UCF Homecoming celebrates how far the university has come and where it鈥檚 going next.

At the center of that tradition is the , UCF鈥檚 premier alumni recognition event. Each year, the awards honor alumni and friends of the university whose accomplishments, leadership and service embody the best of 糖心logo入口 while helping Knight Nation .

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the DeVos Family Room at the聽Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando will fill with Black & Gold pride as UCF recognizes six extraordinary individuals who are breaking barriers, lifting others and expanding what鈥檚 possible for the university and their communities.

鈥淭his is the pinnacle of alumni recognition at UCF, an evening when Knight Nation comes together to honor those whose leadership, service and achievements represent the very best of our university,鈥� says Heather Junod 鈥�98, associate vice president for UCF Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 honorees exemplify the ambition, innovation and impact that define UCF. Their accomplishments elevate our university, inspire future generations of Knights, and demonstrate the difference UCF graduates make in their communities and around the world.鈥�

Distinguished Alumni Award

The highest honor bestowed annually upon a UCF graduate.

Brandi Bryan 鈥�17MS

A healthcare executive advancing the future of nursing, Brandi Bryan 鈥�17MS has dedicated her career to improving patient care and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders. A proud UCF College of Nursing graduate, she mentors students, serves on the college’s alumni council and champions opportunities that strengthen the nursing profession. Through her leadership and steadfast commitment to service, Bryan is helping build healthier communities and a stronger future for nursing.

Carrie Daanen 鈥�92

A retired finance executive, philanthropist and dedicated UCF volunteer, Carrie Daanen 鈥�92聽helps clear the path to graduation for UCF students through her generous support. A first-generation college graduate, she champions scholarships, student stabilization and mentorship for women in business. Guided by gratitude for the opportunities UCF provided, Daanen, a member of , invests her resources, expertise and passion to ensure a financial setback never becomes the reason a degree goes unfinished, helping launch futures and strengthen communities for generations to come.

Ronald C. Thow 鈥�93

A principal of and former UCF student-athlete, Ron C. Thow 鈥�93 has built a career grounded in resilience, teamwork and ambition. As a first-generation college graduate, he credits UCF with opening doors during his time pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, helping shape his professional journey. Today, Thow is a member of and proudly supports many programs in and the through his philanthropy and by encouraging future Knights to dream boldly, embrace challenges and pursue every opportunity with purpose.

John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award

The highest honor for a friend of 糖心logo入口.

Jogi聽Pattisapu, M.D.

An internationally respected pediatric neurosurgeon, educator and mentor, Jogi Pattisapu聽 has devoted his career to advancing medicine while inspiring future physicians. Through decades of teaching, clinical excellence, philanthropy and service to UCF, including a faculty appointment as a professor of neurosurgery at the , he has challenged generations of students to think critically, lead compassionately and pursue lifelong learning. His enduring legacy is reflected in the countless lives he has helped shape.

Young Alumni Award

The highest annual honor for a recent 30 Under 30 honoree.

Shaina Ruth 鈥�18

A prosecutor and advocate for crime victims, criminal justice graduate Shaina Ruth 鈥�18 has dedicated her career to protecting vulnerable individuals and seeking justice with compassion. Inspired by mentors and meaningful internships at , she remains deeply committed to giving back as a UCF Legal Studies mentor. Ruth embraces the power of unexpected opportunities and encourages future Knights to do the same while making a lasting difference.

Distinguished Student Award

The highest honor for a current UCF student.

Ornella Vintimilla

A Burnett Honors Scholar, future physician-scientist and dedicated student leader, Ornella Vintimilla has transformed her transfer student experience into a mission of mentorship, service and discovery. Through campus leadership roles 鈥� including serving as co-founder of a medical student association and as an Academic Advancement Programs ambassador 鈥� the biomedical sciences major helps fellow students recognize their potential while preparing for a career in medicine. Vintimilla is committed to expanding opportunities that empower others to strive for bold goals and make a meaningful impact.

Interested in joining Knight Nation as we celebrate Black & Gold excellence at the 2026 Shining Knights Alumni Awards? Learn more about opportunities.

Hosted by the twice a year in the fall and spring semesters, the largest job fair on campus features 250+ companies across a variety of industries from diverse fields including technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and more.

This career fair is open to all UCF students and alumni. It is your gateway to explore a wide range of career options, gain insider advice from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in today鈥檚 evolving job market.

It鈥檚 also a great opportunity to practice your networking skills and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

This guide shares logistical information about the Internship and Career Expo itself, as well as tips and resources ahead of the event so you can make your best impression.

Internship and Career Expo

Date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. 鈥� 3:30 p.m.

• Fast Pass Entry at 11:30 p.m. (more below on ways to score a fast pass)
• General Entrance begins at noon.
• Doors close at 3 p.m.

Location: Addition Financial Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL 32816)

Attire: Business casual or professional attire encouraged; Pants or skirts paired with a dress shirt or blouse and dress shoes with socks or appropriate hosiery. Please avoid bringing large bags.

Security Check: The Addition Financial Arena is implementing enhanced security measures. Security procedures include, but are not limited to, performing body wand and bag checks at all arena entrances. before arriving. Guests should allow additional time to enter the gate, as these measures may delay entrance into the event.

Register: This career fair is open to all UCF students and alumni. .

Ways to Prepare and Resources

Virtual Career Guidance:

UCF partners with , a 24/7 virtual career assistant, to help students create a powerful resume and practice their interview skills. VMock leverages technologies like data science, machine learning and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches and interview responses based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.

Where to Print Your Resume:

Students seeking to print copies of their resume or cover letter can do so for a small charge on main campus at the or in the Visitor & Parking Information Center (4000 Central Florida Blvd.).

If you are printing your resume or cover letter for a job or career fair, we recommend having at least one copy for each job/employer you are interested in, plus additional copies for unexpected opportunities or to replace damaged or lost copies.

