Pegasus Magazine Summer 2018 by University of Central Florida

PEGASUS The Magazine of the University of Central Florida

THE HITT ISSUE | SUMMER 2018

“DESTINED FOR GREATNESS” “Friends, UCF is an institution founded on partnership

in a city that dares to dream. We are a university founded on the principles of access to high-quality education at

affordable cost, of research directed to public need, and

of service to the people of our state, region and nation. I

fervently believe that UCF will become America’s leading metropolitan university. With your help and support, we will move forward together — in partnership —

to write the next chapter in the saga of a university destined for greatness.”

— UCF PRESIDENT JOHN C. HITT

FROM HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS, “VITAL FORCE, VITAL PARTNER,” DELIVERED ON NOVEMBER 19, 1992.

TO READ THE FULL ADDRESS, VISIT UCF.EDU/PEGASUS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UCF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

Thank You

VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Grant J. Heston ’13MBA

VO LU M E 24 • I S S U E 3 • S U M M E R 2 0 1 8

BECAUSE OF JOHN’S LEADERSHIP, UCF has been on an incredible trajectory for more than a quarter century. Because of his vision, we’re one of the largest universities in the country; one of the most diverse in the country; one of the best in the country; and hands down, the most innovative. There’s no one in Florida who has done more to educate and inspire than John. His vision brought Mary and me to Orlando, and his legacy will live on in my presidency. Thank you, John, for your wisdom, encouragement, courage and friendship.

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING Patrick Burt ’08MA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laura J. Cole CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ron Boucher ’92 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Eric Michael ’96 ART DIRECTORS Lauren (Haar) Waters ’06 Steve Webb

DALE WHITTAKER UCF PRESIDENT-ELECT

THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT has sharpened my professional skills and has given me the confidence to achieve my goal of becoming a hospital administrator. Thank you, President Hitt, for creating the PLC program because it brings so much joy to my life. KELLY SCHAFENACKER 2017–18 PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

I THINK THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ENTITIES THAT CHANGED CENTRAL FLORIDA ARE Martin Marietta, Disney and John Hitt — two very large corporations and a man. Looking back on Dr. Hitt’s impact on UCF, I realize that I truly have lived through a moment of historic changes. For that I say, “Thank you, John Hitt.” MARY SCOTT ’70 A PROUD KNIGHT

DESIGNERS Mario Carrillo Adam Smajstrla ’11

FACEBOOK Miriam Rodriguez Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for being one of a kind. A person who respects all nationalities and embraces all cultures, you will be greatly missed by everyone from facilities, operations and housekeeping.  Amanda Sellers Thank you for being a strong, intelligent and kind leader for the past 26 years, Dr. Hitt! Proud to be a Knight! Catherine Elisse Thank you, Dr. Hitt. I have many fond memories of UCF under your guidance. Your legacy will be carried on in the lives you’ve touched. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement! #ChargeOn #GoKnights Randall Chapman This school is everything because of your vision and leadership. Thank you, Dr. Hitt! #HittSquad

TWITTER @TallRovingAsian: Dr. Hitt brought integrity and honor to @UCF. This proud @UCFALUMNI was one of his first graduates. Congrats on a stellar career that exemplifies #ReachingForTheStars. @JennZoem: Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for hearing our voices, and for giving hope to Puerto Rican students. 

Juliette Slonka Thank you, Dr. Hitt. You made it easy to say I’m proud to be a Knight. #GoKnights #ChargeOn  Kaitlyn Farris Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for helping all of us achieve big things!  Michael Morsberger Thank you, Dr. Hitt. Your example as a leader, as a husband, as a father and as a friend inspires me to be a better man.

@DRJosePants: I’m not crying. You’re crying. #ChargeOn #HittSquad

Samantha Westley Thank you for creating the environment that I ended up calling home for four of the best years of my life. #HittSquad

@H_BirdmanAAL: Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for making UCF a great place for engineers! #ChargeOn

Maxine Hansen Thank you for making it possible for my daughter to complete her degree.

COPY EDITOR Peg Martin MULTIMEDIA Thomas Bell ’08 Steven Diaz Nick Leyva ’15 Austin Warren Bernard Wilchusky ’18 PRODUCTION MANAGER Sandy Pouliot ONLINE PRODUCER Roger Wolf ’07 WEB PROGRAMMERS Jim Barnes Cadie Brown RJ Bruneel ’97 Jo Dickson ’11 CONTRIBUTORS Joe Adams Bree Adamson ’04 Tim Bower John Currie ’18 Nicole Dudenhoefer ’17 Ashley Garrett John Hitt Martha Hitt Amy Hood Gene Kruckemyer ’73 Josh Letchworth Studio Say So PEGASUS ADVISORY BOARD Chad Binette ’06MPA Richard Brunson ’84 Cristina Calvet-Harrold ’01 ’03MBA John Gill ’86 Michael Griffin ’84 Mike Hinn ’92 Gerald McGratty Jr. ’71 ’72MBA Michael O’Shaughnessy ’81 Dan Ward ’92

INBOX SUBMISSIONS Pegasus is published by UCF Marketing in partnership with the UCF Foundation, Inc. and UCF Alumni. Opinions expressed in Pegasus are not necessarily those shared by the University of Central Florida.

Email:

pegasus@ucf.edu

Mail: UCF Marketing P.O. Box 160090 Orlando, FL 32816-0090 Phone: 407.882.1238

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

Emails to the editor should be sent with the writer’s name, graduation year, address and daytime phone number to pegasus@ucf.edu. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium. Due to volume, we regret that we cannot reply to every letter.

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Contents

6 In Focus 10 Hitt’s World Studio art major John Currie ’18 worked for two months to capture President John C. Hitt in a way no one has seen before. “I really just want the viewer to see how I see by trying to bring them into this space that’s between abstraction and the figure,” says Currie, who started drawing at age 2 and advanced his painting skills while studying at UCF.

12 My 26-year Love Affair 13 Golden Guild 14 Hitt-isms 16 1ON1 — Presidential Edition 18 Who Is John Hitt? 24 Building a Legacy 28 Knight Vision 32 Why I’ll Always Be a Knight 34 Forever Grateful

In Focus FINAL ADDRESS President John C. Hitt awarded degrees at commencement for the last time as president this May. At six ceremonies spanning three days, more than 8,100 students walked across the stage to earn their diplomas. During his 26 years leading UCF, Hitt has conferred degrees to more than 235,000 students. That’s a lot of lives impacted by a single person — certainly more than by any other university president in the state of Florida.

“I wish for you the success and happiness that I have enjoyed at UCF. With the help of many, we’ve built one of this nation’s great metropolitan research universities. Thank you for the honor of serving as your president for 26 years.” — John C. Hitt, UCF president

5,100+

Total doctoral degrees awarded by Hitt. Prior to his presidency, only 128 had been awarded by UCF.

