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.

麻豆原创 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 麻豆原创 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, 麻豆原创鈥檚 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 麻豆原创

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:

贵谤颈诲补测,听闯耻濒测听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 麻豆原创 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 麻豆原创.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, 麻豆原创

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

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

Prior to his career at 麻豆原创, 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 麻豆原创.

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

Few people lose the career that defines them and manage to rebuild it in an entirely new arena. For Mondeson 鈥淢oe鈥� Mondesir 鈥�17, that reinvention began with a life-altering diagnosis and grew into a global platform for education and advocacy.

After the elementary education grad鈥檚 chronic kidney disease diagnosis prevented him from teaching in his fourth-grade classroom, Mondesir redirected his passion and expertise into a podcast that helps connect people affected by chronic illness across the globe.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e living with a chronic illness, your life can become a masterpiece 鈥� as long as you keep painting.鈥�

鈥淚f you鈥檙e living with a chronic illness, your life can become a masterpiece 鈥� as long as you keep painting,鈥� he says.

Identity Shifts

Mondesir was a criminal justice administration major at 麻豆原创 when he discovered his was instead meant for a life in education while working at a summer camp in Belize. He found a mentor in senior lecturer 鈥�94 鈥�98MEd 鈥�12EdD, for whom he once interned at Red Bug Elementary.

鈥淩ight before my final exam, I lost my mom,鈥� Mondesir says. 鈥淟ee-Anne Spalding was the coach I needed to get me through that. She has been the catalyst to my success as a teacher and a major inspiration for my outlook on life.鈥�

After graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 degree, Mondesir worked as a fourth-grade mathematics and science teacher at Seminole County and Lake County Public Schools.

Just a few years into his career, Mondesir鈥檚 life took another major turn.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging enough to navigate for classroom teachers, Mondesir faced the added hurdle of recurring pneumonia, which prompted his doctor to recommend weight loss in hopes of mitigating his symptoms. After losing over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, Mondesir became ill again and went to the hospital. There, he got bad news.

鈥淭he doctor told me my kidneys were filtering at only 24%, which is stage 4 chronic kidney disease,鈥� Mondesir says. 鈥淚 also had malignant hypertension, when you have high blood pressure without feeling any symptoms. When I was working out, my high blood pressure had been damaging the tissue in both kidneys, and I鈥檇 had no idea.鈥�

鈥淚 taught fourth grade for seven years. When that was stripped away, I had to look in the mirror and ask, 鈥榃ho am I anymore?鈥欌��

Mondesir鈥檚 condition worsened when his left kidney atrophied and his right one suffered further damage. A renal stent and a partial nephrectomy stabilized his health, but a kidney transplant remained his long-term goal.

During this time, he faced the painful realization that he could no longer work as a schoolteacher.

鈥淲hen my doctor told me I couldn鈥檛 keep taking the demands of the classroom, my grief was astronomical,鈥� Mondesir says. 鈥淚 taught fourth grade for seven years. When that was stripped away, I had to look in the mirror and ask, 鈥榃ho am I anymore?鈥欌��

Figuring Out a Way Forward

Inspired by his wife, who encouraged him to share his story with others, Mondesir made an account on Instagram under the name Mr. Cool Beans (a reference to the kidneys鈥� shape) and introduced himself as a CKD patient.

Combining his newfound interest with his teaching skills, Mondesir began to research and publish informative posts about kidney health while relaying his personal experiences. Before long, his channel drew the attention of fellow CKD patients eager to connect. His platform has since expanded to be inclusive of anyone living with chronic illnesses 鈥� and there are a lot of them.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three in four American adults have at least one chronic condition and over half have more than two.

In February 2025, Mondesir started his podcast, The Chronic Brew, to explore topics of chronic illness and invite people to share their own perspectives. He鈥檚 welcomed patients, caregivers and medical professionals, reaching audiences as far away as Ireland, the Netherlands, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

By fostering conversations about chronic illness, Mondesir seeks to deepen public understanding and build community among those affected. He says he also hopes to ease people鈥檚 anxiety by helping them navigate complex medical information.

