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 UCF 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 UCF as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

First-Generation Student

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

But back when Miller was attending UCF, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

“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 UCF, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

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

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

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to UCF. 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 UCF — 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 UCF. 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.

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 educationĚýdesigned for a worldĚýwhere technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepareĚýstudents 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 UCF College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. “I want UCF 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 UCF anonymously. But as UCF unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in UCF’s vision.

“I hope this gift inspires people to be part of UCF’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.”

“UCF is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that UCF 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 UCF as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

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

“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 UCF and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “UCF is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that UCF 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.”

“UCF 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.”

A Defining Moment for UCF

Few universities of UCF’sĚýyoungĚýageĚýhave alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of thisĚýmilestoneĚýis longtimeĚýsupporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,Ěýpresident ofĚýthe Florida-basedĚýĚýandĚýVoloridgeĚýHealth.ĚýMiller isĚýa first-generationĚýcollegeĚýgraduate whose early partnership and belief in the university helped accelerate UCF’s trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to wideningĚýopportunity helped lay the groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn, innovate and launch their careers. Miller’sĚýlatestĚýinvestment reflects UCF’s ability toĚýproduceĚýtalent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspiresĚýthat talent to returnĚýnot just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shapeĚýwhat’sĚýnext.

Building the Future of Business Education

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

willĚýoperateĚýas a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challengesĚýin emerging fields like artificial intelligence,ĚýfintechĚýand digital risk.

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

This vision is grounded in the region UCF calls home.

Orlando has rapidlyĚýemergedĚýas one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology hubs,ĚýwithĚýdemand for talent in fintech andĚýAI continuingĚýtoĚýevolve.ĚýAcross Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,ĚýriskĚýand data-driven decision-making.

UCF sits at the center of this momentum,Ěýuniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will powerĚýthe future.

The investment will supportĚýa multi-phase strategy designed to position UCF asĚýtheĚýdestination for business and technology education, including:

• Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,ĚýtrustĚýand disinformation
• A newĚýmaster’sĚýinĚýtechnologyĚýleadership andĚýinnovation
• Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, BloombergĚýtrainingĚýand industry-led projects
• Growth of UCF’s corporate partnership ecosystem.

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

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

Accelerating Momentum

Miller’s leadership giftĚýmarks a milestone inĚýĚý— aĚý$3.5 billionĚýcampaign toĚýexpandĚýopportunity,ĚýadvanceĚýdiscovery,Ěýand drive impact across the university.

It sets the toneĚýfor what comes next,Ěýaccelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in UCF’s future.

“This is what momentum looks like,” saysĚýRodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “It reflects confidence in UCF’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,ĚýpositioningĚýUCFĚýtoĚýbe a leading force in shapingĚýwhat’sĚýnext in business,ĚýtechnologyĚýand innovation.

“UCF 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.”

The Power of a 24-Hour Mission

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

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

Momentum Across Knight Nation

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

The celebration extended beyond main campus, with similar moments unfolding at UCF Downtown and the Health Sciences Campus, reinforcing UCF Day of Giving as a university‑wide movement.

“Every gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward.” — President Alexander N. Cartwright

“UCF Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what Knight Nation can accomplish together,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Every gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward.”

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

Powered by Knight Nation

Through the Go For Launch campaign, UCF builds upon four priorities that will amplify our impact and create our future. They represent the pioneering spirit of UCF and speak to the unique needs of our dynamic community: , , and. Together, these priorities accelerate UCF’s continued rise as Florida’s Technological şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą and create opportunities that extend far beyond campus.

This campaign shares the same collaborative spirit that’s fueled record-breaking results for UCF Day of Giving year after year.

“We recognize the unique combination of philanthropy, partnership and collective drive needed to bring bold visions to life, and we’re proud to lean into that,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships at UCF and CEO of the UCF Foundation, Inc. “At UCF, we’re building a future that others have only begun to imagine, and that pursuit is sustained not by any one individual or group, but by the power of many.”

For students like Ervin Xhemali the impact of these efforts is both immediate and life‑changing. A first‑generation student funding his education independently, Xhemali initially thought the scholarship credit in his account was a mistake, until he realized it came from the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund, established by Raymond Smithberger ’02MBA in honor of his mother.

