Go For Launch Archives | 166su News Central Florida Research, Arts, Technology, Student Life and College News, Stories and More Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:09:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2019/05/cropped-logo-150x150.png Go For Launch Archives | 166su News 32 32 Universal Destinations & Experiences, UCF Introduce New School to DeveloptheFuture LeadersofThemed Entertainment, Immersive Experiences /news/universal-destinations-experiences-ucf-introduce-new-school-to-develop-the-future-leaders-of-themed-entertainment-immersive-experiences/ Mon, 11 May 2026 14:44:52 +0000 /news/?p=153096 The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is housed within 166su’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

]]>
Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the 166su, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.” — 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’s new school and the college’s 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.

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences,” says Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury.

“166su was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “This 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.”

Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury (left) and 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright (right)

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

The Universal and 166su 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 166su 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’s research will build on 166su’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s 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 166su 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 166su/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with 166su we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent — and the next chapter will be even better,” Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences John Sprouls says. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been a global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” says 166su Rosen College of Hospitality Management Dean Cynthia Mejia. “By 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.”

Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury (left) and 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) after signing the Pegasus Partnership agreement.

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As 166su’s 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 166su, 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 166su.

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

]]>
051126_UCF-Universal-Partnership_9224 051126_UCF-Universal-Partnership_8922
166su,Orlando Health Co-Locate to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation /news/ucf-orlando-health-co-locate-to-accelerate-healthcare-innovation/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:15:27 +0000 /news/?p=152747 A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally welcomed Orlando Health as a tenant in SPRK and highlighted a shared commitment to accelerating healthcare solutions through proximity, collaboration and real-world application.

]]>
Yesterday,Orlando Health celebrated the openingof Orlando Health Strategic Innovationslocatedwithin SPRK, UCF’s innovation building, expanding the health system’s presence at the center of 166su’smaincampus.

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’s downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health’s presence within SPRK aligns with 166su’s broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, sharedchallengesand shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experientiallearningand speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone inOrlando Health’slong-standing partnership with 166su.

“By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive, year-round care for 166su student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As aPegasus Partner,Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the, which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and 166su collaborate on advanced technology projects—such as the AI for Medical Surgery system—jointly offer specialized residency programs andcollaborate inmanyadditionalways.

“Orlando Health has been an exceptional partner,demonstratingwhat is possible when industry and academia come together with sharedpurpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation,” says 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright. “By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located inapproximately2,649square feetwithin SPRK, theStrategic Innovations groupwas intentionally placed, here,to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

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

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

“The opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at 166su represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas,” says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. “Through 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.”

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents 166su’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Througha collective effort—combining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporatepartnerships, researchcommercializationand other revenue-generating endeavors—166suis chartingaboldnew path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

“This 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,” says Rod Grabowski, UCF vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the 166su Foundation. “By aligning visionary partners with 166su’s innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives.”

]]>
Sharon Tucker Named Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing /news/sharon-tucker-named-orlando-health-endowed-chair-in-nursing/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:48:43 +0000 /news/?p=152585 The prestigious appointment from the 166su Pegasus Partner will bolster Tucker’s nationally recognized research focused on helping practitioners and patients thrive.

]]>

166su Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of 166su’s College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker’s nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how 166su 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.

“With its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.” — Sharon Tucker

“I am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health’s support of the college,” says Tucker. “Partnerships 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.”

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 166su 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’s senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

“Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson says. “It is an honor to continue to partner with 166su to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.”

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of 166su’s 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 166su nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping 166su 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 166su’s Go for Launch campaign.

]]>
First-Gen Alumnus Behind Transformational Gift Believes in Power of Philanthropy to Change Lives /news/first-gen-alumnus-behind-transformational-gift-believes-in-power-of-philanthropy-to-change-lives/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:04:36 +0000 /news/?p=152379 With a $50 million gift, entrepreneur Barry Miller ’95 is investing in the next generation of Knights — helping them build the skills and connections that have fueled his success.

]]>
When Barry Miller ’95 was graduating from high school, his dad decided to make a move from northeast Pennsylvania to the warmer climate of Daytona Beach, Florida. He urged his son, who was interested in business and accounting, to check out 166su. Since there wasn’t much information available online in the early 1990s, Miller ultimately sent a letter to 166su requesting a brochure and an application.

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

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to 166su sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family’s trajectory, along with the university’s.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift — the largest single philanthropic investment in the university’s history — to position 166su as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

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

First-Generation Student

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

But back when Miller was attending 166su, 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.

“My father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me,” Miller says. “In 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.”

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

Building Foundations

At 166su, 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.

