At the threshold of retirement on June 30, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 first Pegasus Professor (honored in 2000) and original architect of online learning would rather talk about his ultimate inspiration.

麻豆精品 S淢y greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me, 麻豆精品 S� says Dziuban, an inaugural Online Learning Consortium (formerly Sloan Consortium) fellow.

麻豆精品 S淢y greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me. 麻豆精品 S�

Those students often showed up for Dziuban 麻豆精品 S檚 statistics and research design classes. Many of these students were daunted by the subjects only to find that the person teaching them listened intently, making himself, and the material, approachable.

This is Dziuban 麻豆精品 S檚 style 麻豆精品 S� with students, colleagues, everyone. To effectively teach, he knows he must begin with the right questions. That curiosity-driven approach has guided UCF to be a leader in online education, including the UCF Online program which serves 9,000 students annually, for over 30 years 麻豆精品 S� earning recognition among the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 best programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Here, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 longest serving faculty member is finally on the other side of the questions, sharing insightful reflection and parting wise words.

Humble Roots

麻豆精品 S淚 never set out to achieve any of this, 麻豆精品 S� he says, 麻豆精品 S渂ut the smallest incidences can make significant impacts. 麻豆精品 S�

Dziuban grew up near Utica, New York, where most boys graduated from high school and followed their fathers into the mills. Dziuban, avid about hunting and fishing, began to develop a routine that exists to this day: reading two books every week.

麻豆精品 S淭he truth is, I didn 麻豆精品 S檛 want to work in a mill, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淩eading led to college and college allowed me to reinvent myself. People had called me Charlie. I hated it. In college, I became Chuck. 麻豆精品 S�

Chuck earned degrees, moved, taught, and discovered a connection with statistics and research. At the University of Wisconsin, a mentor, Chester Harris, changed his life.

麻豆精品 S淗e was terrifyingly smart, 麻豆精品 S� Dziuban says, 麻豆精品 S渂ut he knew the importance of understanding students before expecting them to understand the subject. I still have a picture of Chester on my desk. It keeps me humble. 麻豆精品 S�

Humility was among the factors that drew Dziuban to a new university in Orlando, where parking lots were dirt and a cardboard box housed the university 麻豆精品 S檚 entire computing output.

麻豆精品 S淚 saw FTU then, and UCF now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淚 saw FTU then, and UCF now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚t was like a Silicon Valley startup. You weren 麻豆精品 S檛 sure how it might go, but at least the vibe was positive. 麻豆精品 S�

He developed one of his first ideas following a three-hour statistics lecture.

麻豆精品 S淢y students should have been in an emergency room after that lecture, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淚 realized they 麻豆精品 S檇 learn better by running data first and then coming back for an abbreviated lesson 麻豆精品 S� similar to what we call a 麻豆精品 S榝lipped classroom. 麻豆精品 S� Students said, 麻豆精品 S極h, I get it now. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S�

Pioneering Digital Learning

Dziuban was called upon to use his expertise in and research design to develop a plethora of ideas that would attract international attention to UCF.

One of those early ideas led to a seismic shift that thousands of UCF and UCF Online students are still benefitting from today.

While developing what would become the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness, Dziuban mentioned to the university 麻豆精品 S檚 fourth president, John C. Hitt, the concept of remote learning through the use of VHS tapes.

麻豆精品 S淗e told me to innovate, 麻豆精品 S� Dziuban says, 麻豆精品 S渟o we used computers instead of tapes. Eventually, we had the most sophisticated online learning model in the country, and the walls of classrooms came down. 麻豆精品 S�

This is why, the annual Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, established in 2012, is bestowed to one UCF instructor who teaches an exemplary online or video course.

麻豆精品 S淟ike I said, I never planned any of this, 麻豆精品 S� he says.

Staying True to 麻豆精品 S淒oing the Right Thing 麻豆精品 S�

If you ever stepped near Dziuban 麻豆精品 S檚 office, you 麻豆精品 S檇 see a poster featuring a child with hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen 麻豆精品 S� namesake of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Rosen used an adage that 麻豆精品 S檚 echoed in Dziuban 麻豆精品 S檚 mind since they began to break barriers to education in communities in need 31 years ago: 麻豆精品 S淒o the right thing. 麻豆精品 S�

With this as his guide, Dziuban helped The Rosen Foundation institute a program to ensure free preschool and resources through high school. College and trade school would also be free. Instead of directing the program, they empowered people in Orlando 麻豆精品 S檚 Tangelo Park and Parramore communities to lead it.

