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, we’re launching Knights to new heights.

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

Your gift ensures that when life’s trials test our Knights, they pass with flying colors, securing the education and future they deserve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as they break into new realms of understanding around the country’s second leading cause of death — cancer. Through innovative science, they’re exploring key avenues of discovery including the role that genes play in determining a person’s cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread and 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 life for patients.  brings us one step closer to lives saved, families unburdened and a cure realized.

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

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

It’s time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us as we rally around our favorite causes, and maybe even uncover some new ones, during UCF Day of Giving. Find more areas of support by ±đłæ±è±ôŽÇ°ùŸ±ČÔČ”ÌęłÙłó±đÌę, and save the date to  on Thursday, April 9.ÌęÌę

Here are the highlights that shaped an unforgettable year.

Daring to Boldly Invent the Future: Florida’s Next-Generation Preeminent șŁœÇֱȄ

UCF met the 12 metrics required to earn the Preeminent State Research șŁœÇֱȄ designation from the Florida Board of Governors, the highest designation for state research universities. This landmark achievement highlights sustained progress in student success, research and more — affirming UCF’s leadership in advancing opportunity and impact in Florida and beyond.

UCF Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, Fueling a Talent Pipeline and Healthcare Innovation

UCF opened the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on the Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona — a 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The pavilion expands immersive simulation technology and interdisciplinary learning spaces, enabling UCF to graduate more nurses ready to serve communities across the region.

Pegasus Partners Expand with BNY and Lockheed Martin

This year saw strategic growth of UCF’s Pegasus Partners program, with major collaborations forged with global financial services company BNY and aerospace and defense leader Lockheed Martin. The BNY co-located educational innovation hub on UCF’s main campus — the first of its kind in Florida — brings experiential learning and cybersecurity education directly to students. Additionally, the expanded Lockheed Martin partnership will grow the highly successful College Work Experience Program and expand research in vital areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and hypersonic technologies.

Elevating Impact Across Space

As America’s Space șŁœÇֱȄ, UCF deepened its influence across the space sector this year, highlighted by the inaugural UCF Space Week that took place Nov. 3-7. The university-wide celebration showcased all the ways Knight Nation is advancing space research, supporting Florida’s fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The observance also marked the debut of the SpaceU Awards, which celebrated eight honorees — two students, three faculty, two organizations and a record-setting astronaut — for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space development, discovery and exploration.

UCF’s impact also extended into human health in space. Two internationally known  experts — William Powers and Jennifer Fogarty — joined the College of Medicine’s faculty as part of UCF’s new Center for Aerospace and Extreme Environments Medicine that will lead research and technology development for improving health in extreme environments such as space.

As the top talent provider to the nation’s aerospace and defense industries, UCF also launched a new online space MBA program to meet the expanding needs of the booming space industry on Florida’s Space Coast and around the world. The 24-month part-time graduate business program focuses on space commercialization, business strategy and innovation, preparing graduates to lead in high-impact roles across the commercial space, aerospace, government, startups and emerging tech industries.

UCF Launches Institute of Artificial Intelligence to Advance Research, Talent Development Across Disciplines

UCF launched the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, a new university-wide initiative bringing together top faculty, industry partnerships and cross-campus collaboration to position the university as a national leader in AI. The institute will also support UCF’s AI for All Initiative, which integrates AI into teaching and learning across disciplines, ensuring students graduate with the ability to use AI effectively in their careers.

Honoring Excellence on Founders’ Day

UCF’s annual Founders’ Day honored the outstanding achievements of the university’s employees, faculty and students. Hundreds of Knights were recognized for their excellence and impact — among them Pegasus Professors Roger Azevedo, Fevzi Okumus and Yan Solihin; Medal of Societal Impact honoree Mohamed Abdel-Aty; Reach for the Stars honorees Amrita Ghosh, Leland Nordin, Yogesh Rawat and Kelly Stevens; and 37 Order of Pegasus inductees — the university’s highest student honor.

Epic Universe Launch Provides Immersive Learning Opportunities at UCF

Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, opened its gates this spring, and Knights played a role in bringing it to life. Located less than a mile away, UCF’s — ranked No. 1 in the world for hospitality education (CEOWORLD magazine) — turned Epic Universe into a living case study for hands-on learning in hospitality, themed experience, engineering and beyond. While the park attracts millions of guests with its immersive worlds and attractions, it’s also transforming hospitality education for Rosen College students, building a direct talent pipeline into the park and developing a workforce ready to lead the industry.

Introducing John Buckwalter, UCF’s Next Provost 

Following a competitive national search, John Buckwalter was appointed UCF’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. He and his wife, Amalia, officially joined Knight Nation on Aug. 1. Buckwalter brings more than 20 years of experience in academia to UCF. He most recently served as provost at Boise State șŁœÇֱȄ, where he led transformative interdisciplinary initiatives and championed student achievement. He succeeds Provost Michael D. Johnson, who retired this summer following 35 years of service to UCF.

