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.

From signature UCF traditions to opportunities to meet new people, get involved and have some fun before classes get into full swing, there鈥檚 plenty to experience. Here鈥檚 your guide to the week鈥檚 events on the main campus and at听. Just remember to bring your UCF ID to participate in each event.

For the latest event details and updates, check the听,听听and @UCF_OSI on Instagram.

Sunday, Aug. 23:

The Knighting
Addition Financial Arena
11 a.m. 鈥� 12 p.m.

UCF鈥檚 official welcome ceremony brings together all new Knights to celebrate the start of their UCF journey. No ticket is required, and the event is open to all. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Opening Knight
Student Union
12 鈥� 4 p.m.

What鈥檚 the best way to get involved at UCF? Meet the Knights already doing it. Stop by the Student Union to explore student organizations, connect with current members and find your place on campus. Plus, enjoy DJs, free food, giveaways and more.

Monday, Aug. 24:

Welcome Back Social
Reflecting Pond
12 鈥� 1 p.m.

Grab complimentary sweet treats and mingle with UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, faculty, staff and students.

Movie Knight
Memory Mall
7 鈥� 10 p.m.

Grab your friends and head to Memory Mall for the Campus Activities Board鈥檚 annual Movie Knight. Catch Project Hail Mary under the stars, take on a human hamster ball course and enjoy free popcorn and drinks. The event is open to all UCF students.

Tuesday, Aug. 25:

Taste of 糖心logo入口
Addition Financial Arena
4 鈥� 6 p.m.

Experience international destinations through food, music, dance and traditions from around the world. This annual celebration brings students together to explore the many backgrounds represented at UCF and throughout the greater Orlando area while building connections and a sense of belonging.

Wednesday, Aug. 26:

Welcome Expo
Student Union Key West Ballroom
10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

For nearly 30 years, the has helped Knights discover what campus 鈥� and the surrounding community 鈥� has to offer. Stop by to learn about UCF programs, explore campus resources, meet local businesses and discover new opportunities, all in one place. Plus, enjoy music, food and tons of giveaways while taking part in a longtime campus tradition.

Homecoming Theme Reveal
Student Union Atrium
12 鈥� 2 p.m.

Be among the first to find out the Homecoming Week 2026 theme and score some UCF Homecoming merch.

Comedy Knight Featuring Leslie Jones
Addition Financial Arena
7 鈥� 9 p.m.

Join the Campus Activities Board for a night of fun and laughs featuring Primetime Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Leslie Jones. Best known for her five seasons on听Saturday Night Live, Jones has appeared in nearly 60 film and television projects, including 2016鈥檚听Ghostbusters. Get ready to experience her comedic talents, incredible writing and magnetic stage presence live at UCF.

Current UCF students get in free with a valid UCF ID. Tickets for the general public are available at additionfiarena.com.

Thursday, Aug. 27:

Taste of Downtown
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons at UCF Downtown
11 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

Take your taste buds on a trip around the world at this signature event featuring international flavors, live entertainment and interactive experiences inspired by destinations worldwide. Come try something new, meet fellow Knights and celebrate the people and traditions that make UCF Downtown and the greater Orlando area so vibrant.

Speed Friending
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Room 107 at UCF Downtown
12 鈥� 2 p.m.

Break the ice at Speed Friending, a fast-paced, low-pressure way to connect with fellow UCF Downtown students. Rotate through quick conversations, tackle fun icebreaker questions and see who you click with along the way. Whether you鈥檙e new to campus or looking to expand your circle, it鈥檚 a fun way to meet new people, make meaningful connections and create lasting memories.

Concert Knight Featuring Quavo
Addition Financial Arena
7 鈥� 9 p.m.

Get hyped for a night of live music featuring Grammy-nominated rapper, singer and producer Quavo. Known for solo hits like Hotel Lobby and Workin Me and as a member of Migos, the chart-topping rap group behind Bad and Boujee and Stir Fry, Quavo has amassed more than a billion streams and captivated audiences worldwide with his signature sound.

Current UCF students get in free with a valid UCF ID. Tickets for the general public are available at additionfiarena.com.

Friday, Aug. 28:

Paint Rave
Memory Mall
7:30 鈥� 11 p.m.