4,539

Students graduated during Hitt’s first year as president

423

Students graduated in 1970 during the first commencement at the university, then known as Florida Technological University

83% 25%

UCF degrees awarded by Hitt

UCF graduates this spring who were first-generation students

To view more photos, visit ucf.edu/pegasus.

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

In Focus NOURISHING ALTRUISM President-elect Dale Whittaker and his wife, Mary, handed out smoothies and words of encouragement to weary students during Knight-Thon 2018. The annual dance marathon, held at the CFE Arena on April 7, challenges participants to stay on their feet for 20 hours to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. The national charity supports children’s hospitals across the nation, and funds raised by UCF benefit Orlando’s Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

“Mary and I are so inspired by our students’ energy and enthusiasm to make a big impact.” — Dale Whittaker, UCF president-elect

$1,584,698 Funds raised in 2018

$333,000+ 3,000+ 1,000+ 22

More raised at Knight-Thon in 2018 than in 2017

Students who helped raise money

Students who participated in the dance marathon

Years UCF students have participated in Knight-Thon

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

HITT S WORLD

Being the president of a university — especially one of the nation’s largest — is,

PEACE OF MIND

without a doubt, a busy job. So before the board meetings and after the special events, every president deserves a chance to relax, unwind and enjoy a glass of club soda (with a little lime). Well, that’s assuming every

LLECTIONS

URTESY

PHOTO CO

ECIAL CO OF UCF SP

CHIVES

ERSITY AR

AND UNIV

In December 1999, UCF hosted two Nobel Peace Prize winners on stage at the same time: Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Oscar Arias Sanchez, former president of Costa Rica. “We’ve had some wonderful speakers here, and this was one of the top moments. In a special event, they both spoke on the theme of peace and reconciliation. It was the turn of the century, and we wanted to do something very special on campus. It was a great occasion early on in my time here.”

president is like our very own John C. Hitt. Here are a few more of his favorite things, each one offering a glimpse into his world. BY BREE ADAMSON ’04

“I like Jackson Browne, and I like Eagles a lot, especially their live album Hell Freezes Over. The intro to ‘Hotel California’ is really, really good. But I enjoy all kinds of music, and I’m so glad people have created things like Pandora, where you can just enter the name of a performer and it will give you music by them, along with songs that are similar.”

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

As a frequent visitor to Knightro’s, one of the on-campus dining halls, Hitt says, “I like the soups. [The cooks] do well with clam chowder. They do well with corn chowder. And they do well with lentil.”

When asked what moment at UCF he cherishes the most, Hitt’s response comes easily: the creation of the medical school and the Peach and Fiesta bowl wins. “Being there to witness the Peach Bowl win this year was unreal. Nobody gave us a chance, and yet our guys went out and just played a great game. That was an amazing experience. With those kinds of wins and getting the medical school approved, those are times we turned the impossible into the inevitable.”

P EGASUS

HAPPY TAILS

LONDON

“We’re crazy dog people. We had so many years here when we didn’t feel we could have a dog. So many of the furnishings in the Burnett House are university property, we didn’t see how we could bring a puppy, or any dog, into that situation. Judy Albertson, a board member for Canine Companions, told us about their release dog program. She’s the reason we got Kessa, who’s just been a wonderful pet for us. We adopted London a little over a year ago, and he’s become a part of the family, too.”

KESSA

BOOKWORM

“I like John Sandford novels and the serial murders he writes about. I also enjoy a lot of escape reading — it’s the kind of thing a university president ought to be reading. I call them space operas. Fiction about some date in the not-too-distant future when we manage to get out into the solar system and to asteroid belts and so forth. It’s fun to read.”

There’s Something About Martha What is guaranteed to make him smile? “Seeing Martha. Thinking of Martha.” And is there anything he can’t live without? Also Martha, his wife of 56 years. “Well, I’m aware that I might have to sometime, but Martha is the one thing I can’t live without.”

UCF THEN & NOW What did he love most about UCF when he arrived in 1992? “The sense of possibility.” And today? “The sense of possibility.” “Our folks have done an enormous amount of good. We’ve had a lot of great accomplishments, but I think the greatest days are ahead.”

GOOD HUMOR

“One of my favorite jokes is from Jack Benny. He was receiving an award and he said, ‘I don’t deserve this award, but I’ve got arthritis and I don’t deserve that either.’ ”

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

My 26-year Love Affair A letter from Martha Hitt

As First Lady, Martha Hitt has represented UCF, hosted events, attended various functions and helped manage the Burnett House. To celebrate her contributions, she received an honorary doctorate from UCF in May.

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

ou could say that coming to UCF was kind of like a blind date for me. I knew very little about the suitor. When John learned about the job opening for a president, I had never heard of UCF or been to Orlando. And I wasn’t entirely sure who I would be in this relationship. I could see John as president of a university, but I had not thought of myself as a “first lady.” When John and I came to Orlando for an interview, I found the guidance I needed. The people on the search committee made me feel right at home. We made treasured friends then and in the years after, including Al and Nancy Burnett, who not only hosted us in their Maine home on several occasions but also funded our on-campus home, the Burnett House. You could say our UCF courtship was a hit from day one. I got a glimpse then of the character and spirit of UCF and the people who make this place so special. Though that was 26 years ago, and UCF has grown so much over the years, the university has remained a place of unbounded potential. In that way, it reminds me of the city of Houston, where John and I grew up. My childhood home was less than two miles away from Rice University (then Rice Institute), where I first found going to football games with my dad — a geologist who worked for an oil production company — was great fun. Across the street from the Rice campus was the Texas Medical Center, which eventually became the largest medical complex in the world. At that time (and probably still), Houstonians believed they could accomplish anything. That same find-a-way spirit permeates UCF, and it is easy to be taken with such a positive outlook on life. Many people ask John and me what he believes is his proudest achievement. The approval of the UCF medical school is certainly one of them. It meant UCF was more than just a good local university. I was honored and proud

to be there beside John and representatives of UCF when the Board of Governors voted. So many people had said it couldn’t be done. It certainly would have been difficult to imagine such a thing transpiring when we arrived here in 1992, but everyone here persevered and made it happen. Over the years, I’ve found so many reasons to fall in love with UCF again and again. Two such moments involve the football team. Winning the Peach and Fiesta bowls were such proud moments for us — and made people across the nation take notice. Members of our family attended both games along with UCF fans. It was such a joy to celebrate with them, and seeing the fabulous smile on John’s face at the awards ceremonies truly said it all. While it’s impossible to single out the proudest moments with so many to choose from, watching how the UCF community — and especially the students — responded to the unimaginable tragedies at Pulse in Orlando and Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, made my heart swell. There were so many emotions, too many to comprehend. Yet this community stood together to grieve and support each other and those beyond our UCF family. I could not be more touched, nor do I know how to express my admiration for each of you. Moments like these make me grateful to be part of the UCF family. I’ve loved having the opportunity to watch, meet and get to know many, many people who make UCF the truly remarkable place that it is. From our students, who often overcome so much to earn a degree, to our faculty and staff, who each play a critical role in UCF’s success, I consider myself blessed to be part of this university and all the people who make it so special. You will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for providing me with so many reasons to love — and keep falling in love with — UCF.

