Go For Launch Archives | University of Central Florida News Central Florida Research, Arts, Technology, Student Life and College News, Stories and More Mon, 11 May 2026 17:14:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2019/05/cropped-logo-150x150.png Go For Launch Archives | University of Central Florida News 32 32 Universal Destinations & Experiences, UCF Introduce New School to Develop听the听Future Leaders听of听Themed Entertainment, Immersive Experiences /news/universal-destinations-experiences-ucf-introduce-new-school-to-develop-the-future-leaders-of-themed-entertainment-immersive-experiences/ Mon, 11 May 2026 14:44:52 +0000 /news/?p=153096 The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is housed within UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

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Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world 麻豆精品 S檚 most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

麻豆精品 S淭he Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 nationally. With the addition of Universal 麻豆精品 S檚 new school and the college 麻豆精品 S檚 School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

麻豆精品 S淭he Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences, 麻豆精品 S says Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury.

麻豆精品 S淯CF was built to power what 麻豆精品 S檚 next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida, 麻豆精品 S UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. 麻豆精品 S淭his collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences. 麻豆精品 S

Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury (left) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (right)

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school 麻豆精品 S檚 research will build on UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world 麻豆精品 S檚 most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

  • Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
  • AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
  • AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between UCF and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab.

麻豆精品 S淭ogether with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent 麻豆精品 S and the next chapter will be even better, 麻豆精品 S Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences John Sprouls says. 麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers. 麻豆精品 S

麻豆精品 S淩osen College has long been a global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving, 麻豆精品 S says UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Dean Cynthia Mejia. 麻豆精品 S淏y strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences. 麻豆精品 S

Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury (left) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) after signing the Pegasus Partnership agreement.

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with UCF, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at UCF.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of , UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.

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UCF,听Orlando Health Co-Locate to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation听 /news/ucf-orlando-health-co-locate-to-accelerate-healthcare-innovation/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:15:27 +0000 /news/?p=152747 A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally welcomed Orlando Health as a tenant in SPRK and highlighted a shared commitment to accelerating healthcare solutions through proximity, collaboration and real-world application.

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Yesterday,听Orlando Health celebrated the opening听of Orlando Health Strategic Innovations听located听within SPRK, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 innovation building, expanding the health system 麻豆精品 S檚 presence at the center of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚听main听campus.

Designed to accelerate innovation, the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations group connects real clinical and operational challenges with student and academic talent, creating a healthcare environment where ideas are tested, informed by feedback, and continually improved. The space serves as an extension of the system 麻豆精品 S檚 downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health 麻豆精品 S檚 presence within SPRK aligns with UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, shared听challenges听and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential听learning听and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in听Orlando Health 麻豆精品 S檚听long-standing partnership with UCF.

麻豆精品 S淏y working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve. 麻豆精品 S 听 麻豆精品 S Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

The 麻豆精品 S疧rlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute 麻豆精品 S痯rovides comprehensive, year-round care for UCF student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As a听Pegasus Partner,听Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the听, which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and UCF collaborate on advanced technology projects听 麻豆精品 S斕齭uch as the 麻豆精品 SAI for Medical Surgery system听 麻豆精品 S斕齤ointly offer specialized residency programs and听collaborate in听many听additional听ways.

麻豆精品 S淥rlando Health has been an exceptional partner,听demonstrating听what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared听purpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation, 麻豆精品 S says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淏y working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve. 麻豆精品 S

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located in听approximately听2,649听square feet听within SPRK, the听Strategic Innovations group听was intentionally placed, here,听to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

This co-location enables a new operating model. Orlando Health brings real health system听challenges听directly into the academic environment, and interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty,听and Orlando Health innovators rapidly design, test,听and refine solutions.

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI听models听and various orthopedic innovations.

麻豆精品 S淭he opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at UCF represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas, 麻豆精品 S says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. 麻豆精品 S淭hrough this partnership, we are creating a collaborative environment where clinicians, researchers, students and industry leaders can generate real-world solutions and drive innovations that will shape the future of how we care for patients. 麻豆精品 S

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents UCF’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Through听a collective effort听 麻豆精品 S斕齝ombining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate听partnerships, research听commercialization听and other revenue-generating endeavors听 麻豆精品 S斕齍CF听is charting听a听bold听new path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

麻豆精品 S淭his co-location with Orlando Health exemplifies the kind of partnership that powers Go for Launch, bringing industry and academia together to create real-world impact, 麻豆精品 S says Rod Grabowski, UCF vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the UCF Foundation. 麻豆精品 S淏y aligning visionary partners with UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives. 麻豆精品 S

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Sharon Tucker Named Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing /news/sharon-tucker-named-orlando-health-endowed-chair-in-nursing/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:48:43 +0000 /news/?p=152585 The prestigious appointment from the UCF Pegasus Partner will bolster Tucker 麻豆精品 S檚 nationally recognized research focused on helping practitioners and patients thrive.