They 麻豆精品 S檝e expanded that impact across Florida as well, and the results have been remarkable 麻豆精品 S� including a recent $50,000 donation from the Harris Rosen Foundation to Gainesville for All in honor of Dziuban 麻豆精品 S檚 work transformative community initiatives.

麻豆精品 S淭he odds of earning a college education have gone from nine-to-one against to three-to-one in favor, 麻豆精品 S� Dziuban says. 麻豆精品 S淭here 麻豆精品 S檚 immense talent in every community. We can 麻豆精品 S檛 let it go to waste. It 麻豆精品 S檚 why we start young and celebrate every success. 麻豆精品 S�

At the end of this school year, he will be on stage for just such a celebration.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檒l have the honor of moving tassels from the right to the left on the graduation caps of pre-k students, 麻豆精品 S� Dziuban says.

The man with six decades of achievements in higher education will stand back and enjoy a moment the 4- and 5-year-old kids can tell others about.

麻豆精品 S淚 can 麻豆精品 S檛 imagine anything more meaningful than that. 麻豆精品 S�

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聽challenges聽and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential聽learning聽and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in聽Orlando Health 麻豆精品 S檚聽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� 聽 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聽Pegasus Partner,聽Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the聽, 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聽 麻豆精品 S斅爏uch as the 麻豆精品 S�AI for Medical Surgery system聽 麻豆精品 S斅爅ointly offer specialized residency programs and聽collaborate in聽many聽additional聽ways.

麻豆精品 S淥rlando Health has been an exceptional partner,聽demonstrating聽what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared聽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聽approximately聽2,649聽square feet聽within SPRK, the聽Strategic Innovations group聽was intentionally placed, here,聽to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

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

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI聽models聽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聽a collective effort聽 麻豆精品 S斅燾ombining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate聽partnerships, research聽commercialization聽and other revenue-generating endeavors聽 麻豆精品 S斅燯CF聽is charting聽a聽bold聽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�

Four outstanding undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of STEM through their high-impact research 麻豆精品 S� and in doing so, placing the university among the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 top producers of Goldwater Scholars.

The prestigious Goldwater Scholarship identifies and supports the nation 麻豆精品 S檚 best student researchers in the fields of engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.

This year 麻豆精品 S檚 honorees 麻豆精品 S� all expected to graduate next spring 麻豆精品 S� have propelled UCF into an elite tier of research institutions, surpassing several Ivy League institutions and tying for fourth in the nation in total Goldwater Scholars produced alongside Stanford University, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago. Their impactful work reflects UCF’s commitment to building a high-level research environment that empowers students to lead projects addressing significant global and scientific challenges.

Supporting Space Exploration

Goldwater Scholar: Keanu Brayman

Major: Mechanical engineering

Ultimate Goal: To develop robotic systems to support human exploration on Mars.

Keanu Brayman 麻豆精品 S檚 passion for space began early.

麻豆精品 S淥ne of my earliest memories is watching a Space Shuttle streak across the sky from a beach in South Florida, 麻豆精品 S� Brayman says. 麻豆精品 S淚 remember being amazed there were people on board and feeling drawn to one day help explore the stars and discover what lies beyond our planet. 麻豆精品 S�

At UCF, Brayman has refined that dream with the support of faculty and mentors 麻豆精品 S� including Department of Physics Chair and Professor Adrienne Dove, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Tarek Elgohary and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineer Christopher Proctor 麻豆精品 S� as well as through programs like the .

He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering to support lunar exploration and NASA 麻豆精品 S檚 Artemis program, as well as develop robotic systems that can extract resources and build infrastructure to support human exploration on Mars.

Engineering the Brain

Goldwater Scholar: Kyle Coutray

Majors: Computer engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To research ways to restore communication, movement and cognitive function to the brain through engineering methods.