Join Late Knights for Paint Rave, a high-energy night packed with glowing paint, music, mocktails and plenty of ways to get creative. Bring a friend, hit the painting stations and light up the night while making memories you won鈥檛 want to forget.

Saturday, Aug. 29:

Day of Service
Student Union Patio
7:30 a.m. 鈥� 1:30 p.m.

Make an impact beyond campus with Volunteer UCF鈥檚 Day of Service. Team up with fellow Knights and four local community partners for a morning of hands-on service supporting youth and mentoring, the environment, education and literacy. Choose the cause that speaks to you, meet new people and have fun while giving back to the greater Orlando community. Students will earn three service hours for participating.

Service sites are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive at 7:30 a.m. for check-in, and RSVP on KnightConnect to participate.

This guide is a resource to help you develop a sense of belonging, find community and build lifelong friendships while studying at UCF.

Marquee Events

Whether you鈥檙e studying at UCF Downtown, the , Rosen College of Hospitality Management or the main campus,听听you鈥檒l have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Some signature events have become beloved UCF traditions听with not-to-be-missed programming:

• Pegasus Palooza, UCF鈥檚 annual welcome week, greets new and returning students to campus with a variety of events including notable headliners at Comedy Knight and Concert Knight.

• UCF Homecoming听Week,听featuring听Spirit Splash,听kicks听off听Monday,听Oct. 19,听and听concludes听with the UCF football team鈥檚 matchup against BYU on听Saturday,听Oct. 24.

• Space Game, a football game unlike any other in the nation, pays tribute to our UCF鈥檚 roots as America鈥檚 Space University. This year鈥檚 matchup against Baylor on Friday, Oct. 30, marks 10 years of the Space Game.

• , held each spring at听听Orlando鈥檚 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, showcases the artistic talents of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 faculty and students in performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences.

• Gather Luncheon,听a听community-building event in the spring hosted by听Wellness & Health Promotion Services and Dining Services,听听brings hundreds of students听together听听for听a free, three-course meal.

Recreation, Intramurals and Sports Clubs

In addition to its fitness and recreation facilities, the Recreation and Wellness Center has longstanding intramural and sports club programs that allow students to form friendships and win championships, sometimes on the brightest of stages.

The RWC鈥檚 intramural sports program welcomes all UCF students, especially those who are new to Orlando and haven鈥檛 met enough peers to form their own team. Thanks to its free agency feature, individuals ca听be matched up with others or be paired with an established team.

The sports club includes 45 different sports, encompassing everything from judo to lacrosse to wakeboarding and have produced some of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 most notable alumni. Gold medalist Phil Dalhausser 鈥�02, who played club volleyball while pursuing his business degree, and bronze medalist Kristen Thomas 鈥�16, who began her rugby career听as a theatre studies major听at UCF,听both went on to听represent听Team USA听at听multiple Summer Olympic Games.

For more information, visit听.

Registered Student Organizations

UCF offers more than 650 registered student organizations spanning academic, professional, cultural and spiritual, social and recreational, and sports interests.

KnightConnect听is UCF鈥檚 official involvement platform where students can explore听these organizations or even create a new one.听Each organization has its own page with meeting times, contact information,听and ways to get involved.

Visit the听听to find the organization right for you.

Greek Life

The fraternity and sorority experience has long been a part of campus life. Since the 1970s, fraternities and sororities have been providing spaces of belonging for students to grow together during their collegiate years.

Currently our UCF Greek community is comprised of 47 organizations, which all share the values of scholarship, leadership, service and brotherhood/sisterhood.

For more information visit听.

UCF Athletics 鈥� Knightmare Society and Marching Knights

UCF is a member of one of the premiere conferences in the nation, the Big 12. From听Fear the Fronds听to听Zombie Nation, the student section鈥檚 energy is听an integral part of the game day atmosphere听and gives the Knights a distinct home field (and court) advantage.

All full-time UCF-enrolled students (except UCF Online) are eligible for free tickets to home sporting events. Please note: all seating is first-come, first-served and admission is not guaranteed. For more information, especially for football and men鈥檚 basketball student tickets, please visit .