Knights Shine in Athletics

UCF Athletics delivered unforgettable moments this year — from the rowing team claiming its first Big 12 Championship in program history, to men’s soccer’s conference title, to men’s tennis clinching its , to 82-78 victory over Hofstra at Additional Financial Arena that sparked the best start (8-1) in head coach Johnny Dawkins’ tenure.

Together, We Unleashed Impact: Thank You, Knight Nation, for a Transformational Day of Giving 2025

Knights made a collective impact for another record-breaking celebration of all things Black & Gold. raised more than $14.8 million — a 63% increase from last year and the most in university history. With 10,472 gifts, inspired donors across the globe rallied together for the community-driven effort — fueling UCF’s academic programs, life-changing scholarships, groundbreaking research and more. These contributions were made across all 50 U.S. states, as well as globally, including Australia, France, Panama and the United Kingdom.

The majority of funds can be unlocked simply by making a donation. For example, the first and last person to donate during the day earn an additional $1,000 to the area they designate, which can be as far ranging as a college, program, scholarship or the . Last year, the College of Arts and Humanities won the most of all areas, garnering an additional $9,000 in donations for participating in everything from the first gift and the largest online gift to the most gifts during different hour blocks.

And to earn some of these additional funds, you don’t even need your wallet — just a social media platform of your choosing. In fact, there are 22 different opportunities throughout UCF Day of Giving to provide the area you’re most passionate about an additional $1,000 simply by posting and using the hashtag: #UCFDayofGiving.

Categories give participants a chance to share their Black & Gold spirit in a variety of ways from photos of their pets in Knight Nation gear to celebrating what they love most about being a Knight through photos and videos of Spirit Splash, game day, graduation and more.

Here are a handful of the social media posts that won challenges last year, along with who posted them, their impact, why they participated — and why they encourage you to join in the fun as well.

The Challenge: UCF Squad Photo

The Impact: $1,000 for UCF Kinesiology

The Participant: David Fukuda, professor and chair of kinesiology

Why I Participated: “Our academic support services manager, Lana Gidusko, does a phenomenal job handling social media for the Division of Kinesiology and encouraged everyone to participate in the UCF Day of Giving social media challenges. Every Halloween, our graduate students in the UCF Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory organize group costumes, and I thought the photo of them as Power Rangers aligned perfectly with the spirit of the Squad Challenge.

When I won, I chose to give the $1,000 to benefit students, who are the backbone of the research being conducted in the laboratories of the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. Their efforts make our work shine, and they inspire so many of our incoming students to become more involved.”

Why You Should Participate: “Supporting education, including students who will be an integral part of keeping society moving and healthy, is never an unwise investment.”

The Challenge: Future Knight Photo

The Impact: $1,000 for the Marching Knights Bands Building Fund

The Participant: Jennifer Merritt Beran ’99

Why I Participated: “I wanted to raise awareness and give back to the band program that I loved so much while I attended UCF.

My husband and I met in the Marching Knights on the last day of band camp in 1997. We now have two kids, who we have taken to many football games and other events over the years. They have grown up at UCF. Our daughter, Morgan, was only 9 months old when she attended her first football game at, what was then, the Citrus Bowl. She is now a sophomore at UCF, majoring in biology and playing the mellophone in the band — just like her dad. We are hoping our son, Joey, who is a percussionist in middle school, will also become a Knight in 2029.

When I won the competition, I knew I’d direct the $1,000 to the band. I feel, as with other areas of the arts, the band never gets enough funding. I’m proud our donations helped to fund lights for students and hope they get a permanent sound system. It’s important to me that band students have their own building and field space on campus. I want to make sure they have everything they need to grow as musicians and as people.”

Why You Should Participate: “I believe others should participate in UCF Day of Giving social media challenges and , so our Marching Knights continue to know how valued their dedication is — and so they receive the things that make their time here at UCF the best it can be and build memories that last a lifetime.”

The Challenge: Favorite UCF GIF

The Impact: $1,000 for the Jacksonville UCF Alumni Community

The Participant: Becky Koziuk ’03, chair-elect of the Jacksonville UCF Alumni Community

Why I Participated: “I participated in a couple of the UCF Day of Giving social media challenges, which are a great way for alumni to get involved in UCF Day of Giving even if you’re not currently able to make a donation. It’s proven that being involved and active, even if not financially, is just as important to the growth and brand of UCF.

I strategically chose the GIF challenge because it was the last challenge of the night. A large percentage of UCF alumni are on the east coast, if not in Florida, so my strategy was based around the thinking that the number of entrants to choose from was likely lower than other challenges. I thought the folks who had been monitoring social posts for 24 hours could use a little energy to bring them across the finish line, so I shared one of a pumped Terry Mohajir [UCF athletics director].