Professional Clothing Glow Up:

鈥� In Person at the Florida Mall
Sept. 19, 11 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

An exclusive in-store shopping event for career apparel with exclusive discounts not available to the public. Students and alumni will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their PID and check in via Handshake at the JCPenney Florida Mall location in order to receive their coupon.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Fall 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

鈥� In Person at Waterford Lakes
Sept. 20, noon 鈥� 2 p.m.

Students and alumni can enjoy a 15% discount on business and business casual attire during the shopping event. Students will be required to swipe their ID cards or provide their UCF ID and check in via Handshake at Style Encore Waterford Lakes location the day of the event.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass which will grant early entry to the Fall 2026 Internship & Career EXPO. Pick up your Fast Pass Voucher at the check-in table.

鈥� Main Campus
Drop in, 10 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.

A limited professional clothing section is available to all UCF students, with valid UCF ID, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Career Prep Events (Virtual and In-Person):

鈥� In Person
Sept. 22, 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Fall 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

Engineering and Technical Industry Day – In Person
Sept. 23, (9 a.m. 鈥� noon) and (1 鈥� 4 p.m.)

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be on site to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The sessions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Fall 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Pick up your voucher on the way out of the session. Limited quantities available.

– Virtual
Sept. 24, 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

Registration via handshake is required to attend this event. Employer representatives will be available to assist with one-on-one resume reviews and interview preparation sessions. Please bring an updated copy of your resume for recruiters to review. The session will be conducted on a first-come, first-served drop-in basis. As employer representatives become available, students will be paired one-to-one to conduct a 15-20-minute session of their choice and may leave after the session is complete.

This event is eligible for an EXPO Fast Pass, which will grant early entry to the Fall 2026 Internship and Career EXPO. Information regarding pick-up will be sent to attendees at the conclusion of the virtual session. Limited quantities available.

鈥� Virtual
September 25, 1 鈥� 3 p.m.

Join us this fall semester (Aug. 31鈥揘ov. 20) on Fridays, any time between 1 and 3 p.m., via . Ask quick career questions, or we can critique your resume, LinkedIn/Handshake profile, cover letter and elevator pitch.

Whether you鈥檙e attending a job fair or trying to advance to the interview stage for a position you鈥檙e applying for, you can increase your chances of success by following some tried-and-true tips from UCF鈥檚 .

How can you make a strong impression on your job interview?

• Know your professional story/prepare your elevator pitch
• Offer a confident greeting, handshake and smile
• Think about two to three key selling points about your professional self. For UCF students, start with your major/expected graduation and talk about related skills/experience including student clubs and class projects
• Research employers and showcase your knowledge in conversation
• Give examples to back up your answers. Storytelling is a big part of the interview experience.

How can you craft an effective elevator pitch?

Your elevator pitch introduces you to recruiters in 30-60 seconds. Follow the present-past-future format:

• Present: What are you currently studying? What鈥檚 your major or program?
• Past: Highlight a recent relevant experience (e.g., internship, research project, volunteer work).
• Future: State your career goals and explain why you鈥檙e excited to connect with this employer.

What are some ways you can make your resume stand out in a pile?

• A resume should be concise, organized marketing document highlighting your education, experiences and achievements; its purpose is to secure an interview and evolve with your professional growth.
• Keep formatting clean and consistent: 1-inch margins, 1 page (up to 2 max), standard 10- to 12-point fonts, professional appearance and easy-to-scan layout.
• Focus content on relevance: tailor to the position, connect transferable skills, emphasize contributions and quantify results whenever possible.
• Use strong writing mechanics: start bullets with action verbs, maintain consistent verb tense (present for current roles, past for previous) and keep statements concise.
• Include core sections as appropriate: Heading, objective (optional but tailored), education (reverse chronological order), summary of qualifications (skills-focused) and experience (employment, internships, research, projects).
• Add optional sections when relevant: Activities, leadership, honors/awards, publications or research.

What software or AI tools can help build your resume?

• is a fantastic tool available to all students by logging in with their NID credentials
• VMock is a 24/7 virtual career assistant that utilizes technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and sophisticated analytics engine to deliver instant, personalized, and smart career guidance to students and professionals.
• Do not rely only on AI to write content for your resume. Double check wonky spelling/grammar and word choices to make sure it is your voice.
• Be aware that employers are now reviewing resumes and running them through plagiarism detection software to check for AI.
• Utilize AI (VMock can do this) to make sure your resume matches the language in the job description closely enough so that it will pass through applicant tracking systems successfully.

What questions should job candidates ask the interviewer?

Typically, it鈥檚 best to focus on two to three questions to have prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

• Ask about the company culture. What is it like to work there?
• Ask about the position or opportunity in a way that helps you learn more than what you have already learned on your own research. In your opinion, what qualities/traits do you look for in an ideal candidate to be successful in the role?
• Ask about what to expect in the interview process. What are next steps?

Are there any best practices for following up after an interview?

Within 24 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters you spoke with that include:

• A brief recap of your conversation
• An expression of gratitude
• A question or statement to keep the dialogue going

When was growing up, she struggled so much in mathematics that a teacher once told her she would never make it in life.

Today, the double Knight 鈥� a graduate of both the and the UCF-OCPS Noyce Teacher Leader Academy 鈥� is one of six finalists nationwide for the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award.

As part of a 30-year partnership between Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), the award honors extraordinary educators nationwide whose approach to teaching focuses on building strong, multigenerational family-school partnerships that support student learning outcomes. Winners and runners-up receive grant funding toward their innovative, teacher-led projects.

For Malahoo, it鈥檚 a full-circle moment that started with her decision to take a chance on herself.

A Change in Mindset

Malahoo remembers being kicked out of that same mathematics teacher鈥檚 class for not completing homework she didn鈥檛 understand. For years, she internalized the belief that she wouldn’t be successful.

But after her daughter was born, Malahoo decided to go back to school to better her own understanding of math so she could one day help her children with it. While at UCF, she finally began to deconstruct what she鈥檇 spent most of her life believing about herself.