Artifact

G O L D E N

G U I L D

Much more than a shiny token, President Hitt’s Pegasus ring represents a big commitment to UCF — and he’s not the only person to wear one. BY NICOLE DUDENHOEFER ’17

FROM DIPLOMAS to the Student Union seal, the Pegasus symbol has represented UCF for 50 years. But there’s another special place the winged horse can be seen — on the right hand of President John C. Hitt. More than 15 years ago, Hitt came up with the idea for the Pegasus ring while brainstorming ways to honor people who have greatly demonstrated their loyalty to the university. “I wanted something that we could give to individuals who served UCF well, in some really beneficial and conspicuous way,” says Hitt. “I wanted to recognize people who just love the university and do all they can. It may not be someone with a whole lot of money, but anytime you call on them, they’re there.”

5 3

Fun facts about the ring 1 “REACH FOR THE STARS”

2 CUSTOM MADE

3 RECOGNIZING COMMITMENT

4 PEGASUS TAKES SHAPE

5 PRIZED POSSESSION

Made of 14-karat gold, the ring features

Using his own money, Hitt commissioned

Hitt has given 33 custom-made rings to men

Wilson designed the ring’s unique mold

Thanks to a trusted routine, Hitt has never

Pegasus, which has been UCF’s official seal

Sanibel, Florida, goldsmith William Wilson to

and pendants to women. Recipients include

from a simple JPEG, transforming the

lost the ring. He puts it on every morning,

since the university’s first president, Charles

bring the idea to life. The first ring was made

Al Burnett, Frances Millican, Roger Pynn ’73

Pegasus seal into a golden 3D masterpiece.

and every evening when he gets home

Millican, introduced it on April 5, 1968.

for Hitt, and “#one John Hitt” is inscribed

and, of course, Martha Hitt. “It’s neat when

“Bill [Wilson] did a lot of work where he

from work, he returns it to his dresser for

The diamond represents UCF’s motto of

inside the ring. “I liked it as soon as I saw it.”

you sit down with a group of leaders in the

produced a copy of a fish or a little crab, and

safekeeping. “Certainly, the ring is the most

“Reach for the Stars.” “We’ve tried to

community and you see multiple [Pegasus]

it was remarkably good work, so we asked if

precious piece of jewelry that I own — other

have the ring be something people would

rings and pendants,” says Hitt. “That kind of

he might be interested in doing this, [and] he

than my wedding band,” he says.

want and would be motivated to achieve,”

lets you know the university is understood to

thought it was kind of a fun idea,” Hitt says.

Hitt says.

be an asset that evokes pride.”

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S | 1 3

A vice president: “Do you want the good news or bad news?” Hitt: “Will I be able to tell the difference?”

“When somebody is trying to make a nice gesture, it’s generally better not to kick them in the teeth.” “We got “It would be nice if somebody would ask a question rather than just make a wild assumption.” * “Better to be seen than viewed.” * A vice president in jest: “I’m sorry I came into work today.” Hitt: “So are we.”

adopted by a cat. Anything can happen.”

“He’s a smart guy and a good guy, and those are two good things to say about somebody.” “That’ll start some tongues wagging.” * “We’re going to have information in hand. It’s a radical concept.” * “[That’s] better than a sharp stick in the eye.” * “While you’re at it, go tell the tide to come in.”

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

“There will be a vote to adopt something. The something remains to be worked out.” * “It’s a compliment in a way but one we could probably do without.” * “If you intend to go, be sure to take all the fun with you that you intend to have.”

We really need a dose of common sense in this, and I hope it can be injected.”

In response to an idea he wasn’t fond of: “Well, what’s second prize?” * A vice president: “Never turn down the kindness of the president.” Hitt: “There’s so little of it.”

"I'd rather pull a rope than push it." COMPILED BY JOE ADAMS | ILLUSTRATIONS BY TIM BOWER

“It’s not the end of the world — yet. But if you step up on the bumper of your truck, you can see it on the horizon.”

A vice president: “We have Chihuahuas.” Hitt: “I hope you get over that.” * “I was still trying to negotiate a blindfold and a cigarette for you.” * “We were a Southern family, so if it didn’t move real fast, it got fried.”

“Remember the first law of academic administration: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth delegating.” A reminder to not be too greedy: “Pigs get fed. Hogs get slaughtered.”

“Where are the criteria for leaping over tall buildings?” * “We need to look at the problem and not necessarily a solution that is presenting itself for another problem.” * “A wish is not a plan.”

It’s a good idea except for trying to do it.” U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

1ON1

PRESIDE

President John C. Hitt and President-elect Dale Whittaker discuss life lessons learned, their favorite UCF tradition and the future of UCF.

Dale Whittaker: John, how do you reply if a student or a parent asks, “Why would I choose UCF over another university?” John C. Hitt: Of course there are many great reasons why a student would choose UCF over a host of other institutions: the breadth of programs we have, the depth of learning that can come out of having all that, the scope to our knowledge and efforts. But I guess I’d have to say that I wouldn’t necessarily recommend UCF over all other institutions without some careful thought. One of the great things about American higher education is the tremendous variety of institutions we have. And as great as UCF is, I doubt it’s great for everybody. And I would hope that we could remain professional enough to act on that fact if we saw an instance where there was a learning-style issue or something that a young person might not be taking adequately into account. Now, I sure hope that we get plenty of the students who match up well with UCF. That would be what we’ve seen for the 50-plus years of our existence, but I wouldn’t say that it would always be the case. DW: To your point, I find when students take campus visits, they know if a place is right for them or not. They feel it in the culture, and in the buildings, and in the people they meet. They know where they fit in. I think from a diversity of points of view, UCF has so many ways for people to feel connected. No matter who you are, you will probably find a group of people like you, where you can draw energy and comfort. I also know that you will probably have a best friend who is totally different from you — one who may eat different things or grew up in a different way and who will grow you and stretch you in ways you didn’t imagine.

JCH: A very powerful early life lesson.

JCH: What’s your favorite UCF tradition?

DW: If you were starting college today, what would you do differently?

DW: What I love about UCF is that these students are still creating traditions. And they aren’t bound by 100-year-old traditions. But I’ve got to say my favorite so far is Spirit Splash. Just everybody coming together and the energy and the fun. How about you?

JCH: I’d go to more classes! Martha [Hitt] can tell you that I once walked into a great American history class and was greeted by the faculty member whom I thought the world of. He looked at me and asked, “Well, Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” DW: I would do exactly the opposite, John. I was so focused on school. And I spent so much time [studying] that I didn’t spend the time making friends and meeting other people around me in the way that I would if I went back. It’s such a great opportunity. I would loosen up a little bit.