I chose the because I have been part of the volunteer council for the last 10+ years. I was the chair for many years and have also held the roles of National Networking Knight Chair, fundraising chair and chair-elect, which I currently hold. Several years ago, I — along with the board/council members — established an annual scholarship intended to be awarded to a First Coast-Area Knight. We started with a $250 scholarship that has since grown to $1,000. It has been my passion and goal for the Jacksonville Alumni scholarship to endure, even long after I am no longer a volunteer, and eventually be endowed.”

Why You Should Participate: “It’s important to participate in UCF Day of Giving for several reasons. It’s a day where all of Knight Nation comes together for a single goal — to advance UCF. Some choose to donate to , some to their specific college, some to or . These investments provide the financial freedom to attract the best professors, researchers and coaches. It also allows students to graduate with less debt than they might have or may even enable them to afford groceries or rent so they can graduate.

“It doesn’t matter which fund you choose or even the amount of the donation — the power of scalability helps make it successful. Gifts of any amount from several alumni and donors tremendously helps UCF.”

The Challenge: #SpaceU

The Impact: $1,000 for 4EVER KNIGHTS

The Participant: Brooke Johnson, kinesiology major

Why I Participated: “Each year, I participate in UCF Day of Giving because I believe that as a student, it is important for me to give back to a university that has done so much for me. Participating in the daylong event is how I choose to show my love for the university and support for future students.

Last year, I participated in every social media challenge throughout the day to try to earn bonus funds. #SpaceU happened to be my favorite challenge of the day because I was able to use photos from the UCF versus Oklahoma State football game where we won 45-3 in an upset and rushed the field. I enjoyed getting to relive that moment through the social media challenge.

I selected 4EVER KNIGHTS (4EK) as my fund of choice because it is an organization that is very important to me. I have been a part of this organization for three years and have served as the president for the last two years. 4EK works to educate students about philanthropy on campus and UCF Day of Giving is our favorite day of the year as ambassadors. With the bonus funds, we have been able to create new experiences for ambassadors within our organization.”

Why You Should Participate: “I believe that others should always participate in the bonus fund challenges. Not only is it super fun to look back on UCF memories with the various prompts like #SpaceU, UCF pet or UCF crew, but it is also a great way to stay engaged with the university. UCF is a part of all of our stories. Whether we are students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents or supporters, we are all a part of the UCF family. Participating in these challenges and UCF Day of Giving is the best way to bring our UCF Family together.”

The Challenge: UCF Pet Photo

The Impact: $1,000 for the College of Community Innovation and Education

The Participant: Danielle Hendrix ’15 ’24MA, communications specialist for the College of Community Innovation and Education

Why I Participated: “As both a UCF employee and double Knight myself, I know from firsthand experience what a special place UCF is, and I’ll never take for granted the opportunities that being part of Knight Nation has given me. For me, it’s important to pay it forward by giving back to my alma mater — whether that be through my role here, volunteering with the Greater Orlando Knights alumni community or participating in events like UCF Day of Giving. The social media challenges happen to be my favorite element of UCF Day of Giving because they’re a fun, creative and easy way to participate in vying for bonus funds to support the areas of UCF I’m most passionate about — and because I’m competitive!

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a proud cat mom to Indie and Stevie — two of the most adorable cats in the world — and I love showing them off whenever I can. They are the cutest Knightmares, and I’m glad others agreed.

As a CCIE employee, it only felt right to give back to the college I support on a daily basis. Our college is home to a variety of programs that prepare students to positively impact the communities they’ll serve through careers in education, public administration, criminal justice, counseling and school psychology, healthcare management, legal studies and beyond. CCIE students are tomorrow’s community leaders and innovators, and I believe investing in them is also an investment in our collective future.”

Why You Should Participate: “Most of us already have and use social media, so why not use it to make a difference? Not only are they fun and simple to join in on, but in doing so, you’re also going to create a ripple effect. Even if you don’t win a particular challenge, you’re still amplifying the cause by participating and spreading the word to your network. Plus, there’s no cost to participate. If you do win, those bonus funds will be set aside for the area of your choice on your behalf. It’s a great way to engage in friendly competition while supporting Knight Nation.”

For a full list of opportunities to maximize your impact on UCF Day of Giving, April 10, visit .

At that time, legacy universities in very small towns were really the only well-known game in town. But when a friend shared their plans to attend UCF in Orlando, Pigman took note.

“UCF was totally not on my radar, but Orlando was,” she says. “It might as well have been Manhattan, [New York]. Looking back, it’s wild how big I thought Orlando was.”

And while Pigman found the 3 a.m. grocery store runs and budding restaurant scene riveting, it was the pioneering spirit of her fellow Knights that really made her feel at home.

