As Preston Strenth prepares to cross the stage at commencement, he finds himself flashing back to the moment his journey to this milestone started in 2023 with the South Carolina National Guard.

Strenth was on deployment in Kuwait with his unit. Among his fellow infantrymen was 20-year-old Jayson Haven. Haven had been accepted to his dream school, the University of Michigan, and was fulfilling the final two months of his year-long assignment before shipping off to college. He was tragically killed in a non-combat vehicle rollover accident.

麻豆精品 S淚 think all of us who were on that deployment understood you 麻豆精品 S檙e here and somebody else isn 麻豆精品 S檛. What are you going to do with your life? 麻豆精品 S� Strenth says.

麻豆精品 S淚 think all of us who were on that deployment understood you 麻豆精品 S檙e here and somebody else isn 麻豆精品 S檛. What are you going to do with your life? 麻豆精品 S�

Seven months later, Strenth envisioned that life and voiced his goals to his wife, Kriselle. He proposed a two-year timeline to earn a college degree in computer science and start a new career path.

麻豆精品 S淚 feel like everything in my life now is all clicking together, 麻豆精品 S� says Strenth, who landed three job offers before graduating and is in the process of purchasing his first home. 麻豆精品 S淚 have achieved the American dream in a sense. 麻豆精品 S�

The Right Place

A Central Florida native, Strenth moved to South Carolina at 17 and joined the National Guard two years later. He extended his contract twice 麻豆精品 S� his current contract ends in 2027 麻豆精品 S� as he pursued a degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina.

He took advantage of the educational benefits the U.S. Army offers and obtained a certification in computer programming, which introduced him to coding software.

After that fateful deployment in Kuwait, he and his wife set their sights on Orlando and UCF, where Strenth knew of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 reputation as one of the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 top military friendly schools, its strength in computer science and our many industry partnerships.

麻豆精品 S淲ithout a doubt, coming to UCF is the best thing I ever did, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

His credits from the University of South Carolina transferred over to help keep him on track for his two-year timeline. He thrived, in part, because of his willingness to take advantage of the many resources offered through the .

His experience here also tested him in ways that led to great growth and confidence.

In his second semester, while taking Computer Science I, he was stuck on his first programming assignment. Every time he willed the coding to work, he was met with the same result: fail.

His frustration turned to tears as he voiced his doubts to his wife. What if he just screwed up his life? What if he couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 do this?

She encouraged him while leveling with him at the same time 麻豆精品 S� he wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 the first to attempt this class or this degree. If he wanted to be here, he was going to figure it out.

She was right.

麻豆精品 S淚 think that is kind of the point 麻豆精品 S� they will make you go to that line and ask yourself, 麻豆精品 S楧o you want to be here? 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Strenth says. 麻豆精品 S淏ecause it 麻豆精品 S檚 a program that can lead you to a financially stable future. I have offers that no one in my family has ever had in front of them before. But you 麻豆精品 S檝e got to work for them. 麻豆精品 S�

Opportunity Calls with BNY

He applied that same grindstone mentality to maximizing opportunities outside of the classroom 麻豆精品 S� all the while driving to South Carolina once a month to fulfill his National Guard duties.

麻豆精品 S淚 have offers that no one in my family has ever had in front of them before. 麻豆精品 S�

In Spring 2024, he attended a lunch and learn with BNY, which was organized by the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success. The leading global financial services company announced a formal partnership with UCF that establishes a co-located educational innovation hub on UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 main campus 麻豆精品 S� the first-of-its-kind in Florida.

Strenth turned the connection he made with the BNY recruiter into a summer internship as a software engineer and vowed to himself to secure a job offer.

He wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 deterred by the fact that many of his fellow interns had started programming as middle-schoolers while he, at 24, had just learned the basics a year prior.

He committed to being the first one in the door and one of the last to leave. He reached out to fellow veterans he found in an interdepartmental staff directory to seek advice about integrating into the company. He emailed a weekly recap to his supervisor that listed how his accomplishments that week aligned with BNY 麻豆精品 S檚 core values.

麻豆精品 S淚 was trying to showcase that I wanted to be here, and I wanted this job offer more than anything, 麻豆精品 S� Strenth says.