JCH: I couldn’t agree more strongly with you. You see freshmen, seniors, some staffers and alumni — a good

cross section of the UCF community — just having a blast, and it’s a lot of fun. DW: It’s when the community really seems to come together. JCH: What’s it going to take to get you to jump in and be part of that grand event?

ENTIAL EDITION DW: Probably a good shove. JCH: What is the real value of higher education, and why would anyone go to all of the trouble and expense to earn a degree? DW: I think the real value is the people that you meet, the way that others challenge the way that you think from their own experiences. It’s not just the learning of skills. Learning how to think is the real value of higher education. And I think that it’s that credential of

knowing that you’ve persevered, you’ve been tested and you’ve learned in a disciplined way to think. What do you think? JCH: Well, I would agree. Another question that gets tacked on is this one: “Is it worth it? Is a degree, is higher education worth it?” And my response to that is: Try ignorance. If you’re not sure that that degree is worth the money you’ve paid, try ignorance. Dale, you’re in an interesting position now. You’re starting what I hope will be a very long and very

successful presidency. What are your key goals for that presidency at this point? DW: I would say my first goal is excellence, and I do believe, John, that there’s a possibility that we’ll be Florida’s preeminent university for this century. And it may be soon, or it may take longer, but I believe it’s almost inevitable as long as we do a good job of constantly improving, constantly focusing on the students, and on learning from the quality of our ideas. My second goal would be continuing to keep a focus on value — making sure that we’re affordable — so we find and nurture talented students.

And my last goal is not only to continue but also to accelerate the partnership culture and commitment. It’s done so much for this university, and I think there’s so much more opportunity in our future. How are you going to stay involved with UCF? JCH: For the next year, I’m going to be working quarter time, based from our new home in Wisconsin. I’ll be working on trying to close out what I believe will be the very successful $500 million IGNITE campaign. I think it will be a great way to close out my professional career here at UCF because I’ll be working with some of the people whom I’ve grown to really appreciate and admire over the years. So I’ll be trying to raise some money. Who knows what else might present itself, but that’s the number one target. DW: Well, I know one other thing that might present itself, and I would ask you directly: If Dale Whittaker comes up on your caller ID, are you going to answer it? JCH: Of course. DW: Good, because I will be seeking more of your friendship and advice. JCH: Well, you’re welcome for anything you want to ask for, but I don’t think you need a lot of help from me, Dale. You’re well-prepared.

To watch the video of Hitt and Whittaker’s conversation, visit ucf.edu/pegasus.

PHOTO BY JOSH LETCHWORTH

WHO IS

JOHN HITT?

For a quarter century, President John C. Hitt worked to put UCF on the map. But who is the man behind the evolution? BY LAURA J. COLE

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRADITIONAL PROFILE OF A PRESIDENT, THIS ISN’T IT.

Chances are that if you’ve lived in Central Florida at any point during the past 26 years, you’ve heard about President John C. Hitt and what he’s done to transform UCF and the region. In preparation for this article, I read and watched nearly two dozen features about Hitt. In almost all of them, he speaks at length about the people of UCF and what we’ve all achieved together. He talks about the accomplishments he’s most proud of, how many students are enrolled here (now more than 66,000) and what they go on to achieve. What I found less of is the man behind the curtain. He’s naturally private, perhaps the result of years of knowing it’s more important to talk about UCF than his life, knowing it makes it easier to accomplish what he wants. And, with the help of many people, he’s been able to achieve some pretty difficult things, many of which naysayers said UCF would never be able to. During five interviews over the course of as many days in late March and early April, Hitt talked a good deal about UCF. He’s retiring from the presidency on June 30, and naturally he’s taking stock of the 26 years he’s spent leading the university’s growth. But in his office on the third floor of Millican Hall, he also opened up.

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

YOU COULD SAY TO KNOW SOMEONE, YOU NEED TO KNOW WHO THEY’VE BEEN. To know Hitt, you’d have to go back to Houston in 1940 — the year he was born. On his first birthday, the Japanese dropped bombs on Pearl Harbor and changed the course of the United States’ involvement in the war. As a result, while Hitt was still just a small child, his father and uncle made a pact that whoever wasn’t drafted would take care of the other’s family. Hitt’s father, a typographer and printer by trade, was the one who stayed behind. For several years, young John Charles grew up in a nice house with his cousin, Bill (who was only a month and two days younger than Hitt), his aunt and his parents. When his uncle returned, Hitt and his parents moved into a house of their own, a house that wasn’t as nice or as big as that house with Bill, but it was a good house in a decent part of town. In Texas in the 1950s, the legal driving age was 14. “Not the most sensible, if you think about being 14 and driving,” Hitt says. But still, only a year later, he would become the man of the household when his father died of a heart attack, leaving him and his mother behind. Hitt didn’t think about it at the time, but his mother was a remarkable woman. She was someone who, when people told her she couldn’t do something, would say, “For a quarter, you can watch.” As a bindery worker, she met her husband because they were both in the same business: printing. And in the 1950s, when it was less common for women to have professions, she not only worked in but also ran the family business. Hitt grew up working in that shop. Before he passed away, his father had Hitt work weekends. He may have been the owners’ son, but he didn’t get all the glory work. On Saturdays, for example, it was Hitt’s responsibility to melt the used linotype — lines of words in single strips of metal — in a big, old iron pot, and pour it into 25-pound ingots. “For a good while, I thought I wanted to learn enough about running the printing shop so I could take that over for mom,” Hitt says. “And based on some suggestions I had from others, I thought for a little while about becoming a minister. I don’t have the personality for that, so that ended that.” What he never thought of becoming while growing up — what he had no concept of even being a profession — was a university president. The idea of college was foreign to Hitt. His mother had finished high school but had never gone to college. And his father didn’t have the choice to go, as he had to drop out of high school and work to pay for his mother’s medical bills when she became ill.

But Hitt’s mom would push him to go to college because it was his father’s dream, and dreams are worth pursuing. And so in 1958, Hitt enrolled in Austin College, a small, private liberal arts college, more than 300 miles away from his home and his mother and everyone he knew in Houston. There, he played football, met the professor who would change the trajectory of his career and fell in love with the woman who would become his wife. Growing up, Hitt was a big kid, which in Texas meant not only that you played football but also that you played tackle. When asked to describe how he was as a player, he replies, “One word: mediocre.” But there was that one great game. His team was trailing, and he had gotten so annoyed with the opposing player who kept holding him that he ran right through him and tackled the quarterback, forcing a fumble. Hitt’s teammate recovered the ball, and the Austin College Kangaroos won the game.

student. … I guess you could say I liked him best.” It was also at Austin College that Hitt would meet Martha Halsted, the “very pretty, green-eyed blonde.” The first time they saw each other, Hitt had gone to Martha’s dorm to pick up a date. Martha was by the desk where students had to check in and out. Back then, such things were required for female co-eds. “I looked at him and said, ‘Oh, he’s tall. He’s good-looking. He has beautiful blue eyes. Too bad he’s so young,’ ” she says. Martha, after all, was a junior. Hitt was only a freshman. Hitt remembers seeing her again later in line at the cafeteria and thinking, “Wow, that’s a good-looking gal.” Eventually they ended up in a small speech class together. They got to know each other and dated for months before breaking up, as young couples often do. They were alike in so many ways — both were only children — but also so different. “I was a not-very-good football player, and she was in the a cappella choir,” Hitt says. “Her dad was a petroleum geologist, and my dad had passed away. I was the first in the family to get a degree, and Martha had members of her family who had [degrees]. A lot of differences, but enough similarities to make it work.” The split was good for them. It made them realize there was something about the relationship that was worth pursuing. Within six months of breaking up, they were engaged. They’ve now been married for 56 years and have two children and two grandsons. “She’s been a wonderful, wonderful life partner,” Hitt says.