Ready to make your own mark on Knight Nation? Celebrate UCF Day of Giving on April 10 by to the college, program or area that’s most important to you.

“UCF attracts a certain kind of person — it did then, and it still does today. Those of us that don’t recognize or bow to limitations around who we are and what we can do. We’re just going to do it,” says Pigman, who earned a bachelor’s in history.

This unflappable gumption was no new concept for Pigman — it ran in her blood. Pigman’s parents, both born in the coal mining area of Kentucky, experienced the realities of extreme poverty growing up. In fact, her paternal grandfather left school in just third grade to work in the coal mines.

Her father’s family sacrificed a great deal to ensure at least one of them could break free from the poverty cycle — and they chose Pigman’s father for that mission. He went on to earn two college degrees and become a teacher.

Then there was Pigman’s mother, who encouraged her daughter to use education as a tool to exploring paths beyond the typical careers she’d grown up around, such as homemaking, nursing and teaching.

“My mother only gave me one stipulation around college,” says Pigman. “She told me, ‘You can go wherever and do whatever, as long as you’re not going to limit yourself to the choices your father and I made.’”

Once Pigman knew what she was not going to do, she used her time at UCF to explore the different career paths available to her. It was a guest lecture featuring a group of lawyers that finally guided her toward practicing law.

She sat captivated as they engaged in a passionate, but civil debate on hot-button issues of the time. The intelligent conversation, the carefully constructed arguments — it left her inspired.

Today, Pigman is a sought-after attorney with Hollingsworth LLP in Washington, D.C. And while she continues to carry that renegade spirit forth through her work, she has felt a calling to support the next generation of barrier breakers through her alma mater.

This UCF Day of Giving, she’s committed a new gift of nearly $1 million to student scholarships, as well as student development and experiential learning services, through the Collins/Pigman Family Endowed Scholarship and the Experiential Learning Fund.

“My parents believed that education changes lives — especially because it changed their lives. These scholarships are my way of paying it forward,” Pigman says.

This is the latest in a series of gifts that Pigman has given to support UCF students, including endowed funds, which are already impacting Knights today, as well as a planned gift intended for future generations.

“My parents believed that education changes lives — especially because it changed their lives. These scholarships are my way of paying it forward.”

“This scholarship came from the idea that if there’s someone out there who wants to go to college and doesn’t have the same academic free-ride I had — maybe they had to work their way through high school or they faced some other challenges — that they would be able to do so,” Pigman says.

In addition to funding tuition, books, housing and living expenses through the scholarship fund, a portion of Pigman’s pledge is allocated to supporting students in their pursuit of experiential learning opportunities, such an internships.

“Sometimes you just need a little financial support in order to take advantage of these massive opportunities,” says Pigman. “And they can be helpful in so many ways — whether it be securing employment, getting a foot in the door or even just finding out if a field is really for you.”

An internship is what guided Pigman to the area of law she practices today. A law school professor recommended her for a summer clerkship with a judge in Miami. The additional living costs on top of her student loans were intimidating, but Pigman’s parents helped cover the expenses, and what she experienced that summer shaped her future.

It was a critical turning point in Pigman’s career, one that would not have been possible without a little help. UCF’s experiential learning fund, to Pigman, felt like a golden opportunity to offer that same kind of support to others.

“My parents instilled this idea of boundless opportunity in me and my UCF experience continued broadening the possibilities. Nothing felt off limits — there was nothing I couldn’t do. And I’m thrilled to carry that legacy forward and hopefully stoke that same fire in new generations of Knights.”

The Competitive Success Fund, part of the ChargeOn Fund, serves as a crucial initiative to strengthen UCF Athletics’ commitment to student-athlete excellence. The fund is designed to support revenue sharing efforts, bolster scholarship opportunities, and elevate the overall competitiveness of UCF’s athletic programs. The Frost Family’s contribution to the Competitive Success Fund is a testament to the lasting impact of the UCF experience and the collective effort to propel the Knights forward in this new era of college athletics.

Frost, who led the Knights to an undefeated season and a Peach Bowl victory in 2017, expressed his deep connection to UCF and the importance of giving back to the program that has meant so much to him.

“UCF is a special place to my family and me,” Frost said. “The experience we had here, the people, the culture, and the passion for excellence all played a huge role in shaping who I am today and why we came back. Ashley and I are honored to support the Competitive Success Fund because we believe in the vision of UCF Athletics and want to contribute to the continued success of its student-athletes. The future is incredibly bright for the Knights, and we are excited to be part of it.”

The Frosts also encouraged Knight Nation to join his family and make a gift to UCF as part of , which is Thursday, April 10. During the 24-hour fundraising event, donors rally together to celebrate UCF and give to the causes that mean the most to them, including student scholarships, life-changing research and .