When the internship ended, he stayed connected, even as he lined up another software engineering internship with Hatalom Corporation, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Strenth had three job offers lined up before graduation day with BNY, Hatalom and Northrop Grumman. BNY 麻豆精品 S檚 career growth potential, military leave policy and proximity to his home were too good to pass up.

麻豆精品 S淏NY has a future leaders program that I 麻豆精品 S檝e already expressed interest in even though I 麻豆精品 S檓 not eligible for another two years. But I 麻豆精品 S檓 already telling them, 麻豆精品 S楾his is something I want to do. How can I? 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� he says.

He draws upon that memory of his conversation with his wife from years ago 麻豆精品 S� in his story, he refers to it as 麻豆精品 S渢he gamble 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� as he sits here today, once again, betting on himself.

麻豆精品 S淣ow two years later, I 麻豆精品 S檓 like, 麻豆精品 S榃e won. We did it, 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淐elebrating this moment at graduation is a testament to the sacrifices that my wife has made, my family has made, and the countless other people who have supported me to get to this point. 麻豆精品 S�

We could start 33 years ago to when Castro Tapler first visited UCF and dreamed of becoming a Knight.

Or jump to when she lost sight of that dream in the whirlwind of life after enlisting in the U.S. Marines, completing an overseas deployment, getting married and raising a family.

Or here, in present day, as the 49-year-old graduates alongside her oldest, each with degree choices influenced by Johnny 麻豆精品 S檚 struggle with neurological hearing loss 麻豆精品 S� hers, early childhood development and education and his, communication sciences and disorders. And don 麻豆精品 S檛 forget her other son, Michael, an emergency management major, close behind and husband, John, graduating later this year from Valencia College, a partner.

Their story is one of many subplots and selfless acts, and so much love for family 麻豆精品 S� a family that pulled strength from each other on the road to this long-awaited, triumphant moment.

麻豆精品 S淧eople doubted us for moving here from Long Island to become Knights, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says. 麻豆精品 S淲e said, 麻豆精品 S楯ust watch. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e proving that you can do anything you put your mind to doing by adapting and overcoming. 麻豆精品 S�

A Dream Put on Hold, But Never Forgotten

Castro Tapler 麻豆精品 S檚 mind first fixed on UCF in 1993 when the family of her friend, David Konits 麻豆精品 S�01, paid for her to visit them in Orlando to thank her for saving their son 麻豆精品 S檚 life after a serious injury. Putting others first had already become ingrained for Castro Tapler, then 16, despite a childhood without means. She lived with her mother in another friend 麻豆精品 S檚 basement and had never traveled beyond New York.

麻豆精品 S淭hey brought me to the UCF campus and I was blown away, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檇 never seen such nice kids studying together in such a beautiful environment. If I could ever afford college, I wanted it to be here. 麻豆精品 S�

Castro Tapler went back home, finished high school and joined the U.S. Marines. Shortly after 9/11, she was deployed to Kuwait. The idea of college continued to dim as she fulfilled her military duty, returned to Long Island, went to work and raised a family.

麻豆精品 S淭he goal was always out there, 麻豆精品 S� she says, 麻豆精品 S渂ut I just couldn 麻豆精品 S檛 get to it. 麻豆精品 S�

She wanted a more streamlined path for her sons, Johnny and Michael, so she and her husband always included tours of universities during family trips.

麻豆精品 S淲hen we came to UCF, the boys and John fell in love, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says, 麻豆精品 S渁nd to me, that feeling of belonging was still there after so many years. 麻豆精品 S�

On the day of Johnny 麻豆精品 S檚 high school graduation, they loaded up the car and moved to Orlando 麻豆精品 S� placing her within reach of the dream she never gave up on.

Planting Roots on Campus

As a U.S. Marine veteran, Castro Tapler has chilling stories about how she calmly put out oil fires in open combat zones. On her first day of classes at UCF, she 麻豆精品 S� like a good Marine 麻豆精品 S� arrived 30 minutes early with food and hydration. An emotion consumed her: Fear.

Here she was, surrounded by students half her age using tablets and carrying backpacks while she pulled around a wagon and used a spiral notebook. She would need to relearn how to learn. Three encounters quickly made her feel at ease.

麻豆精品 S淭he sound of a piano in the lobby soothed my nerves. Then a group of girls in my first class invited me to work with them. And I found the , 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淎 college campus is a different world from what veterans are used to. The people in that office helped me understand aid, tutoring and the culture. They 麻豆精品 S檙e veterans, too, so they know how difficult the transition can be. 麻豆精品 S�

Her fear turned to joy and a genuine belief she belonged. She felt even more connected knowing Johnny and Michael were on the same campus feeling the same pride.