Kyle Coutray is focused on the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 interested in building systems that interact directly with the brain, 麻豆精品 S� Coutray says. 麻豆精品 S淚n the lab, 麻豆精品 S� [I 麻豆精品 S檓] blending [both majors] into one approach. 麻豆精品 S�

He aims to pursue a doctoral degree in neural engineering to further his research on brain-computer interfaces that translate complex brain activity into useful functions.

A 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee and a Burnett Honors Scholar, Coutray credits his success to disciplined focus and strong mentorship, particularly from Charles N. Millican Professor of Computer Science Joseph LaViola and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang.

Advancing Patient Care

Goldwater Scholar: Varun Nannuri

Major: Molecular and cellular biology

Ultimate Goal: To pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

Varun Nannuri is driven by a desire to understand why people experience different health outcomes and improve care.

“Through my clinical experiences, I have seen how much patients and families rely on physicians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Nannuri says. “My research experiences have shown me that better care depends on asking better questions.”

Nannuri plans to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree and become a physician-scientist. His ambition earned him recognition as a 2026 Order of Pegasus inductee while also completing his Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Nannuri is also a member of the Burnett Honors College as a Burnett Medical Scholar, a program that offers guaranteed admission to the UCF College of Medicine upon completion.

麻豆精品 S淯CF has given me opportunities to grow as a student, researcher, leader and future physician, 麻豆精品 S� Nannuri says.

Restoring Human Senses

Goldwater Scholar: Trevor Overton

Majors: Electrical engineering and biomedical sciences

Ultimate Goal: To improve the lives of people with disabilities through advanced robotic prostheses.

Burnett Honors Scholar Trevor Overton 麻豆精品 S檚 work centers on neuroengineering and next-generation prosthetics.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檝e always had a passion for building things, and I also love reading and watching sci-fi, 麻豆精品 S� Overton says. 麻豆精品 S淲hen UCF offered me the opportunity to join the MEDD [ 麻豆精品 S� I knew I had to take it. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 MEDD program provides scientifically driven students like Overton with a unique opportunity to integrate engineering principles into medicine.

Much like the development of cochlear implants, Overton imagines similar breakthroughs with vision and touch.

麻豆精品 S淚 envision a future where robotic prostheses are so advanced that they could completely replace or enhance the abilities of humans, 麻豆精品 S� Overton says. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 not entirely impossible. 麻豆精品 S�

After earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering with a focus on neuroengineering, he hopes to inspire the next generation 麻豆精品 S� just as his professors inspired him 麻豆精品 S� emphasizing that UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 strength lies in professors who actively invest in their students.

A Growing Research Powerhouse

With four 2026 Goldwater Scholarship recipients, UCF continues to strengthen its position as a leader in undergraduate research. The achievement reflects both students 麻豆精品 S� immense dedication and a university-wide commitment to driving innovation, mentorship and hands-on discovery. As these Knights prepare for the next steps in their academic journeys, they carry forward a shared mission: to turn research into real-world impact.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at聽opa@ucf.edu.

Gray, who died April 22 at age 94, leaves behind a legacy woven into nearly every corner of Central Florida. A lawyer, civic leader, builder and philanthropist, he helped create the institutions, infrastructure and opportunities that generations have benefited from.

麻豆精品 S淎t a time when this region was still defining its future, Charlie Gray was among those who saw what could be 麻豆精品 S� and had the courage and persistence to help build it. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

For UCF, his impact was foundational. It exists in every student who walks campus with possibility ahead of them, in every graduate who helps shape the future of this region and in every reminder that one person can change the course of a community.

麻豆精品 S淎t a time when this region was still defining its future,聽Charlie聽Gray聽was among those who saw what could be 麻豆精品 S� and had the courage and persistence to help build it, 麻豆精品 S� Cartwright says. 麻豆精品 S淗is leadership and belief in the power of higher education helped lay the foundation for the University of Central Florida, an institution that has opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and strengthened communities across Central Florida and our state.

麻豆精品 S淲hen we first arrived at UCF,聽Charlie聽and Saundra were incredibly gracious in welcoming Melinda and me. It meant a great deal to know him not only as a leader and champion of this university, but as someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on our family.

