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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

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

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

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

For 25 years, members of have shared a powerful belief: investing in UCF is ultimately an investment in students and the lives they 麻豆精品 S檒l lead.

Through planned gifts such as bequests, estate plans and retirement assets, society members extend opportunity far beyond a single generation. Their support fuels scholarships, research and academic programs that prepare students to meet the evolving needs of industry and community.

In 2025 alone, planned gifts accounted for nearly one-third of all charitable support to UCF.

The society is named for UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 founding president, Charles Millican, a visionary who built the university with the future firmly in mind. During his tenure, Millican transformed 1,227 acres of Central Florida scrubland into an institution designed to support the space race and prepare students for careers in engineering and computer science. He championed what would become the Central Florida Research Park and helped shape UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 enduring ambition to reach for the stars.

Today, that vision lives on through more than 500 members of The Charles Millican Legacy Society 麻豆精品 S� and through the students whose futures are shaped by their generosity.

A World of Possibility

Thiago Maillo 麻豆精品 S檚 path to a bachelor 麻豆精品 S檚 degree wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 linear 麻豆精品 S� but it was driven by something unwavering: the pursuit of greater opportunity.

After his first year studying medicine at the Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Maillo realized he wanted a different future. He saw higher education in the United States as the place to build it. Just three months after applying to Valencia College, he moved to Florida and later .

“Scholarships have made all the difference. They 麻豆精品 S檝e made it possible for me to achieve my dreams.” 麻豆精品 S� Thiago Maillo, biomedical sciences major

Today, he 麻豆精品 S檚 a Burnett Honors Scholar and biomedical sciences major on the neuroscience track, with a minor in psychology. He 麻豆精品 S檚 conducted research at the Applied Cognition and Technology Lab, completed an internship with ThinkNeuro and serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant in Genetics and Embryology. He 麻豆精品 S檚 also found community as president of the Argentinian Student Association.

麻豆精品 S淏eing at UCF was my goal from the start, 麻豆精品 S� says Maillo, who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience. 麻豆精品 S淚 love being a Knight. Scholarships have made all the difference. They 麻豆精品 S檝e made it possible for me to achieve my dreams 麻豆精品 S� and pave the way for my two siblings to follow in my footsteps. 麻豆精品 S�

Reimagining What 麻豆精品 S檚 Possible

Shannon Hankinson didn 麻豆精品 S檛 follow the traditional path to UCF 麻豆精品 S� she created her own.

A Tampa native and single mother of two, Hankinson spent years leading teams at Target before realizing that success and fulfillment aren 麻豆精品 S檛 always the same. Determined to change course, she saved money, left her job, earned an associate degree at Eastern Florida State College and transferred to UCF, becoming the first in her family to pursue a four-year degree.

“Donors made it possible for me to build a future that reflects my values and supports my family.” 麻豆精品 S� Shannon Hankinson, electrical engineering major

Now a senior electrical engineering major, she has seized several opportunities at UCF. She completed two semesters in the , joined the Society of Women Engineers and works as a research assistant in UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Radiation Effects Exploration Laboratory. There, she studies semiconductor reliability, hardware design and embedded systems under Assistant Professor Enxia Zhang. Through the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement program, she also gained hands-on experience with the U.S. defense sector.

This spring, Hankinson will graduate debt-free 麻豆精品 S� supported by scholarships, research funding and a fellowship that 麻豆精品 S檒l carry her directly into a UCF master 麻豆精品 S檚 program. A doctorate is next.

麻豆精品 S淥ne of my goals was to show my children that it 麻豆精品 S檚 never too late to do what you want to do with your life, 麻豆精品 S� Hankinson says. 麻豆精品 S淒onors made it possible for me to build a future that reflects my values and supports my family. 麻豆精品 S�

A Lasting Legacy

On May 2, UCF celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Charles Millican Legacy Society. The milestone coincides with , which builds on the university 麻豆精品 S檚 commitment to accelerating student success, advancing research and driving societal impact.