鈥淚f I can help break down complex terms and concepts, listeners will be more confident walking into any medical situation,鈥� he says.

Always an Educator

Eager to expand his work beyond digital spaces, Mondesir earned a kidney health coach certification through the American Kidney Fund as well as a health and wellness coaching credential from the American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Equipped with these qualifications, he began teaching CKD-focused classes at a local community center.

His efforts drew the attention of the Marion County Kidney Foundation, leading to broader community involvement.

Nearly 10 years since Mondesir first interned in her classroom, Spalding says he is just as much an inspiration to her for his tenacity and continued dedication to educating others.

鈥淢oe鈥檚 kind disposition is infectious,鈥� she says.

As Mondesir now waits to qualify for a kidney transplant, he continues to reflect on how living with chronic illness has reshaped his sense of identity and purpose. His motto centers on embracing the good and the bad equally because both lead to growth.

鈥淚n a lot of ways, a chronic illness refines us,鈥� Mondesir says. 鈥淲hile it takes some things away from you, it also brings you closer to the center of who you are. In that center, you find your strength, your passion and a renewal of your purpose.鈥�

Those first introductions to STEM in the classroom 鈥� whether through simple pattern recognition, launching water balloons across a football field or the classic 鈥渆gg drop鈥� project 鈥� all serve as formative learning experiences that lead children to shape the future of engineering.

For Borowczak, it鈥檚 why she鈥檚 been passionate about developing new ways to incorporate early introductions to engineering education in the classroom and beyond.听 In honor of her 20-plus years of this work, Borowczak was peer-nominated and selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Engineering Education鈥檚 (ASEE) Pre-College Engineering Education (PCEE) division.

The Lifetime Achievement award is given to a PCEE Division member who has provided a high standard of service in support of pre-college engineering education, and who has made significant and sustained contributions to the field. In her 20 years with PCEE, Borowczak held multiple leadership roles for PCEE, served as associate editor for ASEE鈥檚 Computers in Education journal for six years, and led and published many research studies on engineering education.

鈥淲inning this award was very humbling, and I’m extremely grateful,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here’s still a lot of work that I want to do, but I’m so incredibly appreciative of all the mentors that I’ve had who gave me the support that鈥檚 allowed me to do the work that I’ve done with teachers and students.鈥�

Borowczak’s research centers on integrated STEM education, often focusing on how engineering, technology and math can be woven into the classroom at all levels. That work has earned her more than $11 million in grant funding over her career, including support from the National Science Foundation.

鈥淭o really understand any subject, you have to understand the adjacent subjects,鈥� she says. 鈥淓ngineering education is a fantastic way of bringing real-world application front and center. I was already doing engineering-like projects before I even realized I was doing engineering education.鈥�

The contribution she’s most proud of is demonstrating that teachers across subjects and grade levels can integrate STEM disciplines into their existing instruction plans without it becoming extra work. She believes that giving students the opportunity to see themselves in STEM starts with teachers.

鈥淲hether we’re talking about kindergarten or a university class, there are ways to integrate different subjects effectively,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 think I’m most proud of showcasing how that’s happened and having the evidence and the data to back it up.鈥�

That same systems-level thinking now informs her leadership of 麻豆原创’s School of Teacher Education. For Borowczak, a lifetime achievement award is far from the finish line. She plans to keep building partnerships across disciplines and is currently exploring how AI should be integrated into classroom teaching and learning.

Her work continues this summer through the School of Teacher Education’s inaugural 鈥淓clipse鈥� STEM Summer Camp, which will be hosted at Orange County Public Schools Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) in Downtown Orlando. The camp is dedicated to learning through STEM, including two engineering education-focused sessions each day of the two-week experience.