罢丑别听 is an organization built and run by UCF students and supported by UCF Athletics. Joining the official group has its perks, including football tickets automatically loaded to members鈥� Ticketmaster accounts, a dedicated fast pass entrance at all UCF men鈥檚 basketball games, and first access to post-season student ticket claims.

Students can also contribute to game-day experiences by joining听, a more than 390-member marching band student organization that performs at pregame shows, halftime shows, pep rallies and听other听fan-fest听events. By creating the soundtrack for these dynamic events, the Marching Knights serve as one of the most vibrant and visible forces for school spirit.

Engage in听Research

Undergraduate research provides opportunities to build a learning community with faculty and fellow students听while engaging听in meaningful work that听develops听solutions听for听challenges facing our communities,听industries听and the world.

In addition to forging connections with peers and mentors, this听practical experience听allows students to听build their professional resumes听before听they graduate.

, UCF鈥檚 annual university-wide celebration of research and creative scholarship showcases graduate and undergraduate research. The week is scheduled for March 29 through April 2, 2027, featuring presentations, exhibitions and other events showcasing student research.

For more information on how to get involved with undergraduate research, visit听.

贰虫辫濒辞谤别听翱谤濒补苍诲辞

UCF students live in one of the most vibrant destinations in the world, Orlando.听Whatever your interest, Orlando听likely has听it:听theme parks,听elite听sporting events,听electric festivals,听Michelin-rated restaurants,听nearby听coastlines听and听natural springs.

Orlando is what you make it, and there are ways to experience it all on a student budget.

罢丑别听听offers听discounted听tickets to various attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal听Orlando听and Kennedy Space Center.听Every spring semester, UCF students听enjoy听free, exclusive access to Universal Islands of Adventure as part of Universal Knights.

听gives Knights of all experience levels opportunities to go on hiking and camping trips at nearby springs, learn to surf, paddle through bioluminescent waters and more.

Several cultural museums in the area offer free entry,听including听the听 on the main campus,听Rollins Museum of Art听and Mead Garden in nearby Winter Park,听and the听Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida听in Maitland.听罢丑别听acclaimed听Orlando Museum of Art听offers free entry on the third Thursday of each month听as part of its Access for All initiative.

Held annually at the start of the fall semester, Visit Orlando鈥檚 Magical Dining offers a chance to sample some the area’s exceptional restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost. Savor three-course, prix-fixe dinners听 鈥� including at Aurora at the on-campus The Celeste Hotel 鈥� for just $40 or $60 per person from Aug. 14 鈥� Sept. 30, 2026.

Worth noting among this graduating class:

• Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma.
• More than 25% of this term’s degrees are tied to STEM majors.
• About 30% of the undergraduate graduating class are Pell Grant recipients.

UCF is the leading producer of talent among Florida鈥檚 universities, awarding roughly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state鈥檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from听three听esteemed speakers听鈥� all UCF graduates 鈥斕齱hose leadership and impact听have听benefited听our region:

• Psychology alum听Allen Johnson听鈥�81,听chief听venue听officer for听City听for听Orlando Venues
• Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
• 颁谤颈尘颈苍补濒听箩耻蝉迟颈肠别听补濒耻尘听Fred Kittinger 鈥�80, UCF鈥檚 former听senior associate vice president for government and community relations

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, summer commencement will take place over three ceremonies spanning Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.

All guests, including children and infants,鈥痭eed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the鈥痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing鈥痠n the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be .

Commencement Photo-ops Across UCF

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House football stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday,听July听30,听4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.),听summer听graduates are invited to a photo-op 鈥� Grad Walk 鈥� within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.鈥疓raduates听are required to听register at听.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony听dates听and streaming links:

Friday,听July听31

6听辫.尘.

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Community Innovation and Education

College of Graduate Studies

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday,听Aug. 1

9 a.m.

Barry S. Miller听College of Business

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

2:30听辫.尘.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Optics and Photonics

College of Sciences

For more details and FAQs about听Summer听2026 commencement celebrations, visit听ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Allen Johnson 鈥�81

Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues

Allen Johnson 鈥�81 has served as chief venues officer of Orlando Venues since 2004, overseeing the City of Orlando’s diverse portfolio of Kia Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.