The Start of a New Future

We come to the most surreal moment: mom and son graduating together. She points out this is a goal achieved, but not the goal.

麻豆精品 S淥ur degrees open doors to serve others, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says.

She 麻豆精品 S檒l teach first grade, knowing each child is unique, perhaps with a challenge that hasn 麻豆精品 S檛 yet been identified. Johnny intends to use his communications and sciences disorders degree as the first step toward a medical degree in audiology. He visualizes being the first person parents see when their babies are diagnosed with a complication. He already knows what he 麻豆精品 S檒l say:

麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 going to be OK. Look at me. I have a hearing disorder, too, and now I 麻豆精品 S檓 a doctor, 麻豆精品 S� Johnny says.

Michael will apply his emergency management degree from UCF to help communities on a larger scale. And John, after finishing at Valencia College, will consider an online business master 麻豆精品 S檚 program at UCF, so he can provide financial planning and support for those facing their own challenges.

麻豆精品 S淗e wants so badly to be a Knight like the rest of us, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says.

It makes sense. Knights are known for their grit. And this family has plenty of it.

麻豆精品 S淚 think back to people saying you 麻豆精品 S檒l never afford college, you 麻豆精品 S檙e too old, and Johnny can 麻豆精品 S檛 become a doctor with hearing loss, 麻豆精品 S� Castro Tapler says. 麻豆精品 S淣ow we 麻豆精品 S檙e going to walk to the stage together and hear our names called. 麻豆精品 S�

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

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

Your gift ensures that聽when聽life 麻豆精品 S檚聽trials聽test our聽Knights,聽they聽pass聽with flying colors,聽securing聽the education听补苍诲 future聽they聽deserve.

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

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

UCF has been recognized聽with a聽Gold Award聽on the聽Military Friendly聽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� 聽2025聽Best for Vets Colleges List.聽Help us聽continue that legacy聽of聽serving those聽who 麻豆精品 S檝e聽served.

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

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

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

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as they聽break聽into new realms of聽understanding聽around聽the聽country 麻豆精品 S檚聽second leading cause of death聽 麻豆精品 S� cancer.聽Through聽innovative science,聽they 麻豆精品 S檙e聽exploring key聽avenues of discovery聽including聽the role that聽genes play聽in聽determining聽a person 麻豆精品 S檚 cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread听补苍诲 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聽for patients.聽 brings聽us one聽step closer聽to聽lives saved,聽families unburdened听补苍诲 a cure聽realized.

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

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

It 麻豆精品 S檚聽time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us聽as聽we rally around聽our favorite causes, and聽maybe even聽uncover some聽new聽ones, during UCF Day of Giving.聽Find聽more areas of support听产测听别虫辫濒辞谤颈苍驳听迟丑别听, 麻豆精品 S痑nd聽save the date to聽聽on Thursday, April 9.聽聽

UCF has earned a 聽signaling the university 麻豆精品 S檚 growing support for military and veteran students. This is the first year UCF has earned the聽Gold聽designation, following聽many聽years聽as a聽Silver聽awardee.

麻豆精品 S淭his recognition reflects years of intentional work across the university to better support military-connected students, 麻豆精品 S� says Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement. 麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檝e focused on building stronger support systems, removing barriers, and ensuring students have clear pathways from enrollment through career. 麻豆精品 S�

In addition to our Gold Award and recognition as a Military Friendly Spouse School, UCF has been previously designated as a Purple Heart Institution, Florida Purple Star Campus, Best Military-Friendly Online College and聽Military Times 麻豆精品 S櫬� 2025 Best for Vets Colleges List.

