UCF ADVANCEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS FY25 ANNUAL REPORT by UCF Foundation, Inc.

UCF IMPACT REPORT

Dear UCF Supporters and Friends,

As we reflect on another extraordinary year at the University of Central Florida, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of possibility. This community continues to show what can happen when people believe in a mission larger than themselves. Because of you, UCF is turning access into achievement, imagination into excellence, and bold ideas into real impact.

This Annual Report tells that story. It captures the momentum you helped build and the progress we have made together across every part of our university.

Throughout this report, you will see the tangible ways your support is shaping lives, fueling discovery, and moving our university forward. Your generosity empowers our students, expands our research, and builds the foundation for the breakthroughs that will lift communities in Florida and beyond.

As we look to the future, I am energized by the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to build on UCF’s momentum, and with your continued support, there is no limit to what we can build, discover, and achieve.

Thank you for believing in what this university and our people can do.

Go Knights! Charge On!

HIGHLIGHTS:

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:

UCF continues to lead with innovative programs that prepare our students for the opportunities of tomorrow. For the fourth year in a row, our online bachelor’s programs rank among the nation’s top 10, expanding access for thousands of learners. This year, we also expanded academic offerings with new, future-focused programs to help prepare students for the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce — including a first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree in health informatics, a graduate certificate in digital twins and an MBA in space commercialization.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION:

Our researchers continue to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our state, nation and world. From energy resilience to healthcare technology, their breakthroughs reflect the bold, collaborative spirit that defines UCF. This year, UCF RESTORES launched the first-of-its-kind Resiliency Command Center, a mobile behavioral health facility that brings evidence-based care directly to first responders on the scenes of crisis. It is one of many examples of how UCF is engineering solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT:

We advanced several key projects that will elevate the student experience and support our growing research and academic enterprise. We opened a new fourth floor of the John C. Hitt Library, another step in transforming our campus into a hub for exploration, connection and discovery. We also watched the new Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House rise, part of our mission to enhance the gameday experience and celebrate the energy that makes Knight Nation so special.

ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP:

UCF has continued to deepen our partnerships across Central Florida by expanding outreach programs and strengthening Pegasus Partnerships with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and BNY, driving the growth of our region’s talent pipeline. This year’s UCF Day of Giving was our most successful ever, raising more than $14.8 million to support over 240 areas across the university. That record-setting generosity demonstrates a shared belief in what UCF can achieve and who our students can become.

YEAR IN REVIEW (JULY

JULY 2024

Three UCF alumni from the UCF Recreation & Wellness Center are selected to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Out of the Chute: Former student-athlete rides path to success. Scan the QR code to read on.

New Foundation board members are welcomed for FY25.

UCF’s Exolith Lab celebrates the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, which provided the samples that their lunar simulants are based on. Today, the Exolith Lab is home to the world’s largest regolith bin!

AUGUST 2024

The first day of classes for the fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 19, with more than 69,000 students enrolled. Students come from all 50 states and 149 countries.

UCF Downtown marks its five-year anniversary! Since the campus’s beginning, UCF has awarded over 10,300 degrees to downtown students, strengthening Central Florida’s talent pipeline and contributing to the region’s economic vitality.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Family Weekend on campus: Knight Nation fans participate in the Family Weekend Tailgate, and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff features UCF on its pregame show for the first time in history.

OCTOBER 2024

Limbitless Solutions hosts its 10th anniversary gala to recognize the achievements of its students, the contributions from their donors and the tenacity of its artificial limb recipients.ec

Knight Nation celebrates Homecoming with festivities to include the annual Shining Knights Alumni Awards, Ignite the Knight and Spirit Splash.

UCF announces its fifth Pegasus Partner, Siemens Energy. Their seven-figure investment will help strengthen UCF’s energy sector research, as well as support talent development and executive education initiatives.

NOVEMBER 2024

The Crossroads Speakers Series features Daryl Holt of Electronic Arts (EA), followed by a 5th anniversary celebration of UCF Downtown.

DECEMBER 2024

Scott Frost is back for the second time as UCF head football coach. Frost is the only coach to lead UCF Football to an undefeated season.

UCF Advancement and Partnerships recognizes two dozen of our most generous Constellation Society members at the Burnett House, thanking them for their philanthropic commitment to UCF.

JANUARY 2025

For the fourth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report affirms UCF’s excellence in digital learning, placing the university in the top 10 in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

APRIL 2025

The Sound of Her Music: D’Andrea Pelletier ’14,, “Queen of Opera,” shares the accessible way she introduced her love of the craft to the masses.

UCF’s Rosen College ranks as the best in the World for Hospitality Education for 2025. (CEOWORLD magazine)

MAY 2025

Colleagues from across the university gather to honor College of Nursing Dean Mary Lou Sole, celebrating her achievements over many years of service.

Brad Berman ’79 shares his adventures with Knight Nation, with visits to over 100 countries and all seven continents.

FEBRUARY 2025

UCF love stories steal the spotlight for Valentine’s Day! Whether love develops from a study session in the library, or from a chance meeting at a tailgate – we are here for it all!

MARCH 2025

UCF astronomers measure the size of the moon Namaka orbiting dwarf planet Haumea via stellar occultation, and their findings are published in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society.

JUNE 2025

Cheers to Jason Howick ’18 Rosen College of Hospitality Management graduate, who reflects on his journey to becoming the head sommelier at Sorekara, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Orlando.

For the third year in a row, UCF surpasses its strategic plan goal of $100 million, achieving $126.1 million in attainment and setting a new UCF fundraising record.

ENDOWMENT GROWTH

KNIGHT NATION DRIVES TRANSFORMATIONAL YEAR

For the third fiscal year in a row, UCF has surpassed its fundraising goal. This outpour of support is helping UCF shape a brighter future for Central Florida and beyond — creating more opportunities for students to achieve their dreams, strengthening research and innovation, and building programs that serve our region in meaningful ways.