“My professors spoke life into me,鈥� Malahoo says. “Going through LMA made me realize it is OK to make mistakes, and it is OK to persevere. They broke down the work in a way that made it conceptual, meaningful and applicable to me. They were the type of teachers I never had.鈥�

While at UCF, she was a recipient of the Order of Pegasus 鈥� the highest honor a UCF student can receive. She also got involved with the professional organization NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education and went on to present at its annual conference. In finding mentors and professors who built her up, Malahoo鈥檚 growth as a mathematics educator was exponential.

“I started emulating my professors’ way of teaching. Because of them, I became the teacher that I never had… 鈥� 鈥� Nisha Phillip Malahoo

“What one teacher broke, another one fixed,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y mindset changed, and I started emulating my professors’ way of teaching. Because of them, I became the teacher that I never had, and then I was able to turn around and help children develop positive relationships with math at an earlier age. I owe everything to them, and to the LMA and Noyce programs. They’ve given me leadership capabilities and an example of what to follow.鈥�

, professor of K-12 STEM education, met Malahoo eight years ago during her first semester pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in K-8 mathematics and science education through LMA. Later, as principal investigator of the Noyce grant, Bush would help Malahoo take her knowledge to the next level in emerging as a teacher leader.

鈥淲atching her growth from a dedicated classroom teacher to a transformative leader has been incredibly rewarding,鈥� Bush says. 鈥淭oday, she is taking that leadership even further in her new role 鈥� empowering others to see and strengthen the powerful connections among mathematics learning, families and communities.鈥�

Creating Mathematicians, Empowering Communities

That experience further primed her to become a champion for her own third-grade students at Pinewood Elementary School. For the past seven years, Malahoo has also served as a partner-in-education coordinator with local nonprofit Above and Beyond for Change, which educates and empowers local youth by connecting them with community resources.

She recently transitioned out of the classroom and into a full-time leadership position with the nonprofit. As its director of education programs and community engagement, she is now able to expand school-community partnership and educational programming, as well as access to resources for students and families. She even gets to stay at Pinewood in a liaison role.

鈥淚t is the most amazing nonprofit that鈥檚 giving me the space to do this work,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey gave me a platform where I could share the needs of our school, leverage connections, and tap into those resources to bring it back to our students and families.鈥�

The impact has been substantial. Through Malahoo鈥檚 work and partnership with Above and Beyond for Change, family engagement at Pinewood grew from a handful of families attending school events to hundreds. Her passion for mathematics has driven multiple initiatives to make it more relatable for her students and more conducive to family and community involvement.

One such program, Monster Math Night, takes place in partnership with the local Publix each year around Halloween. Parents, teachers and students dress up in their costumes and meet at the local Publix, where they work together on learning to use math in a real-life situation with a budget worksheet and finding the best deals.

鈥淚f you make learning conceptual, something that makes sense to them and in their lives, trust me, they’re going to learn,鈥� Malahoo says. 鈥淭he kids are seeing math in real life, with their parents and even random shoppers doing math with them. It’s bringing back that wonder, joy and beauty of math. It validates everybody’s background and their math knowledge, and now the whole community is getting involved.鈥�

Such moments make the effort that goes into them even more important. With the national spotlight now on Malahoo’s work in her recognition as a Toyota Family Teacher of the Year finalist, she hopes to be able to create more spaces and educational opportunities that bridge gaps between families, communities and schools 鈥� and invites anyone who would like to collaborate in doing so to reach out to her.

鈥淏eing in this space where I can bring all these pieces together brings me such joy, but by no means do I do this on my own,” she says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a network of community helpers, volunteers and teachers who support our efforts. This recognition makes me feel like the work that we do at Pinewood is seen, valued and appreciated. It just reiterates the importance of pouring your heart and soul into something.鈥�

For more information on Malahoo’s work or to engage in potential community-school partnerships, contact her at Nisha.Phillip-Malahoo@ucf.edu.

The top three finalists from the new program, organized by UCF Alumni, are creating jobs, strengthening communities and introducing innovative approaches in industries ranging from health care and hospitality to technology, finance and motorsports.

Their origin stories are shaped by education, family, friendships, unexpected career turns and the ability to adapt. UCF helped the Ever Upward honorees build the knowledge, relationships and confidence to turn their ideas into impact. Rodney M. Grabowski, UCF鈥檚 senior vice president for and CEO of the UCF Foundation, connected the honorees鈥� work to the university鈥檚 founding mission.

鈥淯CF was founded to support the space program … to launch humanity even further. And that spirit still defines us today,鈥� Grabowski says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e launching students into careers and leadership positions in every industry. We鈥檙e launching ideas from our classrooms and labs into the real world.鈥�

Recognizing Excellence

Ever Upward is UCF鈥檚 first program recognizing the fastest-growing Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses around the world. The 2026 rankings were based on cumulative percentage revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period, using calendar years 2022 through 2024.

Explore ways to

UCF Alumni accepted applications in January before announcing the top 25 finalists in June. Companies were ranked by percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue. The final rankings were revealed at a special celebration in August.

Grabowski says, 鈥淭he success of Knight-led businesses is part of the momentum shaping UCF鈥檚 future. Through the university鈥檚 $3.5 billion campaign, UCF is investing in people, ideas, research and partnerships that will help bring tomorrow within reach.鈥�

鈥淭hese companies demonstrate the transformational power of entrepreneurship,鈥� says Mike Harding, UCF associate vice president for partnerships. 鈥淎s they grow, their success creates opportunities for employees, strengthens the industries and communities they serve and inspires other entrepreneurs to pursue their own ideas.鈥�

Learn more about this year鈥檚 top three finalists.聽

No. 3: Reception 24/7

Ryan Rapolti 鈥�11MBA, founder and CEO of Reception 24/7, traces his approach to leadership to experiences he had at home.

Rapolti watched his mother return to college while raising a family, which shaped his understanding of perseverance. His stepfather鈥檚 work in vocational rehabilitation also influenced his belief that business can be a vehicle for helping people.