Today about聽4,000聽military-connected聽students聽are enrolled聽at UCF, and there are a聽range of services coordinated through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) to support them:

Holistic Programming

• An orientation dedicated聽for聽military-connected students and their families

• Expanded student engagement and social activities, which include families and military veterans within our community

• Collaboration with 聽affiliates, most notably Valencia College, to streamline transition for transfer students

Academic Resources

• Peer-to-peer tutoring in courses with high drop or fail rates

• VA Work Study and university academic coaching programs prepare and train military-connected students to provide academic coaching to their peers

Career Readiness

• Industry partnerships聽 麻豆精品 S� including聽Amazon, JE Technology and Disney 麻豆精品 S斅爐hat provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships,聽internships听补苍诲 career fairs

• Range of workshops, lunch and learns and professional development opportunities

Access to Financial Support聽

• Established an endowed scholarship to provide assistance to military-connected students

• Potential for 麻豆精品 S渕eal plan 麻豆精品 S� grants, emergency relief funds, tuition and fee waivers, and housing subsidies as part of co-curricular and academic support programs

• Participates in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 麻豆精品 S� Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition assistance initiative for veterans and eligible dependents

Additionally, MVSS聽empowers UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 faculty and staff through professional development opportunities with strategies and tips on how to best serve and engage with聽military-connected聽students.

A new liaison program has been piloted in the last year, placing an MVSS staff member with VA work study students at the聽Rosen College of Hospitality Management听补苍诲听UCF Downtown聽to increase support services for military-connected students at those campus locations.聽In聽Fall聽2026, the program is expected to expand to聽the College of Business, College of聽Sciences听补苍诲 College of Arts and Humanities.

麻豆精品 S淭he support the office provides is some of the most efficient and effective support I have encountered at UCF, 麻豆精品 S� says聽蹿颈苍补苍肠别听尘补箩辞谤聽Abigail Kost. 麻豆精品 S淚 have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and聽learns. The office is also a pillar of emotional wellbeing and has helped me navigate VA benefits and scholarship opportunities. I would not have come as far as I have without the office 麻豆精品 S檚 resources. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF: Committed to Serving Veterans

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to serving veterans is not singularly confined to聽our聽Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January, 麻豆精品 S�U.S. News & World Report 麻豆精品 S痳补苍办别诲听UCF No. 6 for online bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 programs for veterans.

UCF is home to 麻豆精品 S�, a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic聽established聽to 麻豆精品 S�change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Led by UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who is currently聽, the organization employs a unique and effective approach to treatment. A combination of exposure therapy, emerging technology and individual and group therapy sessions resulted in 66% of participants with combat-related trauma and 76% of first responders no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.

Last year,聽UCF became one of 12 universities nationwide聽 麻豆精品 S� and the only school in Florida and the southeast 麻豆精品 S斅爐o participate聽in a new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership.

A partnership between UCF College of Medicine and Orlando VA Medical Center聽聽 麻豆精品 S斅爈ocated聽next door to each other in Lake Nona 麻豆精品 S檚 Medical City 麻豆精品 S斅爀nsures every medical student聽receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine,聽neurology听补苍诲 psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 history department has been documenting veterans 麻豆精品 S� stories聽as part of the Library of Congress 麻豆精品 S櫬燰eterans History Project聽since聽2010.聽UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Veterans Legacy Program, which was founded in 2017 as a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, focuses on documenting the lives of those buried in Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 nine national cemeteries.

About Military Friendly

Founded in 2003, Military Friendly is an organization that measures organizations 麻豆精品 S� commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

Military Friendly Schools strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Earning the designation shows a school meets the minimum criteria.

Military Friendly 麻豆精品 S檚 final ratings for its Schools list were determined by combining each institution 麻豆精品 S檚 survey responses, government/agency public data sources, and measurements across retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and specifically, for student-veterans.

麻豆精品 S淯CF has been building the future of online education for more than 30 years, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淭his recognition from U.S. News & World Report聽affirms the excellence of a people-first, technology-driven approach refined over decades. It reflects a university that has consistently led with innovation, delivered quality at scale and continues to set the standard for what online learning can be. 麻豆精品 S�

This year, UCF also ranks:

• No. 3 nationally for Online Psychology Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 Programs
• No. 5 nationally for Online Master 麻豆精品 S檚 in Educational and Instructional Media Design
• No. 6 nationally for Online Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 Programs for Veterans
• No. 6 nationally for Online Business (Lodging and Restaurant Management) Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 Programs

Empowering Driven Non-Traditional Students

UCF is a leader in how to support learners who don 麻豆精品 S檛 fit the traditional academic mold, says Thomas Cavanagh 麻豆精品 S�06PhD, vice provost for digital learning. These students are parents, working professionals, people with disabilities, those caring for loved ones in need and many others with distinct life circumstances.