Pending final approval of the House Settlement, beginning July 1, 2025, universities will be permitted to share revenue directly with student-athletes. UCF’s Competitive Success Fund is a proactive measure to ensure that the department is prepared to support its student-athletes at the highest level as college athletics continues to evolve.

“We are grateful to Scott and Ashley Frost for their gracious commitment,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir. “Their generosity will directly benefit our student-athletes as we continue to elevate our athletics programs on the national stage.”

The Competitive Success Fund plays a critical role in advancing UCF’s  initiative. For more information on how to support UCF Athletics through the Competitive Success Fund, .

All contributions to the fund count towards Shareholders Society status. For those interested in joining the Shareholders Society and providing a higher level of support, 

There used to be more beehives on the east side of the arboretum’s natural lands. Those areas comprise a variety of ecosystems — scrubby and wet flatwoods, and dome and strand swamps — that are unique and protected from development but not from the area’s natural predators.

One of those predators, the Florida black bear, wreaked havoc on a beehive there in 2023.

The marauding animal likely took advantage of the natural habitat with its lack of people, lighting and machinery, and was just doing what bears do, says Jennifer Elliott ’04 ’09MS, director of the UCF Arboretum and Sustainability Initiatives.

Plus, she says, a black bear’s sense of smell can easily be measured in miles.

“I have no doubt that every olfactory nerve in her brain was alerted to an ample supply of fresh honey and yummy insect larvae in the hive,” Elliott says. “She knew exactly where she was going, and what she was going to do.”

Elliott believes the hungry bear was a female; a bear has been spotted in the area, sometimes with cubs in tow, over the past several years. Perhaps, Elliott says, the mama bear was teaching her cubs about a great food source.

In the aftermath of the feeding frenzy lay splintered wood, spilled honey, thousands of honeybee carcasses and hexagons of protective beeswax containing remnants of future honeybees.

The total loss of the honeybees was devastating, says Amanda Craig ’24, junior mentor and beekeeper for the Arboretum.

Want to support the Knight bees? Make a gift to the UCF . Want to increase your impact? Join us on Thursday, April 10 on and swarm the day with gifts for our pollinating friends.

As a beekeeper, Craig is responsible for inspecting each hive and checking the frames to determine what the bees are doing.

“An inspection reveals a lot about what the bees are up to, including population sizes, if they are thinking about swarming and their general health,” Craig says.

Craig, along with volunteers from the Arboretum Beekeepers Club, a UCF-registered student organization, also assists with honey production each June. Last year, UCF honeybees produced about 50 pounds of the amber liquid. Bottles are sold to the community, and the money raised goes back into the Arboretum and Sustainability Initiatives fund.

In addition to providing the community with honey, bees, along with UCF moths, bats, butterflies and other insects, are also a critical component of educating and feeding UCF students.

The Arboretum’s Learning by Leading program maintains a community farm and garden, which provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students in need through Knight’s Pantry.

This, along with all of the Arboretum’s programs, are creating a buzz.

The Arboretum has received national recognition for its efforts to support healthy bee activity. In 2018, UCF was the first school in Florida to be named a Bee Campus USA. The honor signals that UCF actively addresses the plight of pollinators through operations, educational programs and community engagement.

Even after earning that special designation, Elliott says she still has a long wish list of enhancements that she would like to see for the Arboretum. In the short term, they need a bigger office space, increased community volunteers and, of course, the apiary to replace the one that the bear destroyed.

“Wouldn’t it be great to have educational apiaries across our campus, integrated into existing buildings where our Knights can safely observe our wonderful honeybees, while also keeping the bees safe from the occasional hungry bears with whom we also share our beautiful natural lands?” she says.

Help UCF’s honeybees and other pollinators by making a gift on , which is April 10.

Continue to help UCF unleash the potential of our Knights.

Your contributions are emblematic of pride for all things Black & Gold and a belief in strengthening our local community, funding life-changing scholarships, championing world-class athletics, pioneering advanced learning facilities and curriculum, driving in-depth research and reinforcing our university’s global reputation.

“The incredible success of this year’s UCF Day of Giving speaks to the extraordinary pride in our university and for the exciting future we are building together,” UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “We are thankful for the generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends, and for the investments made in the causes closest to their hearts. These gifts will drive our excellence, support student success, advance exploration and discovery, and unleash potential.”

Celebration of Black & Gold Community

By making 10,356 gifts, inspired donors across the globe rallied together for the community-driven effort — supporting the university and areas that aim to empower Knights and solve the world’s most significant challenges. These contributions were made across all 50 U.S. states, as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

“We are truly grateful to Knight Nation for the outpouring of support on UCF Day of Giving,” says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “Yesterday’s results are a testament to the strength, generosity and vision of the UCF family and a reminder of our collective power to accelerate progress. With each of these gifts, we celebrate — no matter what size, big or small — our capacity to do more.”