Your support makes all the difference, turning ideas into impact.

100,000+ Unique Engaged Alumni Reconnected with UCF

COUNTING DOWN

Most Successful UCF Day of Giving Yet

$14.8 Million Raised Across All 50 States, As Well As Globally

40+ Events Hosted in Honor of Our Donors & Supporters

$40.7 Million Added to the University’s Endowment, Providing Long-Term Support That Fuels Scholarships, Research and Institutional Growth The Most Ever in UCF History

Fully Launched the Pegasus Partnership Program

Welcoming Two New Pegasus Partners

Reintroduced the Office of Gift Planning

Received the Largest Planned Gift from an Alum in UCF History

LAUNCHING UCF’S BOLDEST MISSION YET

At the University of Central Florida, we don’t just wait for the future — we dare to invent it .

Our ambition fuels discovery and innovation, advancing humanity’s most important frontiers. We are driven to build what the world needs next, and we are well on our way.

We’ve broken barriers and achieved orbit. Now, UCF is gearing up for what’s next — and we invite you to join us .

Feb. 21, 2026

ONE UCF DAY OF GIVING, THOUSANDS OF FUTURES TRANSFORMED

4,833 DONORS. 10,474 GIFTS. $14.8 MILLION DOLLARS.

On the surface, those numbers tell a story of remarkable generosity — but they only hint at the true impact of UCF Day of Giving 2025. That’s because every dollar ripples far beyond a single day. Every gift opens doors: for students to chase a dream, create unforgettable memories, boldly invent the future and be recognized for their hard work. And every donor does more than give — they ignite potential, spark inspiration and elevate Knights for generations.

63% INCREASE IN DOLLARS RAISED

6,700+ UNIQUE PINS EARNED THROUGH DAY-OF CHALLENGES

240+ AREAS RECEIVED FUNDING

Here are just a few ways your generosity has already helped UCF students explore and succeed .

PRIORITIZING UNIQUE

OPPORTUNITIES

AREA OF SUPPORT:

College of Engineering & Computer Science Dean’s Excellence Fund

AMOUNT RAISED: $67,421

IMPACT: Learning Experiences

Growing up in rural Ohio, Jordan Hires, an aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar, often gazed at the boundless night sky, inspired by the astronauts from her home state of Ohio. Moving 1,000 miles away for college was daunting, but manageable. With her sights set on becoming a chief engineer for deep space flights, UCF offered two key benefits: a renowned aerospace engineering program and proximity to NASA.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made,” she says.

Since becoming a Knight, she’s done backstage tours at NASA, met with industry leaders from Mitsubishi, Siemens Energy and Lockheed Martin, and even talked to a former astronaut at an awards ceremony. This past summer, she worked alongside Professor Kareem Ahmed in the Propulsion and Energy Research Lab as a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellow, testing a solution to remove heat from engines — research that could make hypersonic aircraft safer and cheaper. It was her second research experience as an undergrad.

“I don’t know if it’s every little girl’s dream to work on classified projects with military and civilian applications, but it definitely was this little girl’s dream,” she says. “Thanks to UCF, I’ve had experiences that most students don’t get until graduate school.”

Many of those opportunities are made possible by the College of Engineering & Computer Science Dean’s Excellence Fund, which supports hands-on learning, cutting-edge research equipment and innovative initiatives.

SUPPORTING LASTING MEMORIES

AREA OF SUPPORT: Marching Knights Scholarship Fund

AMOUNT RAISED: $14,067

IMPACT: Multiple Scholarships for Band Members

For UCF Marching Knights President Zoie Taverna, two moments define her UCF experience: the rush of running onto the field for her first game and the bittersweet joy of singing the alma mater song alongside her best friend for their final game before graduation.

“For three whole years, we stood next to each other in the stands, screaming, feeding off each other’s energy,” says Taverna. “For her last game, we went all out. We couldn’t even talk by the end of it. We cried while singing the alma mater.”

Taverna is among the Marching Knights whose experiences at UCF are bolstered by the Branen Band Endowed Scholarship, which helps cover essentials like textbooks, meals and rent that her Bright Futures scholarship does not. As a mechanical engineering major, band leader and corresponding secretary for the national chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, she packs her days with coursework, practice and student engagement.

During the summers, she works full-time at a summer camp for kids, and she spends her weekends and evenings at Panera Bread to save up enough to cover the expenses to allow her to stay focused while in school.

“Without scholarships, I wouldn’t have the time to do extracurriculars, such as Marching Knights, where I get to represent UCF in Central Florida and around the world,” she says. “And I wouldn’t get to spend every Saturday in the Bounce House with all of my friends, immersed in the band life we love.”

ILLUMINATING PATHWAYS

AREA OF SUPPORT: CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics

AMOUNT RAISED: $54,880

IMPACT: 19 Scholarships for Laser and Photonics Summer Camp Attendees

This summer, high school student Chloe Phung left the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to spend a week immersed in the study of light on UCF’s campus. As part of the third Laser and Photonics Summer Camp hosted by UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics, she joined more than 50 high school students from across Central Florida — and around the world.

“I had the chance to learn many things, to learn more about optics, lenses and lasers,” Phung says.

In addition to learning opportunities, the camp shines a light on the photonics industry, where more than 10,000 jobs open each year in the U.S., despite only 80 to 100 students in the nation graduating with bachelor’s degrees in photonics annually. A third of those graduates come from UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics.

PAYING IT FORWARD

AREA OF SUPPORT:

Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau

Communication & Community Impact

Endowed Scholarship Fund

AMOUNT RAISED: $1,780

IMPACT:

$1,500 Scholarship for One Communication Major Awarded Annually

Beatrix Alerte transferred to UCF in Spring 2024 with a plan: build community on campus, explore a career in media, stay active in service and say yes to every opportunity.

The first three goals came naturally. She enrolled in classes, mentored two freshmen as part of the UCF chapter of Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program and served as a trip coordinator for the Alternative Spring Break Program. Alerte also gained work experience as a marketing ambassador for Project BEST, a Student Support Services project that supports first-generation students, and as an intern with UCF Athletics.

