To celebrate that rise, UCF Alumni has launched Ever Upward: Fastest-Growing Knight Businesses — a new annual awards program honoring Knight-owned or -led companies demonstrating significant revenue growth, innovation and leadership.

Ever Upward is about more than recognition. It honors how far ideas can travel, and reminds the UCF community that ambition doesn’t end at graduation. For Knights in business, the direction has always been clear: ever upward.

“Ever Upward … shines a light on Knight-led businesses that are scaling with purpose.” — Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships at UCF

“Our alumni are building companies that are growing rapidly and making a real impact in their industries and communities,” says Rodney Grabowski, UCF’s senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “Ever Upward recognizes success and the entrepreneurial drive behind it. This program shines a light on Knight-led businesses that are scaling with purpose.”

Honorees will be recognized at a signature awards event on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, bringing together alumni entrepreneurs, university leadership and business leaders to celebrate remarkable achievements and share insights.

Inspired by UCF’s unwavering charge to reach higher, Ever Upward acknowledges businesses whose growth reflects perseverance and vision. Recognition is based solely on verified financial performance over a three-year period — spotlighting companies that are truly rising.

Eligible businesses will be ranked by their cumulative percentage revenue growth across their 12-month reporting periods for 2022, 2023 and 2024. To ensure the highest levels of transparency and trust, all rankings will be independently tabulated, so recognition lands exactly where it’s earned.

Applications for the inaugural Ever Upward awards open Feb. 3 and close March 26.

Unlike traditional business awards that are driven by nominations or subjective criteria, Ever Upward is determined entirely by performance data. All financial information will be submitted directly to Carr, Riggs & Ingram — the program’s official tabulation partner and a nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm — ensuring confidentiality and independent verification throughout the process.

Applications for the inaugural Ever Upward awards will open Feb. 3. Eligible companies must have been in operation since at least January 2022, meet minimum revenue thresholds and be Knight-owned or led. 

“Our alumni don’t just represent UCF, they extend it,” says Michael Harding, UCF associate vice president for partnerships. “Ever Upward celebrates Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses whose leadership and momentum mirror the ambition of this university and uniquely position them to build powerful partnerships with UCF.”

The application deadline is Thursday, March 26, 2026. Finalists will be announced in early summer, with full rankings revealed at the August awards celebration.

For eligibility requirements and application details, visit the .

Standing before a room of business leaders, community partners and fellow students, UCF junior Mariana Guerrero introduced herself not only as an accounting major in the and a student, but as someone shaped by a lifetime of seeing what meaningful engagement can do.

Born and raised in Orlando, Guerrero grew up with UCF woven into her life. Her parents, both proud Knights, spent their early careers working full time while attending school part time. Her mother’s two decades in government and community relations meant that childhood weekends were often spent at university events long before she understood what it meant to belong to a campus community.

So when it came time to apply to college, she submitted only one application.

“I have always been a Knight,” she said.

Her parents’ work ethic allowed her to fully immerse herself at UCF. She joined the College of Business Ambassadors, now serving as vice chair, became active in the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), mentors two students, and chairs the President’s Leadership Council. Each role, she says, has deepened her sense of community and purpose.

Her interest in accounting began at age 13, when her parents enrolled her in a financial literacy summer camp she initially resisted.

“I just wanted to be a normal teenager,” she said.

Instead, she discovered how engaging personal finance could be, especially through the board game Cash Flow, which she played so often her cousins eventually called her for help.

That curiosity grew in high school, where she researched teen financial literacy and realized how few young people had access to the conversations her parents encouraged at home. When she took her first financial accounting class at UCF, her interests aligned, and she began envisioning a future where her love of numbers could translate into meaningful work.

Her professional world expanded quickly. She represented UCF in competitions, including the KPMG-sponsored HSI Battle of the Brains Case Competition, where UCF won first place. She attended leadership programs at the KPMG Lakehouse and joined the firm’s Global Advantage Program in Lisbon, Portugal. Next summer, she will return to KPMG as an audit intern, with plans to earn her CPA and begin her career in public accounting.

Guerrero closed her remarks with gratitude for her family, for UCF and for partnerships like the one between the university and KPMG.