鈥淥ur whole country is beholden to our pre-K-12 teachers,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey’re at the front lines of every engineering education movement and every STEM movement. Every time we as a society decide something is important, teachers are the ones who make it happen.鈥�

That鈥檚 where alum Joshua Holder 鈥�19 has found his purpose.

A public relations outreach specialist for Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS (Emergency Medical Services), Holder serves as the communication bridge between the community and those who work to protect them every day.

鈥淵ou never go to bed wondering what you’re doing it for,鈥� says Holder. 鈥淭here’s always a tangible, significant impact you can turn back to and say, 鈥楾his is why.鈥欌��

Finding His Calling

Holder grew up in Central Florida surrounded by public servants. His father spent a career in the fire service with Seminole County Fire Department. His mother worked in healthcare and education. His grandfather served in the military.

The pull toward serving others was something Holder felt called from a young age, and his time at 麻豆原创 helped solidify what that would eventually look like for him.

It鈥檚 where he found the bachelor鈥檚 in public administration with a minor in emergency management and homeland security. Housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE), the program’s emphasis on public budgeting, intergovernmental relations and the mechanics of how government functions 鈥� especially during major emergencies 鈥� gave him a foundation that has served him at every stage of his career since.

鈥淭he public administration degree provided me with a comfortable understanding of what it would be like working in the public sector, no matter where I ended up,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he knowledge of public budgeting, public processes, intergovernmental relations 鈥� all of that has been extremely helpful in allowing me to navigate and be successful in my role.鈥�

Gaining Valuable Experience as a Student

As a 麻豆原创 student, Holder interned with the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, which revealed his passion for public affairs and communications work in government. When he expressed that interest openly during the internship, doors opened. He connected with people working in community relations and public affairs for the county, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer that launched the career he has today.

鈥淲ithout that internship, I would not have been able to pivot into the career I have now,鈥� says Holder.

As part of the roughly 85% of 麻豆原创 graduates who stay in the state to build their careers and contribute to Florida鈥檚 economy, Holder continues to find community through his beloved alma mater through his leadership roles on both 麻豆原创’s Young Alumni board and CCIE’s College Alumni Council.

鈥淚 knew when I graduated that I wanted to connect more with the university,鈥� says Holder, who was recognized as a 麻豆原创 Alumni 30 Under 30 recipient in 2024. 鈥淏y being actively involved with 麻豆原创 Alumni, you get an opportunity to see and support the incredible work that’s being done across so many different disciplines and meet people who feel the same. You can make professional connections through 麻豆原创 Alumni 鈥� I’ve also made some of the best friends that I have through [these experiences].鈥�

Outreach in Public Service

As one of the largest fire rescue and EMS department in Central Florida, Osceola County Fire Rescue serves nearly 500,000 residents and millions of visitors across more than 1,500 square miles of unincorporated county.

Holder’s role sits at the center of all of it in shaping how the public learns, understands and interacts with the department before emergencies even occur.

From media relations to social media, community events and internal communications, his job is to cultivate and strengthen the relationship between the department and community 鈥� whether they are here to stay or just passing through.

鈥淎s a public service, we are always striving to demonstrate to the community that we are here, we are ready and we are capable,鈥� Holder says. 鈥淲hen we showcase the amazing people that we have in our organization, or the incredible training that we do on a wide variety of different response disciplines, all of those things hopefully create a sense of comfort and security among folks in the community so that they know they can call us.鈥�

Name:听Christopher Emrich
Position(s):听Boardman Endowed Professor of Environmental Science and Public Administration and听founding member of 麻豆原创鈥檚 National Center for Integrated Coastal Research

Why are you interested in this research?
A main reason stems from my childhood in Florida 鈥� constantly being exposed to a variety of hazards and seeing how communities were impacted in different ways.听Being able to study geography at a state university, the 听University of South Florida, and then completing my Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina under the tutelage of leading experts in the field really helped solidify that I wanted to become an expert in both the hazards themselves and what we can do to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and rebound from them.