“I learned how to really study and apply myself academically at 166su. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school,” Miller says. “I didn’t know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at 166su has been foundational to my success.”

“I realize now that everything I learned at 166su has been foundational to my success.”

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to 166su. That’s where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw ’90 ’94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

“Initially, I wasn’t interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren’t serious about school or life, and I was,” Miller says. “But my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It’s where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more.”

“To this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes ’95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years,” Miller continues. “As I look back, everything in my life has a connection to 166su — my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie ’95, since we met in college.”

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to 166su. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, UCF Athletics’ Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

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

“Being 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,” Miller says.

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

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

To help bring that vision to life — and to build early momentum for , UCF’s comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future — 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 educationdesigned for a worldwhere technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will preparestudents with the skills the marketplace demands.

“We are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before,” says Miller, who was inducted into the 166su College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. “I want 166su to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else.”

Inspiring Others

“Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to 166su anonymously. But as 166su 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 166su’s vision.

“I hope this gift inspires people to be part of 166su’s mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it’s $10, $100 or $1,000 — it all makes a difference,” Miller says.

“I want to tell people this: If it’s not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now,” he continues. “Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

 

]]>
166su_Barry Miller Family Barry '95 and Rosie Miller '95 with their two daughters. 166su_Barry and Rosie Miller Barry '95 and Rosie '95 Miller at the Go For Launch campaign kickoff event. (Photo courtesy of Barry Miller '95)
166su Receives $50 Million Gift to Establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business /news/ucf-receives-50-million-gift-to-establish-the-barry-s-miller-college-of-business/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:03:53 +0000 /news/?p=152377 The largest gift in university history positions 166su to lead the future of technology-driven business education.

]]>
The 166su today announced a $50 million gift fromfinanceܳԳܲBarryMiller’95— the largestsinglephilanthropic investment inthe university’shistory — toestablishthe Barry S. Miller College of Business.

“166su is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that 166su is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don’t just succeed in the world — they come back to help build what’s next.” — 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 166su as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

“This is a defining moment for 166su and for the College of Business,” says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA. “As an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how 166su 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.”

“We 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 166su and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going,” says 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright. “166su is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that 166su is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don’t just succeed in the world — they come back to help build what’s next.”

“166su gave me the opportunity to build my future,” Miller says. “This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others — and ensuring students are prepared for a world where technology and business are constantly evolving.”

Three people holding a framed rendering
166su Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA (left) and 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) present alumnus and entrepreneur Barry Miller ’95 (center) with a rendering of the Barry S. Miller College of Business, which the philanthropist established through a historic $50 million gift. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

A Defining Moment for 166su

Few universities of 166su’syoungagehave alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of thismilestoneis longtimesupporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,president ofthe Florida-basedandVoloridgeHealth.Miller isa first-generationcollegegraduate whose early partnership and belief in the university helped accelerate 166su’s trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to wideningopportunity helped lay the groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn, innovate and launch their careers. Miller’slatestinvestment reflects 166su’s ability toproducetalent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspiresthat talent to returnnot just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shapewhat’snext.

Building the Future of Business Education

“166su gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others.” — Barry Miller ’95, Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

willoperateas a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challengesin emerging fields like artificial intelligence,fintechand 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 166su calls home.

Orlando has rapidlyemergedas one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology hubs,withdemand for talent in fintech andAI continuingtoevolve.Across Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,riskand data-driven decision-making.

166su sits at the center of this momentum,uniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will powerthe future.

The investment will supporta multi-phase strategy designed to position 166su asthedestination for business and technology education, including:

  • Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,trustand disinformation
  • A newmaster’sintechnologyleadership andinnovation
  • Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, Bloombergtrainingand industry-led projects
  • Growth of 166su’s corporate partnership ecosystem.

Together, these investments will create a learning environment that mirrors modern workplaces — fastmoving, datadriven and deeply connected to industry.

“Technology is advancing rapidly, and the real opportunity is in how organizations use it to perform,” saysCollege of Business DeanPaulJarley. “This investment allows us to build a business school focused on how the work actually gets done—–where students learn to apply judgment, navigate ambiguity, and lead in environments shaped by technology, data, and organizational complexity.”

Accelerating Momentum

Miller’s leadership giftmarks a milestone in— a$3.5 billioncampaign toexpandopportunity,advancediscovery,and drive impact across the university.

It sets the tonefor what comes next,accelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in 166su’s future.

“This is what momentum looks like,” saysRodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the 166su Foundation. “It reflects confidence in 166su’s vision and signals to partners, alumni and investors that this university is building something meaningful and worth being part of.”