“I am excited to make the leap from being an involved UCF student to being an engaged UCF alumna,” she says.

Her introduction set the tone for an evening focused on shared purpose.

Impact of Partnership

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright followed by highlighting the significance of the Crossroads Speaker Series and its partnership with Dr. Phillips Charities. The series, he said, is designed to explore how business, philanthropy and values-based leadership can work together to create positive change.

Cartwright emphasized KPMG’s engagement across the university, from supporting the Professional Selling Program to mentoring students at the KPMG Lakehouse. Their recent support of UCF Space Week reflects a partnership committed to innovation across disciplines.

He also spoke about UCF’s continued momentum, including achieving the final metric required for Florida’s Preeminent şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą designation.

“That is what makes UCF remarkable,” he said. “We open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.”

“That is what makes UCF remarkable. We open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.” — UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright

Remarks from Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, reinforced the importance of investing in people and partnerships. From there, the evening shifted to its featured conversation.

Sherry Magee ’92, senior director of community relations at the KPMG Lakehouse and a UCF graduate, moderated a fireside chat with Jennifer Flynn Dear, managing director of corporate affairs for KPMG US—offering the audience a close look at leadership, service and purpose through Dear’s experience.

“We are so lucky to have UCF in our community,” Dear began. “They are wonderful community partners as well as a stellar business school thanks to the excellent Kenneth Dixon School of Accounting, KPMG accepts 70% of UCF applicants.”

Her career with the company began more than 25 years ago when she moved to New York City hoping for an advertising career. Feeling overwhelmed on her first day, she called her mother to say she would not last. Instead, she built a career across 12 areas of the organization, learning continuously.

One of her most memorable projects involved partnering with the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, to raise awareness for adoption issues. That work sparked a passion for connecting business with causes that matter.

“I like pairing business and industry to raise awareness of an issue,” she said.

Dear shared that KPMG employees have donated more than $67 million and logged 130,000 volunteer hours. She takes special pride in the firm’s work in education and mental well-being, noting that KPMG Family for Literacy has provided more than 7 million new books to children in low-income communities since 2008.

The more employees get involved, she said, the more fulfilled they feel.

“Even before Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, KPMG had a match set up for hurricane assistance, and participation was incredible.”

Philanthropy, she added, is considered an obligation as employees advance.

She also described the KPMG Lakehouse, a learning and innovation center where employees and clients engage with emerging technologies and leadership training.

“We train every day on AI,” she said. “We invested $2 billion in Microsoft to keep our data safe and to be more efficient and effective.”

The evening closed with remarks from Rodney M. Grabowski, UCF’s senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation.

“This is our fifth year for Crossroads,” he said. “We are grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities, to Mariana Guerrero, and to KPMG and Jennifer Flynn Dear for sharing their stories. Thank you for joining us. Go Knights and Charge On!”

The new directors are Jim Adamczyk ’02 ’04MBA, Marshall Cohn ’11MS, Irene McNutt ’94 ’95MSA and Tom Riordan ’78 ’79MSEE. The new committee advisors are Ron Hancock ’78 and Todd Feintuch ’04.

“Welcoming new members to the UCF Foundation Board is one of the most energizing moments in our annual cycle,” says Board Chair Stuart Heaton. “These individuals bring with them not only a wealth of experience and insight, but also a shared passion for UCF’s mission and future. Together, we are shaping a legacy of purpose, progress and possibility.”

The UCF Foundation Board of Directors has six permanent standing committees. Hancock has been appointed to the governance committee and Feintuch to the investment committee. As the university continues to evolve and grow, these members, via their respective committees, will provide vital insight into the foundation’s governance activities and financial practices.

“These elections mark more than a routine transition — they reflect our commitment to bold leadership and a future defined by excellence,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “The individuals joining our board and committees embody the values, vision and momentum that define UCF. Their insight, influence and passion will help shape a legacy of innovation, philanthropy and impact that will resonate across generations of Knights to come.”

New UCF Foundation Directors and Advisors

Directors

Adamczyk, senior executive vice president/chief strategy officer, of FAIRWINDS Credit Union, brings two decades of financial leadership to the board. A UCF alum and former intern with FAIRWINDS, Adamczyk has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Orlando Business Journal and serves on numerous regional economic and nonprofit boards.