Her final goal was made easier this summer when Alerte was named the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication & Community Impact Endowed Scholarship, created this past year by longtime Nicholson School of Communication and Media faculty member Michelle Dusseau.

“This scholarship has given me the freedom to say yes to career-building opportunities, many of which are unpaid, while worrying less about covering personal living expenses,” says Alerte. “That support makes all the difference.”

9, 2026

INNOVATION AT THE EDGE

Where air thins, pressure drops and every heartbeat matters, UCF is pushing the boundaries of medicine.

The university’s new Center for Aerospace and Extreme Environments Medicine (CASEEM) is advancing medical and research innovation in the world’s harshest conditions — on Earth and beyond. To expand the Center’s trajectory, a transformative $648,000 gift from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation will fuel the center’s first major initiative: the Aerospace and Extreme Environments Medicine Symposium (APEX), debuting in fall 2026.

“The generous support from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation for the APEX Symposium is more than an investment in an event — it is an investment in the future of aerospace medicine and extreme environments research at UCF,” says Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta, founding director of CASEEM, and the vice chair of aerospace medicine and associate professor of medicine at UCF College of Medicine. “This gift strengthens our ability to convene thought leaders, foster collaboration and accelerate innovation through CASEEM at the College of Medicine. With this partnership, we are building the foundation to prepare the next generation of scientists, physicians and explorers to meet the challenges of human spaceflight and beyond.”

The international three-day event will gather experts from NASA, the Department of War, academia, commercial spaceflight companies and industry to explore the physical and psychological challenges of survival in extreme settings — outer space exploration, deep-sea missions, high-altitude rescues and remote battlefield medicine. The gift supports planning, outreach, expert panels, student engagement and infrastructure to help APEX become a sustainable, annual event.

“We are deeply grateful to the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation and David Odahowski for their leadership and their belief in UCF’s mission,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Their investment reflects the power of partnership to open new possibilities and move bold ideas forward as we dare to build what’s next, working across disciplines to advance solutions that will shape the future of human health and exploration.”

CASEEM’s mission is deeply interdisciplinary — merging engineering, medicine and space sciences to develop real-world solutions where traditional care isn’t possible. The new center will help build a space medicine curriculum for students across UCF and also increase space medicine research.

Though its focus is global, CASEEM is grounded in Central Florida. The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation — one of the region’s most influential philanthropic leaders — has been a catalyst in advancing UCF’s mission, particularly in its pursuit of innovation, educational excellence and community impact. The foundation continues to elevate the university and the region it serves.

As the space economy grows and emergencies in extreme environments become more complex, CASEEM and APEX position UCF at the forefront of an urgent and evolving frontier.

“After my father unexpectedly lost his job last year, I became deeply concerned about whether I would be able to continue my education at UCF. Thanks to the generosity of UCF donors, I am able to stay focused on my studies and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. Thank you for investing in students like me and for opening the door to opportunity for so many others.”

Carolina Lewis de Borba, political science student in the UCF College of Sciences and recipient of the Dwight C. Kiel Endowed Scholarship

“This scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing my goal of being one of the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree. I am committed to one day helping other students have the same opportunity that I’ve received.”

Adrianne Harris, hospitality management student in the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and recipient of the Monica and John T. Rivers Scholarship Fund

3,288 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

2,272 STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Alyssa Mckenzie College of Health Professions and Sciences Student

SCHOLARSHIP

$7.5M+ SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS AWARDED

57 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS CREATED

36 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS CREATED

Alyssa Mckenzie’s path to becoming a speech-language pathologist is deeply personal. A student in UCF’s communication sciences and disorders program, Mckenzie developed a strong passion for this field after her brother, Shaquille, suffered a stroke. While in the hospital, doctors told the Mckenzie family that, among other support, he would need speech therapy. Tragically, Shaquille passed away, but the experience left Mckenzie with a desire to help others in similar situations.

She recalls how Shaquille, a strong supporter of her education, always encouraged her to work hard. “He became my biggest motivator,” she says. She plans to honor his memory by opening a clinic dedicated to helping people recover from strokes or aneurysms. “I feel like everyone deserves a voice,” she says, reflecting on the power of communication and the role it plays in regaining one’s sense of self.

Along her journey, Mckenzie has received support from the Jennifer Adicks Harnage Memorial Scholarship for Communication Sciences and Disorders. This UCF endowed scholarship has been crucial in easing the financial burden of her education, allowing her to focus more on her studies.

“It’s a little extra push that relieves the stress of dealing with so much,” she says. “This scholarship doesn’t only affect me. It starts with me, and then it grows. This is an investment in the future of society.”

Marianna Kaplinska College of Community Innovation and Education Student

After witnessing the trauma of war firsthand while living in Ukraine, Marianna Kaplinska felt called to help others heal. After years of working as an interpreter, including translating therapy sessions and counselor trainings, she realized that counseling was her true path.

Now entering her second year in UCF’s clinical mental health counseling master’s program, Kaplinska commutes five hours round-trip from Jacksonville to go to class, balancing school with work as a phone interpreter. “It’s doable because I want it,” she says. “The most important thing is motivation.”

The Dr. Kenneth E. “Pete” Fisher Endowed Scholarship Fund has been a turning point. It eased the financial burden of going back to school, allowing her to immerse herself in UCF’s top-ranked counseling program and connect with a supportive community of Knights. Without this aid, she says, completing her degree would have taken much longer or may not have even been possible.

“This is a transformational experience,” Kaplinska reflects. “This is the path I wanted to take, and the scholarship has enabled me to pursue it.”

Phyllis Eblan ’25

Rosen College of Hospitality Management Student

At 56 years old, Phyllis Eblan is achieving a dream that has been decades in the making. A student at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Eblan graduated in fall 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in lodging and restaurant management.