Johnson brings decades of venue management experience from leadership roles across Florida. Under Johnson’s leadership, Orlando Venues has evolved into a premier, globally recognized destination for sports, entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of guests each year while strengthening Central Florida’s reputation as a world-class destination.

A proud UCF graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he has earned numerous honors, including the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Legacy Award, the SPORTYS Executive of the Year Award and the Downtowner of the Year Award.

He remains active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), serving as past chairman and trustee of the foundation board, while also contributing to organizations that include the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the .

Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97

Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue

Tanya Hill 鈥�97听is Florida Blue鈥檚 market president for Central Florida,听responsible for听regional business and community engagement in a 9-county region.

Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has worked with reputable brands including Chick-fil-A, Target and Walt Disney World to drive business results through strategic partnerships.

Hill is passionate about investing time in the community and has been involved with听numerous听community and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the听African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic听Partnership听and the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from UCF.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, UCF

A native of central Florida, Fred Kittinger 鈥�80 recently retired as senior associate vice president for government and community relations at UCF, where he served for more than 22 years.

He worked alongside local and state leaders to help foster some of 糖心logo入口’s most transformative achievements, including the approval of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 College of Medicine, the creation of the world-class Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, the development of 糖心logo入口 Downtown, the expansion of the UCF Business Incubation Program and investments that enhanced the student experience and advanced regional impact.

Prior to his career at UCF, Kittinger served as chief of staff to Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and previously as vice president of government relations for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He began his career as a legislative aide to state Senator George Stuart of Orlando.

Reflecting his commitment to the community, Kittinger currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Central Florida (past chair), Central Florida Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at UCF.

Kittinger graduated from UCF鈥檚 criminal justice program and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF鈥檚 work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university鈥檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

鈥淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,鈥� says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF.鈥�

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at UCF in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

鈥淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of 糖心logo入口,鈥� Kittinger says. 鈥淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.鈥�

He served on orientation team and President鈥檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF鈥檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master鈥檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he鈥檚 ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you鈥檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you鈥檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond鈥檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 鈥� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.鈥� 鈥� Fred Kittinger

鈥淚t takes that trio to make an impact 鈥� you鈥檝e got to have private industry, you鈥檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I鈥檝e been very blessed.鈥�

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university鈥檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of 糖心logo入口鈥檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); 听the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

鈥淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,鈥� says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and听community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students鈥� lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program鈥檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

鈥淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,鈥� Owen says. 鈥淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred鈥檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.鈥�

With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth 鈥� we鈥檙e counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this UCF Day of Giving.

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

Together,听we鈥檙e听launching Knights to new heights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as they听break听into new realms of听understanding听around听the听country鈥檚听second leading cause of death听鈥� cancer.听Through听innovative science,听they鈥檙e听exploring key听avenues of discovery听including听the role that听genes play听in听determining听a person鈥檚 cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread听and how to harness the body鈥檚 immune system to kill cancer cells.

The goal: to prevent cancer and find new therapies that improve quality of life听for patients.听 brings听us one听step closer听to听lives saved,听families unburdened听and a cure听realized.

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

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

It鈥檚听time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us听as听we rally around听our favorite causes, and听maybe even听uncover some听new听ones, during UCF Day of Giving.听Find听more areas of support听by听exploring听the听,鈥痑nd听save the date to听听on Thursday, April 9.听听

UCF has earned a 听signaling the university鈥檚 growing support for military and veteran students. This is the first year UCF has earned the听Gold听designation, following听many听years听as a听Silver听awardee.

鈥淭his recognition reflects years of intentional work across the university to better support military-connected students,鈥� says Andrea Guzm谩n, UCF vice president for access and community engagement. 鈥淲e鈥檝e focused on building stronger support systems, removing barriers, and ensuring students have clear pathways from enrollment through career.鈥�

In addition to our Gold Award and recognition as a Military Friendly Spouse School, UCF has been previously designated as a Purple Heart Institution, Florida Purple Star Campus, Best Military-Friendly Online College and听Military Times鈥櫶� 2025 Best for Vets Colleges List.