Cohn, co-founder of The Dunhill Companies, has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate and has served as a valued resource to UCF’s real estate programs through the Dr. P. Phillips School of Real Estate.

McNutt, a principal at Rehmann, is a leading authority in employee benefit plans and auditing services. She has been a trusted advisor in industries ranging from professional services to manufacturing and has mentored many through her leadership in accounting and finance.

Riordan, CEO of Aril Inc., is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur with a legacy of innovation in semiconductor development. Riordan has also demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back through the Thomas J. Riordan and Herbert C. Towle Endowed Professorship Fund at UCF.

Advisors

Hancock, a retired GE executive and consultant for The Total Innovation Group Inc., brings his organizational development expertise to the governance committee. Hancock also has a strong background in community and nonprofit service.

Todd Feintuch, executive vice president and chief wealth officer at Seacoast Bank, oversees wealth and trust services for high-net-worth clients. He brings more than two decades of experience in wealth management to the foundation’s investment committee.

With the addition of these six leaders, the UCF Foundation is poised to continue advancing its commitment to student success, faculty excellence and innovative partnerships across the region and beyond.

For more information about the foundation and its board of directors, visit .

Stuart Heaton, Board Chair

Stuart Heaton has been elected as board chair for the remainder of fiscal year 2025, succeeding Brian Butler. Heaton assumes this prestigious role alongside the appointment of Loretta Corey as a new emeritus member.

“I am incredibly honored to even have been considered for this role,” Heaton says. “This is an exciting time to be involved with the foundation, and I am looking forward to collaborating with our board, committee members and the community at large.”

Heaton, who has been an integral member of the foundation board since 2021, previously held the position of vice chair from 2023 to 2025 and currently chairs the investment committee. He is the executive vice president and partner at Elevation Financial Group, as well as a licensed attorney with an extensive 30-year career spanning both the private sector and in-house roles.

Heaton earned his bachelor’s degree from California State şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą, Fullerton; a law degree from the şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą of California, Los Angeles; and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą. He and his wife, Carolyn, are proud parents of five, including Geoffrey Heaton ’17 and Christopher Heaton, who are both UCF Knights — one a graduate and the other a current student.

Loretta Corey, Emeritus Board Member

Loretta Corey, a trailblazer as a first-generation college graduate, devoted her talents to education, notably serving as director of the career program and student council at Benjamin Middle School in North Palm Beach, Florida. In this role, she played a key part in guiding countless students through their college preparation, often bringing them to UCF for campus visits and coordinating opportunities for UCF admissions staff to engage directly with the students.

have been deeply involved with UCF for more than two decades, with all three of her children proudly graduating from the university. In recognition of their enduring commitment to UCF, she and her husband, Michael, received the prestigious John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award in 2017.

“Loretta is a perfect example of someone who has taken their own experiences and accomplishments and has used them to create a path for young people so that they, too, can thrive through the power of education,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO at UCF Foundation Inc. “UCF is very fortunate to count Loretta Corey among our emeritus foundation board members.”

The Roles of UCF Foundation’s Newest Committee Members

UCF Foundation’s newest committee members join their respective committees because of the additional expertise and perspective they bring to their roles. Advisors serve a two-year term from the date of their appointment by the board chair.

Members of the audit committee provide oversight to UCF Foundation’s financial reporting process, and systems of internal controls regarding finance and compliance, as well as the independence and performance of the foundation’s independent auditors.

Members of the finance and facilities committee provide oversight and recommendations for the foundation’s finances and real estate in support of UCF.

Audit Committee Members

Peter Counce ’99 ’10MBA has been appointed as an advisory member to the foundation’s audit committee. Over the past 12 years, Counce has made significant contributions to Greenberg Traurig, initially serving as director of financial planning and analysis. His career also includes notable roles as a manager at Deloitte and as director of internal audit at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Before his tenure at Greenberg Traurig, Counce built a strong foundation in internal audit through several esteemed positions, further solidifying his expertise and leadership in the field.