Those influences became part of the foundation for Reception 24/7, which provides around-the-clock answering services for businesses. As artificial intelligence reshapes customer service, the company combines aspects of that technology with human support so clients can remain responsive and accessible. Rapolti applies the same people-first philosophy to the company鈥檚 workplace culture.

For Rapolti, innovation begins with understanding what both clients and employees need, then using technology to strengthen rather than replace human connection.

“You take away so many things from the UCF experience 鈥� not just what you learn in a textbook or from the professor, but from the people sitting next to you,鈥� says Rapolti. 鈥淚 am so excited to have been in the top three. Being able to grow quickly is great. Hopefully it will allow us to hire more UCF graduates and continue to do great things with the university.鈥�

No. 2: Sebring Driving Club

Four years ago, W. Paul Jones 鈥�94 had a choice to make: accept his fate or pivot.

Jones was the longtime managing director of the Palm Beach Driving Club before the historic raceway shuttered its gates in 2022. When an opportunity to purchase the聽Sebring International Raceway appeared in front of him, Jones decided to take action.

Jones, who had extensive hospitality management experience, returned to his longtime interest when he founded the Sebring Driving Club, creating memorable experiences in the form of a private driving community. The club gives members access to Sebring International Raceway and a place to connect through a shared interest in motorsports.

By turning the traditional track experience into a year-round membership community, Jones found a new business model.

Jones challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and dare to chart their own paths forward.

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to fail,鈥� says Jones. 鈥淪tart your company and keep on going. Go at it with passion.鈥�

No. 1: Coastal Investment Company

For Coastal Investment Company founders Keith Ahrens 鈥�08, Travis Barr 鈥�09, Tyler Bloechinger 鈥�09 and Carey Sobel 鈥�09, entrepreneurship was shaped by friendships that began at UCF.

The partners built a diversified investment company that acquires and grows businesses across multiple industries. Their model combines complementary expertise with a hands-on approach to identifying opportunities, supporting leadership teams and helping companies reach their next stage of growth.

They credit UCF with providing the mentors, networks and entrepreneurial environment that gave them the confidence to take risks and ultimately launch Coastal together. Those connections remain central to the company鈥檚 culture, from hiring fellow Knights and drawing talent from their UCF networks to mentoring students and young alumni.

“We met at UCF, continued on, kept in touch and pushed each other,鈥� says Bloechinger. 鈥淩elationships are so important. People are what will lead to your success.鈥�

Coastal鈥檚 approach shows how different perspectives and complementary strengths can create a more collaborative model for growth.

Celebrating the Top 25

Interested in Ever Upward? Details about the next application period, including eligibility for 2027 honorees, will be announced at .

See the final rankings below.

1. Coastal Investment Company

• Tyler Bloechinger 鈥�09聽

• Keith Ahrens 鈥�08聽

• Travis Barr 鈥�09聽

• Carey Sobel 鈥�09聽

2. Sebring Driving Club

• W. Paul Jones 鈥�94聽

3. Reception 24/7

• Ryan Rapolti 鈥�11MBA

4. Orange Tree Staffing

• Mardly Smith 鈥�95聽

• Craig Smith 鈥�94聽

5. Quadrant Engineering, P.C.

• Rafiqul Chowdhury 鈥�09 鈥�11MS聽

6. Island Direct Primary Care

• John Rothwell III 鈥�13 鈥�15MS 鈥�18DNP

7. Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering

• Josh Martin 鈥�07聽

8. Maymont Senior Care

• Nichole Blake-Little 鈥�15聽

9. Boys Electrical Contractors

• Kyle Nylander 鈥�02 鈥�09聽

10. Brewlando

• Shara Sooknarine Pathak 鈥�04

11. Qu5 Services, Inc.

• Zachary Quandt 鈥�84聽

12. I’m All Ears

• Shelby Roemer 鈥�08

13. Strategos Group

• Adam Giery 鈥�08 鈥�11MA聽

14. CJS Communications

• Christopher Slaven 鈥�13聽

• Alexander Fackler Sr. 鈥�11聽

15. Space Coast Pool School

• Lauren Broom 鈥�00聽

16. Buckalew Hospitality

• David “Skee” Buckalew 鈥�05

17. Knight Federal Solutions

• Chris Baeten 鈥�03聽

18. Boston Data Pro, LLC

• Rajeev Verma 鈥�04MS

19. McGinniss Himmel Insurance Agency

• Allen McGinniss 鈥�05

20. Threaded Marketing Group

• Kelly Jo Jefferis 鈥�04聽

21. Garney Construction

• Matthew Reaves 鈥�05聽

22. aVenue Event Group

• Sean Hughes Jr. 鈥�10聽

23. S Cook Productions, LLC

• Stacey Cook 鈥�99聽

24. Global Ktech

• Kannan Srinivasan 鈥�96MS聽

25. Kavaliro

• Mark Moore 鈥�99聽

• John Mahony 鈥�96

• Diane Mahony 鈥�96 鈥�01MEd聽

• Bill Peppler 鈥�96聽

As coach of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 championship Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition Team (C3), Thomas Nedorost 鈥�02 keeps his eye on the prize 鈥� but not just the trophies.

For Nedorost, a management information systems alum, the real prize is seeing his students and C3 team members become trailblazers, land top industry jobs, build successful careers and pave the way for other Knights.

A senior lecturer in UCF鈥檚 , Nedorost has coached C3 to 15 national championships in 14 years. The team has finished among the top three in 198 competitions, earning 123 first-place wins along the way.

UCF has one of the nation’s most successful collegiate cybersecurity programs, with its competition team winning 15 national championships in the last 14 years.

C3 members compete against top universities worldwide, putting their cybersecurity defense skills to the test by protecting systems against simulated threats.

Nedorost, who built the program from the ground up, is proud of what his teams have achieved over the years, and he sees the impact of their success in the opportunities that come their way.