UCF Online provides 9,000 students annually a path to a degree that may otherwise be impossible.

麻豆精品 S淭aking online classes was the best way for me to be efficient as a mom and a detective at the Seminole County Sheriff 麻豆精品 S檚 Office, 麻豆精品 S� says Melissa Schuck 麻豆精品 S�25, a criminal justice alum and a Florida Army National Guard sergeant. 麻豆精品 S淏eing able to show my children that through two careers and being a full-time mom that I could still be a full-time student and be successful [makes all my hard work worth it]. 麻豆精品 S�

Shuck says she 麻豆精品 S檚 even considering the added challenge of pursuing an online graduate degree in criminal justice, which UCF ranks No. 17 for nationally and No. 10 among veterans.

How We Lead at Scale Without Compromise

Behind each online course is a deeply collaborative process. By investing in faculty development and support, UCF Online offers an accessible path to degrees without comprising on quality.

Each semester up to 40 faculty members complete a rigorous, graduate-equivalent course to prepare them for how to best teach students in the unique environment of online learning while meeting academic standards.

麻豆精品 S淭he same faculty who teach on campus , teach online, which is a hallmark of our quality, 麻豆精品 S� Cavanagh says. 麻豆精品 S淲e partner with faculty to develop intentionally designed, media-rich courses for our students. We emphasize that the proven practices of consistent assignment schedules, engagement and responsiveness lead to a more engaging learning experience for students, as well as achieve better outcomes. 麻豆精品 S�

More than 150 Center for Distributed Learning staff members work with 2,000 faculty across the university to develop and enhance UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 online programs.

That same intentionality extends to student success. UCF Online 麻豆精品 S檚 dedicated coaching staff supports prospective and current students with the application process, applying for financial aid, signing up for classes, connecting them to resources and more.

麻豆精品 S淲e meet students where they are 麻豆精品 S� and we walk with them, 麻豆精品 S� says Tasha Williams 麻豆精品 S�12 麻豆精品 S�17MNM, director of student coaching for UCF Online.

Redefining Online Education for Tomorrow 麻豆精品 S檚 Workforce

This year 麻豆精品 S檚 recognition reflects that UCF Online continues to be at the forefront of digital learning. To lead this charge, instructional designer, multimedia specialists, assessment experts and other staff combine their insights with tools such as artificial intelligence to evolve academic offerings.

This includes exploring opportunities to redesign courses for disciplines like nursing 麻豆精品 S� which UCF ranks No. 17 for online graduate programs nationally 麻豆精品 S� from 16 weeks to eight weeks while meeting industry standards.

麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e never finished, 麻豆精品 S� Cavanagh says. 麻豆精品 S淐ontinuous improvement is part of our culture 麻豆精品 S� whether that 麻豆精品 S檚 refining how we support faculty, enhancing the student experience or rethinking how programs are structured to meet today 麻豆精品 S檚 workforce demands. 麻豆精品 S�

This fall, these strengths will continue to benefit the graduating Knight as he begins his professional career with Northop Grumman.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檒l be looking to get into the field of engineering and robotics, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

Before coming to UCF, Koopman was inspired by his father 麻豆精品 S� who completed three tours in the Army Reserves after 9/11 麻豆精品 S� to enlist and make an impact through service. By joining the military he also knew he 麻豆精品 S檇 have an affordable path to an education that would in turn serve him for the rest of this life. 麻豆精品 S淚f I could get an education while serving my country, that would be a dream job, 麻豆精品 S� says Koopman, an Iowa native who came to UCF after being encouraged by family who live in Florida.

During his time at UCF, Koopman took on leadership roles in the engineering program and completed two internships at Northrop Grumman. He 麻豆精品 S檚 also led research at the Wearable Engineering Assistive Robotics Lab, where he 麻豆精品 S檚 developed a robotic tendon-driven hand exoskeleton for simulation purposes. A novelty of this development is the base framework for the glove, he says.

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Koopman also took advantage of the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Institute, eli2, at UCF.

麻豆精品 S淭hat included mentoring project leaders, managing technical resources and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

He also worked with UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Florida Space Institute to showcase an engineering Mars rover project using 3D printing. The final prototype served as a platform for virtual simulation, rehabilitation and robotics research, Koopman says.

Koopman says he hopes to use his education and experiences at UCF to achieve his goals of earning a master 麻豆精品 S檚 in robotics and leading a company one day.

