INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA • ORLANDO
MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE IS A BIG JOB. IT REQUIRES A DIVERSE COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE. IT REQUIRES UCF. As a leading partnership university, we know what it takes to make a big impact. It means bringing together an energetic group of thinkers, doers and creators to achieve their goals. It means providing a larger network of support to empower students to take on new challenges. It means creating more access to opportunities that can change the course of the future. And it means UCF is a place where, by demanding excellence, our students, alumni and faculty members have even more chances to improve their lives and make a difference in the world. Because when we unleash our full potential – AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN.
STUDENT
Exploring New Possibilities From observatory visits with her grandparents to stargazing in her hometown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, junior MAKAYLA PEPPIN has always been interested in space. The physics and astronomy major chose to come to UCF for its strong commitment to space exploration, high-ranking STEM programs and close proximity to Kennedy Space Center. Through research projects and her role as president for the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, she’s developing the technical and leadership skills needed to pursue her dream of working on a mission to send astronauts to Mars one day.
I like that a lot of things about space are relatively unknown. My mentors at UCF encourage me to remain curious on the subject and explore my interests in the lab.”
FACULTY
Collaborating for Success SHIBU YOOSEPH, part of the original team that sequenced the human genome, leads the UCF Faculty Research Cluster Initiative in building a strong interdisciplinary academic and research program in the growing fields of genomics and bioinformatics. The computer science professor addresses global challenges by developing algorithms for analyzing genomes of organisms, which are used in monitoring environmental health and finding better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for diseases.
It is very exciting to train the next generation of scientists in an interdisciplinary context because it helps them tackle scientific problems in better ways.�
STUDENT
Creating Big Connections Junior marketing major TAYLOR LUGO came to UCF because she knew being in Orlando would provide her opportunities in the business industry. Her role as an undergraduate admissions ambassador helped her overcome challenges with public speaking and she now confidently networks as a Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity member. Through the organization and the Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program, she earned a competitive human resources internship at the defense company. Through these opportunities she has developed experience and professional business skills that will allow her to achieve her goal of working in event marketing after graduation.
From the classroom to extracurricular activities, I enjoy being in a community where everyone is excited to be here and pursue their interests.�
FACULTY
Celebrating Artistic Freedom WANDA RAIMUNDI-ORTIZ is a champion of diversity in both her teachings as a School of Visual Arts and Design professor and in her accomplished portfolio as an artist. Her focus on educating students on artists of color, as well as the importance of exploring social, political and personal issues in art helps her foster their creative and professional growth. Since becoming a faculty member in 2010, the opportunity to share her work with the world has increased, with 78 completed exhibits during this time, including a recent performance of her Reinas series at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
It’s amazing to have the respect and support of a major institution that allows me to connect my work with people on international platforms and teachers of other disciplines at the university.�
STUDENT
Growing Through Opportunity Originally from a small town in Ohio, industrial engineering major and National Merit Scholar REILLY DEARTH was drawn to UCF’s diversity and big opportunities. But it was the small-college feel the junior experienced at the Burnett Honors College that really made him decide to attend the university. Through ongoing commitments to Burnett’s organizations and former position as a senator for the Student Government Association, he developed stronger communication and teambuilding skills. As an intern for Universal Orlando, he acts independently to complete business analytic projects that allow him to put what he’s learning at UCF into practice while gaining hands-on experience.
For me, the Burnett Honors College was a good base for finding connections with faculty and other students.”
STUDENT
Serving the Local Community ELENA PHAM puts her passion for helping others into practice as director of UCF’s Hearts for the Homeless, a student organization that provides free health screenings to the homeless. The position is one of many campus involvements the junior biomedical sciences major and leadership studies minor believes will help her pursue her dream of becoming a cardiologist with a specialization in preventative medicine. As a member of the International Medical Fraternity, a LEAD scholar, undergraduate teaching assistant and intern for pediatric cardiologists, she shows that making the world a better place starts with a caring heart.