Counce has extensive family ties to UCF, with his wife, Jaime Kawa Counce ’07, and his sister, Amy Counce Smith ’98 ’04MA, both UCF alumnae.

Carrie Hall ’86, a proud UCF alumna, has been appointed as an advisory member to the foundation’s audit committee.

Hall lives in Georgia, where she recently retired from EY, one of the world’s largest professional services networks. In 2016, she was inducted into the UCF College of Business Hall of Fame.

Hall’s distinguished career also includes previous service on the UCF College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting Advisory Board. With more than three decades of experience as a certified public accountant in both Georgia and Florida, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding a global network of professionals spanning North, Central and South America, as well as Israel. Through her visionary approach, she has spearheaded efforts to deliver comprehensive solutions that facilitate sustainable growth and create a lasting competitive advantage for clients across generations.

Finance and Facilities Committee Members

Sarah Matin ’04, a distinguished UCF alumna, has been appointed as an advisory member to the foundation’s finance and facilities committee.

Matin, a former UCF student-athlete, returns to campus occasionally to share her experience —and golfing tips — with students.

Currently a water quality manager at Southeast Advanced Drainage Systems Inc., Matin has built a distinguished career with several prominent engineering firms. Notably, during her time at Rinker Materials, she earned recognition from the American Concrete Pipe Association for her outstanding contributions to the concrete pipe industry and for her involvement in both local and national organizations, extending her influence beyond her main professional duties. In addition to her impressive career, Matin currently chairs the Public Policy and Practice Committee for the American Society of Civil Engineers, further solidifying her leadership within the civil engineering community.

“As UCF Foundation welcomes new leadership and committee members, it is clear that the collective expertise, commitment and passion of these individuals will continue to strengthen the foundation’s mission,” Grabowski says. “With Stuart Heaton at the helm, Loretta Corey’s enduring legacy and the addition of talented advisors, the foundation is poised for a future of continued growth and impact, ensuring UCF’s students and community benefit from unwavering support and vision.”

We encourage our Knights to consider UCF when participating in Giving Tuesday this year. Together, we can fund scholarships for deserving students, breakthroughs in research, and other initiatives that build a better future for our students and society.

Here are five things Knights should know about Giving Tuesday at UCF:

1. Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

But you can give to UCF as early as today by visiting the .

You can support UCF for Giving Tuesday as early as today.

2. Last year, Knight Nation came together and raised more than $495,000 to support funds for UCF students.

UCF has participated in Giving Tuesday since 2013. Last year, you helped us unlock even more potential and inspire excellence across the university on Giving Tuesday. Nearly 700 donors from all over the nation rallied to raise $495,000 toward student success at UCF, funding scholarships, career services, Knights Pantry, academic support, athletics and more.

3. Every donor and every dollar count.

Every gift matters. Whether it’s $5, $10 or $50, it makes a collective impact. We have a strong, passionate community of alumni and friends. How much could we accomplish if we all came together as a force for good?

4. This Giving Tuesday, alumni and friends are encouraged to make an impact where it’s needed most by donating to UCF’s Greatest Needs fund.

Gifts to UCF’s Greatest Needs fund make possible some of the university’s most pressing initiatives. This can include fellowships, scholarships, faculty research, student experience programs, athletics, campus learning spaces, emergency relief and more.

When you give a Greatest Needs gift, you can feel good knowing it’s accomplishing something powerful. Wherever the need is most urgent, your donation provides immediate support.

5. All giving matters—whether it’s a donation, your time or your talent.

Here are some other ways to show your support:

• Volunteer with a
• Become a
• Knight Your Ride with a UCF license plate
• Cheer loud and proud at
• Hire a Knight

Most importantly, share your story. Tell everyone what it means to be a Knight and why you love UCF. Together, we can make this great university even greater tomorrow than it is today.

The new members are Robert “Rob” Kantor ’97 ’04MS ’09MBA, vice president for Business Analytics and Industrial Engineering at Universal Destinations & Experiences; Laurette  Koellner ’77, former president of Boeing International; and John Mahony ’96, managing partner and chief operating officer of Kavaliro. Each has been elected for a four-year term that began July 1.

