University celebrates appraiser

Once a year, Florida Gulf Coast University picks an alumnus who has demonstrated a distinguished record of community service.

Last month, the university in Fort Myers named Matt Caldwell its 2014 Alumnus of Distinction. Caldwell is an associate with appraisal firm Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons and a state representative to the Florida Legislature.

Caldwell is a seventh-generation Floridian and graduated from FGCU with a bachelor's degree in history in 2004. He's been an associate with Maxwell Hendry for 10 years and was first elected to State House in 2010 and re-elected in 2012.

FGCU cited Caldwell's community service and professional careers for the award, but we suspect the bow tie clinched it.