I chose to come to UCF because I believed being in Orlando would provide me with the fast-paced environment and resources to grow into a person more capable of giving back to the community.�
FACULTY
Impacting Global Policy GÜNEŞ MURAT TEZCÜR came to UCF to become the Jalal Talabani Chair of Kurdish Political Studies, the only position of its type in the nation. Through his research, teaching and outreach initiatives, he aims to provide valuable understanding about why people join armed rebellions. The responsibility to be a pioneer in Kurdish politics is one that he knows has the power to shape his students into global citizens and impact policy around the world.
Having access to so much diversity means I can always find faculty members or the students with whom I can collaborate on different projects.”
ALUM
Developing a Global Presence Working as Director of IMG Models Worldwide means JOSH OTTEN ’07 has to carefully manage his time between his many celebrity clients. While at UCF, the advertising and public relations graduate developed this ability and the people skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. His involvement with the Student Government Association, role as director for the annual Knight-Thon charity, and fraternity membership provided him the opportunities to learn to communicate and work with people from all over the globe.
The opportunities that being in Orlando presented helped prepare me for life in New York City and in a more competitive world.�
Photo by Patrick Phillips
ALUM
Taking on New Challenges Transferring from a small college, psychology graduate JAMISON GAVIN ’11 found UCF’s large campus and diverse student body to be a refreshing change. He developed a strong work ethic and the perseverance needed to work in business by playing for the men’s soccer team and being an active member of campus organizations. As a student he developed an entrepreneurial spirit by creating Knight Trade, an on-campus textbook-trading service. Three years after starting his own wastemanagement business in 2012, he secured a seven-figure partnership deal with Republic Services, the second-largest trash company in the United States. Since then, he’s expanded his business ventures to real estate by managing multifamily properties in Tampa, Tallahassee and Gainesville.
I gained interpersonal skills at UCF. The large diversity of the people you encounter on campus helps you better relate to others.”
ALUM
Supporting Through Legal Aid MIA MOTA ’12 got a jump-start on her career in law while at UCF. Through the Office of Experiential Learning, she gained hands-on experience with three different internships by the time she graduated. She balanced these opportunities with her legal-studies courses, a full-time job and her responsibilities as a founding sister of the Delta Zeta sorority to develop a strong work ethic. Now as an associate general counsel, she leads the legal department for a pharmaceutical technology company and supports local tech startups through pro bono work.
By being able to work in my field outside my classes, I was able to gain experience and develop skills that I use daily in my career.�
Photo by Macbeth Studios
FACULTY
Engaging an International Perspective MATHILDA VAN NIEKERK is a tourism and event-management expert with years of experience in the international industry, including helping to organize the 2010 FIFA World Cup in her home country of South Africa. During her first trip to the United States, she visited the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and knew the campus’ close location to Orlando’s entertainment hub provided a great opportunity to impact students’ lives. Now as an associate professor at Rosen College, she mentors students to find the experiences they need to thrive in their chosen career paths.
It’s important that we offer international exposure to our students at Rosen College because if they’re going to work in the hospitality industry, they’re going to meet and work with people from all over the world.”
ALUM
Healing Through Experience JACQUELINE BOEHME ’11 is fulfilling her dream of practicing medicine in Boston after earning her degree from Harvard Medical School. The depth of study the molecular biology and microbiology major completed at UCF made her feel prepared for medical school, which led her to be accepted to one of the most competitive medical internships and anesthesiology residency programs in the country. Her involvement with the Burnett Honors College’s Honors Congress and reign as Miss UCF 2011 helped her gain a well-rounded college experience, break out of her comfort zone and discover her passion for singing.
I really liked the Burnett Honors College because it allowed me to get both the biguniversity experience, and the small liberal arts college feel, which lets you get to know your teachers and other students really well.”
Photo by Joanne Smith
STUDENT
Connecting Through Technology Senior J’LIN ROSE’s collegiate journey didn’t start at UCF, but it was the first campus that made him feel at home. Since becoming a member of the Orientation Team and President’s Leadership Council, the information technology major has become more outgoing and developed a strong sense of community with fellow Knights. By staying persistent and open to opportunities, his involvement with the Student Union evolved into a facility specialist position, which allows him to combine his passions for technology and helping others.
UCF has a vast variety of unique groups on campus, but there are moments when we all converge and show up like no other community.”
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