Her time at UCF has been transformative. She found a community and a sense of purpose as an experienced mentor, and she even traveled to France this summer to support the Cannes Film Festival culinary team as part of a prestigious program exclusive to Rosen College students.

“This school is giving their students not just what they need, but what they didn’t even know was possible,” she says.

Spanning decades, the journey to earning her degree has been difficult and winding. Juggling work, raising children and returning to school later in life brought many challenges, but it became possible thanks to the Toohey Housing Endowed Scholarship and the Dr. Mathilda van Niekerk Endowed Scholarship Fund. Eblan says that when finances became an obstacle to finally finishing her degree, this support came as a welcome relief.

Now with her diploma only months away, Eblan is focused on what’s next: becoming a culinary instructor and opening her own restaurant.

PEGASUS PARTNERS

BRIDGING

THE GAP BETWEEN ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY

When Pegasus Professor and Trustee Chair Jayanta Kapat arrived at the University of Central Florida in 1997, he quickly recognized one of the university’s defining strengths: robust industry partnerships. With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for solving complex research problems, he was particularly drawn to UCF’s work with Siemens Energy, a world-renowned energy technology company with nearly 3,000 employees in Orlando.

Almost three decades later, Kapat is leading the very collaboration that first attracted him to UCF. As director of the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research, he oversees joint initiatives with Siemens Energy, accelerating next-generation power technologies and cultivating interdisciplinary talent.

The UCF-Siemens Energy partnership reached a new milestone in October, when the company was named a UCF Pegasus Partner — the university’s most prestigious corporate designation. This summer, Lockheed Martin, a premier global defense and aerospace manufacturer, received the same distinction. By deepening their collaboration with UCF, both companies are investing not just in graduates, but in the ideas, infrastructure and innovations that are shaping the future of industry.

Since 1996, Siemens Energy has played a pivotal role in advancing UCF’s mission of opportunity and excellence. That includes partnering with distinguished faculty like Kapat, whose pioneering work has earned six U.S. patents, more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and the prestigious 2024 International Gas Turbine Institute’s Technology Award.

“What began as a strong relationship between Dr. Kapat and Siemens Energy has grown to include more than 10 principal investigators across UCF’s campus,” says Michael Harding, associate vice president of partnerships at UCF. “That expansion was the result of asking the right questions and listening closely to our partner’s goals and priorities.”

The company’s latest investment supports student recruitment, academic programs and collaborative research in the Siemens Energy Center, where UCF students gain hands-on experience with modern grid technologies to design smarter, more resilient power systems. Today, Siemens Energy employs more than 400 UCF alumni, with many serving in leadership and innovation-focused roles — a powerful example of how aligning academic expertise with industry needs delivers measurable, real-world results.

Lockheed Martin’s longstanding partnership with UCF has been equally transformative. In June, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in attendance, UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright and Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John ’87 ’91MS formalized the company’s Pegasus Partnership at the 55th Paris Air Show, the world’s largest trade fair and aerospace-defense exhibition.

“This agreement is a celebration of more than four decades of partnership between Lockheed Martin and UCF, built on innovation, shared values and a commitment to developing the next generation of STEM talent,” says St. John, who began his career at Lockheed Martin through UCF’s College Work Experience Program (CWEP), a year-round paid internship that provides students with invaluable professional experience.

For decades, Lockheed Martin has helped strengthen UCF’s talent pipeline, preparing students and educators alike to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The company has empowered more than 700 K-12 STEM educators to earn advanced degrees and provided over 10,000 CWEP participants with a launchpad for careers in engineering, technology and computer science. Its ongoing partnership also supports the Lockheed Martin Cyber Innovation Lab — a multipurpose hub for immersive learning — and UCF RESTORES’ new Resiliency Command Center, a mobile unit that brings behavioral healthcare and resiliency resources directly to first responders during times of crisis.

Looking ahead, both companies are poised to expand their impact. Siemens Energy is exploring the launch of its first U.S.-based fellowship program at UCF, while Lockheed Martin will enhance workforce development through CWEP, advance joint research in AI, robotics and hypersonic technologies, and collaborate on a new executive education program for its future leaders.

““We’re building partnerships that raise UCF’s profile and create life-changing opportunities for our students, faculty and community,” Harding says. “These relationships affirm that we’re not just part of the conversation — we’re helping lead it on the world stage.”

$33M+

Overall Financial Impact for Partnership Investment for FY25

Business Development Launches

First-time market engagement investments that positioned UCF with new audiences

UCF Discovery Days

Full-day immersive showcase experiences with UCF faculty and facilities tailored to client priorities

Clients in Active Partnership Discussions

Client & Campus Site Visits

In-person visits with UCF and corporate teams to introduce new partnership possibilities

BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE

For Mario Allen ’13 ’20MBA, one professor and one class changed his entire career trajectory.

Allen first met Shannon Taylor, Ph. D then an associate professor of management, in 2018 while enrolled in his MBA course on leadership development and coaching.

Allen first met Shannon Taylor, Ph.D, then an associate professor of management, in 2018 while enrolled in his MBA course on leadership development and coaching. At the time, Allen was working as a senior financial analyst, having earned a degree in finance and economics from UCF. Suddenly, he found himself less interested in numbers and more drawn to what was happening in the classroom — conversations and assignments around leadership, ethics and decision-making.

At the time, Allen was working as a senior financial analyst, having earned a degree in finance and economics from UCF. Suddenly, he found himself less interested in numbers and more drawn to what was happening in the classroom — conversations and assignments around leadership, ethics and decisionmaking.

“Ethics was ingrained in all of our lessons,” Allen says. “Dr. Taylor taught us that in making any decision, you should consider three things: ethics, rules and care. Is this the best decision for the most people? Does it follow the rules and laws? And how would you want someone else to act if they were the one making decisions that would impact you?”

That framework reshaped Allen’s path. Inspired by Taylor, Allen pivoted from a career in finance to a role as a senior ethics analyst at Lockheed Martin. He even began considering law school.