A Time to Get Involved

With more than 45 virtual challenges throughout UCF Day of Giving, Knights from across the country and around the world joined the global conversation and got behind fun challenges to boost support for the areas that mean the most to them. Leaderboards displayed on the UCF Day of Giving website kept track of their designated challenges in real-time. Among the top colleges and units by participation were the College of Arts and Humanities, UCF Athletics, the College of Health Professions and Sciences, the College of Nursing, and the College of Community Innovation and Education.

Participation in these events not only reminds students of the importance of philanthropy, but also has a way of igniting conversations about how their involvement, not just their donations, can make an enormous impact on UCF beyond the classroom. Kinesiology major Brooke Johnson embraced one of those discussions and joined 4EVER Knights, an organization that serves as a bridge between students and UCF alumni.

“Being involved in 4EVER KNIGHTS has provided me with so many experiences, including opportunities to educate fellow Knights about the power of philanthropy,” says Johnson, 4EVER KNIGHTS president. “UCF Day of Giving is my favorite day of the year because it is a day of celebrating all things Black & Gold. I love being at the Student Union Takeover each year to celebrate UCF with our student body and giving back to a school that provides so many amazing opportunities for students like me!”

The Taking Flight Foundation Scholarship: Increasing Access to Education

During UCF Day of Giving 2024, generosity from 4,679 donors supported more than 200 areas, including scholarships, which are critical to ensure students have the access and opportunity needed to be successful.

For students growing up in a single-parent home, educational expenses can be a significant burden. Business alumnus Mark Norato ’91 knows firsthand. He grew up in an impoverished neighborhood near Miami International Airport with his mother and brother. That experience was the motivation for him to create The Taking Flight Foundation and choose UCF Day of Giving to establish a . The scholarship aligns with The Taking Flight Foundation he launched and personally funded in honor of his mother’s career in the airline industry.

“I want the students who receive this scholarship to feel special,” says Norato, vice president for North American Partners in Anesthesia. “They are going to have access to a network of people who are willing to help them. I want these kids to have access to something I never had. It’s more than a scholarship, it’s a flight plan for life. If this changes the trajectory for just one student’s life — just one — it will be worth it.”

Continue to help UCF unleash the potential of our Knights.

UCF Day of Giving lasts one day, but your contributions will last a lifetime. By investing, you create impact — no matter the amount, areas supported or number of gifts. You empower every Knight to pursue their passions, chase their dreams and help make the world a better place. Thank you again, Knight Nation, for celebrating all that UCF has accomplished.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of UCF Celebrates the Arts, an annual festival  that fuses creativity, innovation and community engagement. The event showcases the artistic prowess of UCF’s faculty and students and invites the broader community to enjoy performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences. With a focus on partnership and varied offerings, UCF Celebrates the Arts is a unique opportunity for the community to experience the creative side of UCF’s innovative spirit. What better way to honor this year’s milestone event than making a gift to help Knights keep performing for the next 10 years?

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Aside from putting a smile on the face of anyone who meets them, UCF’s Police K-9s play a critical role in keeping our students and campus safe. By making a gift to the UCF Police Department’s K-9 fund, you’ll support the adoption, training and care of our four-legged officers. Who can resist those puppy dog eyes?

As the nation faces a physician shortage, it’s now more important than ever to support aspiring doctors and medical research.  A gift to this area helps UCF’s College of Medicine continue its research-based educational mission as an innovative medical school preparing physicians and scientists to be tomorrow’s healthcare leaders.

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According to the most recent survey from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, 48% of college students are affected by housing insecurity and 14% are affected by homelessness. The Housing Insecurity Fund exists to provide relief to students who are experiencing housing insecurity or facing homelessness so that they can continue and excel in their education.

Created to support students who are experiencing a hardship that may make it difficult for them to continue with their education, the Student Emergency Fund helps provide funding for textbooks, fees and other education-related costs for qualifying students.

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) was designed with the goal of providing student veterans with the tools, resources and support they need to earn their degrees. By making a gift to the MVSS, you’ll help support the purchase of supplies and funding of programs and events for the center.

These are just a few of the many impactful funds that you can donate to during UCF Day of Giving on April 13. We encourage you to explore the and make a gift to the area that matters most to you.

Forward Anzhané Hutton attempts a jump shot to score in the Addition Financial Arena. UCF defeated Wichita State 59-56.

Kareem Ahmed, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is the principal investigator of a new Naval Research Laboratory-funded project to create a morphing hypersonic engine for ultra-fast travel.

The UCF/Universal Creative Lab, which launched Spring 2023, brings immersive design learning experiences to students to cultivate the next generation of themed entertainment innovators. The class opened to graduate students in UCF’s , which is directed by Professor Peter Weishar.