Today about听4,000听military-connected听students听are enrolled听at UCF, and there are a听range of services coordinated through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) to support them:

Holistic Programming

• An orientation dedicated听for听military-connected students and their families

• Expanded student engagement and social activities, which include families and military veterans within our community

• Collaboration with 听affiliates, most notably Valencia College, to streamline transition for transfer students

Academic Resources

• Peer-to-peer tutoring in courses with high drop or fail rates

• VA Work Study and university academic coaching programs prepare and train military-connected students to provide academic coaching to their peers

Career Readiness

• Industry partnerships听鈥� including听Amazon, JE Technology and Disney 鈥斕齮hat provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships,听internships听and career fairs

• Range of workshops, lunch and learns and professional development opportunities

Access to Financial Support听

• Established an endowed scholarship to provide assistance to military-connected students

• Potential for 鈥渕eal plan鈥� grants, emergency relief funds, tuition and fee waivers, and housing subsidies as part of co-curricular and academic support programs

• Participates in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs鈥� Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition assistance initiative for veterans and eligible dependents

Additionally, MVSS听empowers UCF鈥檚 faculty and staff through professional development opportunities with strategies and tips on how to best serve and engage with听military-connected听students.

A new liaison program has been piloted in the last year, placing an MVSS staff member with VA work study students at the听Rosen College of Hospitality Management听and听UCF Downtown听to increase support services for military-connected students at those campus locations.听In听Fall听2026, the program is expected to expand to听the College of Business, College of听Sciences听and College of Arts and Humanities.

鈥淭he support the office provides is some of the most efficient and effective support I have encountered at UCF,鈥� says听finance听major听Abigail Kost. 鈥淚 have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and听learns. The office is also a pillar of emotional wellbeing and has helped me navigate VA benefits and scholarship opportunities. I would not have come as far as I have without the office鈥檚 resources.鈥�

UCF: Committed to Serving Veterans

UCF鈥檚 commitment to serving veterans is not singularly confined to听our听Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January,鈥�U.S. News & World Report鈥痳anked听UCF No. 6 for online bachelor鈥檚 programs for veterans.

UCF is home to鈥�, a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic听established听to鈥�change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Led by UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who is currently听, the organization employs a unique and effective approach to treatment. A combination of exposure therapy, emerging technology and individual and group therapy sessions resulted in 66% of participants with combat-related trauma and 76% of first responders no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.

Last year,听UCF became one of 12 universities nationwide听鈥� and the only school in Florida and the southeast 鈥斕齮o participate听in a new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership.

A partnership between UCF College of Medicine and Orlando VA Medical Center听听鈥斕齦ocated听next door to each other in Lake Nona鈥檚 Medical City 鈥斕齟nsures every medical student听receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine,听neurology听and psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

UCF鈥檚 history department has been documenting veterans鈥� stories听as part of the Library of Congress鈥櫶齎eterans History Project听since听2010.听UCF鈥檚 Veterans Legacy Program, which was founded in 2017 as a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, focuses on documenting the lives of those buried in Florida鈥檚 nine national cemeteries.

About Military Friendly

Founded in 2003, Military Friendly is an organization that measures organizations鈥� commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

Military Friendly Schools strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Earning the designation shows a school meets the minimum criteria.

Military Friendly鈥檚 final ratings for its Schools list were determined by combining each institution鈥檚 survey responses, government/agency public data sources, and measurements across retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and specifically, for student-veterans.

A well-regarded civic leader who has helped propel Orlando鈥檚 trajectory as the fastest major metro area in the United States, Martins has spent 30 of his nearly 40 years in professional sports management as part of the Orlando Magic organization. For his many years of dedicated service and leadership, Martins became the 14th person inducted to the NBA franchise鈥檚 Hall of Fame.

The UCF听grad, who earned his听master鈥檚 in business administration听in 2001,听joins听the likes of听fellow Hall of Famers听Shaquille O鈥橬eil, Anfernee 鈥淧enny鈥� Hardaway and Dwight Howard.