麻豆精品 S淥n behalf of UCF, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and legacy. We are grateful for his contributions and will continue to honor the example he set for what is possible. 麻豆精品 S�

Building a New University for Central Florida

Gray is often described as the 麻豆精品 S済randfather of UCF, 麻豆精品 S� a title earned through decades of action. In the mid-1960s, as a young attorney and rising political strategist, he helped deliver the momentum needed to turn the vision of a Central Florida university into reality.

After Gray helped Haydon Burns win the race for governor for 1965-67, Burns asked what he wanted in return. Gray 麻豆精品 S檚 answer was simple: 麻豆精品 S淣umber one, I want a new university. 麻豆精品 S�

Burns delivered, making the project the state 麻豆精品 S檚 top higher education funding priority and helping secure what would become Florida Technological University 麻豆精品 S� now UCF.

It was a defining example of Gray 麻豆精品 S檚 leadership style: he asked not for personal gain, but for something transformational for the community.

Today, UCF graduates nearly 19,000 students annually and stands as one of the region 麻豆精品 S檚 greatest economic engines. Gray remained deeply connected to the university long after its founding, serving as chair of the UCF Foundation and helping guide its growth. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate of public service.

Driving Prosperity Across Florida

Gray 麻豆精品 S檚 impact extended far beyond UCF.

As chairman of the Florida Turnpike Authority, he oversaw the design and construction of the turnpike interchange with Interstate 4 麻豆精品 S� the gateway to Walt Disney World. That infrastructure helped solidify Walt and Roy Disney 麻豆精品 S檚 decision to bring their vision to Central Florida, forever reshaping the region 麻豆精品 S檚 economy and identity.

He also secured state support for State Road 408, opening new pathways for growth. As Orange County Attorney, he helped resolve a crippling sewer moratorium, advance the Tourist Development Tax and support development of the Orange County Convention Center, downtown County Administration Center and expansion of the Orange County Library System.

Gray co-founded the Orlando Economic Development Commission (now the Orlando Economic Partnership) and helped attract major employers and mission-driven organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

He also helped finance the original Orlando Arena, supporting the city 麻豆精品 S檚 effort to secure an NBA franchise and helping Orlando become what many called a 麻豆精品 S渕ajor league city. 麻豆精品 S�

In every chapter, Gray believed strong communities do not happen by accident 麻豆精品 S� they are built by people willing to think long-term and serve selflessly.

That philosophy shaped GrayRobinson, the law firm he co-founded in 1970. His guiding principle 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S渨hen you build your community, you will build your firm 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� became the base of one of Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 most influential law firms.

Honoring Charlie Gray 麻豆精品 S檚 Legacy

Beyond his professional accomplishments, those closest to him remember a man defined by faith, family and partnership.

He and his wife, Saundra, shared more than 70 years of marriage and adventure 麻豆精品 S� sailing around the world aboard聽Sea Gem, ranching cattle and preserving Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 natural beauty. Together, they donated their beloved Gemini Springs home to Volusia County as a permanent public park.

Gray is remembered as a selfless leader who gave freely to help others, as he believed in putting in the hard work to solve problems, empower people and build together.

A service will be held Monday, April 27, at 3 p.m. at Orlando Lutheran Towers in the Chapel, with the entrance on Liberty Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Gray by 麻豆精品 S� those building a future Gray would be proud of.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

麻豆精品 S淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF. 麻豆精品 S�

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at UCF in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

麻豆精品 S淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of UCF, 麻豆精品 S� Kittinger says. 麻豆精品 S淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important. 麻豆精品 S�

He served on orientation team and President 麻豆精品 S檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master 麻豆精品 S檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he 麻豆精品 S檚 ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you 麻豆精品 S檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you 麻豆精品 S檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond 麻豆精品 S檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 麻豆精品 S� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

麻豆精品 S淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I 麻豆精品 S檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Fred Kittinger

麻豆精品 S淚t takes that trio to make an impact 麻豆精品 S� you 麻豆精品 S檝e got to have private industry, you 麻豆精品 S檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together, 麻豆精品 S� he says. 麻豆精品 S淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I 麻豆精品 S檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I 麻豆精品 S檝e been very blessed. 麻豆精品 S�

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university 麻豆精品 S檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); 聽the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

麻豆精品 S淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region, 麻豆精品 S� says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and聽community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students 麻豆精品 S� lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program 麻豆精品 S檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

麻豆精品 S淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it, 麻豆精品 S� Owen says. 麻豆精品 S淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred 麻豆精品 S檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed. 麻豆精品 S�

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.