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

When Hitt started at Austin College, he didn’t know what he wanted to study, but one semester he needed a course, so he signed up for a psychology class because he’d heard the professor was a good lecturer. It was a big class for the small school — maybe 40 to 50 students, by Hitt’s estimate. That professor would impact Hitt’s life in ways he hadn’t expected. “What we tell one another about those experiences between professors and students happens to be true,” Hitt says. “It was a life-changing experience. Bill [Angermeier] and I were master and apprentice, essentially, and he encouraged me to go to graduate school. He was a major force for good in my life.” Suddenly, Hitt knew what he wanted. He wanted to be like Angermeier, the man who gave him the opportunity to work in his lab and assist him on research projects. Angermeier became his mentor, encouraging Hitt to pursue a master’s and doctorate in physiological psychology. He was also Hitt’s best man at his wedding and a lifelong friend. “In those days [the early ’60s] you did not develop friendships with students,” said Angermeier in an article from 1997. “[But] I would say we were friends. It was mutual admiration. He liked me as a good teacher. I liked him as a good

IN MY INTERVIEWS WITH HITT, TWO SUBJECTS MAKE HIM EMOTIONAL: MARTHA AND UCF. He can’t imagine a life without her, an eventuality he’d rather not think about. And while he’s looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife and their family, he’s also wistful about separating from a place he’s shepherded for more than a quarter of a century. “You know, I think anyone who’s been in a job like mine for a lot of years would be excited to have some time to himself, but I think it’d be dishonest if I said, ‘Oh, I don’t care. I’m ready to go,’ ” he says. “Part of me would like to be staying, but I also know that’s not a reasonable thing to do.” Hitt’s health and age played a role in why he decided to step down now. At 77, he’s still sharp mentally, never missing the opportunity to inject his signature wit, but he did have a heart

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HITTS AND UCF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

“What we tell one another about those experiences between professors and students happens to be true.”

A FATHER’S LESSON “My dad would pay me $1 for every 1,000 impressions that I could sell, which was a great life lesson,” Hitt says. “It doesn’t matter how many you run, if a customer won’t pay for it, you’ve done nothing helpful. In fact, you’ve cost yourself and your company some money.”

A MOTHER’S LEGACY “Sometimes people learned the hard way that my mom was a damn good business woman,” says Hitt. “And in those years, in the ’50s, people might not have approved of a woman running a business, but there she was.”

PROUD PAPA Hitt with his daughter Sharon and son Charles.

CHAPEL BELLS John and Martha Hitt were married on December 23, 1961.

REUNITED Wilhelm Angermeier was Hitt’s mentor at Austin College. In the late ’90s, he taught psychology courses at UCF.

PHOTO BY JOSH LETCHWORTH

ALL THE HITTS John and Marth Hitt (center) visited with their daughterin-law Julie, son Charles and daughter Sharon during a gala in May honoring Hitt’s legacy at UCF.

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT Hitt graduated cum laude from Austin College in 1962 with degrees in psychology and communication arts. He went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in physiological psychology from Tulane University.

VERY IMPORTANT PUPS In April, dogs in the Canine Companions program stopped by Hitt’s office.

“You know, I think anyone who’s been in a job like mine for a lot of years would be excited to have some time to himself, but I think it’d be dishonest if I said, ‘Oh, I don’t care. I’m ready to go.’ ” attack a few years back. He’s made a full recovery, but he, naturally, worries about his health. He also stepped down because “it was the right thing to do.” The decision was not an easy one, but it was the one UCF needed. At the time, the university was in a position to potentially lose its provost, Dale Whittaker, who, after a nationwide search earlier this spring, will become UCF’s fifth president on July 1. “I’d had a realization that was grounded in Dale’s looking at the Iowa State presidency,” he says, twisting the gold Pegasus ring on his right hand. “I’m always trying to game in my mind how things will play out, and it seemed very unlikely that I could hire the kind of person we would want to replace him if I couldn’t say that I would be here three to five more years. And I just knew I couldn’t do that. “If you can’t do something that you know is likely to be necessary,” he continues, “you ought to get out. Do I wish to this day that I could continue? Yeah. But I know I made the right choice.” Hitt has certainly received criticism for decisions made during his tenure, including ones he wasn’t involved in. Universities by trade are full of smart people trained to be critical thinkers, and anyone in a position of leadership, especially for more than two decades, will undoubtedly upset some people along the way. He admits he’s had to make difficult decisions, especially concerning budgets, which can impact not only people’s programs but also their livelihoods. But he always tried to base those decisions on what was best for UCF. “As a university president, you’ve got to be known as someone who is trustworthy and reliable, and you have to have a sense of what really matters,” Hitt says.

DURING OUR INTERVIEWS, HITT REMINISCES ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LEADER AND HOW WHO WE ARE IMPACTS WHAT WE DO. We don’t talk about it much in these interviews, but Hitt is someone who believes in America. He believes in its promise and potential. It’s a level of patriotism perhaps associated with a certain generation, but every day, Hitt places an American flag pin on his left lapel, just above a UCF pin, right above his heart. He’s a man of faith. Both he and Martha are Episcopalians, and they’re eager to find a church in their new home of Madison, Wisconsin. He’s a self-described old-school Democrat and a Rachel Maddow-watching news junkie. He gets as excited about new technology as anyone you’ll meet. His new home has two wireless sound systems, and he wears an Apple watch on his wrist and an iPhone in a holster on his hip. Every few seconds, they buzz with the notification of new emails and messages and events. And he’s 100 percent a dog person, admitting he knows he shouldn’t let London, a golden retrieveryellow lab mix, sleep in bed with him and Martha. But he does. I tell you these things because they’re who Hitt is but also to say this: In a nation that is deeply divided on many topics, Hitt sees these differences as a reason to work together. “We have an unusual situation here [at UCF], where people are much more likely to want to work together to solve a problem than they are to point fingers and want to fight,” he says. “I had the good fortune to discover that early on. That’s not to say that we always have harmony on everything. “But you get into a lot of trouble when you start denying free speech or people’s civil rights, period,” he continues. “Yes, many people are trying to push the agenda a certain way. But the best motivated among them is just saying, ‘Look, this ain’t working for me.’ Why would you refuse someone the right to speak up? They’re asking for respect. They’re asking for you to listen to their grievance. Why wouldn’t we?”