鈥淗is decades of work with the Orlando Magic and his continued investment in our university reflect the character and commitment that define UCF.鈥� 鈥� UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright

鈥淐hair Martins听leads with humility,听generosity听and a deep sense of responsibility to this community,鈥� says听UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗is decades of work with听the Orlando Magic and his continued investment in our university听reflect the character and听commitment听that听define听UCF. As chair of our Board of Trustees, I see every day how deeply he believes in this institution and the听opportunities听we听create for听Central Florida. His induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a remarkable career听and听all of us at听UCF听are听proud to celebrate this moment with him.鈥�

Man of the Hour

Martins听was听inducted on Monday, March听23,听at听Kia Center, near the Orlando Magic Fan Experience.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Alex Martins into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame,鈥澨齭ays听Orlando Magic听chairman听Dan听DeVos. 鈥淗is innovative business acumen has transformed our organization, while working tirelessly to make the Magic an invested community partner. For his efforts that spanned three decades, this is truly a worthy recognition for Alex and his family, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as vice chair.鈥�

Ties that Bind

Martins听was named听听in 2021 and听also听serves on the dean鈥檚 executive council for the听. Martins served on the developmental board of the globally acclaimed 听at UCF, which is funded through a $9 million endowment by Rich and Helen DeVos and awards dual master鈥檚 degrees in听sport management听and business administration. Under Martins鈥� leadership, the Magic contributed $1.5 million to the construction of听UCF Downtown听in 2015, the first major private donation for the campus.

He听is a member of the College of Business鈥� Hall of Fame and recipient of the university鈥檚 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Magic Career

Martins听serves as vice chair of听the Orlando听Magic. In this position, he acts as a senior advisor to the Magic Board of Directors to advance long-term strategic initiatives and serve as a resource to Magic executives.

Martins also represents the Magic as the team鈥檚 alternate governor to the NBA Board of听Governors, and听oversees all operations of the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League.

Martins served as the Orlando Magic鈥檚听CEO听for 14 seasons (2011-25). He has held various senior-level management capacities with the Magic between 1989-98 and upon his return to the organization in 2005, including director of media relations, executive vice president of marketing and franchise relations,听president听and chief operating officer.

During his tenure as CEO, the听Sports Business Journal听named the Magic as one of the 鈥淏est Places to Work in Sports,鈥� the only franchise in the four major professional sports leagues to receive the recognition听in 2024.

His effort and collaboration with local business and political leaders听helped to听secure the Kia Center as a sports and entertainment home, which opened in October 2010. The Kia Center was named the听Sports Business Journal鈥檚 Sports Facility of the Year in 2012.

Martins has also held senior executive positions with the New Orleans Hornets, the NFL鈥檚 Cleveland Browns and Tavistock Group. He started his career as a student assistant in the听Villanova sports information department,听assisted听in the Philadelphia 76ers public relations department and was also the assistant sports information director at Georgetown University.

Tomorrow鈥檚 leading video game developers are听being built today at UCF.

The university鈥檚 graduate video gaming program, , and undergraduate program continue to develop a pipeline of听talent to fuel Florida鈥檚 economy听at a standard of excellence few can match, affirmed by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer鈥檚 Top Video Game Design Schools 2026 rankings.

The Princeton Review and听PC Gamer听has recognized FIEA as one of the top two programs of its kind in the world six of the past seven years.

GaIM improved two spots from last year to its highest ranking, rising to No. 3 in the world. Both programs continue to hold the title of No. 1 in the South.

Strategy for Success

Since their inception, FIEA and GaIM have modeled their classrooms as close to a real-world, studio-like environment as possible, led by faculty with industry experience. That real-world perspective shapes every course, every project and every student who graduates.

鈥淥ur program intentionally emulates a collaborative ecosystem with a range of diverse talent in artists, designers and programmers, which is crucial to developing products and intellectual property,鈥� says Nicholas Zuccarello, a 3D art instructor at FIEA who has previously worked for Sony Online Entertainment and Electronic Arts Tiburon. 鈥淲e even structure projects to emulate real-world development pipelines as closely as possible within an educational setting.鈥�

Orlando: A Leading Tech Hub

With Electronic Arts (EA) and Iron听Galaxy Studios located less than a mile from听the programs鈥� home base in downtown鈥檚 , Orlando is the perfect setting to transition from college to career and now mentioned in the same breath alongside traditional tech-giant territories San Francisco, Seattle听and Los Angeles.

Many alums go directly into the game industry including Epic, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony and more.