Together, talent, opportunity and partnership are converging,positioning166sutobe a leading force in shapingwhat’snext in business,technologyand innovation.

“166su is not waiting to be recognized. We are being chosen, invested in and trusted to lead,” Cartwright says. “This milestone gift reflects a growing sense of pride across the university and signals the momentum others will want to help build — and it is only the beginning.”

]]>
166su_Barry-Miller-Rendering-Presentation 166su Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA (left) and 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright (right) present alumnus and entrepreneur Barry Miller '95 (center) with a rendering of the Barry S. Miller College of Business, which the philanthropist established through a historic $50 million gift. (Photo by Antoine Hart)
5 Unique Funds to Support on 166su Day of Giving /news/5-unique-funds-to-support-on-ucf-day-of-giving/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:48:17 +0000 /news/?p=152216 On Thursday, April 9,166su Day of Givingwill supportstudents, research and programs shaping the future— including these five unique areas across the university.

]]>
Knight Nation’s singlelargest day of impact—— takes place Thursday, April 9.As a united Black & Gold community, wewillBounce, Stomp, Splash and Cheer our way toward major wins for 166su students, faculty, programs, research endeavors and more.

With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth — we’re counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this 166su 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’s all driven through moments like this and individuals like you.

Together,we’relaunching Knights to new heights.

UCF mascot Knightro forms heart with his hands
166su is committed to supporting and offering relief resources for our students. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

When the unexpected arises,helpsometimescomes in the form of .Created to supportKnightsfacinghardship that mayhindertheir education,this fundprovidesfinancial supportfor textbooks,feesand other education-relatedexpensesfor qualifying students.

Your gift ensures thatwhenlife’strialstest ourKnights,theypasswith flying colors,securingthe educationand futuretheydeserve.

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

The  provides services, programming and resources for thousands of military-connected students currently enrolled at 166su.

helps ensurethatthose who have served and their connected students are fully supported as they pursue their educational and career goals.

166su has been recognizedwith aGold Awardon theMilitary FriendlySchools list, as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a Best Military-Friendly Online College and on the Military Times2025Best for Vets Colleges List.Help uscontinue that legacyofserving thosewho’veserved.

166su’s Aphasia House uses the latest clinical research to create a personalized course of therapy for everyone they serve.

offers an intensive, comprehensive therapy programto thosenavigating Aphasia, alanguagedisorder that can arise fromhealth challenges such asstroke,braincancerand brain injury,andaffectsan individual’s ability toread, write,speakandcomprehendlanguage.

Through the program,individuals areempowered tomake progress on their long-held goals, like talking with their grandchildren or ordering their favorite restaurant meal.

on 166su Day of Givingsupports the continuation of thisimportantservice for our community, as well as the hands-on experience 166su student cliniciansreceive.

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

Support 166su College of Medicine researchers as theybreakinto new realms ofunderstandingaroundthecountry’ssecond leading cause of death— cancer.Throughinnovative science,they’reexploring keyavenues of discoveryincludingthe role thatgenes playindetermininga person’s cancer risk, what causes cancer to spreadand how to harness the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells.

The goal: to prevent cancer and find new therapies that improve quality of lifefor patients. bringsus onestep closertolives saved,families unburdenedand a curerealized.

Six male and female college students dressed in suits hold plaques while standing in front of glass doors
166su’s nationally ranked moot court team competes in a simulated court room setting against schools including Virginia, Yale, UT-Dallas and more.

Did you knowthat 166su has one of the top Moot Courtteams in the nation, rankingamong the top 15overallby the American Moot Court Association?Supervised by the , these student advocatesare challengedwith arguingmock supreme court caseson constitutional amendments.

andnationalleadershipbymaking a gift on 166su Day of Giving.Helpcovercompetition travel expenses, as well asthecost oftheannual tournamenthostedat 166su Downtowneach fall.

It’stime for launch, Knight Nation! Join usaswe rally aroundour favorite causes, andmaybe evenuncover somenewones, during 166su Day of Giving.Findmore areas of supportbyexploringthe, andsave the date toon Thursday, April 9.

]]>
Knightro-love 166su is committed to supporting and offering relief resources for our students and employees. (Photo by Nick Leyva '15) 166su_College of Medicine_Spring 2024 Commencment_2 From left, military officers Leeann Hu, Tovah Williamson and Asanka Ekanayake aphasia house 166su's Aphasia House uses the latest clinical research to create a personalized course of therapy for everyone they serve. COM research moot court-ucf the on-campus courtroom and join 166su’s nationally ranked teams — Mock Trial, Moot Court, or Mediation — supported by faculty and local legal professionals who judge competitions and mentor students. 166su Students take on competitors from UVA, Yale, UT Dallas and more.
166su Launches $3.5 Billion Go For Launch Campaign to Expand Opportunity, Innovation and Impact /news/ucf-launches-3-5-billion-go-for-launch-campaign-to-expand-opportunity-innovation-and-impact/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:24:45 +0000 /news/?p=151080 The most ambitious philanthropic and revenue-generating effort in the university’s history positions 166su to lead Florida and the nation in discovery, innovation and student success.