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 S�90 麻豆精品 S�94MBA, 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 S�95, 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 S�95, 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.

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聽designed for a world聽where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare聽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�

To reduce these challenges, associate professors of health sciences Michael Rovito and Keith Brazendale in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Department of Health Sciences are conducting a 6-month intervention study, which is funded by the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund.

The National Cancer Institute estimates survival rates for testicular cancer are high, as about 10,000 men are diagnosed each year and fewer than 5% die from the disease 麻豆精品 S� underscoring the need to improve quality of life for these patients.

麻豆精品 S淥ur focus is on finding ways to improve the quality of life for these survivors, and to improve their mental, emotional and social health, 麻豆精品 S� says Rovito, who has researched testicular cancer and men 麻豆精品 S檚 health for nearly two decades.

A New Approach to Survivorship Care

Previous survivorship programs have often focused on high-intensity exercise, which can be difficult for patients managing recovery, work and family demands. To develop a more sustainable path to recovery, Rovito and Brazendale are testing a uniquely designed intervention in Florida, known as the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program.

PACT combines low-impact, remote, physical activity with an online support network to help survivors navigate psychosocial challenges. Participants engage in regular low-intensity physical activity, such as walking or taking the stairs, and track their progress using Fitbit devices. The devices provide real-time feedback, allowing researchers to set weekly goals and offer personalized guidance. This feedback loop helps participants stay engaged while building sustainable habits.

麻豆精品 S淲e 麻豆精品 S檙e seeking an intervention they can do for the rest of their lives, 麻豆精品 S� Brazendale says. 麻豆精品 S淲e want these healthy supports to become habit. 麻豆精品 S�

Support Beyond Physical Recovery

Connected through Zoom sessions, PACT program participants receive personalized counsel and encouragement from the researchers directly. They also take part in virtual peer-support sessions led by a social worker and a survivor advocate trained in trauma-informed care. Monthly sessions include breathwork, meditation and discussions on common concerns such as fertility, relationship changes and fear of recurrence.

麻豆精品 S淭he online support session provides coping strategies and tools for the participants to use during the day, when they can feel anxious or depressed or overwhelmed, 麻豆精品 S� Rovito says.

Outside of the meetings, researchers stay in touch regularly with individual messages to participants, sending tailored motivational text messages.

麻豆精品 S淥ur hope is that we are providing realistic physical activity changes that are sustainable when the monitoring ends, 麻豆精品 S� says Brazendale. 麻豆精品 S淲e want these survivors to have adopted habits and skills that result in them being healthier over the long-term. 麻豆精品 S�

The researchers say they hope to expand the program to other cancer survivor groups and integrate it into broader survivorship care across Florida, while securing additional funding for larger-scale trials.

The Feasibility of the Physical Activity and Connectivity for Testicular Cancer Survivors (PACT) program is supported by a grant from the Florida Department of Health Cancer Innovation Fund grant number 25C33.聽

UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 texts and technology program has received a 2026 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to launch 麻豆精品 S淏uilding a Digital Humanities Generative AI Learning Community, 麻豆精品 S� a 24-month initiative designed to help faculty and graduate students thoughtfully integrate AI into humanities teaching.

This year, UCF is leading one of only 84 projects funded by the NEH and is the only institution in Florida to be selected for the award.

Associate Professor and Professor will lead the initiative, which focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, curriculum redesign and hands-on experimentation with emerging AI tools.

Coding for Creativity

Salter, director of graduate programs in the College of Arts and Humanities, says the project builds on a long tradition in digital humanities of teaching creative problem-solving through technology.