Pushing the frontier of space research, Associate Professor of Physics Adrienne Dove is co-leading NASA’s $35 million science mission to the moon’s Gruithuisen Domes, which is expected to launch in 2026.

A participant in the 15th annual UCF Iron Knight Challenge drags weights across a field in a race to complete eight physical fitness tasks along a military-style obstacle course.

Forward Taylor Hendricks is UCF men’s basketball’s third NBA Draft selection in program history. Hendricks was selected by the Utah Jazz with the No. 9 overall pick of the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

Jane Gibson, from the College of Medicine, was selected as one of four 2023 Pegasus Professors, the university’s highest faculty honor. Professors Stephen Fiore, Jennifer Kent-Walsh and Marianna Pensky were also selected.

Rapper and singer Doechii performed at UCFest Concert Knight presented by Campus Activities Board at the Addition Financial Arena.

During UCF Celebrates the Arts — a multi-day showcase of creativity — student cellists and other UCF musicians performed orchestral classics at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

Backstage during a UCF Celebrates the Arts production at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.

Ballet dancers captivated the stage during TECH-nique: A Dance Concert at UCF Celebrates the Arts, which focused on the intersection of arts and technology this year.

Knights posed for photos in the Student Union during UCF Day of Giving 2023; an impactful celebration that ended with Knight Nation raising over $6.8 million — the most in university history — to support our local community, fund life-changing scholarships, power championship athletics, build 21st century learning facilities, fuel innovative research and enhance the university’s global reputation.

A graduate from Spring 2023 commencement celebrates with loved ones.

UCF students spend a day outdoors in downtown Orlando, which ranks as the No. 1 Best College City in Florida, according to WalletHub.

Principal Investigator and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Helen Huang works with student Jordan Grubb to understand how the brain and body work together — valuable research to assist those with impaired movement.

The Charging Knight statue — representative of UCF’s excellence in academics, its partnerships with the community and its athletics program — sits near the main entrance of FBC Mortgage Stadium.

College of Optics and Photonics Associate Professor Kyu Young Han works with doctoral student Katelyn Canedo ’16 in the , which focuses on optical nanoscopy. Han is an expert in designing new optical tools for biological applications, including ones that could aid in the understanding of human protein linked to diseases.

Student researchers gain hands-on experience with lasers in a lab in the College of Optics and Photonics.

Two students take a selfie with Knightro during the Welcome Back Popsicle Social event hosted by the Office of the President at the Reflecting Pond on the first day of the fall semester.

Political science student Sebastian Jimenez dives into a book outside of the John C. Hitt Library — carrying on the late president emeritus’ core belief that education transforms lives.

Jersey Shore star and DJ, Pauly D, gets the crowd pumped during his pregame set at Bounce House Live at IOA Plaza before UCF football’s first Big 12 home game.

Fans filled FBC Mortgage Stadium for the first Big 12 home football game against Baylor.

The School of Modeling, Simulation and Training secured an advanced dog-like robot named TapeMeasure — allowing them to bring students, faculty and new technology together for innovative research and teaching.

UCF Creative School for Children held a foam splash event to provide its own Spirit Splash-like experience for preschoolers during Homecoming Week.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.

Knights charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch coveted homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

During Spirit Splash, the dance team amped up the crowd before Knights rushed into the Reflecting Pond.

Knightro hyped up the crowd from the sidelines at the homecoming football game against West Virginia.

Assistant Professor of Theme Park and Attraction Management Carissa Baker (middle) works with students to understand theme park storytelling. Baker is a 2023 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching awardee.

Track and field sprinters Latasha Smith (left) and I’Asia Wilson (right) pose with their collection of championship rings at a tailgate event before UCF football’s Space Game.

Football in tow, tight end Alec Holler moves up the field during UCF’s annual Space Game. The Knights defeated Oklahoma State, 45-3, marking their seventh consecutive win since the Space Game debuted in 2017.

For 2023, Knights raised more than $6.8 million — an 84% increase from last year, and the most in university history. UCF Day of Giving contributions not only highlight Black & Gold pride — they help support our local community, fund life-changing scholarships, power championship athletics, build 21^st century learning facilities, fuel innovative research and enhance the university’s global reputation.

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“The passion and support demonstrated for UCF continues to inspire us,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “We are extremely thankful for the generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends on Day of Giving. With their help, we will continue to drive excellence, amplify student success, and enrich lives through research and creative works as we build the șŁœÇֱȄ for the Future together.”