鈥淏ecause of the experience they get on C3, team members end up in fantastic internships in the field, and when they graduate, most of them skip over entry-level jobs and land roles at that next level, along with some impressive salaries. So, their career prospects are really strong,” Nedorost says.

Fostering Excellence, Investing with Impact

Even with the team鈥檚 consistent success, funding has remained an ongoing challenge.

鈥淲e have struggled from day one 鈥� not in finding talent or space, but in acquiring computer equipment and funds for airfare, hotels, meals and other operational expenses,鈥� Nedorost says.

The university鈥檚 Collegiate Cyber Defense Fund through the has been a source of support, thanks to the generosity of individual donors, as well as several companies and organizations.

That support has helped C3 compete at the highest level. But Nedorost knows that long-term success requires long-term investment.

So, he鈥檚 making one himself.

Nedorost is making a planned gift to support future C3 teams. By including the program in his estate plans, he鈥檚 creating a legacy that鈥檒l continue investing in the next generation of cybersecurity talent long after his coaching career ends.

His commitment represents the largest single gift to C3 to date.

鈥淢y hope is that this will always be a strong program, and that future team members will continue to compete at an elite level, become leaders in the industry and always feel like they have a place in the community we鈥檝e built,鈥� Nedorost says.

Building Greatness

C3 began when former information technology major Jonathan Singer 鈥�13聽approached Nedorost during his first semester as a UCF instructor and proposed entering the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CDCC).

Nedorost had a background in management information systems and had served as an adjunct instructor at Valencia College and UCF, but he didn鈥檛 have experience in cybersecurity. He gave Singer the go-ahead to hold an interest meeting.

When 86 students showed up, Nedorost knew they were onto something.

The Collegiate Cyber Defense Club was born, and Nedorost began building a team from among its members, focusing on elevating UCF’s competitive excellence in this emerging field.

鈥淒uring the live competitions, I can鈥檛 help them. They have to rely on what they鈥檝e learned in class, what they鈥檝e seen and done before, and what they’ve practiced as a team,” Nedorost says.

In its first year, with just eight members, the team won the Southeast CCDC regional competition. That victory earned the team a trip to nationals, where it finished 10th.

These days, Nedorost fields a team of 25 to 27 students each year, from which he builds competition rosters. C3 has won six CDCC national competitions since those early years 鈥� more than any other team in the competition’s history.

“Like any winning team, we put our top talent in the competition. And meanwhile, I’m always recruiting so that we have a strong bench for the future,鈥� Nedorost says.

Fostering Community, Opening Doors

As he has built the program, Nedorost has also created a community that supports each other.

Experienced C3 members serve as speakers at club meetings and lead workshops to help other students. Program alumni return to help Nedorost coach the team, mentor students, serve as guest lecturers and even sponsor meals during local competitions.

Those alumni connections also open doors to internships and jobs as former team members advance in their own careers.

The rise in cybercrime in recent years has fueled demand for cybersecurity professionals, creating a significant gap between the number of skilled workers and available positions. The United States has more than 1.3 million cybersecurity professionals 鈥� the largest cybersecurity workforce in the world today 鈥� with more than 500,000 open positions in the field (Programs.com 2026 report).

UCF is preparing students to help fill that gap.

Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, UCF attracts talented students passionate about the field.

Nedorost is part of that success. In addition to serving as C3 coach and faculty advisor to the Collegiate Cyber Defense Club, he directs UCF鈥檚 and teaches courses including Cyber Defense Analysis and Topics in Cybersecurity.

Investments like Nedorost’s highlight the importance of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 Go For Launch campaign: Investing in students to elevate their competitive excellence and shape a bold tomorrow.

In April 2023, a few days after senior prom, Gabby Murison 鈥�26 and her family drove 650 miles from New Orleans to Orlando. They鈥檇 vacationed in previous years to the area鈥檚 theme parks, but this time they had just one destination on the itinerary: UCF. The university interested Murison for its strong film program through the . She also knew UCF offered a variety of pathways in case she discovered a new interest.

鈥淚鈥檒l never forget stepping onto Memory Mall,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y thoughts about college changed. I got caught up in this environment of 鈥榳e support each other because we鈥檙e all Knights鈥� and I was ready to move.鈥�

“… I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.”

Moving was nothing new to Murison. Her dad serves in the U.S. Army, so she鈥檇 already lived in eight cities across six states.

鈥淏ut I鈥檇 never been anywhere like UCF,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 had big goals: to develop my creative side and learn about social media and film. But I discovered something bigger outside the classroom. I built my world here.鈥�

The Curious Freshman Looking for Community

At the beginning, Murison was like most first-year students: a bit uncertain, searching for a connection.

鈥淚 realized quickly that the 670 clubs and organizations at UCF need people,鈥� says Murison, who minored in event management. 鈥淎s soon as I got involved, the student population of 70,000 got smaller. It ignited passions I didn鈥檛 know existed.鈥�

“My perspective grew by talking with people … and observing how mentors 鈥� guided others.”

Her first connection came through an academic and community engagement initiative, which she saw as an opportunity to get out of her dorm and become involved in service, which runs in her family of military veterans, educators and nurses. On day one, she asked a fellow member, civil engineering major Luisa Cordova, to go for a walk. Murison learned about life in Venezuela on that walk. She also found a best friend and roommate.

鈥淢y perspective grew by talking with people like Luisa and observing how mentors 鈥� guided others,鈥� Murison says.

A mentor gently persuaded Murison to apply her communication skills to the campus community. Still in her first semester and despite a full plate, Murison volunteered for Spirit Splash during Homecoming Week.

鈥淚t was supposed to be a simple way to pitch in,鈥� Murison says, 鈥渂ut as I guarded the pool, I was struck by the impact students were making by running this big event.鈥�

By her sophomore year, Murison had been named to the executive board for Homecoming.