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

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

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

Fuel for the Mission

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

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

Together, Knight Nation isn’t just imagining the future; through moments like UCF Day of Giving, we’re creating it.

“Once I realized it wasn’t a mistake, I was thrilled,” says Xhemali, one of the inaugural recipients of the Katherine Crock Memorial Scholarship. “I’m financing this entire experience on my own, so every bit helps. That’s money I can now put toward my future.”

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

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

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

“She was the one who really encouraged me to do things differently,” Smithberger says.

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

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

“[My mother] wanted to pursue further education but never had the chance,” Smithberger says. “I feel honored to support other first-generation students in her memory.”

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

While the finer points of UCF Day of Giving are still new to Xhemali, he understands the significance ofSmithberger’s generosity.

“I’m still fresh, but I’m figuring out this stuff,” Xhemali says. “What I do know is that I want to use this scholarship to put me in a position where I can help someone like Mr. Smithberger has helped me.”

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

“Purposeful partnerships are what move our people and ideas forward to shape the future,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Our mission with this campaign was clear: to address Florida’s nursing shortage head-on by significantly increasing UCF’s capacity to prepare compassionate and highly skilled Knight nurses. Together, with the generous support of state leaders, donors and partners, we are moving healthcare forward by fueling talent and innovation.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Through this grant, the Bank of America is bolstering the backbone of healthcare in one of our nation’s fastest-growing regions,” says Naveed Shujaat, president, Bank of America Central Florida. “Education and healthcare are powerful forces in communities – catalysts that transform lives. This support for the education of future UCF nurses will have an immeasurable impact on the patients and families they serve, especially in Florida.”

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 UCF Day of Giving.

As Knights, we challenge status quo. We charge boldly ahead toward industry evolutions and technological advancements. We dare to build a future the world has only begun to imagine. And it’s all driven through moments like this and individuals like you.

Together,Ěýwe’reĚýlaunching Knights to new heights.

When the unexpected arises,ĚýhelpĚýsometimesĚýcomes in the form of .ĚýCreated to supportĚýKnightsĚýfacingĚýhardship that mayĚýhinderĚýtheir education,Ěýthis fundĚýprovidesĚýfinancial supportĚýfor textbooks,ĚýfeesĚýand other education-relatedĚýexpensesĚýfor qualifying students.

Your gift ensures thatĚýwhenĚýlife’sĚýtrialsĚýtest ourĚýKnights,ĚýtheyĚýpassĚýwith flying colors,ĚýsecuringĚýthe educationĚýand futureĚýtheyĚýdeserve.

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

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

UCF has been recognizedĚýwith aĚýGold AwardĚýon theĚýMilitary FriendlyĚýSchools list, as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a Best Military-Friendly Online College and on the Military Times’ Ěý2025ĚýBest for Vets Colleges List.ĚýHelp usĚýcontinue that legacyĚýofĚýserving thoseĚýwho’veĚýserved.

offers an intensive, comprehensive therapy programĚýto thoseĚýnavigating Aphasia, aĚýlanguageĚýdisorder that can arise fromĚýhealth challenges such asĚýstroke,ĚýbrainĚýcancerĚýand brain injury,ĚýandĚýaffectsĚýan individual’s ability toĚýread, write,ĚýspeakĚýandĚýcomprehendĚýlanguage.

Through the program,Ěýindividuals areĚýempowered toĚýmake progress on their long-held goals, like talking with their grandchildren or ordering their favorite restaurant meal.

Ěýon UCF Day of GivingĚýsupports the continuation of thisĚýimportantĚýservice for our community, as well as the hands-on experience UCF student cliniciansĚýreceive.

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as theyĚýbreakĚýinto new realms ofĚýunderstandingĚýaroundĚýtheĚýcountry’sĚýsecond leading cause of deathĚý— cancer.ĚýThroughĚýinnovative science,Ěýthey’reĚýexploring keyĚýavenues of discoveryĚýincludingĚýthe role thatĚýgenes playĚýinĚýdeterminingĚýa person’s cancer risk, what causes cancer to spreadĚýand 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 lifeĚýfor patients.Ěý bringsĚýus oneĚýstep closerĚýtoĚýlives saved,Ěýfamilies unburdenedĚýand a cureĚýrealized.