A Celebration of the Black & Gold Community

Donors around the world rallied together for the community-driven effort — supporting the university and its many areas that aim to solve the world’s most significant challenges through 9,551 gifts. These contributions were made across all 50 U.S. states, as well as Australia, Canada, Colombia, Panama, Philippines, Serbia, South Korea and Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who joined us in celebration of Knight Nation on Day of Giving,” says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “As the university for the future, we aspire to be among the most impactful universities in the country — and philanthropic support is crucial in helping us reach our goals. Yesterday’s results showed us that Black & Gold pride is stronger than ever, as a record-number of donors rallied together to help us unleash potential.”

“I personally love Day of Giving because I love being able to give back to the school that has given so much to me,” says Brooke Johnson, who is majoring in kinesiology and health sciences. “I’ve [donated] to 4EVER KNIGHTS, which is an organization that I’m a part of and has given me so many opportunities on campus to get to know new people, make new friends and even new family that I can keep when I become an alum.”

Over 30 virtual challenges kept UCF Day of Giving participants engaged in friendly competition throughout the day. Beginning with the First Gift of the Day Challenge at midnight, Knights everywhere got their game faces on to compete to win bonus funds to help their favorite area of support succeed. Leaderboard displays on the UCF Day of Giving website were viewed thousands of times as colleges and units participated in their own challenges. The top colleges and units were Athletics, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Student Success and Well-Being Fund.

Supporting Student-Athletes and a Smooth Transition to the Big 12

As momentum builds ahead of UCF Athletics’ much-anticipated entrance into the Big 12 Conference on July 1, overwhelming support of the university’s sports programs and student-athletes was displayed with nearly $1.5 million donated to the organization, which also received $20,000 in bonus funds through challenges. Among the generous donors are Chip and Zenaida Carling, who gave a significant gift. UCF Day of Giving gifts will aid in a seamless transition into the elite athletic conference and accelerate UCF Athletics’ — an initiative to provide championship-caliber services to support student-athletes’ careers and to position the university to win conferences and national championships.

“We are grateful to the Carlings for empowering our football student-athletes to succeed on the field and in the classroom,” says Mark Wright, deputy Athletics director and associate vice president, ChargeOn Fund “Support like theirs is critical in providing resources and scholarships as we transition to the Big 12 Conference. Thank you to the Carling family for investing in UCF Athletics.”

Critical Aid to Help Address the Nursing Shortage

This year’s Day of Giving saw more than 175 funds receiving gifts throughout the day. Donors were able to support the areas that mean the most to them — from academic programs to student support resources. Among these areas is the College of Nursing, which received 420 gifts.

About 40% of the gifts made to the College of Nursing fund support the future College of Nursing building, which will help UCF graduate over 50% more nurses to help alleviate the state and national nursing shortage. Among these gifts was a $100,000 contribution from VNA Foundation, which supports community organizations that benefit home healthcare services and care for the elderly.

About 40% of the gifts made to the College of Nursing fund support the future College of Nursing building, which will help UCF graduate over 50% more nurses to help alleviate the state and national nursing shortage.

“Knight nurses are needed now more than ever. We are incredibly thankful for the support we received [on UCF Day of Giving 2023], which will help our students succeed in their studies and graduate to make a difference on the health of our communities,” says Mary Lou Sole, dean of the UCF College of Nursing. “These gifts are also critically important to help us unleash our potential — to address the nursing shortage and solve healthcare’s greatest challenges — with the new building at the Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona.”

Some College of Nursing gifts will also support the Joyce DeGennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The fund honors the legacy of alumna and faculty member, Joyce DeGennaro ’03 ’09BSN ’13MS, who died from breast cancer in 2020 and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of nursing students, faculty and all who knew her. Gifts made to the scholarship will support UCF’s undergraduate nursing students like Alexis Wade, who was the first recipient of the scholarship, which more than 140 people donated to during Day of Giving 2022.

“[As the first recipient of the Joyce DeGennaro Memorial Endowed Scholarship] it means that the College of Nursing community and the DeGennaro family have faith in me that I will be successful in being a future nurse, and that I will represent Mrs. D’s name well,” Wade says. “It has enabled me to be truly involved because I don’t have to have the stress of worrying about working enough hours to be able to help pay for school 
 [and] I can truly be involved [in my courses].”

The senior nursing student — born premature at just 26 weeks and now living with a blood disorder called Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) — has beaten the odds which inspires her pursuit of a career as a neonatal nurse after graduation. Wade says she’s immensely grateful to UCF Day of Giving donors who “truly enable students to be involved and to become successful because they have the opportunity to pursue their passions and areas that they might not have thought of otherwise.”

UCF Day of Giving lasts one day, but your contributions made will last a lifetime. No matter the amount, areas supported or number of gifts — by investing in our impact, you empower every Knight to pursue their passions, chase their dreams and help make the world a better place. Thank you again, Knight Nation, for celebrating all that UCF has accomplished.

Continue to help UCF unleash the potential of our Knights by .