“Our volunteer leaders contribute so much to our university through their expertise and deep commitment to helping our students and faculty succeed, as well as through their own philanthropy,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the UCF Foundation. “We are excited to welcome our new board members as we work together to unleash the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world.”

The UCF Foundation Board of Directors’ 25 members help to advance the mission of the university through their leadership role in the foundation’s efforts to support student success, faculty excellence, first-class facilities and more through philanthropy.

Several board members began serving in new leadership roles on July 1. Brian Butler, lifelong Central Florida resident and president/CEO of JCB Construction Inc., is the new board chair. He replaced past chair who served in that role for two years.

“It has been an honor serving as board chair for the last two years for an organization I care deeply about. I am thrilled to hand over leadership of the Foundation Board of Directors to Brian Butler,” Daanen says. “Brian is a shining example of exemplary leadership and will no doubt lead the board to great success.”

Stuart Heaton, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Elevation Financial Group, is the new vice chair. Roslyn Burttram, who has worked more than 30 years in the healthcare and nursing fields, has been elected to a second term as second vice chair. chief financial officer, chief investment officer, treasurer and assistant secretary of Dr. Phillips Charities, has been named treasurer and a longtime community leader and philanthropist, has been named secretary, both for a second term.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of board chair and lead this group of philanthropic leaders,” Butler says. “It is my pleasure to welcome our new directors and officers. Go Knights, Charge On!”

Briefs on New UCF Foundation Board Members 

Kantor has worked for Universal Parks and Resort as a vice president since 2019. He previously worked at Universal Orlando Resort for over 20 years, most recently as senior director of Business Analytics and Industrial Engineering. During Kantor’s career at Universal, he has expanded his support of divisions across the entire business, leading process improvement and cost-saving initiatives in areas like revenue operations, entrance operations, entertainment, warehousing and wardrobe. Kantor’s volunteer experience includes Project Leader and Villa Adopter at Give Kids the World in Kissimmee. He is also a coach at the YMCA and for Little League International. Additionally, Kantor is a Certified Engineer-in-Training for the State of Florida. Kantor attended UCF, receiving multiple degrees and certificates. He earned his MBA in 2009, received a graduate certificate in project engineering and master’s in industrial engineering in 2004, and earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering in 1997.

Koellner‘s distinguished career encompasses managing large, complex, international institutions in the aviation and technology industries. Koellner began her career at McDonnell Douglas as a contract analyst. She spent 19 years at McDonnell Douglas, with an end position of vice president of Internal Audit. After the Boeing- McDonnell Douglas merger in 1997, she remained with Boeing, first as vice president and general auditor, before being named vice president and corporate controller in 1999. In 2000, she was named the senior vice president of the Shared Services group. From 2002-2004, she served as a member of the office of the chairman, as well as the company’s chief administration and human resources officer. In 2004, Koellner was named the president of Connexion by Boeing, a position she held until 2006, when she was named the president of Boeing International. She remained in this position until her retirement from Boeing in 2008. Koellner earned an MBA from Stetson şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą in 1980 and holds a certified professional contracts manager designation. Koellner is also a UCF graduate, earning a bachelor’s in 1977. In 2011, she was awarded Stetson şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. She has been designated an “audit committee financial expert” by the New York Stock Exchange.

Mahony has worked in the recruitment and placement field for over 20 years. Mahony and his wife, Diane Mahony ’96 ’01Med ’EdS, founded Kavaliro with other UCF graduates, Mark Moore ’99 and Bill Peppler ’96. Diane, CEO for Kavaliro, is a former UCF Foundation Board director. John Mahony gives back to the community through a variety of charitable organizations, including supporting Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Catholic Charities, and Kick off for Kids (a Kavaliro-sponsored 501(c)3).  John and Diane Mahony have three kids: Caden, Owen and Ava. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to support his alma mater’s athletics. Mahoney received his bachelor’s in organizational communication from UCF in 1996.

The donation is the first major programmatic gift to the AHSC since it was created in 2018 and will support the UCF Genius Innovation Challenge, a new initiative designed to promote synergy through interdisciplinary approaches and solutions.