麻豆精品 S淚n a lot of humanities programs, when we teach people how to build digital projects, we 麻豆精品 S檙e teaching them some level of code, 麻豆精品 S� Salter says. 麻豆精品 S淏ut often we 麻豆精品 S檙e working with low-code tools 麻豆精品 S� interfaces designed for a specific purpose, like building a certain kind of game. Once students learn how to navigate those tools, what really matters is their ideas, the design, the story they want to tell. 麻豆精品 S�

She explains that generative AI tools function in a similar way. Rather than replacing creativity, they can expand it.

麻豆精品 S淲hen we look at agentic AI, it 麻豆精品 S檚 essentially a low-code computational interface, 麻豆精品 S� Salter says. 麻豆精品 S淭he better you can define and plan a concept, the more the system can assist with the underlying technical work 麻豆精品 S� especially in the creative applications. 麻豆精品 S�

Reimagining Humanities Work

Stanfill says the grant will fund course redesign efforts over the next two years. Faculty and graduate student participants will adapt existing undergraduate digital humanities courses to meaningfully incorporate AI in ways that align with humanistic expertise. Stanfill 麻豆精品 S檚 scholarship has recently received national recognition. In 2025, they were awarded the National Communication Association’s Diamond Anniversary Book Award for their book 麻豆精品 S淔andom Is Ugly: Networked Harassment in Participatory Culture 麻豆精品 S�.

麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 about integrating AI in a way that makes sense for each course and for what humanities already bring to the table, 麻豆精品 S� Stanfill says. 麻豆精品 S淭he goal is to enhance 麻豆精品 S� not replace 麻豆精品 S� the core strengths of humanities scholarship. 麻豆精品 S�

The funding will also support stipends that allow participants in the program to experiment with advanced AI tools that are expensive to access.

麻豆精品 S淭hey are more cost-intensive, 麻豆精品 S� Salter says. 麻豆精品 S淧art of what this grant allows us to do is give students real access 麻豆精品 S� not just a limited sandbox version 麻豆精品 S� so they can fully understand what these tools can do. 麻豆精品 S�

The implications extend to areas such as archival transcription and preservation. Advances in handwriting recognition and large-scale document analysis could help students work with under-digitized collections in new ways.

麻豆精品 S淚f you can bring a class into an archive that 麻豆精品 S檚 been underappreciated and use these tools, you can build searchable databases and identify patterns in ways that used to require years of manual labor, 麻豆精品 S� Salter says.

The grant strengthens UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 position as a leader in digital humanities education, the researchers say. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and encouraging thoughtful AI integration, the texts and technology program aims to model how humanities scholarship can evolve alongside technological innovation.

The 麻豆精品 S淏uilding a Digital Humanities Generative AI Learning Community 麻豆精品 S� 聽project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Thermo Fisher Talos F200X analytical transmission electron microscope enables researchers 麻豆精品 S� both at UCF and in industries across Florida 麻豆精品 S� to observe and analyze materials at the atomic scale. Equipped with advanced nanoanalysis tools, the instrument allows direct observation of elemental, chemical, electrical and magnetic states, dramatically enhancing what scientists can measure and understand.

The instrument will be housed in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 AMPAC Materials Characterization Facility (MCF), directed by Professor Jiyu Fang, and will operate as a shared university resource supporting interdisciplinary research and external partnerships.

麻豆精品 S淭he new Thermo Fisher Talos F200X analytical transmission electron microscope will revolutionize materials science and engineering at the nanoscale, 麻豆精品 S� says Professor Sudipta Seal, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. 麻豆精品 S淚ts advanced analytical capabilities will enable unprecedented insight into structure 麻豆精品 S損roperty relationships, accelerating innovation across next-generation semiconductors, quantum materials, space and hypersonic systems, and cutting-edge biomedical applications. 麻豆精品 S�

麻豆精品 S淭his instrument is a catalyst for discovery, 麻豆精品 S� says Vice President for Research and Innovation Winston Schoenfeld. 麻豆精品 S淏y giving our researchers and students the ability to see and understand materials at the atomic scale, UCF is unlocking new pathways for innovation across energy, aerospace, semiconductors and beyond. 麻豆精品 S�

A Unique Capability in Florida

While other institutions in Florida operate microscopes within the Talos series, UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 system offers a distinct combination of capabilities.