That framework reshaped Allen’s path. Inspired by Taylor, Allen pivoted from a career in finance to a role as a senior ethics analyst at Lockheed Martin. Heeven began considering law school.

“It was a huge shift, and Dr. Taylor was the domino in making me aware of what’s possible,” says Allen, a twotime UCF graduate who has since gone on to earn his Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law. “I like to joke that I went from dealing with numbers to dealing with words — first in procedures and policies at Lockheed Martin, and now in the legal field. What I love about this work is being able to play a role in shaping policy and decisions by balancing feedback from stakeholders with the ability to maintain fairness, profitability and sustainability.”

ETHICS WAS INGRAINED IN

ETHICS WAS INGRAINED IN ALL OF OUR LESSONS

With this kind of influence in the lives and careers of his students, it’s not surprising that last summer Taylor was named the Stanley C. Horton Endowed Professor of Business Ethics in UCF’s College of Business. Then just months later, he earned the distinction of being named one of the 50 Best Undergraduate Business Professors by Poets & Quants, a news platform dedicated to stories related to business education. He was selected from more than 1,000 nominations for business faculty around the world.

With this kind of influence in the lives and careers of his students, it’s not surprising that last summer Taylor was named the Stanley C. Horton Endowed Professor of Business Ethics in UCF’s College ofBusiness. Then just months later, he earned the distinction of being named one of the 50 Best Undergraduate Business Professors by Poets & Quants, a news platform dedicated to stories related to business education. He was selected from more than 1,000 nominations for business faculty around the world.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Taylor says. “I was totally flabbergasted. I love what I do, and it was really incredible to have that sort of recognition.”

The endowed professorship, he’ll tell you, is an even bigger milestone. Not only does it provide Taylor the time and resources to focus on teaching and pursue ambitious, large-scale projects in his behavioral ethics research, but it also helps elevate UCF’s reputation.

Mario Allen ’13 ’20MBA

Shannon Taylor, Ph.D.

“As an ambassador for business ethics, I can represent UCF in national and global conversations,” he says. “It’s a privilege to shape how the next generation thinks about leadership and business.”

Taylor’s ability to guide students like Allen and weave ethics into the fabric of UCF’s business programs is exactly what Stan Horton ’73 envisioned when he created the endowed professorship in 2008. Horton, who retired last year as CEO of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, has continued to strengthen the fund with new gifts, including $100,000 last year.

“There’s more to business than just the bottom line,” Horton says. “Without strong business ethics, you won’t have a long-term, successful business.”

And without professors like Taylor, he adds, you won’t have graduates or talent who know how to apply these ethics.

Allen agrees. Now serving as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, he still draws on Taylor’s lessons daily.

“Professor Taylor always bridged the gap between fun and learning for us,” Allen says. “He’s someone who makes students excited to go to class, participate and apply what you learn. He pushed us to think about what we wanted a leader to be and then to strive to be that. As a result, I’m more self-aware and work hard to ensure I’m applying the ethical principles he instilled in us both professionally and personally.”

Alyssa Mckenzie

College of Health Professions and Sciences Student

UCF Knightfluencers are a group of volunteers who use their social media platforms to advocate on behalf of the university.

Help us spread the word about programs, events, Knight news and more.

Become a Knightfluencer today!

There’s no better way to see the world than with fellow Knights by your side. From cultural immersion to once-in-a-lifetime sights, the Traveling Knights program brings alumni and friends together for extraordinary adventures. Join a vibrant community of alumni and friends and embark on the journey of a lifetime.

"When our son Russ was severely wounded in Iraq in 2005, my wife Rose rushed to his bedside to care for him. She spent the next two years traveling from Washington, D.C., to Texas, to the VA Hospital in Tampa, Fla., to nurse him back to health. We are blessed to start this scholarship to honor her memory and dedication to our family. We hope that our story will inspire the recipients to work hard, have compassion and dedicate themselves to being exceptional, caring nurses."

Paul Marek, founder of the Rose H. Marek Acute Care Endowed Nursing Scholarship

"As an exceptional education teacher, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. The support from this scholarship brings me one step closer to that goal. I am inspired by your investment in my future, and I hope to one day pay it forward by empowering others through education."

Cinthia Gascon Sierra ’25MEd, graduate of the exceptional student education master’s degree program in the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, and recipient of the Jack D. Holloway Endowed Scholarship

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE

UCF is proud to now offer a free and easy online solution to estate planning through FreeWill. In as little as 20 minutes and at no cost to you, we invite you to take an important step this New Year that will help secure your future and protect your loved ones.

LET YOUR LEGACY CHARGE ON.

WHERE IMPACT TAKES SHAPE

Your generosity drives momentum at UCF! Join us in elevating student success, fueling faculty excellence, advancing our future through innovation and maximizing competitive excellence across academics, research and athletics. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!

COMPETITIVE SUCCESS FUND: A GAME CHANGER FOR UCF ATHLETICS

As the world of college sports navigates the evolving landscape of revenue sharing and more for student-athletes, UCF met those challenges head-on, and has risen to the occasion with the launch of the Competitive Success Fund.

This new fund is designed to support revenue-sharing efforts, bolster scholarship and academic award opportunities, and elevate the competitiveness of UCF’s athletics programs. Thanks to the generosity of fans and donors, it has become a game changer across every sport.

“The launch of the Competitive Success Fund is a major step forward in how we support student-athletes,” says UCF vice president and director of Athletics Terry Mohajir.

“By integrating this initiative into the ChargeOn Fund, we are creating new opportunities to recruit, retain and develop Knights across all sports. This fund allows our fans and supporters to directly impact our ability to compete at the highest level and help our student-athletes Charge On into this new era of collegiate athletics.”

Competitive Success Fund and Revenue Sharing

Under new NCAA revenue-sharing guidelines that took effect July 1, 2025, Division I schools such as UCF could distribute up to $20.5 million to studentathletes in 2025, and that will increase gradually over the next 10 years.