Bringing together the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Health Professions and Sciences, and Student Health Services, the AHSC was conceptualized as a nexus of interdisciplinary education and training with the health-focused academic and clinical units within UCF in close physical proximity on the 50-acre Lake Nona campus. The campus is part of the Lake Nona Medical City developed by the Tavistock Group and includes UCF’s new teaching hospital, the UCF Lake Nona Hospital. Nemours Children’s Hospital and the VA Medical Center are nearby and, along with other facilities — both existing and planned — provide additional opportunities for collaboration.

The Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation was established in 1959 and supports the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida, along with educational and other non-profit organizations that work to improve the quality of life.

The UCF Genius Innovation Challenge aligns with the foundation’s goals through its focus on an interprofessional approach, bringing together researchers, clinicians and students from various academic disciplines and professional fields to foster innovation and holistic healthcare.

All four were selected for their community leadership and professional expertise. The new members will guide the foundation by supporting fundraising efforts, acting as financial and investment advisors, managing the foundation’s real estate and governing the business affairs of the foundation.

The additions to the UCF Foundation Board of Directors are:

Ricardo Cardenas ’92 was named president and chief operating officer of Darden Restaurants in January 2021. In this role, he has responsibility for all restaurant operations as well as supply chain, development, franchising & international and consumer insights. Previously, Cardenas served as chief financial officer for Darden Restaurants. As CFO, Cardenas lead all financial functions for the company including finance and accounting, corporate reporting, corporate tax, treasury and investor relations. An accounting and finance graduate, Cardenas is a 2018 UCF College of Business Hall of Fame recipient.

James Harhi ’97 is an entrepreneur and founder of JFH Technologies LLC, which specializes in family entertainment centers and consulting. Harhi founded and sold three other small businesses and is now a partner at ProParks Attraction Group, which specializes in the amusement industry by owning, operating, and consulting for domestic and international clients. He holds a degree in interdisciplinary studies and has volunteered as a UCF social media ambassador. His wife, Brooke (Bloodworth) Harhi ’00 ’02MA, holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English.

Stuart Heaton is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Elevation Financial Group and is a key executive officer of its affiliated companies. He has served for more than two decades as a senior executive directing and managing a broad spectrum of operational, legal and capital-related activities for micro-to-large cap publicly traded companies. In addition, he is a licensed attorney who has practiced law in both the private sector and in-house for 30 years. He is a parent to two Knights — Geoffrey ’17 and Christopher, a current student.

Michael Hinn ’92 is the co-founder and CEO of Knight Agency, an Orlando-based brand consultancy founded in 1994. Hinn won the UCF Alumni’s Lifetime of Service Award in 2012 for his 18-plus years of contributions to UCF, UCF Alumni and Pegasus magazine. He is also an honorary inductee to the Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame, a member of UCF’s President’s Circle, The Charles Millican Legacy Society and UCF Athletics Shareholders Society. Hinn’s wife, Christine Summa Hinn ’90, is also a proud alumna with a degree in organizational communication.

“I had times where I’d look at my account and say, what is this money that has just appeared? Who blessed me?” says Deslouches, who received scholarships while attending UCF. “Knowing what $1,000 means to a student — it’s a different world.”

Like many of her friends who are starting to blossom in their careers, she has started to put more thought into her financial future. So one day she posed a question in a group chat with her core group of college friends: Do any of you give in any capacity? What do you think about doing something together?

“The idea that we have a responsibility to give back what we’ve been given is a pretty fundamental belief of the whole group,” Deslouches says. “It’s a huge piece of what keeps our friend group together, and I think we’re all in the phases of our careers where we are starting to get a bit more of disposable income to make the kind of impact we want to have on the world.”

“I think we’re all in the phases of our careers where we are starting to get a bit more of disposable income to make the kind of impact we want to have on the world.”— Bianca Deslouches ’11

Deslouches, along with Neola Occenad ’11, Kersten Busche ’11, Elisabeth Brown ’11 ’16MPA and Katrina Cesaire ’10 ’14MBA, all made their first gifts to UCF in a big way: They created the Kayak Friends and Family Fund with the intent of helping advance historically underrepresented communities. The $1,000 scholarship annually will be awarded to students who are in the John T. Washington Honor Society or Black Student Union.