]]>
166su announced on Feb. 21, the public launch of Go For Launch: The Campaign for 166su’s Next Mission, a bold, $3.5 billion comprehensive campaign designed to accelerate discovery, expand opportunity and position 166su to lead Florida and the nation into the next era of impact.

Spanning multiple years, Go For Launch is the most ambitious revenue-generating effort in 166su’s history. The campaign builds on decades of momentum and reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what it will take for a modern, metropolitan research university to deliver at the scale the future demands.

Founded to power America’s space race, UCF has always been an institution built for moments of possibility. Go For Launch draws directly from that legacy, reaffirming 166su’s role as Florida’s Technological University and calling on Knights, partners and visionaries to help shape what comes next.

Campaign Goals and Timeline

The Go For Launch campaign seeks to generate $3.5 billion over a multi-year period through philanthropy, partnerships and aligned revenue strategies, advancing priorities that will shape 166su’s trajectory for decades. Funds will fuel innovation across the university, from breakthrough research and talent development to infrastructure and partnerships that extend 166su’s impact far beyond campus.

Go For Launch The Campaign for 166su's Next Generation

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

“This campaign is about matching 166su’s ambition with the resources required to deliver on it,” says 166su President Alexander N. Cartwright. “It is an investment in discovery, talent and solutions that will shape Florida’s future and improve lives far beyond our campus.”

Four Pillars Driving a Transformational Vision

Go For Launch is anchored by four integrated campaign pillars, each essential to 166su’s ability to deliver impact at scale.

Elevating Student Success
Elevating Student Success ensures every Knight has the support, resources and opportunities to thrive, from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Campaign investments will expand scholarships, strengthen proactive advising and success coaching, enhance career preparation and sustain innovative support systems that remove barriers before they derail progress. This pillar reflects 166su’s commitment to access and outcomes, preparing graduates who are confident, career-ready and equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Fueling Discovery and Innovation
Fueling Discovery and Innovation accelerates 166su’s role as a driver of breakthrough research and real-world solutions. Support will advance faculty-led research, interdisciplinary collaboration and student-driven discovery across areas such as space, cybersecurity, health, energy and advanced technologies. With strong industry partnerships, a thriving research ecosystem and a culture of commercialization, UCF is poised to move ideas faster from lab to impact, creating jobs, improving lives and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.

Advancing Future Frontiers
Advancing Future Frontiers positions 166su at the forefront of what’s next, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, space exploration, immersive technologies and aerospace medicine. Commitments will support research infrastructure, interdisciplinary institutes and bold experimentation that push beyond today’s limits and shape tomorrow’s industries. As technology and humanity converge, UCF is not waiting for the future to arrive. The university is actively inventing it, translating discovery into global impact and economic vitality.

Maximizing Competitive Excellence
Maximizing Competitive Excellence positions 166su to compete and win at the highest levels nationally. Campaign investments will strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, expand university-wide technology integration, enhance athletics and academic competitiveness, and continue building a destination campus that attracts top talent, industry partners and research opportunities. As Florida’s Next-Generation Preeminent Research University, UCF is focused on translating ambition into sustained performance, elevating our standing, sharpening our edges and ensuring excellence is not episodic but institutionalized.

Why This Campaign and Why Now

Go For Launch represents a clear evolution from 166su’s prior comprehensive campaigns, with specific focus on directly addressing the rising complexity and cost of delivering a world-class education and research enterprise. It recognizes that sustained excellence requires continued investment in people, ideas and infrastructure.

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

A Launch Worth Celebrating

The public phase of Go For Launch was unveiled at campuswide launch events that brought together thousands of alumni, donors, faculty, students and community leaders. The immersive experience reflected the campaign’s spirit, featuring interactive installations, storytelling and moments that highlighted 166su’s impact across research, innovation and student success.

Campaign volunteer leadership was celebrated during the event, underscoring the personal commitment many leaders feel toward 166su’s mission and future.

Impact in Action

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

Go For Launch is both a continuation of 166su’s founding mission and a declaration of where the university is headed next. It signals confidence in 166su’s people, our ideas and our ability to lead.

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

]]>
UCF-Go-For-Launch-Campaign-Logo-Stacked-1_Black@3x