It is the only Talos F200X in the state equipped with both a cold field emission gun and a super X energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. This configuration significantly enhances energy resolution and high-contrast imaging, enabling exceptionally precise chemical mapping at the atomic scale.

According to Professor Akihiro Kushima, the cold field emission gun allows advanced atomistic-scale analysis even for beam-sensitive materials 麻豆精品 S� samples that can be damaged under conventional imaging conditions. The improved resolution and signal collection make it possible to analyze delicate materials in ways that were previously difficult or impossible.

In addition to supporting engineering and computer science research, the instrument will expand capabilities in fields such as planetary science, where nanoscale characterization of extraterrestrial materials can provide new insight into the origins and composition of planetary bodies.

Supporting Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Innovation Ecosystem

Beyond academic research, the microscope is expected to strengthen partnerships with Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 high-tech industries.

The Talos F200X enables deep structural understanding of advanced materials, opening new opportunities for collaboration with companies across aerospace, defense, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, semiconductors, energy and environmental sectors.

Kushima notes that the microscope is already supporting collaborations with local industry partners developing advanced battery materials. Using the Talos F200X, researchers can study how material structures evolve during charge and discharge processes, providing deeper insight into reaction mechanisms and helping optimize performance. The acquisition was made possible by the UCF Office of Research, with support from the Office of the Provost.

Training the Next Generation

The Talos F200X will be incorporated into undergraduate and graduate coursework in electron microscopy and advanced characterization techniques. Students conducting research can also gain hands-on experience after completing required training.

Understanding materials at the nano and atomic scales is essential in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor sectors, where structural insights inform synthesis optimization and failure analysis. Students trained in advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy are highly valued in industry, positioning UCF graduates to contribute directly to Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce.

Industry partners interested in utilizing the AMPAC Materials Characterization Facility may request instrument time by contacting ampacmcf@ucf.edu.

Over the past eight years, the awards have supported a wide range of projects across the arts, health, humanities and technology, reflecting the breadth of interdisciplinary work at UCF and the program 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to addressing real-world needs through creative research and community partnership.

Each winning team will receive $25,000 to support projects that meaningfully integrate technology, demonstrate potential for sustainability and measure outcomes using a logic model framework. This year 麻豆精品 S檚 theme, 麻豆精品 S淭ech for the Human Good, 麻豆精品 S� emphasizes the power of arts, humanities, health and technology to create positive societal impact.

To qualify, teams must include at least one member from the College of Arts and Humanities, another UCF unit and a community partner. Submissions are evaluated on potential impact, sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Founded in 2018 by Chuck Steinmetz and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, the awards debuted as the Pabst Steinmetz Arts and Innovation Awards, becoming the first project supported by the couple 麻豆精品 S檚 joint foundation. Originally created to ignite research initiatives focused on arts and wellness, the scope of the awards has since broadened. Margery Pabst Steinmetz says the awards have the potential to drive innovation and lasting impact for both campus and community.

麻豆精品 S淭his year 麻豆精品 S檚 applicant pool was especially strong and highly accomplished, 麻豆精品 S� Margery Pabst Steinmetz says. 麻豆精品 S淥ver the last year, we made some changes to the award so more researchers and nonprofits could see how it applies to their work, but the mission remains the same: champion and grow interdisciplinary research that will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond. 麻豆精品 S�

Learn more about the winning projects.

Limbitless Adaptive Sports League: Power Soccer

This project, led by Matt Dombrowski 麻豆精品 S�05 麻豆精品 S�08MFA, professor of emerging media in the , in collaboration with Peter Smith 麻豆精品 S�05MS 麻豆精品 S�12PhD, associate professor in the , aims to develop a multiplayer adaptive sports video game for individuals who use power wheelchairs.

In partnership with UCF-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions, the Mayo Clinic, Central Florida Dreamplex and Orlando Magic Dreamers, the project transforms competitive adaptive sports like power soccer 麻豆精品 S� a sport specifically designed for individuals who use power wheelchairs 麻豆精品 S� into an accessible virtual gaming experience.

The game uses an electromyographic controller to translate muscle movements into game commands, allowing players to compete while building skills that support independence, collaboration and social engagement.