“You get into a lot of trouble when you start denying free speech or people’s civil rights, period.”

AS WE SIT IN HIS OFFICE, YOU CAN HEAR THE BEEPS AND RUMBLINGS OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND THE SHOUTS OF A CONSTRUCTION CREW. The Reflecting Pond — which you can see from the panoramic window in his office that looks out onto the John C. Hitt Library and horseshoeshaped lawn — is being renovated. After being drained in October, the pond is being rebuilt. The concrete base was demolished, removed and resurfaced. The fountain got new plumbing and filtration, upgraded lighting and a more efficient plumbing structure. When more than 5,000 students and alumni charge into its aquamarine waters this fall during Spirit Splash, it’ll be ready. “That Reflecting Pond out there, it’s a very special place for a lot of people,” Hitt says, his blue eyes shining. “There were a lot of proposals of marriage made and accepted there. In the next few weeks, we’re going to have all these kids with their caps and gowns on, knee deep in the pond. It’s so iconic.” Admittedly, when Hitt became president of UCF in 1992, he didn’t realize how sentimental he’d become about a water feature. Then, the Reflecting Pond had only a single spigot, a far cry from today’s display. But as much as the main campus has changed since he started, his view of the Reflecting Pond has remained a constant. Sure, the construction can be seen as one more way of reinforcing the common campus refrain that UCF stands for “Under Construction Forever.” But, for many, it speaks to something that seems as inherent to UCF as it does to the city we call home: change, growth, evolution. Some universities have been around for centuries. This fall, UCF will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first classes held on campus. And for half of our history, Hitt has been leading — and encouraging — that reinvention.

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

Over the past 26 years, President John C. Hitt has grown UCF in size, standing and scholarship. But Hitt’s ability to guide growth extends beyond the university and into the entire Central Florida region. Here are a few of his major accomplishments. BY NICOLE DUDENHOEFER ’17 AND GENE KRUCKEMYER ’73

“Simply stated, I believe Walt Disney and John Hitt have done more to transform Central Florida into a vibrant, dynamic place than any [other] two people.” — Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida

1993

The National Center for Simulation forms with headquarters in UCF’s ResearchPark. Today: It is a $6 billion modeling and simulation hub.

2r0th0e fir5st time, UCF receives

Fo ing. research fund $100 million in e than or s received m Today: UCF ha g in the search fundin $1 billion in re past decade.

March 1,

1992

John C. Hitt becomes the fourth president of UCF. Enrollment: 20,302

1996 1995

UCF’s favorite tradition, Spirit Splash, happens by accident when student body president Miguel Torregrosa ’94 is thrown into the Reflecting Pond. Today: Considered one of the nation’s best campus traditions

The football team joins Division I-A. Today: In January, the Knights defeated Auburn to win the Peach Bowl and end with a perfect 13-0 national championship season.

2013

n erica e Am e. h t s enc join UCF ic Confer letes t h e l a h At nt- t tude her rate S : y Toda e at a hig ublic rp uat grad any othe hool. t a sc I n ion tha Divis A A NC

2007

Bright House Networks Stadium (now Spectrum Stadium) and the CFE Arena open in the same month.

2015 U.S. News & World Report includes UCF among its list of Most Innovative Schools, along with Harvard, MIT and Stanford.

"I think that what you all have there in Central Florida is the emergence of a fantastic world-class university that is very different from UF and FSU. John was the person that was able to pull that off. In a sense, he’s building the modern 21stcentury model.” — Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University

June 30,

2006

DirectConnect to UCF launches. It becomes a national model of guaranteed admission to a four-year university after earning an associate degree from a partner college. Today: More than 45,000 students have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UCF as a result.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AMY HOOD/HOODZPAH

2018

Hitt will retire from the presidency. Enrollment: 66,183

“Dr. Hitt’s pride and happiness at that 10th anniversary celebration for the National Entrepreneur Center really sums up what he has devoted his UCF presidency to — the creation of strategic partnerships, investment in innovation and the launch of a national model for excellence.” — Teresa Jacobs, mayor of Orange County

1998 On behalf of UCF, Hitt accepts the John Young Spotlight Award for outstanding achievement in bringing positive national and international attention to the community.

2006

2005

FIEA holds its first classes at UCF’s Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando. Today: No. 3 video game graduate school in the world (The Princeton Review and PC Gamer)

2004

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management opens its doors. Today: No. 2 hospitality and hotel management program in the world (CEOWORLD Magazine)

The College of Medicine is established. Today: 98 percent residency match rate for graduates, which is higher than the national average of 94 percent

2006 & 2007

Orlando magazine names Hitt as No. 1 on its list of “50 Most Powerful People” in Central Florida. He has made the list every year since.

2008

The White House presents Hitt with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding service to the community.

“I can truly say that I don’t think there are too many university presidents in this country that have had as much effect on their university and their community as Dr. Hitt has in the past 26 years.” — Buddy Dyer, mayor of Orlando

2009

The charter class of UCF’s medical school receives four-year scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses — the first award of its kind in the nation.

2015

Washington Monthly names Hitt one of America’s 10 Most Innovative College Presidents.

2016

The UCF Downtown campus, in partnership with Valencia College, is approved by the Florida Board of Governors. It is scheduled to open in 2019.

HOW JOHN C. HITT CHANGED CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR THE BETTER. BY ERIC MICHAEL ’96

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASA

ne of John C. Hitt’s greatest accomplishments as president of UCF began with a shot in the dark. Gathered around a table with a host of education, civic and business leaders in 1996, Hitt presented a satellite photograph of the state of Florida at night. On the mostly black image were scattered yellow lights, arranged along a glittering strand that connected the east coast to the west. The lights were homes and businesses — and they illuminated the otherwise vacant peninsula with what Hitt recognized as potential. “You could see the band of lights from Tampa Bay to Orlando to the Space Coast,” says Randy Berridge, then an executive with AT&T. “And [Hitt] asked, ‘You see those lights? That’s the corridor, and as it grows together, those lights are going to get brighter and brighter. Why not help the region — through our universities — make those lights even brighter by helping high-tech, high-wage companies grow here and stay here?’ ” In the months prior to the meeting, Hitt and University of South Florida President Betty Castor helped persuade Orlando-based technology manufacturer Cirent Semiconductor to remain in Central Florida rather than accept a lucrative deal to relocate to Spain. Together, UCF and USF pledged faculty and funding to help ignite the company’s research and development, keeping thousands of jobs and economic benefits in Florida.