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UCF Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker 麻豆精品 S檚 nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how UCF is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

麻豆精品 S淲ith its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Sharon Tucker

麻豆精品 S淚 am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health 麻豆精品 S檚 support of the college, 麻豆精品 S says Tucker. 麻豆精品 S淧artnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities. 麻豆精品 S

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of UCF and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health 麻豆精品 S檚 senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization 麻豆精品 S檚 mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

麻豆精品 S淒r. Tucker 麻豆精品 S檚 research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care, 麻豆精品 S Edmondson says. 麻豆精品 S淚t is an honor to continue to partner with UCF to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all. 麻豆精品 S

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for UCF nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping UCF attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Go for Launch campaign.

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First-Gen Alumnus Behind Transformational Gift Believes in Power of Philanthropy to Change Lives /news/first-gen-alumnus-behind-transformational-gift-believes-in-power-of-philanthropy-to-change-lives/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:04:36 +0000 /news/?p=152379 With a $50 million gift, entrepreneur Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S95 is investing in the next generation of Knights 麻豆精品 S helping them build the skills and connections that have fueled his success.

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When Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S95 was graduating from high school, his dad decided to make a move from northeast Pennsylvania to the warmer climate of Daytona Beach, Florida. He urged his son, who was interested in business and accounting, to check out UCF. Since there wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 much information available online in the early 1990s, Miller ultimately sent a letter to UCF requesting a brochure and an application.

Miller was impressed by our reputation as an early leader in technology and STEM fields, our connection to the space program and our success expanding into other areas. In fact, UCF boasted one of the highest certified public accountant (CPA) pass rates of any public university 麻豆精品 S impressive to an aspiring accountant.

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to UCF sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family 麻豆精品 S檚 trajectory, along with the university 麻豆精品 S檚.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift 麻豆精品 S the largest single philanthropic investment in the university 麻豆精品 S檚 history 麻豆精品 S to position UCF as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

Barry ’95 and Rosie Miller ’95 with their two daughters.

First-Generation Student

Miller is president and co-founder of both Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health. He also founded and sold another successful business in his entrepreneurial career.

But back when Miller was attending UCF, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

麻豆精品 S淢y father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me, 麻豆精品 S Miller says. 麻豆精品 S淚n the summer, he would get me out of bed early and have me carrying lumber and working on roofs. I learned to work hard, but I also learned that [it] was a tough job to do for 50 years. I wanted to try a different path. 麻豆精品 S

Once he started on that path, there was no stopping him.

Building Foundations

At UCF, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

麻豆精品 S淚 learned how to really study and apply myself academically at UCF. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school, 麻豆精品 S Miller says. 麻豆精品 S淚 didn 麻豆精品 S檛 know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at UCF has been foundational to my success. 麻豆精品 S

“I realize now that everything I learned at UCF has been foundational to my success. 麻豆精品 S

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to UCF. That 麻豆精品 S檚 where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw 麻豆精品 S90 麻豆精品 S94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

麻豆精品 S淚nitially, I wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren 麻豆精品 S檛 serious about school or life, and I was, 麻豆精品 S Miller says. 麻豆精品 S淏ut my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It 麻豆精品 S檚 where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more. 麻豆精品 S

麻豆精品 S淭o this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes 麻豆精品 S95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years, 麻豆精品 S Miller continues. 麻豆精品 S淎s I look back, everything in my life has a connection to UCF 麻豆精品 S my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie 麻豆精品 S95, since we met in college. 麻豆精品 S

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to UCF. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, UCF Athletics 麻豆精品 S Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

Each gift has been based on a personal connection or conviction.

麻豆精品 S淏eing a first-generation student myself, having that opportunity to support students who are the first in their families to go to college is personal to me, 麻豆精品 S Miller says.