Did you knowĚýthat UCF has one of the top Moot CourtĚýteams in the nation, rankingĚýamong the top 15ĚýoverallĚýby the American Moot Court Association?ĚýSupervised by the , these student advocatesĚýare challengedĚýwith arguingĚýmock supreme court casesĚýon constitutional amendments.

andĚýnationalĚýleadershipĚýbyĚýmaking a gift on UCF Day of Giving.ĚýHelpĚýcoverĚýcompetition travel expenses, as well asĚýtheĚýcost ofĚýtheĚýannual tournamentĚýhostedĚýat UCF DowntownĚýeach fall.

It’sĚýtime for launch, Knight Nation! Join usĚýasĚýwe rally aroundĚýour favorite causes, andĚýmaybe evenĚýuncover someĚýnewĚýones, during UCF Day of Giving.ĚýFindĚýmore areas of supportĚýbyĚýexploringĚýtheĚý, andĚýsave the date toĚýĚýon Thursday, April 9.ĚýĚý

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.

With UCF Day of Giving 2026 right around the corner — Thursday, April 9 — we’re reflecting on the transformational effects and personal stories of triumph that emerged from last year’s show of support, knowing that shortly, our collective contributions will set another wave of Black & Gold breakthroughs, successes and discoveries into motion.

Prioritizing Unique Opportunities

Area of Support: College of Engineering and 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 U.S. 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 and 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,” Taverna says. “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: College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
Amount Raised: $54,880
Impact: $4,880 Went Toward Supporting 19 scholarships for 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 CREOL, 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 CREOL.

Paying it Forward

Area of Support: Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication and 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 and Community Impact Endowed Scholarship, created this past year by longtime the College of Science‘s 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,” Alerte says. “That support makes all the difference.”

This UCF Day of Giving, we’re launching Knights to new heights! Save the date to on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Check out the to maximize your impact. And get ready to join your Knight Nation family as we Bounce, Stomp, Splash and Cheer our way to more impact than ever before.

From Orlando to communities across the country and around the world, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the university will unite with a shared goal: elevating student success, advancing discovery and innovation and driving academic excellence through the power of giving.

UCF Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what the Knight community can accomplish together. Every gift helps expand opportunity for our students and fuels the discoveries that move communities forward.

At UCF, generosity isn’t just about supporting a university. It’s about investing in people and possibilities — the students pursuing their dreams, the researchers tackling global challenges and the partnerships transforming communities. Every gift, no matter the size, helps turn ambition into action.

When Knights give, opportunity expands.

Support from donors activates scholarships that help students stay on track toward graduation. It powers research that advances industries from space exploration to artificial intelligence. It strengthens programs that prepare tomorrow’s nurses, engineers, educators and entrepreneurs. And it opens doors for first-generation students who are daring to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In short, every gift has a meaningful impact on the lives of current and future Knights everywhere.

Throughout the day, supporters can direct their gifts to the colleges, programs and initiatives that matter most to them. Whether someone chooses to support student scholarships, cutting-edge research, athletics, the arts or programs that expand access to education, each contribution helps power the momentum that defines UCF.

That collective momentum is what makes the day so powerful.

Across campus and online, UCF Day of Giving highlights the stories behind the impact — students finding their path, faculty leading breakthroughs and alumni who continue to carry the Knight spirit into industries and communities around the globe. These stories remind us that behind every gift is a person whose opportunity just grew a little larger.

The day also celebrates the determination and optimism that define UCF. Since its founding, the university has been built by people who dared to think differently and act boldly. Today, that same spirit drives the work happening in classrooms, labs and communities every day.

From expanding access to higher education to advancing research that improves lives, UCF continues to prove that big ideas — paired with bold action — can create lasting change.

Here are a few things Knights should know about UCF Day of Giving 2026:

• It’s a 24-hour giving celebration. On Thursday, April 9, Knights everywhere will unite for UCF Day of Giving — a day dedicated to supporting the students, research and programs shaping the future.Ěý

• Every gift accelerates what’s next.ĚýDonor support powers scholarships, breakthrough research and programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

• You decide where to make an impact.ĚýGive to the college, program, scholarship or initiative that matters most to you.