P EGASUS This unprecedented public-private partnership, along with Hitt’s vision and passion for collaboration, convinced the group to create the Florida High Tech Corridor. The Corridor’s economic development council teams UCF, USF and the University of Florida with private companies to stimulate innovative research and promote the growth of technology industries in Central Florida. Since 1996, the council has invested more than $65 million to generate a projected economic benefit of more than $1 billion. His vision in helping create the Florida High Tech Corridor was just the beginning of Hitt’s positive impact on the region and its people. Throughout his 26-year tenure as UCF president, Hitt leveraged his insight and talent for partnerships to launch game-changing initiatives, including the UCF Health Sciences Campus and UCF Downtown. And at the heart of all of these achievements is Hitt’s fundamental focus: people. From the individuals he’s partnered — JACOB STUART with to promote change across the region to his mission of providing a quality education to as many qualified students as possible, Hitt has built a legacy of uplifting lives.

“EVERY TIME WE’VE HAD A MAJOR ISSUE IN OUR COMMUNITY, DR. HITT’S AT THE TABLE CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOLUTION.”

POWERING POSITIVE CHANGE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS Since his inauguration as UCF’s fourth president in 1992, Hitt has made partnerships the cornerstone of his presidency. He prioritized building mutually beneficial relationships that solve problems and address community needs. “When Dr. Hitt introduced the five major goals for UCF, they became goals, in many ways, for our family of communities [in Central Florida],” says Jacob Stuart, former president of the Central Florida Partnership. “That commitment to partnership is not just a commitment for the University of Central Florida, it has become a commitment for our entire region.” And it has been that commitment, plus an innate reservoir of personal attributes, that has made him a valuable ally to Central Florida leaders across industry and government. “A good partner is somebody who comes to the table with the attitude of ‘What can I give?’ ” Stuart says. “It’s more important than ‘What can I get?’ I think you see that in so many partnerships that we’ve entered into with Dr. Hitt. ... Every time we’ve had a major issue in our community, Dr. Hitt’s at the table contributing to the solution.” It’s that combination of commitment and flexibility that has helped Hitt endear UCF to the heart of the Central Florida community.

FUELING THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY One of Hitt’s first partnership successes, the Florida High Tech Corridor, is a prime example of translating vision into impact through collaboration. During his time as a faculty member and administrator at Texas Christian University in the 1970s and ’80s, he witnessed the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth merging economic development interests into a single, united metropolitan center. It planted a seed that the same could take place in Central Florida. “He said, ‘That’s going to happen in the central part of Florida as Orlando begins to merge with Tampa Bay, and Orlando begins to merge with the Space Coast,’ ” Berridge says. “His vision was that these three mega areas were going to come together as one, via the corridor, and why not be part of it?” Hitt was strategic in convincing Cirent Semiconductor to stay in Orlando. Though the company would eventually leave town, this initial success inspired more collaboration to create greater impact. “We had just saved a $1 billion expansion from going offshore, and in the process saved a $1 billion facility that was already here and protected the increase of 1,500 jobs on top of an existing 1,500 jobs,” says Berridge. “We had achieved that through the strength of a partnership between UCF, USF

and AT&T. John’s vision was, ‘If these regions are going to come together, then what we just did for a company the size of AT&T [which oversaw Cirent] ... why don’t we do that for companies of all sizes?’ ” Born from university partnerships, the Florida High Tech Corridor has boosted faculty and student researchers at UCF, USF and UF. Through 22 years and 1,400 applied research projects with 360 businesses, more than 3,000 students have benefited directly from private companies with practical experience and employment opportunities, not to mention the stimulation and sustainment of Central Florida’s high-tech industry, which continues to grow. “Central Florida would not be a leading high-tech, high-wage center of excellence in our country, and I would submit, in the world, based on the international honors that have been achieved, but for President Hitt and his vision and his focus on the mission,” Berridge says.

SERVING THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Orlando was once the largest metropolitan region in Florida without a medical school, and like many communities across the nation, it was facing a shortage of doctors. In 2002, Hitt saw an opportunity to remedy that deficiency, but because the funding and approval would come from state lawmakers, the effort would only be successful through partnerships. “Dr. Hitt was brilliant in his approach,” says Deborah German, founding dean of UCF’s College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “He partnered with Florida International University, which also wanted a medical school, and realized that together they could get two medical schools.” “You always think about approaching politicians first because they’ve got the money,” says Dan Holsenbeck, UCF’s chief lobbyist to the Florida Legislature. “We were told by just about everybody, ‘We can’t afford another medical school.’ So, John [Hitt], [then-FIU President] Mitch Maidique, and later [FIU] President Mark Rosenberg, said, ‘Well, look, instead of fighting each other for one more medical school, why don’t we put our political constituencies together and both go after one?” Through months of political maneuvering, presentations to Florida leaders and collaborative dealmaking with public and private partners, both universities gained approval to build new medical schools. Once — JACOB STUART

“[THE UCF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE] IS JUST FUNDAMENTAL TO ALL THE STUFF THAT WE HAVE IN MEDICAL CITY, WHICH, FROM AN ECONOMIC STANDPOINT, IS CREATING A MASSIVE CLUSTER THAT IS ALSO GAINING WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION. THAT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT DR. HITT’S LEADERSHIP.”

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

again, Hitt saw the potential to partner with what could have been considered a rival in FIU. By cooperating and pooling efforts, a new level of success was achieved. German, a veteran dean of medical schools at Duke and Vanderbilt, saw the potential of UCF’s College of Medicine and its place in the burgeoning Lake Nona Medical City. “I knew that this would be the opportunity to build this century’s premier medical school, one that would anchor a medical city that would become a global destination for research, patient care and medical education.” “I think that what the — RASESH THAKKAR ’87 College of Medicine has done has put Orlando on the map,” says Rasesh Thakkar ’87, senior managing director of Tavistock Group, which developed Lake Nona Medical City. “This medical school and its students are beating medical schools that are a century old. That is good for the region, and I think it raises the bar throughout Central Florida and even the state of Florida.” That momentum sparked by the College of Medicine continues in Lake Nona. UCF is building a new hospital to train medical students and creating new opportunities to lead medical research at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. “Talk about a game changer for our community,” says Stuart. “[The UCF College of Medicine] is just fundamental to all the stuff that we have in

“I THINK THAT WHAT THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE HAS DONE HAS PUT ORLANDO ON THE MAP. THIS MEDICAL SCHOOL AND ITS STUDENTS ARE BEATING MEDICAL SCHOOLS THAT ARE A CENTURY OLD.”

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

Medical City, which, from an economic standpoint, is creating a massive cluster that is also gaining worldwide recognition. That wouldn’t have happened without Dr. Hitt’s leadership.”