“… support from … our Charles Millican Legacy Society members [continues] to power our innovators, educators and researchers …” 麻豆精品 S� Rod Grabowski, senior vice president of Advancement and Partnerships

麻豆精品 S淭his university was founded to serve the next great frontier 麻豆精品 S� America 麻豆精品 S檚 space race 麻豆精品 S� and it 麻豆精品 S檚 support from dedicated individuals like our Charles Millican Legacy Society members that continue to power our innovators, educators and researchers as they move that mission forward, 麻豆精品 S� says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president of Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. 麻豆精品 S淔rom driving the latest advances in AI to creating next-level immersive experiences and sparking breakthrough medical research, UCF is building a future others have only imagined 麻豆精品 S� one that this society 麻豆精品 S檚 namesake would be proud to see. 麻豆精品 S�

Maillo is forging new frontiers for his family. Hankinson is showing her children what 麻豆精品 S檚 possible when you start again.

They aren 麻豆精品 S檛 outliers. They 麻豆精品 S檙e what happens when students with extraordinary drive meet extraordinary support.

This is the true legacy of UCF, of Millican and of the society members: students with the confidence to go further, supported by those who believe they can.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

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

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

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

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

Built to Go For Launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to support the College of Nursing

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

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听designed for a world听where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare听students with the skills the marketplace demands.

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

Inspiring Others

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

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

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

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

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

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

麻豆精品 S淭his is a defining moment for UCF and for the College of Business, 麻豆精品 S� says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 麻豆精品 S�01MBA. 麻豆精品 S淎s an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how UCF transforms lives by opening doors to opportunity, and this extraordinary gift takes that mission to an entirely new level, giving future generations of Knights access to a world-class business education and an opportunity to achieve their full potential. 麻豆精品 S�

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

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

A Defining Moment for UCF

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

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

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

Building the Future of Business Education

麻豆精品 S淯CF gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Barry Miller 麻豆精品 S�95, 听Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

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

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

This vision is grounded in the region UCF calls home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accelerating Momentum

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

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

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

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

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

The Power of a 24-Hour Mission

In a single day, 5,187 donors from across the country and around the globe gifted more than $14.9 million in support of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 bold vision for the future, setting a new record in dollars raised during . With contributions spanning across all 12 colleges and 200 programs and initiatives, participants included both longtime supporters and first-time donors, reflecting a growing community united by a shared belief in the power of education, discovery and opportunity.

From the moment the campaign launched at midnight, momentum built quickly 麻豆精品 S� across campuses, communities and time zones. Hour by hour, participation grew as alumni, students, faculty, staff, partners and friends added their support, each gift contributing to something larger than any single moment.

Momentum Across Knight Nation

By mid 麻豆精品 S憁orning, the energy of UCF Day of Giving was unmistakable. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Student Union buzzed with celebration as everyone gathered for photobooths, coffee and conversations that turned into meaningful contributions.

The celebration extended beyond main campus, with similar moments unfolding at UCF Downtown and the Health Sciences Campus, reinforcing UCF Day of Giving as a university 麻豆精品 S憌ide movement.

麻豆精品 S淓very gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� President Alexander N. Cartwright

麻豆精品 S淯CF Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what Knight Nation can accomplish together, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淓very gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward. 麻豆精品 S�

UCF Day of Giving is a key moment within Go for Launch: The Campaign for UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Next Mission and the university 麻豆精品 S檚 most ambitious revenue-generating effort to date.

Powered by Knight Nation

Through the Go For Launch campaign, UCF builds upon four priorities that will amplify our impact and create our future. They represent the pioneering spirit of UCF and speak to the unique needs of our dynamic community: , , and. Together, these priorities accelerate UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 continued rise as Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 Technological University and create opportunities that extend far beyond campus.

This campaign shares the same collaborative spirit that 麻豆精品 S檚 fueled record-breaking results for UCF Day of Giving year after year.