• Knights participate around the world.ĚýAlumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends come together from across the country and around the globe.

UCF Day of Giving invites everyone who believes in that mission to take part.

A gift on April 9 is more than a donation. It’s a vote of confidence in the students working toward their goals, the faculty pushing the boundaries of knowledge and the partnerships strengthening communities across Florida and beyond.

Together, the Knight community is building something extraordinary — a future powered by curiosity, courage and generosity.

On April 9, every Knight has the opportunity to help shape what comes next.

Join the momentum. Help build what’s next. Be part of UCF Day of Giving.

Spanning multiple years, Go For Launch is the most ambitious revenue-generating effort in UCF’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 UCF’s role as Florida’s Technological şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą 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 UCF’s trajectory for decades. Funds will fuel innovation across the university, from breakthrough research and talent development to infrastructure and partnerships that extend UCF’s impact far beyond campus.

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 UCF’s ambition with the resources required to deliver on it,” says UCF 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 UCF’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 UCF’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 UCF’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 UCF 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 UCF 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 şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą, 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 UCF’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.Ěý “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 UCF’s impact across research, innovation and student success.

Campaign volunteer leadership was celebrated during the event, underscoring the personal commitment many leaders feel toward UCF’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 UCF’s founding mission and a declaration of where the university is headed next. It signals confidence in UCF’s people, our ideas and our ability to lead.

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

Arielle Patterson and Jemual Shaylor ’21, members of UCF’s M.D. Class of 2026, matched at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Naval Medical Center San Diego, respectively.

Both are recipients of the military’s Health Professions Scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses for medical students who agree to serve their country for one year for each year of scholarship.

Walter Reed-Bound

Patterson is focused on improving health through physical activity, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

“As a doctor who is really passionate about fitness and physical medicine and rehabilitation, I want to really inspire the next generation of younger people to live healthier lives, earlier,” she says.

She also wants to expand access to healthcare and encourage more students from medically under resourced communities to enter the field of medicine. Research shows that patients have better outcomes when they feel they can connect to their physician’s personal background.

“There’s a lot of times in medical school where we feel alone, or like the only ones who have gone through this, but so many people have done this before,” she says. “Hopefully I can help bring us a little bit more together.”

Patterson has already begun working toward that goal, serving as director for Region IV of the Student National Medical Association, a student organization committed to improving access to the medical field and building culturally competent and clinically excellent physicians. She helped organize SNMA’s annual regional conference that will be in Orlando, February 20-22, bringing together physicians and medical students from across the southeast United States.

Patterson completed her bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology at Hampton şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą before joining UCF’s M.D. Class of 2026. She says she chose the UCF medical school for its youth and innovative, team-oriented culture.

Inspired to Serve

Shaylor was inspired to enter military service by former Assistant Professor Jose Borrero, who was a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon during Vietnam before becoming a founding faculty member at UCF. Now retired, Borrero continues to serve as a mentor to UCF medical students.

During medical school, military students have the opportunity to undergo active-duty and officer leadership training at military centers around the country. In April, Shaylor will follow in Borrero’s footsteps to attend flight surgeon training in Norfolk, Virginia.

Specializing in general surgery, Shaylor hopes to eventually become a hand surgeon.

“A hand surgeon is almost a working man’s surgeon. You need your hands to do your job, or almost anything so when you’re able to restore function to any level, it has a major impact on a person’s life,” Shaylor says. “If I can do that, especially in the military where hand injuries are quite common, that would be a calling I would love.”

Shaylor earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in bioengineering from UCF.

The Match Process

Before practicing medicine on their own, M.D. graduates must undergo residency training in their chosen specialty. This graduate medical education training takes three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

During their fourth year, medical students interview with residency programs across the country before ranking their top choices. Residency programs do the same before the National Residency Matching Service analyzes the rankings and matches graduates to GME programs. Most results are revealed on National Match Day, which is March 20 this year. Military programs and some specialties match early.