Barry and Rosie Miller
Barry ’95 and Rosie ’95 Miller at the Go For Launch campaign kickoff event. (Photo courtesy of Barry Miller ’95)

As his capacity to give grew, Miller wanted to make a transformative gift that would have an impact today and for generations to come. That led to conversations with university leaders about the opportunity to establish as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

To help bring that vision to life 麻豆精品 S and to build early momentum for , UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future 麻豆精品 S Miller has committed to a $50 million gift, establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

The investment will accelerate an innovative new model of business education听designed for a world听where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare听students with the skills the marketplace demands.

麻豆精品 S淲e are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before, 麻豆精品 S says Miller, who was inducted into the UCF College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. 麻豆精品 S淚 want UCF to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else. 麻豆精品 S

Inspiring Others

麻豆精品 S淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money. 麻豆精品 S

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to UCF anonymously. But as UCF unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 vision.

麻豆精品 S淚 hope this gift inspires people to be part of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it 麻豆精品 S檚 $10, $100 or $1,000 麻豆精品 S it all makes a difference, 麻豆精品 S Miller says.

麻豆精品 S淚 want to tell people this: If it 麻豆精品 S檚 not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now, 麻豆精品 S he continues. 麻豆精品 S淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money. 麻豆精品 S

 

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UCF_Barry Miller Family Barry '95 and Rosie Miller '95 with their two daughters. UCF_Barry and Rosie Miller Barry '95 and Rosie '95 Miller at the Go For Launch campaign kickoff event. (Photo courtesy of Barry Miller '95)
UCF Receives $50 Million Gift to Establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business /news/ucf-receives-50-million-gift-to-establish-the-barry-s-miller-college-of-business/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:03:53 +0000 /news/?p=152377 The largest gift in university history positions UCF to lead the future of technology-driven business education.

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The University of Central Florida today announced a $50 million gift from听finance听补濒耻尘苍耻蝉Barry听Miller听 麻豆精品 S95 麻豆精品 S the largest听single听philanthropic investment in听the university 麻豆精品 S檚听history 麻豆精品 S to听establish听the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

麻豆精品 S淯CF is being trusted to lead, and Barry 麻豆精品 S檚 investment reinforces that UCF is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don 麻豆精品 S檛 just succeed in the world 麻豆精品 S they come back to help build what 麻豆精品 S檚 next. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF President

The investment will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will position UCF as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

麻豆精品 S淭his is a defining moment for UCF and for the College of Business, 麻豆精品 S says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 麻豆精品 S01MBA. 麻豆精品 S淎s an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how UCF transforms lives by opening doors to opportunity, and this extraordinary gift takes that mission to an entirely new level, giving future generations of Knights access to a world-class business education and an opportunity to achieve their full potential. 麻豆精品 S

麻豆精品 S淲e are deeply grateful to Barry for his extraordinary belief in this university and in the impact our students make. This is a defining moment for UCF and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going, 麻豆精品 S says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淯CF is being trusted to lead, and Barry 麻豆精品 S檚 investment reinforces that UCF is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don 麻豆精品 S檛 just succeed in the world 麻豆精品 S they come back to help build what 麻豆精品 S檚 next. 麻豆精品 S

麻豆精品 S淯CF gave me the opportunity to build my future, 麻豆精品 S Miller says. 麻豆精品 S淭his investment is about creating that same opportunity for others 麻豆精品 S and ensuring students are prepared for a world where technology and business are constantly evolving. 麻豆精品 S

Three people holding a framed rendering
UCF Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 麻豆精品 S01MBA (left) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) present alumnus and entrepreneur Barry Miller ’95 (center) with a rendering of the Barry S. Miller College of Business, which the philanthropist established through a historic $50 million gift. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

A Defining Moment for UCF

Few universities of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚听young听age听have alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of this听milestone听is longtime听supporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,听president of听the Florida-based听听and听Voloridge听Health.听Miller is听a first-generation听college听graduate whose early partnership and belief in 麻豆精品 S痶he university 麻豆精品 S痟elped accelerate 麻豆精品 S疷CF 麻豆精品 S檚 trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to widening听opportunity 麻豆精品 S痟elped lay 麻豆精品 S痶he groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn, 麻豆精品 S痠nnovate 麻豆精品 S痑nd launch their careers. 麻豆精品 S疢iller 麻豆精品 S檚听latest听investment reflects UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 ability to听produce听talent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspires听that talent to return听not just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shape听what 麻豆精品 S檚听next.