鈥淢y involvement grew to the point where I鈥檇 see students wearing merchandise I helped design,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y confidence and connections to UCF kept expanding.鈥�

A Full-Circle Moment

At the beginning of Murison鈥檚 junior year, Malaret suggested that Murison transition from LEAD to the President鈥檚 Leadership Council (PLC). Murison found PLC to be another way to inspire UCF students to make the most of their entire college experience, just as she鈥檇 been doing herself. Around the same time, she discovered an ideal outlet to share her knowledge and growing love for UCF: as an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador.

鈥淲hen I was a little girl, I wanted to be Hannah Montana,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing a tour guide is as close as I鈥檝e come to that dream. Talking about UCF to groups became like a performance, except everything I say is true.鈥�

“My advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about. Make a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun.”

During at least 100 tours, Murison spoke with more than 1,000 prospective students and VIP guests. She walked them along Memory Mall, through the 鈥渨e鈥檙e all Knights鈥� environment that changed her view of college, and described firsthand the transformative power of campus involvement.

鈥淢y advice to students is to funnel your energy into organizations you care about,鈥� she says. 鈥淢ake a difference. Grow your work ethic. Have fun. And don鈥檛 be involved for the sake of a resume.鈥�

On one tour in 2025, she met a girl from her high school in Louisiana, an 18-year-old version of herself, with one foot at prom and the other reaching toward the next phase of life.

鈥淚 must have given a decent tour because she just finished her freshman year at UCF,鈥� Murison says. 鈥淪he鈥檚 [involved on campus] and serves on the Homecoming committee. Isn鈥檛 that amazing? It鈥檚 gratifying to have made an impact, but even better to know that she鈥檚 creating her own path, and a personal story to share with others.鈥�

Murison’s experience reflects the vibrant community and opportunities available across UCF 鈥� where getting involved can lead to lifelong friendships, new skills and a growing sense of belonging. It’s an experience reflected in UCF’s Grade A overall rating and its No. 19 ranking for Best Student Life in America and No. 21 for Best College Campuses in America by .

The Accomplished Graduate Ready for the World

In April, UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences launched a Pegasus Partnership to strengthen three decades of collaboration with aligning education with real-world experience, creating career pathways and developing themed innovations.

In April, three years after her first step onto campus, Murison was awarded the Order of Pegasus, UCF’s most prestigious student award. She was notified that she had received the honor while on a retreat with admission tour guides, with whom she became friends.

鈥淭he honor meant more because they were there to celebrate with me,鈥� she says.

A few weeks later, Murison graduated and finished an event management internship at Universal Orlando Resort, where she further strengthened her ability to prioritize responsibilities and find balance. She now has job offers from several companies in Orlando, though she could envision a move to California to pursue filmmaking or scriptwriting. There will be plenty of time to decide.

鈥淚鈥檓 the kid who watched with awe when the credits rolled at the end of Disney movies,鈥� Murison says. 鈥淏uilding something big from scratch always fascinated me, especially when it involves a team. That鈥檚 what my UCF experience has been like. For now, though, I鈥檒l just 鈥� exhale. I want to spend time being 22 for a little while.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 a perfect day to bounce in Orange County, Florida.鈥�

The Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village that strengthens Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

When the investment was greenlit in 2023, university and athletics administration knew they wanted to add to the stadium鈥檚 art collection, which already features several installations around the concourse that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university鈥檚 official seal), UCF鈥檚 Big 12 ties and Orlando.

UCF commissioned Harry Foreman 鈥�18 to deliver two murals that pay homage to the UCF story and the university鈥檚 relationship to Orlando and Orange County. To execute the installation in the week leading up to the tower鈥檚 unveiling, Foreman utilized virtual reality technology as part of his process and enlisted the help of fellow alumni: Nicole Lind 鈥�11, a Burnett Honors Scholar who graduated with a degree in an elementary education, and Paulaiden Minerva 鈥�15, who earned his bachelor’s in marketing through the program.

Foreman studied graphic design and emerging media management and previously completed murals for the UCF Downtown and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campuses.

鈥淲hen I was a student I always had so much fun on games days,鈥� Foreman says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 magic being back here.鈥�

The Florida native, who now splits his time between Orlando and Denver, has been an active contributor to the Central Florida鈥檚 arts scene for years. He recently was selected to be part of the City of Orlando鈥檚 Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, Art Pollination 鈥� a prestigious opportunity as Orlando was one of eight cities selected for the $1 million grant out of more than 150 submissions from around the country.

Acrisure Bounce House is his third football stadium mural project. He previously completed installations for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.

鈥淚 always knew I wanted to paint big,鈥� he says.

Here he shares more about his latest creation.

What excited you about this project?

The campus personnel were so willing and excited about my ideas and style that I brought into this that it was almost a perfect match. I led with fun first and then presented some safer ideas. And they said, 鈥淣ope. We want the fun.鈥�

I鈥檓 grateful and appreciative that I鈥檓 creating in a way that is so well received by so many people. Especially with the way we鈥檙e doing these murals with minimal color and a gold approach, I think it鈥檚 a style that has an elevated look while also having this fun, bubbly, childlike feeling, which is perfect for a football stadium on game day.

Where did you pull inspiration from for the two murals?

A staple in a lot of my mural work is my 鈥渙range blossom gang.鈥� They are fun, smiling orange characters that I will sprinkle in throughout a lot of my murals. They act almost as the glue that keeps other imagery and assets like together. They appear in both murals.

For the UCF-themed mural, we have my signature doodle collage style. We鈥檙e in the Bounce House, baby. So I tried to have this flowy, bubbly movement with the clouds. I wanted it to feel like it was light and airy.

With regards to Easter eggs, when I was a student, I did artwork around Orlando and I would do this little emanating whoopsie daisy flower. I snuck it into a postcard stamp. The manatee celebrates Central Florida鈥檚 natural springs, which is in my opinion, one of the most magical parts about the entire state. I also snuck in a variation of the rubber duck for Spirit Splash.

For the Orange County mural, it is centered in an Art Deco theme and is an ode to how the university is entwined with Orlando. From the downtown corridor to our relationship with the hospitality sector around I-Drive to space and UCF鈥檚 engineering and technology roots. And we wanted to include a message to what helped make this possible: 鈥淚n appreciation of Orange County, Florida, whose continued belief, support and investment will welcome millions through these gates to bounce.鈥�

How do you apply virtual reality technology in your process?