The Competitive Success Fund is a vital source of that revenue, and the funds can be distributed to student-athletes as direct payments for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL); academic awards; and new athletic scholarships.

Because of strong donor support, UCF has already created 74 new athletic scholarships, bringing the previous total from 234 full scholarships to 308 scholarships today. The new scholarships are distributed across all sports and represent a $3 million investment in sports outside of football and men’s basketball. More than 60 percent of the new scholarships are going to women’s sports.

A Transformational Gift from the Frosts

UCF head football coach Scott Frost and his wife Ashley made a generous $500,000 commitment to the fund during the university’s annual UCF Day of Giving in April. Their transformational gift is positioning the university to compete at the highest level.

“Ashley and I believe in the vision of UCF Athletics and want to contribute to the continued success of its studentathletes,” Frost says. “The future is incredibly bright for the Knights, and we are excited to be part of it.”

Frost returned to UCF this year for his first full season since elevating the team to national prominence in 2016 and 2017, leading the Knights to their first-ever perfect season and the greatest two-year turnaround in college football history.

A Positive Impact for Student-Athletes

For student-athletes, revenue sharing and NIL are making a difference both in the classroom and in their sports.

“The Competitive Success Fund and the opportunities through revenue sharing and NIL have made a huge difference for me and my teammates,” said football player Paul Rubelt ’23, who is pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology. “It gives us the support we need to focus on developing as players and competing at the highest level, while also preparing for our futures. Knowing that our community is behind us motivates us to represent UCF with pride every time we step on the field.”

A Bright Future for UCF Athletics

The Competitive Success Fund was born in the wake of a landmark anti-trust settlement that reshaped college athletics and created revenue sharing. Under this new model, universities pay a portion of their athletics revenue to student-athletes, beyond traditional scholarship levels. Revenue sharing is in addition to ongoing third-party NIL opportunities that student-athletes may have.

The Competitive Success Fund reflects UCF’s holistic approach to supporting student-athletes as they navigate a rapidly evolving collegiate landscape. Through this initiative, the university reinforces its unwavering commitment to excellence in competition, academics and personal development.

Now part of the Big 12 Conference, the Knights are competing at the highest level — and establishing programs worthy of champions.

UCF Athletics’ vision is to be a perennial Top 25 athletic program, and you can be part of it. Learn more about the Competitive Success Fund: foundation.ucf.edu/CompetitiveSuccess

“

“The future is incredibly bright for Knights and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Scott Frost, UCF Head Football Coach

ENDOWED FUND SUPPORTS POSITIVE,

IMPACTFUL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Part of Marshall and Irene Logan’s retirement dream was to make a difference in their community. Having long followed the work of UCF’s Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government, they were inspired to help educate students about our nation, our history and our future.

With a generous gift of $100,000, they created The C. Marshall and Irene Logan Lou Frey Institute Endowed Fund, which encourages students to become more engaged citizens. Its work extends far beyond UCF, substantially expanding civics programs, educational resources and scholarships throughout Florida and across the country.

Founded by former Florida Congressman Lou Frey, the nonprofit, non-partisan institute is internationally recognized for promoting informed discussion, encouraging participation in the political process and supporting research on politics and policy. The program is part of the College of Sciences’ School of Politics, Security and International Affairs.

This new fund launched a grant program for K-12 civics teachers to help them prepare students for their role as community members through test prep activities, experiential learning and more. A similar micro-grants program provides opportunities for registered student organizations at UCF to engage in civic activities, which have ranged from community gardens to support for underserved neighborhoods.

Looking ahead to the nation’s 250th birthday, the endowment will support a partnership with C-SPAN Classroom, using resources from the National Archives, to develop curriculum materials about the Declaration of Independence.

““We are proud of the history of our great nation, and we hope for a bright future,” Marshall says. “Preparing young people to become engaged, constructive community members — to embrace that right and responsibility, and to work collaboratively with others for the greater good — that’s something we want to be part of.”

Bay County, Florida middle school students attach words to a poster to illustrate the knowledge, qualities and actions that make people involved and effective citizens

THE HELPERS WHO BRING HOPE

Fred Rogers, best known as the creator and host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” once famously said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.’”

That simple yet sage advice became the inspiration behind WUCF’s “Meet The Helpers,” a public media initiative that familiarizes children ages 3 to 7 with the community helpers who safeguard their well-being — from firefighters and police officers to scientists and meteorologists.

Launched in 2018, the program was created in response to the Pulse nightclub shooting, when educators and broadcasters recognized the urgent need for ageappropriate tools to help children process trauma and prepare for the unexpected.

“‘Meet The Helpers’ was our way of giving back to the communities that supported Orlando after Pulse,” says Catherine Hiles, co-producer of the program and special projects coordinator at WUCF. “We knew that tragedies would continue to impact our nation, and we wanted children and families to have a resource that offered them comfort, trust and guidance.”

Shared with more than 100 PBS stations nationwide, “Meet The Helpers” equips families, teachers and caregivers with a robust toolkit to foster understanding and preparedness in times of crisis. Among its offerings are the story series “It Helps to Know,” community pop-up events and kid-friendly videos that show how real-life helpers respond to emergencies.

“‘Meet The Helpers’ represents the best of public media because it’s content that comforts, teaches and empowers,” says Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF. “When children understand who the helpers are in their world, they feel more confident and less afraid. We’re honored to see that message resonate here in Central Florida and beyond.”

With continued support, “Meet The Helpers” can ensure that children everywhere grow up knowing what Mr. Rogers so beautifully expressed: “If you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope.”

MANY HANDS, ONE LASTING IMPACT

Being a Knight is about more than individual achievement. It’s about belonging to a community whose shared commitment shapes lives for generations.

Inspired by that same sense of solidarity, the College of Nursing Alumni Chapter created its first endowed scholarship this year — which will provide permanent support for Knight nurses in perpetuity.