Building the Future of Business Education

麻豆精品 S淯CF gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others. 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S95, 听Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

will听operate听as a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challenges听in emerging fields like artificial intelligence,听fintech听and digital risk.

The focus is not simply on technical skills, but on empowering graduates to take action to address organizational obstacles and lead in fields fueled by rapid technological change.

This vision is grounded in the region UCF calls home.

Orlando has rapidly听emerged听as one of the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 fastest-growing technology hubs,听with听demand for talent in fintech and听AI continuing听to听evolve.听Across Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,听risk听and data-driven decision-making.

UCF sits at the center of this momentum,听uniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will power听the future.

The investment will support听a multi-phase strategy designed to position UCF as听the听destination for business and technology education, including:

  • Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,听trust听and disinformation
  • A new听master 麻豆精品 S檚听in听technology听leadership and听innovation
  • Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, Bloomberg听training听and industry-led projects
  • Growth of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 corporate partnership ecosystem.

Together, these investments will create a learning environment that mirrors modern workplaces 麻豆精品 S fast听moving, data听driven and deeply connected to industry.

麻豆精品 S淭echnology is advancing rapidly, and the real opportunity is in how organizations use it to perform, 麻豆精品 S says听College of Business Dean听Paul听Jarley. 麻豆精品 S淭his investment allows us to build a business school focused on how the work actually gets done听 麻豆精品 S 麻豆精品 S撎齱here students learn to apply judgment, navigate ambiguity, and lead in environments shaped by technology, data, and organizational complexity. 麻豆精品 S

Accelerating Momentum

Miller 麻豆精品 S檚 leadership gift听marks a milestone in听听 麻豆精品 S a听$3.5 billion听campaign to听expand听opportunity,听advance听discovery,听and drive impact across the university.

It sets the tone听for what comes next,听accelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 future.

麻豆精品 S淭his is what momentum looks like, 麻豆精品 S says听Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. 麻豆精品 S淚t reflects confidence in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 vision and signals to partners, alumni and investors that this university is building something meaningful and worth being part of. 麻豆精品 S

Together, talent, opportunity and partnership are converging,听positioning听UCF听to听be a leading force in shaping听what 麻豆精品 S檚听next in business,听technology听and innovation.

麻豆精品 S淯CF is not waiting to be recognized. We are being chosen, invested in and trusted to lead, 麻豆精品 S Cartwright says. 麻豆精品 S淭his milestone gift reflects a growing sense of pride across the university and signals the momentum others will want to help build 麻豆精品 S and it is only the beginning. 麻豆精品 S

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UCF_Barry-Miller-Rendering-Presentation UCF Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 麻豆精品 S01MBA (left) and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) present alumnus and entrepreneur Barry Miller '95 (center) with a rendering of the Barry S. Miller College of Business, which the philanthropist established through a historic $50 million gift. (Photo by Antoine Hart)
5 Unique Funds to Support on UCF Day of Giving /news/5-unique-funds-to-support-on-ucf-day-of-giving/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:48:17 +0000 /news/?p=152216 On Thursday, April 9,听UCF Day of Giving听will support听students, research and programs shaping the future听 麻豆精品 S including these five unique areas across the university.

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Knight Nation 麻豆精品 S檚 single听largest day of impact听 麻豆精品 S斕 麻豆精品 S takes place Thursday, April 9.听As a united Black & Gold community, we听will听Bounce, Stomp, Splash and Cheer our way toward major wins for UCF students, faculty, programs, research endeavors and more.

With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth 麻豆精品 S we 麻豆精品 S檙e counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this UCF Day of Giving.

As Knights, we challenge status quo. We charge boldly ahead toward industry evolutions and technological advancements. We dare to build a future the world has only begun to imagine. And it 麻豆精品 S檚 all driven through moments like this and individuals like you.

Together,听we 麻豆精品 S檙e听launching Knights to new heights.

UCF mascot Knightro forms heart with his hands
UCF is committed to supporting and offering relief resources for our students. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

When the unexpected arises,听help听sometimes听comes in the form of .听Created to support听Knights听facing听hardship that may听hinder听their education,听this fund听provides听financial support听for textbooks,听fees听and other education-related听expenses听for qualifying students.

Your gift ensures that听when听life 麻豆精品 S檚听trials听test our听Knights,听they听pass听with flying colors,听securing听the education听and future听they听deserve.