FIEA has graduated 1,160 students since its first class in 2006 鈥� about 100 of whom worked on several of the most popular games sold in the U.S. in 2025, including EA SPORTS College Football 26, EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

But it鈥檚 not just the gaming听companies that eagerly hire听FIEA and GaIM graduates. The skills听taught in the two programs align perfectly听with some of Orlando鈥檚 top industries.

Graduates land roles in the modeling, simulation and training sector. Others find their footing in medical technology, where interactive systems and game-based design are transforming how clinicians train and how patients heal. Knights can be found at many of the region鈥檚 big-name employers, including Disney, EA, Lockheed Martin, and Universal Destinations & Experiences, among others.

鈥淥ur students don鈥檛 just make games, they develop the creative and technical fluency to work wherever those skills are needed.鈥� 鈥� Associate Professor Peter Smith 鈥�05MS 鈥�12PhD

鈥淥ur students don鈥檛 just make games, they develop the creative and technical fluency to work wherever those skills are needed,鈥� says Associate Professor Peter Smith 鈥�05MS 鈥�12PhD, who serves as the associate director of GaIM. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what makes GaIM graduates competitive across industries. It is a true honor to see The Princeton Review recognizing this accomplishment of our students and faculty.鈥�

Nitin Bakshi 鈥�21, who joined FIEA鈥檚 faculty as a technical art instructor after graduating with his master鈥檚 in interactive entertainment, says the program takes great pride that many of our alumni continue to live and work in Florida, contributing directly to the local economy.

鈥淭hese companies rely on artists, designers and programmers who understand real-time production,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat is exactly the kind of training our program is built around.鈥�

Serious Business

Interest in the program has risen in the past year. FIEA recently drew its largest applicant pool with more than 200 applicants resulting in 90 new enrollees, the largest cohort to date.

For good reason.

The average starting salary for a FIEA graduate is $83,000, and 80% of graduates are in their desired fields at over 400 companies around the world.

The global market size for gaming, hardware and software sales is more than $189 billion (NewZoo鈥檚 2025 Global Games Market Report), overshadowing music and movie industries combined.

鈥淎dapting to the needs of the industry has always been one of our strengths,鈥� Bakshi says. 鈥淲hether it is new real-time technologies, new platforms, or new ways of collaboration, we work hard to make sure the program grows along with the field. Seeing the program attract more talented students each year, while continuing to evolve with the industry, is what makes me most excited about the future and about the impact these programs will continue to have.鈥�

Climbing the Leaderboard

UCF鈥檚 GaIM improved two spots from last year to its highest ranking, rising to No. 3 in the world and continues to hold the title of the No. 1 program in the South.

The bachelor鈥檚 in digital media with a track in game degree design blends theory and practice with a sharp focus on industry readiness. The program stands out as one of the few programs that combine a strong emphasis on both art and technology.

Students develop skills in programming, game design, game programming, as well as 2D and 3D art and visual effects.

The GaIM Maker Space lab, located on the UCF Downtown campus, reflects that commitment in concrete terms: nearly $500,000 in mixed-reality technology including augmented and virtual reality, motion capture, physical computing, 3D printing, and web and mobile development equipment, alongside dedicated research space for applied work.

The impact on the quality of the students鈥� education and training is undeniable.

鈥淭he tools the maker space provides are integrated deeply into virtually every class in GaIM,鈥� Smith says. 鈥淪tudents in early classes are printing board games and 3D printing game pieces, seniors are recording audio and motion capture sequences that are integrated directly into their capstone projects.鈥�

The Rankings鈥� Methodology

The Princeton Review and PC Gamer鈥檚 game design school rankings are based on more than 40 data points derived from the company鈥檚 survey of administrators at 150 schools offering game design courses and/or degrees. Most of the institutions are in the U.S., with two in Canada and four abroad. The 50-question survey covered four areas: academics, faculty, technology and career topics.

For more than three decades, Ross Wolf 鈥�88 鈥�91MPA 鈥�98EdD has lived a double life. By day, he shapes the minds of criminal justice students and serves as a faculty administrator at UCF. By night and on weekends, he has patrolled Orange County as a sworn deputy sheriff entirely as a volunteer, dedicating about 500 hours per year to the agency.