“We were all excited and loved the idea that we could potentially be impacting students of color, especially given challenges we individually faced in navigating our own academic and career journeys,” Deslouches says. “We want the money to get into the hands of people who tend to have access to less financial opportunities. We don’t want that to stand in the way of living out the full potential of what was the greatest four years of a learning experience for so many of us.”

Once the scholarship was formalized in the spring, Deslouches’ shared the news on social media, and it happened to catch the eye of Sean Bryant ’12.

Bryant knew Deslouches while attending UCF and shared a similar desire to give back in some way. Her Instagram post instigated him to follow through on something he had long been considering and discussing with his friends from his days in as initiates of the Xi Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

He wasn’t surprised at all when Dedrix Daka ’08, Evan Easterling ’12, Ronnie Weaver ’11 and Michael Pazmino, who earned his associate’s degree in 2009, immediately said they were game for creating a scholarship.

The group knew they wanted their first gifts to impact the activity and engagement they were all bonded by at UCF.

“The National Pan-Hellenic Council is relatively small compared to the other councils but there is some really great work being done by those members,” Bryant says. “To both reward and encourage the work that those groups are doing is important.”

The Sons of T3 Scholarship will award a $1,000 scholarship annually to students in one of the nine NPHC fraternities or sororities on UCF’s campus.

“We wanted it be something awarded to people like us — people who are striving and doing things, but realistically we know there is a gap between what you can afford and what you need,” Pazmino says. “I would like this scholarship to help bridge that gap.”

The scholarships will start to be distributed in Spring 2022.

If you are interested in making an impact in the lives of students or learning more about philanthropy at UCF, visit .

In recognition of their gift, UCF Athletics will name the sports medicine center in the Wayne Densch Sports Center the Bortles and Murray Athletic Training Room.

In partnership with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, the UCF Athletics sports medicine team provides best-in-class medical care for all UCF student-athletes. This reinvestment in the training room will deliver an enhanced environment for care.

“My time at UCF made me the man and athlete I am today,” says Murray. “My hope is that this gift will help leave an impact on the next generation of UCF Knights. I came to UCF to be a part of history, and it’s an honor to be able to continue that history.”

Bortles echoes the sentiments of his former teammate.

“UCF played a huge part in making me the football player and the person I am today,” Bortles says. “I created lifelong relationships and countless memories while I was at UCF. I am excited about the direction the program is headed and I’m honored to have played a small part in making this an elite college football program for our current and future student-athletes.”

UCF football coach Gus Malzahn recently had a chance to meet Bortles and Murray when the two visited campus.

“Latavius and Blake obviously are UCF legends — and after meeting both it’s clear they also are exceptional young men,” says Malzahn. “Their combined gift shows how important this program and this university is to them. We want to thank them for their generosity and support, as well as wish them continued success in their professional careers. They are great guys for our players to look up to.”

As with all major gift donors for UCF Athletics, Bortles and Murray will be recognized and stewarded through the Shareholders Society.

“Tay and Blake are great examples of outstanding people that took advantage of their opportunities while students at UCF,” says UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir. “Their academic/athletics successes, combined with their leadership traits, gave them the ability to make a substantial commitment to their university! I believe this gift commitment has illustrated their desires to see more student-athletes who benefited from their time here follow their direction by giving back to our school. We sincerely appreciate their heartfelt support to continue building our athletics program! CHARGE ON!”

Originally from Oviedo, Florida, Bortles played quarterback for the Knights in 2010–13 and was the American Athletic Conference offensive player of the year as a senior in 2013 when he led UCF to the AAC championship and a 52-42 win over fifth-rated Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl.

Bortles became UCF’s highest draft pick in school history when he was selected with the third overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played for the Jaguars from 2014-18, with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, the Rams and the Denver Broncos in 2020 and currently is with the Green Bay Packers.

Born in Titusville, Florida, Murray played running back at UCF from 2008-12. He was a first-team all-Conference USA pick as a senior, leading the Knights in both scoring and all-purpose yardage in both 2011 and 2012. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in interpersonal/organizational communication in 2012.

A sixth-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2013, Murray played for the Raiders from 2013-16 — where he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 — the Minnesota Vikings in 2017-18 and has been with the New Orleans Saints since 2019.