麻豆精品 S淲e recognize the unique combination of philanthropy, partnership and collective drive needed to bring bold visions to life, and we 麻豆精品 S檙e proud to lean into that, 麻豆精品 S� says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships at UCF and CEO of the UCF Foundation, Inc. 麻豆精品 S淎t UCF, we 麻豆精品 S檙e building a future that others have only begun to imagine, and that pursuit is sustained not by any one individual or group, but by the power of many. 麻豆精品 S�

For students like Ervin Xhemali the impact of these efforts is both immediate and life 麻豆精品 S慶hanging. A first 麻豆精品 S慻eneration student funding his education independently, Xhemali initially thought the scholarship credit in his account was a mistake, until he realized it came from the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund, established by Raymond Smithberger 麻豆精品 S�02MBA in honor of his mother.

The scholarship helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on learning and future goals. For Xhemali, an economics major balancing coursework with multiple jobs, the support was more than financial, it was a catalyst for what would come next.

Across campus and online, UCF Day of Giving spotlighted stories of impact 麻豆精品 S� students discovering new opportunities, faculty advancing breakthroughs and alumni carrying the Knight spirit into industries and communities worldwide.

Transformational investments fueled that momentum, including a $500,000 grant from Bank of America to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona. The gift closed a more than $30 million private fundraising effort for the facility, bringing UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 vision for its College of Nursing to life alongside $43 million in state support.

Fuel for the Mission

Over the past four years, 24,411 individuals have invested more than $49.5 million through UCF Day of Giving, strengthening the foundation for continued impact and growth.

Together, these moments reflect what has always defined UCF: a belief that bold ideas, supported by a committed community, create lasting change. In just 24 hours, Knights demonstrated how collective generosity can expand opportunity, accelerate innovation and move ideas forward.

Together, Knight Nation isn 麻豆精品 S檛 just imagining the future; through moments like UCF Day of Giving, we 麻豆精品 S檙e creating it.

麻豆精品 S淥nce I realized it wasn 麻豆精品 S檛 a mistake, I was thrilled, 麻豆精品 S� says Xhemali, one of the inaugural recipients of the Katherine Crock Memorial Scholarship. 麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 financing this entire experience on my own, so every bit helps. That 麻豆精品 S檚 money I can now put toward my future. 麻豆精品 S�

For Xhemali, an aspiring lawyer, college once felt like a distant world reserved for others. Between traveling back-and-forth across the Atlantic Ocean to live with his parents in Albania and relatives in Chicago and Jacksonville, Florida, he constantly balanced family expectations with his own ambitions. Ultimately, Xhemali faced a difficult choice: work to support his family or focus solely on his studies. He chose both, supplementing his scholarship by working as a produce clerk at Publix and a warehouse shipper.

College of Business alum Raymond Smithberger 麻豆精品 S�02MBA understands that drive. Growing up on a 100-acre farm in Southeast Ohio, Smithberger learned the value of hard work and family obligation early on. The oldest of five, with a father who worked in a factory and a mother who was a receptionist, Smithberger was aware of the financial hurdles facing a first-generation student when he left home to pursue his undergraduate degree and later an MBA at UCF.

Now the chief operating officer at Help at Home, a national home care provider, Smithberger credits his late mother, Katherine Crock, for pushing him to blaze his own trail.

麻豆精品 S淪he was the one who really encouraged me to do things differently, 麻豆精品 S� Smithberger says.

Following his mother 麻豆精品 S檚 passing, Smithberger honored her legacy by creating the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund. The endowment ensures students like himself, and Xhemali, have the support they need to define their own futures 麻豆精品 S� and pays tribute to someone who valued education more than anything else.

UCF Day of Giving is Thursday, April 9. Join us during Knight Nation’s single largest day of impact as we support our favorite colleges, programs, student services, research endeavors and more. .

麻豆精品 S淸My mother] wanted to pursue further education but never had the chance, 麻豆精品 S� Smithberger says. 麻豆精品 S淚 feel honored to support other first-generation students in her memory. 麻豆精品 S�

Strategically launched last year on to maximize impact, visibility, and matching opportunities, the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund helps to expand student access, reduce financial barriers,and accelerate academic success. By funding both established and new scholarship initiatives, donors directly enable UCF students to focus on their studies and career-shaping experiences, such as internships and campus involvement, rather than financial stressors.