Ensuring the scholarship’s endowment, however, did not come without challenges. Nursing alumni had to raise a minimum of $25,000 before the endowment threshold increased. But in true Knight spirit, they viewed this not as a hurdle but as an opportunity.

In the months that followed, alumni and chapter board members pooled their resources, securing enough pledges to reach the endowment goal and formally establish the UCF College of Nursing Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship.

“The best surprise was seeing all of the gifts from young alumni,” says Kelly Carlson Eberbach ’15DNP, the chapter’s former chair who proposed the idea of an endowed scholarship and led its fundraising effort. “Having recently been students themselves, they remember what it was like to need a helping hand, and they chose to be that for others.”

The scholarship’s inaugural recipient, Jaya Persaud ’24 , is pursuing the accelerated second-degree BSN program with aspirations to become a pediatric nurse. She is among the first students to begin classes in UCF’s Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion — a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility on the Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona that officially opened in August.

“As a 4EVER KNIGHTS Ambassador, I’ve seen how donor support benefits UCF students,” Persaud says. “To be on the receiving end of that generosity means the world.”

For Carlson Eberbach, the most heartwarming aspect of the scholarship was how it came to fruition — not through a single major gift, but through a community of dedicated alumni determined to open doors for fellow Knight nurses.

“It just goes to show,” she says, “a little from many can make a lasting difference.”

TRAVELING THEATRE BRINGS

NORMALCY TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Elizabeth Pelland, a theatre studies student at UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, found herself eagerly waiting as her audience found their seats. Young patients and their caregivers shuffled into the lobby of a local hospital’s pediatric unit to watch a production of “Let’s Go Camping!” — presented by UCF’s Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) students.

Amid the flurry of excited showgoers, one child in particular caught Pelland’s attention: a young girl, eyes fixed on her tablet, wearing the unmistakable look of fatigue and frustration that so often accompanies a long hospital stay.

But as the show kicked off, the girl’s attention shifted, and the tablet slowly came down.

“She got more and more interested, and you could just see the joy creep back into her,” Pelland says. “I saw it with her dad too — he was so happy to see her take a break from everything that was going on.”

Commissioned by the Jeanette M. Gould Traveling Theater Fund, “Let’s Go Camping!” is an interactive production designed for 2-to 5-year-olds and incorporates music, puppetry and imaginative play. Attendees join main characters Happy Camper and Fuzzy on a camping adventure, where they learn about the wonders of nature, meet friendly woodland creatures and earn Junior Explorer badges.

Though originally created for pediatric hospital patients, “Let’s Go Camping!” was a focal point of UCF Celebrates the Arts this past spring. From coordinating with hospitals to stage managing and performing, UCF students oversee every aspect of the production. Its unique focus also gives participating students an edge after graduation.

“Many jobs coming out of undergraduate programs are in theatre education and TYA, so the more that we can expose students to these types of opportunities, the more prepared and well-rounded they’re going to be entering the workforce,” says Sage Tokach ’22MFA, a visiting assistant professor of TYA at UCF.

Philanthropists and longtime UCF supporters Bruce and Jeffrey Gould provided the funding and inspiration for the program in honor of their mother’s love of the theater and her support of the nursing profession.

For students like Pelland, this has sparked greater purpose: “It’s been so rewarding to be a part of this production and teach these kids, who are going through so much, how to use theater and imagination to step away from it all. After this experience, I can honestly say that TYA will never not be a part of my life.”

Photo Courtesy of Justin Rotolo

TIME WELL SPENT: HOW ZABY AND SUREE VYAS ARE CHANGING THE FUTURE

For Dr. Zaby and Suree Vyas, time has never been a simple measure of hours or days. It’s been a force that shaped their journey, purpose and lives.

In 1972, Zaby was a recent medical school graduate in Uganda. Later in that year, suddenly Zaby and Suree's families had 90 days to flee the country under a violent regime. That ticking clock marked the beginning of a life defined by resilience, courage and, ultimately, generosity.

After landing in England, they all began rebuilding their lives, with Zaby as a family medicine resident and Suree in a new career in airline management. In 1974, Zaby and Suree got married. Fast forward 10 years, and they were on the move again, this time for a welcome opportunity in the U.S. Zaby had been offered a position at the University of Florida. Suree began developing his real estate business, and the two began planning for the next part of their lives.

Next, they relocated to Longwood, Fla., and built a successful medical practice with the late Dr. Richard Shaffer that eventually spanned six locations. Their distinguished family medicine practice left a lasting legacy in the Central Florida community.

Zaby and Suree Vyas also turned their attention to the future — for both themselves and the medical community. Because of their early experiences in Uganda, and the many people who had helped them along the way, they have always been big believers in paying it forward.

Tha t comm i tme nt led them to create the S ur ee & Zaby Vyas F oundation, which invests in the next generation of caregivers by supporting students in UCF’s College of Medicine and College of Nursing.

Through their foundation, they established an endowment that will provide perpetual scholarship support and serve as a lasting symbol of their generosity. The College of Medicine’s iconic clocktower will be named The Suree and Zaby Vyas Tower, honoring the couple’s belief in using time wisely and meaningfully, in addition to naming a classroom. Their name is also recognized inside the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, home of the College of Nursing with the Zaby & Suree Vyas Collaboration Concourse.

In a world that moves quickly, the clock tower will serve as a daily reminder to every aspiring physician and nurse that time is precious, and so is the opportunity to make an impact.

Dear Knight Nation,

As we celebrate a year of incredible achievement at the University of Central Florida, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you — our donors, partners and friends. Your generosity in FY 2025 has propelled UCF forward in ways that have transformed not only our students’ lives, but also our university and the communities we serve.

Because of your support, more first-generation students, like I once was, are achieving their dreams of attending college. I know personally the transformative power of education. It doesn’t just change one life; it changes families and generations. Your generosity makes that journey possible for thousands of UCF students every day.