BRINGING THE IMPACT OF UCF TO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO Hitt identified another opportunity to infuse the transformative energy of UCF into Orlando with a new downtown campus. Inspired by the success Arizona State University achieved starting its own urban campus in downtown Phoenix, Hitt proposed the idea to Central Florida partners, including the city of Orlando, Valencia College and Orange County Public Schools. The benefits were obvious. “An urban campus is about being embedded in the community,” says ASU President Michael Crow. “Hitt didn’t take the model of a regional university found someplace else in the country and just say, ‘We’re going to build this campus. This is going to be a smaller version of the big public university built decades or a century earlier.’ He said, ‘No, we’re going to build a unique, embedded university in the urban fabric.’ ” An initial proposal to the Florida Board of Governors proved too ambitious and costly, so Hitt and his partners regrouped, scaled down and eventually won approval for an academic building to anchor what will become a larger joint campus for UCF and Valencia College. The new urban campus will house programs that relate to downtown industries, including social services, education, digital media and public administration. This will increase opportunities for collaboration between private companies, public agencies, and UCF faculty and students, who will benefit from servicelearning, internships and increased employment opportunities. “I think the downtown campus is a brilliant idea, and it has a lot of potential in several directions,” says Sandy Shugart, president of Valencia College. “At one level, it’s going to play a massive role in continuing the

P EGASUS

ENSURING STUDENTS ARE THE KEY

reawakening of urban life in Orlando. ... But I think it’s important, too, that the program there is relevant to the community. ... There are many people near the urban core whose lives are only going to be improved if their talents are developed and they’re given real opportunities to join the mainstream, both economically and educationally. We are fervently hopeful that the presence of the college and the university there together will make that difference for them.” “Bringing 7,700 students in the disciplines that can benefit from being located in downtown is very strategic. It will be beneficial both to the students and the university but also greatly beneficial to downtown to have the energy and excitement and talent,” says Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Hitt’s success at creating partnerships has brought transformational growth, prosperity and esteem to UCF. As the influential leader steps down from the presidency, it is easy to credit these accomplishments as his legacy. But the driver for all of these projects has been the students of UCF. Providing the opportunity for people to pursue a degree in higher education is the core of Hitt’s mission, and it has influenced everything he’s done. “The whole notion that UCF wants to provide opportunities for everyone who’s interested in a college education is a very different mindset than some universities,” says Barbara Jenkins ’83 ’86MEd ’96EdD, superintendent of OCPS. “I think it’s given Central Florida the promise of a brighter future.” “Hitt’s goal of making sure that everyone has access and to increase participation by those who wouldn’t normally have the economic means [to pursue a degree] has done so much to create an environment of equality in our community,” Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs says. During his 26 years in office, Hitt has more than tripled enrollment and awarded more than 270,000 degrees — — BUDDY DYER 83 percent of the total since the university’s founding. And he has doubled the number of minority students, who currently make up 46 percent of the student population. “Dr. Hitt’s true impact has yet to be realized,” says Jenkins. “It’s a ripple effect, like a stone dropped into a pond. I think it’s immeasurable, honestly.”

“BRINGING 7,700 STUDENTS IN THE DISCIPLINES THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM BEING LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN IS VERY STRATEGIC. IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL BOTH TO THE STUDENTS AND THE UNIVERSITY BUT ALSO GREATLY BENEFICIAL TO DOWNTOWN.”

U C F. E D U / P E G A S U S

Why I ...

WHY I’LL

BE A KNIGHT O

BY JOHN C. HITT

n my first visit to UCF, I knew this was a special place. There’s something about the particular combination of being in Central Florida, the kind of students we attract and the people who choose to work here. There’s something, too, about the qualities we share that make us Knights. When I think about our mascot, I think about how it could have gone another way. Sure, people talk about Vinnie the Vulture and the Citronaut, but those were never real contenders. Former president Charlie Millican assured me of that. But there was a fairly serious discussion early in my presidency about changing our mascot from the Knights to the Sharks. You see the Knights everywhere now, but you didn’t back then. And if the idea of becoming the Sharks had attracted enough attention, we might have made the switch. But we didn’t. We are not Sharks. We are Knights. And I’ve done a lot of thinking over the years about what that means, and why I’m proud to call myself one.

Knights look for opportunities to serve.

Our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are some of the most remarkable people you’ll ever

meet. From teaching to research to community service, Knights are changing lives here at home — and around the world. I think of Pulse and Hurricane Irma as examples of this. Knights were there helping in the immediate aftermath of the shooting at Pulse — from our own police department to nurses and doctors — and continued to help victims heal in the months that followed. After Hurricane Irma, we opened our campus to the National Guard so members could easily reach people who needed assistance. Knights were also emergency staff on call, they were neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends. I’m continually impressed by the UCF community, but never more so than when you’re willing to help during a moment of need.

Knights are hardworking.

Throughout our work, it’s as if each of us is asking, “What is the right thing to do? And what do I need to do so that the next person can succeed in his or her job?” There’s something about the qualities we all have in common — working together to do what’s right — that make us Knights.

Knights are courageous.

Courage means doing the right thing even when you’re scared. I remember attending a Board of Regents

SUMMER 2018 — SPECIAL ISSUE

meeting many years ago, and Martha commented about how I had spoken out. She asked me, “How was it you weren’t afraid to speak up in a tough situation?” And I said, “What do you mean, wasn’t afraid? I was scared to death! But I had to say it.” That’s the modern-day version of a knight: You do what has to be done, and you try to do what’s best for all. I’m proud to have always tried to do the right thing for UCF, and as I move on from the presidency, I’ll remain a part of the university. I’ll have an office in Research Park and will be working to successfully close out our $500 million IGNITE campaign. My focus will be on raising funding for more faculty positions and support for our faculty members. Faculty are the lifeblood of great universities, and that’s especially true for UCF. With them, we increase our excellence in teaching, research and reputation. When I arrived in Orlando, UCF was a place full of potential. It still is — because our students, faculty, staff and alumni are full of potential. We turn big dreams into reality. We challenge what has been by pioneering what’s next. We know that if we put our minds to it, anything is possible. And that’s why I will always be a Knight. No matter what. Charge on!

Knightro was introduced during Hittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second year as president. On November 19, 1994, he appeared during a football game against Buffalo at the Citrus Bowl, our home field at the time. Fast-forward 23 years, and Knightro is now an integral part of every game â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the campus.

“FOREVER GRATEFUL” “I am proud of our reputation as one of the biggest and best universities in the country. Through our size and constant

pursuit of excellence, UCF changes the lives of our students, and our students change the world. … Thank you to

everyone who has made our remarkable university what it is today. Martha and I are forever grateful for your support.” — UCF PRESIDENT JOHN C. HITT FROM HIS PRESS CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 24, 2017, WHERE HE ANNOUNCED HE’S STEPPING DOWN FROM THE PRESIDENCY

PEGASUS: The Magazine of the University of Central Florida P. O . B O X 1 6 0 0 9 0 , O R L A N D O , F L 3 2 8 1 6 - 0 0 9 0

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JOIN T H E H ITT SQ UAD Show your support for Dr. Hitt’s historic presidency — and look good doing it. When you make a $26 donation to the UCF Foundation, you’ll receive a limited-edition Hitt Squad pin. ucffoundation.org/HittSquad

Quantities are limited, so don’t delay. Request your commemorative pin today. Funds raised will support student scholarships.

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