While the finer points of UCF Day of Giving are still new to Xhemali, he understands the significance ofSmithberger 麻豆精品 S檚 generosity.

麻豆精品 S淚 麻豆精品 S檓 still fresh, but I 麻豆精品 S檓 figuring out this stuff, 麻豆精品 S� Xhemali says. 麻豆精品 S淲hat I do know is that I want to use this scholarship to put me in a position where I can help someone like Mr. Smithberger has helped me. 麻豆精品 S�

The pivotal investment closes an aggressive and purposeful capital campaign to raise more than $30 million in private funding, which together with $43 million from the State of Florida, has brought UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 bold vision of a new home for its College of Nursing to life.

麻豆精品 S淧urposeful partnerships are what move our people and ideas forward to shape the future, 麻豆精品 S� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 麻豆精品 S淥ur mission with this campaign was clear: to address Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 nursing shortage head-on by significantly increasing UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 capacity to prepare compassionate and highly skilled Knight nurses. Together, with the generous support of state leaders, donors and partners, we are moving healthcare forward by fueling talent and innovation. 麻豆精品 S�

Opened in Fall 2025, the 90,000-square-foot Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion increases access to UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 accredited and nationally ranked nursing degree programs. One in four Florida nursing graduates already receive a degree from UCF, more than any other university in the state.

With the opening, UCF will graduate an additional 150 newly licensed eligible nurses annually and directly impact Florida communities. Of the more than 17,000 Knight nurse alumni, 85% live and work in the Sunshine State and nearly 60% remain in Central Florida.

The facility comes at a critical time for the profession and state, which is facing a projected shortage of 37,400 registered nurses by 2035. To meet demand spurred from Florida 麻豆精品 S檚 rapidly growing and aging population, an estimated 2,300 RNs are needed to enter the workforce annually.

麻豆精品 S淲e are incredibly grateful to Bank of America Central Florida for their support that will impact generations in Central Florida and beyond, 麻豆精品 S� says College of Nursing Dean Sharon Tucker. 麻豆精品 S淭hrough philanthropic support and partnerships, UCF has turned a challenge into opportunity 麻豆精品 S� one that improves lives with increased access to a high-quality education and increased collaboration to innovate patient care. Together we are ensuring a healthier future for all. 麻豆精品 S�

In addition to expanding classroom space, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion dramatically expands space for simulation and immersive technologies to prepare future healthcare providers in the Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center. UCF is a global leader in healthcare simulation, and the first in Florida with three global accolades in the innovative field.

With an optimal location in Lake Nona, adjacent to UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 College of Medicine and in a hub of industry activity, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is fueling greater collaborative research and learning opportunities. UCF students gain hands-on clinical experiences at neighboring healthcare facilities and real-life practice in interdisciplinary care with the new UCF Health Mobile Clinic.

麻豆精品 S淭his building is positively impacting how my peers and I learn, as community support is at the forefront and motivates our studies, 麻豆精品 S� says Raquel Vargas, a current accelerated second degree BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) student at UCF. 麻豆精品 S淚n addition, the advanced technology in the simulation center is improving my ability to analyze and anticipate real-life patient scenarios, preparing me for my future clinical practice. 麻豆精品 S�

The capital campaign launched in November 2022 anchored by a generous $10 million gift from Dr. Phillips Charities. Other founding donors of the facility include the Helene Fuld Health Trust, UCF Pegasus Partners AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children 麻豆精品 S檚 Health and Addition Financial, Zaby and Suree Vyas, and many others.

麻豆精品 S淭hrough this grant, the Bank of America is bolstering the backbone of healthcare in one of our nation 麻豆精品 S檚 fastest-growing regions, 麻豆精品 S� says Naveed Shujaat, president, Bank of America Central Florida. 麻豆精品 S淓ducation and healthcare are powerful forces in communities 麻豆精品 S� catalysts that transform lives. This support for the education of future UCF nurses will have an immeasurable impact on the patients and families they serve, especially in Florida. 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,听we 麻豆精品 S檙e听launching Knights to new heights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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