Three people wearing military uniforms standing on a commencement stage
From left to right: military officers and College of Medicine graduates Leeann Hu ’24MD, Tovah Williamson ’24MD and Asanka Ekanayake ’24MD.

The 麻豆精品 S痯rovides services, programming and resources for thousands of military-connected students currently enrolled at UCF.

helps ensure听that听those who have served and their connected students are fully supported as they pursue their educational and career goals.

UCF has been recognized听with a听Gold Award听on the听Military Friendly听Schools list, as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a Best Military-Friendly Online College and on the Military Times 麻豆精品 S 听2025听Best for Vets Colleges List.听Help us听continue that legacy听of听serving those听who 麻豆精品 S檝e听served.

UCF’s Aphasia House uses the latest clinical research to create a personalized course of therapy for everyone they serve.

offers an intensive, comprehensive therapy program听to those听navigating Aphasia, a听language听disorder that can arise from听health challenges such as听stroke,听brain听cancer听and brain injury,听and听affects听an individual 麻豆精品 S檚 ability to听read, write,听speak听and听comprehend听language.

Through the program,听individuals are听empowered to听make progress on their long-held goals, like talking with their grandchildren or ordering their favorite restaurant meal.

听on UCF Day of Giving听supports the continuation of this听important听service for our community, as well as the hands-on experience UCF student clinicians听receive.

Man with dark hair and wearing a white lab coat and blue latex gloves inspects a glass beaker in a lab setting

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as they听break听into new realms of听understanding听around听the听country 麻豆精品 S檚听second leading cause of death听 麻豆精品 S cancer.听Through听innovative science,听they 麻豆精品 S檙e听exploring key听avenues of discovery听including听the role that听genes play听in听determining听a person 麻豆精品 S檚 cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread听and how to harness the body 麻豆精品 S檚 immune system to kill cancer cells.

The goal: to prevent cancer and find new therapies that improve quality of life听for patients.听 brings听us one听step closer听to听lives saved,听families unburdened听and a cure听realized.

Six male and female college students dressed in suits hold plaques while standing in front of glass doors
UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 nationally ranked moot court team competes in a simulated court room setting against schools including Virginia, Yale, UT-Dallas and more.

Did you know听that UCF has one of the top Moot Court听teams in the nation, ranking听among the top 15听overall听by the American Moot Court Association?听Supervised by the , these student advocates听are challenged听with arguing听mock supreme court cases听on constitutional amendments.

and听national听leadership听by听making a gift on UCF Day of Giving.听Help听cover听competition travel expenses, as well as听the听cost of听the听annual tournament听hosted听at UCF Downtown听each fall.

It 麻豆精品 S檚听time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us听as听we rally around听our favorite causes, and听maybe even听uncover some听new听ones, during UCF Day of Giving.听Find听more areas of support听by听exploring听the听, 麻豆精品 S痑nd听save the date to听听on Thursday, April 9.听听

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Knightro-love UCF is committed to supporting and offering relief resources for our students and employees. (Photo by Nick Leyva '15) UCF_College of Medicine_Spring 2024 Commencment_2 From left, military officers Leeann Hu, Tovah Williamson and Asanka Ekanayake aphasia house UCF's Aphasia House uses the latest clinical research to create a personalized course of therapy for everyone they serve. COM research moot court-ucf the on-campus courtroom and join UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 nationally ranked teams 麻豆精品 S Mock Trial, Moot Court, or Mediation 麻豆精品 S supported by faculty and local legal professionals who judge competitions and mentor students. UCF Students take on competitors from UVA, Yale, UT Dallas and more.
UCF Launches $3.5 Billion Go For Launch Campaign to Expand Opportunity, Innovation and Impact /news/ucf-launches-3-5-billion-go-for-launch-campaign-to-expand-opportunity-innovation-and-impact/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:24:45 +0000 /news/?p=151080 The most ambitious philanthropic and revenue-generating effort in the university 麻豆精品 S檚 history positions UCF to lead Florida and the nation in discovery, innovation and student success.

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UCF announced on Feb. 21, the public launch of Go For Launch: The Campaign for UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Next Mission, a bold, $3.5 billion comprehensive campaign designed to accelerate discovery, expand opportunity and position UCF to lead Florida and the nation into the next era of impact.

Spanning multiple years, Go For Launch is the most ambitious revenue-generating effort in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 history. The campaign builds on decades of momentum and reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what it will take for a modern, metropolitan research university to deliver at the scale the future demands.