This year, your impact is evident in expanded scholarships, groundbreaking research and opportunities that prepare our students to lead with courage, creativity and compassion. Together, we are building a stronger university that is shaping the future of our Central Florida community, our state and far beyond.

Looking ahead to FY 2026, we are proud to share that UCF has earned preeminence, a designation awarded to top-performing universities that meet rigorous standards in areas such as academic quality, research and student success. This is a milestone that reflects both the excellence we’ve achieved and the momentum we are carrying into the future. With this recognition comes even greater opportunity to innovate boldly, to ensure access for all who seek it and to lead as a model for what higher education can be.

As we enter this exciting chapter, we want to give you more ways to engage with the incredible work happening across UCF. In the months ahead, you can look forward to meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow members of the UCF community, including students, faculty and peers, and to hearing more about the groundbreaking discoveries your generosity makes possible. In February, we have a big announcement coming. On behalf of the university and the entirety of Knight Nation, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our future. Together, we are igniting potential, unlocking opportunity and shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Go Knights! Charge On!

Rodney M. Grabowski, CFRE Senior Vice President for Advancement & Partnerships CEO, UCF Foundation, Inc.

Volunteer Leadership

UCF Foundation Board of Directors

Members of the UCF Foundation Board of Directors give generously of their time, their expertise and their resources to advance the University of Central Florida. The following directors served through Fiscal Year 2025. A current board roster is available at ucffoundation.org/board.

OFFICERS

Stuart Heaton P’17, Chair*

Brian Butler H’22, Chair*

Roslyn Burttram H’23 P’20, Vice Chair

Eva Tukdarian ’90 ’91MSA, Treasurer

Dana Patton ’93, Secretary

Carrie Daanen ’92, Immediate Past Chair

DIRECTORS

Matt Assenmacher ’93

Tandreia Bellamy ’98MS

Jessica Blume ’80

Teresa Borcheck

Clint Bullock ’95

Cary D’Ortona ’00 ’01MSA

Catherine “Cathy” Engelman

James Harhi ’97

Michael “Mike” Hinn ’92

Manish Hirapara ’98

Robert “Rob” Kantor ’97 ’04MS ’09MBA

Laurette Koellner ’77

John Mahony ’96

Karen Manglardi H’20 P’15 ’16 ’20

Marc McMurrin ’01

Kevin Miller

Dianne Owen ’93 ’97MBA

Heather Pigman ’94

Mark Plaumann ’74, ’79MBA

Kevin Wydra ’92

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Thomas “Tom” McNamara ’88, Director*, Board of Trustees*

Caryl McAlpin ’77, Board of Trustees*

Carol Hendren ’96 ’98MS, UCF Alumni Board

Michael Johnson, Provost

EMERITUS DIRECTORS

Judith “Judy” A. Albertson HC’14

James “Jim” T. Barnes, Jr.

R.Van Bogan

Olga C. Calvet ’71

Loretta Corey H’17 P’08 ’11 ’15

Peter Dagostino

Alan G. Fickett ’71

Manuel A. Garcia III

J.Charles “Charlie” Gray HC’16

Michael “Micky” J. Grindstaff ’78

Deborah “Debbie” J. Komanski ’79

Phyllis Klock HC’14

Rita A. Lowndes H’19

Michael “Mike” Manglardi ’84

Gerald R. McGratty ’71

Anthony “Tony” J. Nicholson HC’17

Margery Pabst-Steinmetz

Roger W. Pynn ’73

Rick Walsh ’77

Al R. Weiss ’76

Nelson Ying

Thomas “Tom” Yochum

EMERITUS REMEMBRANCES

Gerald “Gerry” F. Hilbrich

John C. Hitt H’17

Richard “Dick” A. Nunis HC’96

HONORARY DIRECTOR

Joan D. Ruffier

UCF Alumni Board

UCF Board of Trustees

The UCF Board of Trustees sets policy and serves as the university’s legal owner and final authority responsible for efficient and effective use of resources. The following trustees served through Fiscal Year 2025. A current board roster is available at bot.ucf.edu

OFFICERS

Carol Hendren ’96 ’99MS, Chair

Melissa Tomasso ’94, Chair-Elect and Directorship Committee Chair

Linh Dang ’93, Immediate Past Chair

Mason Moore ’97, Secretary

Cortez Whatley ’13, Advocacy Committee Chair

Todd Bryant ’07, Engagement Committee Chair

Michele Engle ’88, Philanthropy Committee Chair

Roslyn Burttram H’23 P’20, Vice Chair, UCF Foundation Board of Directors (Ex-Officio Director)

BOARD MEMBERS

Doug Anderson ’93

Roslyn Antoniazzi ’08

Drew Belani ’05 ’17MS

Michelle Bilsky ’15

Crystal Buit ’06

Michael Cantrell H’21

Mish Tucker Clark ’95

Ruth Colombe ’12

Commander Paul Fermo ’92

Gerrard Grant ’02 ’04MST

Kurt Halls ’93

Kathleen Howley ’12 ’18MBA

JJ Mackle ’00MA

Victoria Manglardi ’08

Britt Massing ’93

Candace McKnight ’93 ’95BSN

Carla McRae ’03 ’05MSA

Davia Moss ’93 ’09MPA

Amy Rettig ’89

Al Sarabasa ’85

Ali Shahnami ’81 ’95MSEE

Kyle Simpson ’11

Carey Sobel ’09

Rob Strong ’92

Woody Walker ’92 ’94MBA

Amanda Williamson ’12

Shawn Young ’99

Alexander J. Martins ’01MBA, Chair

William Christy ’86, Vice Chair

Tiffany Altizer ’90MS

Luci Blanco*

Ricardo Cardenas ’92

Jeff Condello

Joseph Conte*

John Evans*

Mark Filburn*

Danny Gaekwad

Stephen King

Bryce Lister*

Anthony Massey*

Caryl McAlpin ’77*

Thomas McNamara ’88*

John Miklos ’92

Michael Okaty ’96 ’97*