麻豆精品 S淭he project empowers wheelchair athletes by giving them a platform to compete, connect and develop skills in ways that weren 麻豆精品 S檛 previously possible, 麻豆精品 S� Dombrowski says. “This award is deeply meaningful to me and to everyone at Limbitless, and we are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for recognizing and supporting this work. 麻豆精品 S�

Dombrowski says his inspiration comes from former students, neighbors and colleagues who live or have lived with degenerative conditions. He and Peter Smith recently lost a respected research collaborator who profoundly shaped the project and inspired the game’s development. The collaborator introduced them to the world of power soccer, and the team proudly dedicates the effort to his memory.

“This project is special because it … supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence …” 麻豆精品 S� Matt Dombrowski 麻豆精品 S�05 麻豆精品 S�08MFA, UCF professor

麻豆精品 S淭his project is special because it serves multiple communities at once. It supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence through Project Xavier, our hands-free power wheelchair control system, 麻豆精品 S� Dombrowski says. 麻豆精品 S淎t its core, this work is about access, dignity and joy. Gaming and sport should be for everyone, across all abilities. No one should ever have to lose access to something they love. 麻豆精品 S�

The initiative will host an annual eSports tournament, establish a scalable framework for adaptive sports games and provide professional development opportunities for interdisciplinary UCF students. Anticipated outcomes include increased social connection, physical activity engagement and overall well-being for participants, while advancing inclusive game design.

Collaborators:

• Paulette Belser, Orlando Magic Dreamers
• Matthew Dombrowski 麻豆精品 S�05 麻豆精品 S�08MFA, College of Arts and Humanities
• Cameron Gomes 麻豆精品 S�08, Central Florida Dreamplex
• Albert Manero 麻豆精品 S�12 麻豆精品 S�14MS 麻豆精品 S�16PhD, Limbitless Solutions
• Bj枚rn Oskarsson, ALS Center of Excellence at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
• Peter Smith 麻豆精品 S�05MS 麻豆精品 S�12PhD, Nicholson School of Communication and Media, College of Sciences
• John Sparkman 麻豆精品 S�13 麻豆精品 S�15MS, Limbitless Solutions

More information about the project can be found .

Designing for Resilience: Integrating Art and Wearable Technology for Firefighter Health, Safety and Well-Being

Led by Kaitlyn Crawford, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with Ashley Taylor 麻豆精品 S�12, assistant professor of emerging media and graphic design in the School of Visual Arts and Design, this project partners with the Sanford Fire Department to design wearable technology that monitors firefighter heat stress while incorporating artistic design and educational components.

The team is integrating wearable sensors 麻豆精品 S� developed in collaboration with Northwestern University 麻豆精品 S� that track physiological indicators to detect heat stress. Custom graphic design elements and informational infographics will be incorporated to encourage adoption within the fire service. A design feedback loop with the local fire service in Sanford ensures the wearable designs align with firefighter culture and identity, promoting usability and long-term adoption.

“Through [the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation’s] support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances … that result in positive societal impact.” 麻豆精品 S� Kaitlyn Crawford, UCF associate professor

麻豆精品 S淭he goal is to improve firefighter health and safety while respecting traditions and creating tools they 麻豆精品 S檙e excited to use, 麻豆精品 S� Crawford says. 麻豆精品 S淚t 麻豆精品 S檚 an incredible honor to engage with our fire service community in this meaningful way. We are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for supporting this work. Through this support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances and meaningful connections with the community that result in positive societal impact. 麻豆精品 S�

The award will allow the team to scale the project across multiple regions and provide hands-on professional development opportunities for UCF students in design, engineering and research. By helping prevent cardiac events and other heat-related health risks, the initiative addresses an urgent community need while modeling how art, engineering and public service can intersect to improve lives.

An infographic illustrating the wearable device and project logic model is available .

Collaborators:

• Carter Clingan, a materials science and engineering undergraduate student at UCF
• Kaitlyn Crawford, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• David Giordano, a biomedical engineering graduate student at UCF
• Ronnie McNeil Jr., Sanford Fire Department
• Ashley Taylor 麻豆精品 S�12, College of Arts and Humanities
• Studio Pegasus students, College of Arts and Humanities