Founded to power America 麻豆精品 S檚 space race, UCF has always been an institution built for moments of possibility. Go For Launch draws directly from that legacy, reaffirming UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 role as Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Technological University and calling on Knights, partners and visionaries to help shape what comes next.

Campaign Goals and Timeline

The Go For Launch campaign seeks to generate $3.5 billion over a multi-year period through philanthropy, partnerships and aligned revenue strategies, advancing priorities that will shape UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 trajectory for decades. Funds will fuel innovation across the university, from breakthrough research and talent development to infrastructure and partnerships that extend UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 impact far beyond campus.

Go For Launch The Campaign for UCF's Next Generation

The campaign follows a successful pre-launch phase that quietly engaged donors, volunteers and community partners around a shared vision. As of Feb. 21, UCF has secured more than $2 billion in early commitments from individuals, families and partners who believe in the university 麻豆精品 S檚 bold future.

麻豆精品 S淭his campaign is about matching UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 ambition with the resources required to deliver on it, 麻豆精品 S says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淚t is an investment in discovery, talent and solutions that will shape Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 future and improve lives far beyond our campus. 麻豆精品 S

Four Pillars Driving a Transformational Vision

Go For Launch is anchored by four integrated campaign pillars, each essential to UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 ability to deliver impact at scale.

Elevating Student Success
Elevating Student Success ensures every Knight has the support, resources and opportunities to thrive, from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Campaign investments will expand scholarships, strengthen proactive advising and success coaching, enhance career preparation and sustain innovative support systems that remove barriers before they derail progress. This pillar reflects UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to access and outcomes, preparing graduates who are confident, career-ready and equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Fueling Discovery and Innovation
Fueling Discovery and Innovation accelerates UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 role as a driver of breakthrough research and real-world solutions. Support will advance faculty-led research, interdisciplinary collaboration and student-driven discovery across areas such as space, cybersecurity, health, energy and advanced technologies. With strong industry partnerships, a thriving research ecosystem and a culture of commercialization, UCF is poised to move ideas faster from lab to impact, creating jobs, improving lives and addressing the world 麻豆精品 S檚 most urgent challenges.

Advancing Future Frontiers
Advancing Future Frontiers positions UCF at the forefront of what 麻豆精品 S檚 next, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, space exploration, immersive technologies and aerospace medicine. Commitments will support research infrastructure, interdisciplinary institutes and bold experimentation that push beyond today 麻豆精品 S檚 limits and shape tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 industries. As technology and humanity converge, UCF is not waiting for the future to arrive. The university is actively inventing it, translating discovery into global impact and economic vitality.

Maximizing Competitive Excellence
Maximizing Competitive Excellence positions UCF to compete and win at the highest levels nationally. Campaign investments will strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, expand university-wide technology integration, enhance athletics and academic competitiveness, and continue building a destination campus that attracts top talent, industry partners and research opportunities. As Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Next-Generation Preeminent Research University, UCF is focused on translating ambition into sustained performance, elevating our standing, sharpening our edges and ensuring excellence is not episodic but institutionalized.

Why This Campaign and Why Now

Go For Launch represents a clear evolution from UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 prior comprehensive campaigns, with specific focus on directly addressing the rising complexity and cost of delivering a world-class education and research enterprise. It recognizes that sustained excellence requires continued investment in people, ideas and infrastructure.

麻豆精品 S淕o For Launch will bring our university community together around our boldest aspirations, 麻豆精品 S says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO, UCF Foundation Inc.听 “It will empower students, support faculty excellence, fuel innovation that strengthens our region and maximize competitive excellence. This campaign reflects our shared belief in what is possible and our commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come. 麻豆精品 S

A Launch Worth Celebrating

The public phase of Go For Launch was unveiled at campuswide launch events that brought together thousands of alumni, donors, faculty, students and community leaders. The immersive experience reflected the campaign 麻豆精品 S檚 spirit, featuring interactive installations, storytelling and moments that highlighted UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 impact across research, innovation and student success.

Campaign volunteer leadership was celebrated during the event, underscoring the personal commitment many leaders feel toward UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 mission and future.

Impact in Action

Investments generated through Go For Launch will directly advance research with real-world consequences, from improving health outcomes to accelerating breakthroughs in assistive technologies.

Go For Launch is both a continuation of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 founding mission and a declaration of where the university is headed next. It signals confidence in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 people, our ideas and our ability to lead.

To learn more about Go For Launch or to get involved, visit

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