On Thursday, Oct. 16, during the heart of Homecoming Week, the Pegasus Grand Ballroom at the UCF Student Union will shine even brighter as Knight Nation gathers for the 2025 Shining Knights Alumni Awards. This celebration recognizes nine extraordinary honorees whose lives and legacies exemplify the highest ideals of the university 麻豆精品 S� visionary leadership, transformative service and unwavering devotion to their alma mater.
Since its inception in 2017, the Shining Knights Alumni Awards have honored individuals whose impact transcends campus and community. The inaugural awards were presented to former UCF President John C. Hitt and his wife, Martha, who became the university 麻豆精品 S檚 first Honorary Alumni. Among the most prestigious distinctions is the Michelle Akers Award, presented to alumni whose achievements have brought global acclaim to UCF 麻豆精品 S� named for the legendary 1989 graduate, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
麻豆精品 S淭his year 麻豆精品 S檚 honorees are nothing short of inspiring, 麻豆精品 S� says Heather Junod, associate vice president for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. 麻豆精品 S淓ach has illuminated their field with brilliance, carried UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 values into the world, and uplifted the lives of others in ways that make our entire Knight Nation proud. They are proof that when Knights charge on, the world takes notice. 麻豆精品 S�
Distinguished Alumni Award
The highest honor bestowed annually upon a UCF graduate.
Kenneth Dixon 麻豆精品 S�75
A visionary leader and champion of UCF, Dixon 麻豆精品 S檚 influence spans more than five decades 麻豆精品 S� from founding the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting to advancing UCF Athletics and student career development. His generosity has elevated UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 reputation and inspired generations of Knights to pursue greatness. Dixon 麻豆精品 S檚 steadfast commitment has shaped UCF into a powerhouse for academic and athletic achievement, leaving a legacy that will transform both individuals and the university for generations.
Kevin 麻豆精品 S�92 and Christine Wydra 麻豆精品 S�93
For more than three decades, the Wydras have enriched UCF through leadership, generosity and vision. Their commitment inspires students and alumni to carry the torch forward. From supporting scholarships to advancing programs that fuel innovation and community impact, Kevin and Christine have left a lasting mark on campus life and cultivated a culture of giving that will inspire Knights for years to come.
Jason Eichenholz 麻豆精品 S�95MS 麻豆精品 S�98PhD
Eichenholz is a serial entrepreneur, executive, philanthropist and recognized pioneer in laser and optics. Over the past two decades, he founded multiple companies that have raised over a billion dollars of investor funding. He is the current CEO and founder of hollow core fiber company Relativity Networks. When he 麻豆精品 S檚 not reshaping industries, Eichenholz dedicates himself to serving others 麻豆精品 S� both as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and through his greatest passion: the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, a nonprofit creating a comprehensive community for adults across the autism spectrum.
Cathleen Wheatley 麻豆精品 S�17DNP
As president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Davie Medical Centers, Wheatley leads with excellence while championing nursing education through the Knightingale Society. Her leadership has touched thousands across North Carolina and the world. Known for her vision and compassion, she has strengthened healthcare delivery and inspired the next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders.
John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award
The highest honor for a friend of UCF
Mary Palmer
A global educator and founder of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Palmer has enriched generations through teaching, philanthropy and advancing arts education statewide. Her advocacy has opened doors for countless students, while her mentorship and leadership have cultivated a community that values creativity as central to learning and growth. Palmer 麻豆精品 S檚 vision continues to inspire students and educators to pursue excellence and innovation in the arts.
N. Donald Diebel Sr.
A retired physician whose leadership sustains the UCF College of Medicine 麻豆精品 S檚 KNIGHTS Clinic, Diebel ensures vital healthcare for various communities. Beyond his clinical work, he has championed programs that train future physicians in service and empathy. His dedication has improved countless lives and inspired students and colleagues to embrace medicine as both a science and a calling.
Young Alumni Award
The highest annual honor for a recent 30 Under 30 honoree.
Padmavathi Ganduri 麻豆精品 S�21
From first-generation college student to serving in the Department of Homeland Security, Ganduri is now pursuing her juris doctor at George Washington University with ambitions to return to public service and make an even greater impact.
Distinguished Student Award
The highest honor for a current UCF student.
Ossyris Bury
An aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar, Bury has mentored hundreds of STEM students, welcomed thousands of prospective Knights and earned national recognition for her research in structural dynamics. Her leadership and excellence embody UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 bold future.