I first started using the VR headset to project my artwork on walls last year. There are many different ways to get your art on your walls through grid systems, sketching freehand, projectors and now through headsets. In this circumstance, I have another mural next week. I鈥檝e got to get in and out. I didn’t want to wait till the nighttime to use a projector. What鈥檚 great about the headset is no matter the time of day, you are able to work and operate, and forecast your artwork on a wall.

It鈥檚 a really weird, immersive and amazing technology. If you got vertigo like I do, tread lightly. As I鈥檓 wearing it, I’m constantly thinking, 鈥榃e are in the future.鈥� 鈥�

How did your UCF experience help you hone your craft?

鈥淏eing at UCF pushed me to be great.鈥� 鈥� Harry Foreman 鈥�18, muralist

My UCF experience was not just a four-year degree. I used nearly every offering UCF had 鈥� I was in different clubs, at the gym all the time. I was in the engineering lab using the laser cutter for a lot of my school projects. My experience was almost competitive nurture in a sense, learning in a school setting with so many talented creatives around me. Being at UCF pushed me to be great and taught me how to be a shape shifter.

I already was running a business while in school. I immediately graduated and went right into freelancing, and the Orlando community and UCF network at large welcomed me right when I needed it. I booked amazing jobs right out of school. The UCF Downtown project, I would say, is still some of my most impactful work that gets me jobs to this day.

I never in a million years thought murals would allow me to be traveling all over the nation. I鈥檓 about to buy my wife a house. It鈥檚 a great time to be a muralist. It鈥檚 the best job in the world.

What does it mean to you to be able to give back to your alma mater and Orlando in this way?

It鈥檚 so special. As a student, and even as an artist, there鈥檚 no textbook for success, no single game plan for how to do things. The fact that I get to paint and create in spaces like this, I hope it can inspire the next student. I hope they see this and they say, 鈥淭hat is so cool. I want to do that,鈥� because whenever I saw someone doing it, that was my first response.

If you鈥檙e a student that is worried about the creative world that we鈥檙e entering into, as long as you鈥檙e pushing yourself to make great work, everything you could ever want is already there waiting for you. Orlando as a canvas is the best place to blossom. It was for me.

A child clutches a wand before stepping into Hogsmeade for the first time. Nearby, a father smiles, remembering his own first visit years earlier. Grandparents pause for a photo. Teenagers race toward their favorite coaster. Doug Akers 鈥�07 notices all of it.

As senior vice president of operations for Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UCF hospitality management alumnus helps oversee the intricate systems that make those moments possible. But after more than 20 years in the themed entertainment industry, he鈥檚 learned that operations isn’t really about attractions, transportation or crowd flow.

It’s about protecting something surprisingly fragile: wonder.

Finding the Right Path

Akers’ love of theme parks began early. He found himself happily spending hours designing his own theme parks inside video games and paying far more attention to the operational details than anyone else his age thought necessary. While friends obsessed over bigger roller coasters and taller drop towers, he wondered where deliveries arrived, where maintenance crews parked and what made the fantasy feel believable.

“I had my own little fan website,” he says. “People think I’m obsessive, but I’d ask myself, ‘Where’s my service road? Where’s my warehouse? The park doesn’t look real. It needs the support buildings.'”

As a child, Akers helped his parents with the annual school carnival, arriving before the crowds to watch an empty schoolyard transform into something magical.

Looking back, though, the curiosity started even earlier. As a child, Akers helped his parents with the annual carnival at his elementary school, arriving before the crowds to watch vendors transform an empty schoolyard into something magical.

“I think that’s really where I got my roots,” he says, reflecting on early mornings spent watching adults solve problems, adapt to surprises and somehow make it all look effortless.

By high school, that curiosity had become impossible to ignore. He enrolled in Honors Physics after hearing about a key design project that challenged students to apply scientific principles to something they cared about. He knew immediately that he wanted to create a theme park.

At 糖心logo入口, he discovered that operations offered the same intellectual challenge that first drew him to engineering.

The project quickly grew beyond a classroom assignment.聽 Along with crafting miniature toothpick landscapes and designing attractions, Akers wrote fictional press releases announcing the park’s grand opening and carefully mapped out how every element fit together. He wasn鈥檛 just building rides 鈥� he was creating an experience.

Engineering seemed like an obvious choice when Akers began college. He had always been fascinated by how systems worked and how their pieces fit together. At 糖心logo入口, he discovered that operations offered the same intellectual challenge that first drew him to engineering, while adding a dimension he hadn’t expected: human behavior.

How do thousands of moving parts and people come together so seamlessly that guests never stop to think about them? How do all those unseen details shape what people remember long after they return home?

Those questions ultimately led him to , where he discovered an academic environment that blended entertainment, finance, guest service, leadership, operations and strategic thinking.

Learning to See the Invisible

A college job at Universal Orlando Resort became something much bigger 鈥� a cauldron of knowledge, more wondrous than anything else he had known. Each new opportunity brought greater responsibility. Akers worked in transportation, attractions, food and beverage, entry operations and special events across multiple parks and international projects. By building a reputation for thoughtful leadership and a willingness to learn every corner of the business, he rose from a college employee to one of the company’s senior executives.

Along the way, he learned one lesson that has shaped his career: the most exceptional operations are often the least visible.

When every detail is executed seamlessly, guests never think about logistics, staffing or transportation. They鈥檙e focused on making memories with family and friends.

That鈥檚 when Akers realized operations were never the end goal. They were the foundations that made those meaningful experiences possible.

Wonder Doesn’t Have an Age Limit

Spend a day in the parks with Akers and one thing becomes clear: he spends as much time watching guests as he does monitoring attractions. A child experiences a beloved story for the first time. Parents revisit childhood memories. Grandparents watch a new generation imagine and dream.