麻豆精品 S淚 have the vision of one day starting my own robotics company developing exoskeletons, which is related to my research, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

麻豆精品 S淚 came to realize during my time in academia that I love the problem-solving aspect of engineering. 麻豆精品 S�

Koopman credits a large part of his personal and professional growth to involvement with various clubs on campus, including First Step, a mentorship program for transfer students.

麻豆精品 S淚 really appreciate all the support and resources that have been provided to me, 麻豆精品 S� Koopman says.

By supporting students, life-changing research and initiatives that mean the most to you, you 麻豆精品 S檒l help launch Knights to new heights! Not sure where to make your gift this year? Here are some of the lesser-known, unique programs, departments and services available for support. Discover where you can be a force for the future.

One of the best-kept secrets on campus is the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). As one of seven regional centers established in Florida, CARD offers resources and nonresidential services to individuals with autism and related disabilities, as well as their families. From educational seminars to support services, including phone consultations and school observations and recommendations, CARD address issues that impact individuals across the lifespan. Use your gift to support CARD and its important work in our community.

Meet PIXEL 麻豆精品 S� a new, one-of-a-kind building planned for the heart of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 campus. Designed to defy the limits of traditional performance spaces, it will foster collaboration between the arts and other disciplines, including business, engineering, hospitality, sciences and more. The space will allow students to learn the latest in 3D projection and how to incorporate virtual and augmented reality into traditional art forms while also creating immersive experiences for audiences. PIXEL will be a space to create, collaborate and innovate.

Beyond putting smiles on the faces of everyone they meet, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Police K-9s play a critical role in keeping our campus and students safe. By making a gift to the UCF Police Department 麻豆精品 S檚 K-9 fund, you 麻豆精品 S檒l help support the adoption, training and care of our four-legged officers. Who can resist those puppy-dog eyes?

Even those who dedicate their lives to saving others need support sometimes. Help UCF College of Medicine students and future health care leaders when they need it most. This fund assists Knights facing food insecurity, illness and natural disasters, helping them navigate challenging times and continue their education. It also supports UCF student and resident/fellow wellness programs.

Forty-eight percent of college students are affected by housing insecurity, and 14% are affected by homelessness, according to a recent Hope Center for College, Community and Justice survey. The Housing Insecurity Fund provides relief to students experiencing housing insecurity or facing homelessness, helping them continue their education and thrive.

Created to support students facing hardship that may hinder their education, the Student Emergency Fund provides financial support for textbooks, fees and other education-related expenses for qualifying students.

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) was created to provide student veterans with the tools, resources and support needed to earn their degrees. By making a gift to the MVSS, you 麻豆精品 S檒l help fund supplies, programs and events that benefit the center.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), which is dedicated to preparing the next generation of energy leaders. Your gift to FSEC supports research, workforce development and education activities, including the annual EnergyWhiz competition for K-12 students, professional development for teachers and continuing education for energy practitioners. Help expand these efforts and more as we work toward a more resilient energy future.

The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) is UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 globally ranked graduate program, preparing students for careers in the game industry with expertise in areas such as the arts, programming, production, design and more. Support the next generation of industry leaders by ensuring they have access to cutting-edge technology and meaningful learning experiences.

These are just a few of the many impactful funds that you can donate to during UCF Day of Giving on April 10. We encourage you to explore the and make a gift to the area that matters most to you.

UCF is one of 12 universities nationwide 麻豆精品 S� and the only school in Florida and the southeast 麻豆精品 S� that will participate in the new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership. By encouraging service members to pursue higher education in public administration affairs, this military-to-public-service pipeline is intended to help veterans leverage their military experience in rewarding new roles.

Participants can apply for scholarships and use their GI bill toward the program. Recruitment starts in Spring 2025, and the program 麻豆精品 S檚 launch is scheduled for Fall 2025.

Service to Service is a collaboration between two nonprofit organizations: The Volcker Alliance, which supports public service education, and We the Veterans, which aims to empower service members and their relatives. UCF joins Cornell University, Arizona State University and others in having been selected as a pilot site for this initiative.

, director of the and the school 麻豆精品 S檚 representative to The Volcker Alliance, says he believes Service to Service is an excellent opportunity for veterans who want to transition into a civil service career.

