorees represent the thousands of alumni who contribute in countless ways to business, education, the arts and society.
We honor Distinguished Alumni because they personify the College’s tradition of excellence, bringing distinction to themselves and to NWF through their outstanding achievements.
2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
(listed from left to right)
Mr. Jeff Claudio
- Hometown Hero
Jeffrey Claudio is a retired RN-BSN Trauma/Emergency Dept (ED) Director and nationally Registered Paramedic, having graduated from NWFSC with an RN Baccalaureate in 2009. Though not born here, Jeff has made immeasurable changes to the local community. He took the initiative to bring the SANE program (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) to each ED he directed, implementing this program for the first time in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Once the program is implemented and training is completed, nurses can examine victims by the SANE examination criteria, the results of which can be used as credible evidence to be presented in a court of law for prosecution against the defendant. Jeff not only deeply affected the community through his work, but also through volunteering. He’s spoken weekly on a local community radio broadcast discussing healthcare issues, teaches hospital staff in a classroom setting, and conducts clinical rotations for community and local students on various subjects regarding hands-on responses to specific healthcare situations in the hospital. Jeff also plans and organizes food to be delivered to each EMS station on special holidays, to the extent that one year he gave up his own Thanksgiving dinner to feed an EMS station that did not receive acknowledgment. Also, he has dedicated his free time to mentoring local youth through Big Brother and on his own accord. Jeff’s commitment to the local community has shown through all his hard work, as he pushed through hardships to be able to help others.
Ms. Linde Bowman
- Against the Odds
Linde Bowman attended OWCC in 1991. She went on to be exemplary for her work at ERA American Real Estate, moving from agent to Director of Sales to now being Vice President, Head of Brokerage. Linde is also honored as a 2021 inductee into the Okaloosa Committee on the Status of Women’s Wall of Honor. Her upward mobility did not come without hardship, as in June 2010, Linde’s 16-year-old daughter, Alayna Brianne Bowman, was killed by a drunk driver as she and her younger brother were pulling into their driveway. The devastating event rocked both the family and the community. Linde, her husband Mike, and her son Mack found the outpouring of love overwhelming and decided the best way to honor Alayna’s memory would be to provide scholarships for her classmates. The family formed an education foundation, the Alayna Brianna Bowman Memorial Scholarship Foundation (Always Be Brave), whose proceeds go to local high school students. To continue funding, they hold a golf tournament each year. To date, they have awarded over $100,000 in scholarships along with the Always Be Brave room at Children in Crisis.
Mr. Jonathan Tallman
- Rising Star
Jonathan Tallman graduated with an associate of arts from OWC in 2005 before receiving his bachelor’s from Flagler College in 2007. Tallman started his career in financial services, having begun as a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network before founding his own Financial Services Firm, The Tallman Group, LLC. He has been recognized regionally and nationally, even being named among the “Hot 100” in the American insurance industry, “12 People You Should Know Under 40,” and “40 Under 40.” Jonathan is also deeply involved in the community, from serving as a Take Stock in Children mentor to being a board member of Friends of Children Everywhere, Inc. He has also been an active member of multiple Chambers of Commerce and at one point held the position of President of the local Rotary Club. Jonathan is also involved in the NWFSC Collegiate High School community, having served on numerous committees, including the School Advisory Committee and Alumni Committee.