For Akers, those moments are the true measure of success.

Wonder doesn鈥檛 disappear as people grow older. It simply takes on new meaning with every stage of life, creating memories and connections that span generations.

Creating and operating the spaces where those moments take place has quietly become the work of his career.

Leading Through Curiosity

Today, Akers oversees operations on a scale he never imagined as a college student. His career has taken him across the U.S. and around the world, including helping open Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Beijing.

Those experiences also help shape the future of the industry. Through the first-of-its-kind housed within UCF’s Rosen College 鈥� created in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences 鈥� students will learn how storytelling, technology and operations work together while designing experiences that inspire wonder, with Universal helping craft the curriculum.

At 糖心logo入口, professors and mentors challenged Akers to think differently and encouraged him to pursue opportunities he hadn’t considered. They helped him recognize that careers rarely follow a straight path and that curiosity is often a better guide than certainty.

It’s the same advice he shares with UCF students: Don’t become so attached to your original plan that you miss the opportunity in front of you. The best experiences are the ones held together by thousands of invisible details working in perfect harmony, Akers says.

Somewhere today, another child will step through Universal Orlando Resort鈥檚 gates carrying a wand almost as tall as they are. Years from now, they may return with children of their own.

Akers hopes they never think about the thousands of unseen details that made the day possible.

He hopes they remember only how they felt.

He hopes they remember the wonder.

is about more than reaching a destination. It鈥檚 about creating the conditions for bold ideas, transformative experiences and life-changing opportunities, similar to the ones that shaped Akers’ career. Join us in investing in students, strengthening our university and helping UCF continue to reach ever higher.

When Alex Williams 鈥�09 says, 鈥渢hese are exciting times,鈥� just consider where he鈥檚 been and where he believes humanity is going.

Williams recently traveled between Virgin Galactic鈥檚 headquarters in Tustin, California, and its spaceship factory in Mesa, Arizona, 350 miles from Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Today, fewer than 800 people have traveled to space. But Virgin Galactic projects that soon 750 or more people 鈥� 鈥渁stronauts鈥� 鈥� will ride its spaceships annually.

“My wheelhouse, [going] back to Disney and UCF, is designing experiences that are different, larger than ourselves.”

As the company鈥檚 senior manager of program design, Williams is among those responsible for producing a full 鈥渆xperience鈥� around each pinnacle moment.

鈥淢y wheelhouse, [going] back to Disney and UCF, is designing experiences that are different, larger than ourselves,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淗ere, I get to be part of opening space as the next layer of humanity.鈥�

While Virgin Galactic鈥檚 early flights made headlines for carrying company founder Sir Richard Branson and a few private astronauts, those brief trips had a bigger purpose.

鈥淲e believe deeply in making space accessible for all,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淓ach spaceflight brings everyone closer. The day is coming for everyday people who watched Apollo and Artemis missions with wonder. It鈥檚 coming for the person looking for perspective or the next adventure. They can be astronauts.鈥�

Inside and Outside a Flight to Space

The official term for a flight with Virgin Galactic is 鈥渟paceflight expedition.鈥� Passengers don鈥檛 board a rocket.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a spaceship,鈥� Williams says.

Part of the experience, then, is knowing your way into a spacesuit and into your seat aboard the spaceship. It鈥檚 bonding with crewmates and being prepared for Mach 3 speed. Preparation is critical, but it鈥檚 designed to be much less intense than fortifying oneself for a Mount Everest expedition.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e in New Mexico for less than a week,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want it to be physically taxing because we want you fully immersed in this monumental experience.鈥�

The spaceflight expedition is approximately 90 minutes from boarding to landing, including several minutes of weightlessness.

鈥淪afety is paramount, so we use an air launch system where a launch vehicle carries our spaceship to a release point of 45,000 feet,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淭hen the rocket motor kicks in, and the spaceship accelerates to Mach 3. The astronauts are sent back into their seats comfortably. When the motor shuts off, you coast to your highest point. And then the spaceship glides back to Spaceport for a graceful runway landing.鈥�

The immersion surrounds those 90 minutes. It includes hospitality, food and beverage, and bringing astronauts and their families into the culture of the Las Cruces area.

鈥淲e test everything,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned, for example, that I like hatch chiles.鈥�

They are now part of the carefully designed experience.

Stretching His Own Mind

After four years at Virgin Galactic, Williams has explained the experience so many times that he feels as if he鈥檚 taken flight himself.

Even so, he still occasionally struggles to find the words.

鈥淚t鈥檚 indescribable,鈥� he says.

The technology of safe spaceflight is mostly beyond his understanding, which only adds to the fascination for a kid at heart who grew up in Citrus County, just 90 minutes from Orlando鈥檚 theme parks, where he first began stretching his imagination.

鈥淒isney had this unbridled positivity for what the future could be,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚 wanted to be a part of something like that, helping push humanity forward, but I wasn鈥檛 sure how.鈥�

He began to discover how at UCF, where he majored in art and says he had the freedom to 鈥淔rankenstein my educational program together.鈥� The first day he walked into the Student Union, he happened to be walking into auditions for Universal Orlando Resort鈥檚 Halloween Horror Nights.

鈥淭hat experience became a piece to the puzzle,鈥� he says.

A themed attraction class, where he helped design a ride, added another piece. So did operations courses through his hospitality management minor at .

He used all these lessons during his 16 years with Disney, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and D23.

鈥淎nd then my ears perked up when I heard about the direction of Virgin Galactic,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚 saw it like my own story 鈥� in a constant state of becoming.鈥�

“This is a rare experience that can connect us to each other, to our planet and to possibilities to do something good.”

His mindset also parallels Virgin Galactic鈥檚 ultimate intent for spaceflight.

鈥淚t comes down to optimism,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his is a rare experience that can connect us to each other, to our planet and to possibilities to do something good. You don鈥檛 go up on our spaceship to look out at space 鈥� you go up to look back at Earth. As more people do that, we can鈥檛 begin to imagine how much good can result from those few minutes.鈥