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Students who join the initiative, known as Service to Service Fellows, can further their education through UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 graduate programs in public administration, emergency and crisis management, nonprofit management, public policy, and regional and urban planning. Goodman says the fellows will also enjoy various program benefits such as mentorship, community-building, professional development opportunities and even facilitated job placement.

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, a 23-year Army veteran and director of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 , adds that the program serves as an avenue for veterans seeking guidance in their next chapter.

麻豆精品 S淰eterans often leave the service feeling lost, not knowing who they want to be or what they want to do, 麻豆精品 S� Kepner says. 麻豆精品 S淭rying to become a civilian overnight can be very difficult, and finding work after military life can feel like trying to find your first 麻豆精品 S榞rown-up 麻豆精品 S� job. Service to Service is a fantastic way for veterans and their families to find their footing in local or state government roles where they can continue serving the community. 麻豆精品 S�

Looking ahead, Kepner says he is excited about the Service to Service initiative and thinks it will have a highly positive impact on the service members and military families who decide to enroll.

麻豆精品 S淔lorida is a great state for veterans, 麻豆精品 S� Kepner says. 麻豆精品 S淎 lot of veterans and retirees come down to Florida, and as more veterans move here, Service to Service will allow them to explore new career options. I think it 麻豆精品 S檚 going to pay huge dividends for transitioning service members to discover who they want to be. 麻豆精品 S�

In January, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF No. 8 for Best Online Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 Programs for Veterans. In 2024, UCF received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus聽designation, which recognizes the university for its efforts to support military and veteran students through 2027.

Those wanting to learn more about the Service to Service program should contact the School of Public Administration.

The tour included visits with key UCF research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with UCF Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

麻豆精品 S淭he visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role UCF plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders, 麻豆精品 S� says Winston V. Schoenfeld, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 vice president for research and innovation. 麻豆精品 S淥ver 30% of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning UCF as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD. 麻豆精品 S�

The Tour

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 longstanding commitment to supporting the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

At IST, UCF showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady 麻豆精品 S檚 visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

UCF is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

UCF RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

UCF also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD 麻豆精品 S檚 ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central Florida Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. UCF also ranks No. 1 in Florida for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

The Collegiate Purple Star honors colleges that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military and veteran students and their families. Once awarded, the designation remains active for three academic years.

There are about 3,100 military and veteran students at UCF, and聽we provide a comprehensive array of services tailored to their needs.聽 This includes dedicated resources such as 聽the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, and the Military and Veteran Success Center, aimed at supporting their academic, career and personal success.

In February, UCF ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 Programs for Veterans听产测听U.S. News & World Report. In the same month, Knight Nation ranked No. 11 on College Consensus 麻豆精品 S� 2024 Best Online Colleges for Veterans list.

Among the commitments UCF upholds that have received recognition from the Purple Star Campus honor are:

• A transition program to assist military and veteran students integrate into campus life, which includes veteran transfer orientation sessions.
• Professional development training opportunities, including Green Zone training for faculty, staff and students. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success also offers tailored training packages to the Office of Financial Aid, Student Services, and other UCF departments to equip staff with the insights and knowledge necessary for working with military and veteran students utilizing veteran educational benefits.
• Priority course registration for military and veteran students.
• Hosting annual , including open houses, Flag Days, Military Appreciation Games, , veteran community resource fairs, veteran career and internship fairs, and Veterans Graduation Stole Ceremonies.
• Partnering with a college or career center liaison officer from a military installation. This includes the Military Student Career program, which provides resume critiques, networking and job search strategies, insight from military professionals who have transitioned to civilian careers and connecting with employers.
• Continuing their service through the Soldiers to Scholars (SLS) program. Through SLS, student-veterans serve as mentors and safely escort school children to and from the Metro Place apartment community to Eagle 麻豆精品 S檚 Nest Elementary School. Additionally, these mentors facilitate after-school programs aimed at enhancing academic performance and organize special events tailored to the needs of these young students.

In recent years, UCF has consistently received recognition for its commitment, effort, and success in creating holistic, sustainable and meaningful support for the military and veteran student community on campus. U.S. News & World Reportranked UCF among the nation 麻豆精品 S檚聽Best Colleges for Veteran聽in its 2024 undergraduate list. In 2022, UCF received the聽Purple Heart Designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The university also received the聽Silver Award on the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list.