In March, the Orange County Sheriff鈥檚 Office (OCSO) will present him with both the Reserve Deputy of the Year award for 2025 and a Distinguished Service Medal as he retires from the agency after 34 years of service. As reserve chief deputy, Wolf modernized the unit by rewriting OCSO’s reserve policy and establishing international exchange programs with agencies in London and Singapore.

As Wolf approaches this milestone he remains focused on sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise and his industry connections as interim dean of the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education, professor of criminal justice and associate provost of 糖心logo入口 Downtown.

Taking the Risk

Wolf’s unconventional path began in 1991 when he started as an auxiliary deputy with OCSO. In 1995, he made a bold decision: he took a 50% pay cut to leave his 鈥渄ay job鈥� and become a full-time deputy sheriff. For five years, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer and detective.

In 1999, he made another pivot 鈥� joining UCF as a full-time faculty member while remaining a reserve deputy. For the next 25 years, Wolf would maintain both roles simultaneously, eventually rising to reserve chief deputy, the highest-ranking volunteer position in the agency, overseeing more than 70 sworn personnel, while also becoming a tenured professor, department chair, associate dean and associate provost for UCF Downtown.

“Staying current with law enforcement practices made me an effective deputy and allowed me to share accurate, real-world information with students.” 鈥� Ross Wolf

“These commitments required significant time, but staying current with law enforcement practices made me an effective deputy and allowed me to share accurate, real-world information with students,” Wolf says.

It also allowed him to identify and address the gap in research on volunteer policing, which has existed longer than professional police departments. For decades, Wolf built a network of international scholars to develop comparative research. He鈥檚 also helped develop a framework that is part of an International Association of Chiefs of Police model policy now used by many agencies nationwide.

Training the Next Generation

While leading the reserve unit and conducting groundbreaking research into volunteer policing programs across the United States and internationally, Wolf applied his dual expertise to classroom lectures and created programs that continue to provide students with real-world law enforcement experience.

In 1996, he launched the Law Enforcement Officer Training Corps (LEOTC). Through this initiative, 10 to 15 students each year completed two-semester internships at the OCSO, rotating through specialized units before spending a full semester in their area of greatest interest.

He organized study abroad programs in the United Kingdom that brought 54 UCF students over three years to examine international policing models in a reciprocal exchange. In 2016, 18 British students came to Orlando to ride along with Orange County reserve deputies. Their shifts were underway when the Pulse nightclub shooting occurred. For Zoe Williamson 鈥�21MPA, witnessing officers’ courage and dedication during the tragedy inspired her to complete her master鈥檚 degree at UCF and pursue a career in law enforcement.

Wolf鈥檚 programs created a pipeline of well-trained officers for agencies across Central Florida, with multiple LEOTC graduates joining the OCSO.

鈥淲hile everyone knew him as 鈥楧r. Wolf,鈥� I always called him 鈥楥hief,鈥欌�� says Stephen Fickey 鈥�11, a criminal justice grad who is now a training deputy with the OCSO. 鈥淗aving the leader of my reserve unit also be my professor was a unique experience I felt privileged to have.鈥�

Fickey recalled Wolf joking with him about uniform inspections during final exam week.

鈥淢oments like that showed me the most valuable quality in a leader is remembering where you came from,鈥� Fickey says.

Earning Recognition in Service and Scholarship

Wolf’s dual contributions have been recognized with national honors, including the American Police Hall of Fame’s J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Gold Medal, the National Sheriffs鈥� Association Medal of Merit, and a Presidential Daily Point of Light Award, along with multiple UCF teaching and service awards.

鈥淎s reserve chief deputy, [Ross Wolf has] built our unit into one of the best in the nation and agencies from around the world now look to us as a model,鈥� says Orange County Sheriff John Mina. 鈥淩oss has provided thousands of volunteer hours, but his impact goes even further,鈥� Mina continues. 鈥淭hrough his work at UCF, he鈥檚 trained hundreds of students who’ve gone on to serve in law enforcement, including here at OCSO. He鈥檚 represented our agency with professionalism and integrity at every turn, and we’re grateful for his service to the residents and visitors of Orange County.”

As Wolf focuses on academic leadership at UCF, he leaves a lasting legacy out in the field 鈥� one that has shaped national standards, hundreds of mentored officers serving across the profession, and proof that bridging practice and scholarship creates lasting impact.