My time with FEMA supporting long-term recovery in Florida pushed me further to understand what is keeping people from recovering as quickly as some might expect.听Tying all of these strings together really helped me pinpoint that one of the problems is that people are thirsty for knowledge.听Learning how to turn data into information in order to extract meaningful knowledge has positioned me into a place that has meaning and impact for those attempting to make real-time decisions about hazards and disasters 鈥� from before the storm through the recovery period.

Who inspires you to conduct your research?
Seeing the suffering that takes place following disaster 鈥� suffering that could be avoided if society (people, governments and organizations) took the right steps to prepare for disasters 鈥� is what really drives what I do.听I think that we can make simple changes to the way we do business that could lead to really impactful positive outcomes for disaster survivors.

How does 麻豆原创 empower you to do your research?
麻豆原创 has given me space and opportunity to explore the different aspects of hazard threat identification and vulnerability assessment.听 Partnering with experts at DIST, and partners at FDOH, and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (among others) 听we have been able to create open access websites like hazardaware.org,听vulnerabilitymap.org,听hazardrisk.org, and the Florida Public Health Risk Assessment tool (flphrat.com).听 Each of these share the common goal of translating data into knowledge to support better emergency management decision making and preparedness planning.

What major grants and honors have you earned to support your research?
Since arriving at 麻豆原创, I have been awarded $10.8 million across 34 different extramurally supported grants and contracts.听This includes grants of over $300K from funders including the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine鈥檚 Gulf Research Program, the State of Florida, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Along the way, I have been awarded 麻豆原创鈥檚 Research Incentive Award twice (2021 and 2026) and 麻豆原创鈥檚 Luminary Award.

Why is this research important?
American political philosopher John Rawl鈥檚 once said, 鈥淭he natural distribution is neither just nor unjust; nor is it unjust that persons are born into society at some particular position.鈥�

I think it is a responsibility of each person, each organization, each governmental entity 听鈥� and society as a whole 鈥� 听to support those who need the most help among us.听If we do not, how can we ever hope to move our society into a better position? My research supports making decisions that help those in most need, including those most at risk and with the least resources, to be better positioned for the next disaster.

This year鈥檚 tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations 鈥� United States, Canada and Mexico 鈥� and the first to include an expanded field of 48 teams from across the globe. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 matches June 11 鈥� July 19, including the championship match in New York and third place playoff in Miami.

This historic event coincides with the United States鈥� 250th anniversary听and marks the first time since 1994 the country has hosted the men鈥檚 World Cup.

Here鈥檚听a look at some of the Knights bringing this event to life.

Izzy Angel 鈥�23

Bachelor鈥檚听in听human听communication

Role:听Media听operations听and听services
FIFA location: Atlanta

I will be supporting media logistics, guiding photographers and press to designated areas, and facilitating press conferences and interviews. One of the biggest ways 麻豆原创 prepared me for this opportunity was through its emphasis on networking, collaboration and real-world experience. That mindset opened doors to internships, jobs and experiences that helped me gain confidence in putting myself out there and connecting with people.

It鈥檚 been really fulfilling to meet people with completely different backgrounds and life experiences who are all coming together over a shared passion. Being part of something on such a global scale and feeling that sense of community has been incredibly special.

Brendon Boseja 鈥�25

Bachelor鈥檚 in听integrated听business

Role:听Senior听coordinator,听Client Group Management听Accreditation
FIFA site: Miami

At 麻豆原创, I learned to network and make many connections in the industry and to continue these relationships. This has especially helped me throughout FIFA, especially since my main job is to communicate with every stadium involved in the tournament. Working for a sports organization as big as FIFA has been a dream of mine, and to be involved with an event like the World Cup is surreal to think about.

Taylor Culver 鈥�23 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Bachelor鈥檚 in kinesiology
Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business administration

Role:听Event听executive, FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Houston

鈥淏ecause of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 麻豆原创, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.鈥�

My role is to help create and execute large-scale fan experiences that bring the energy of the World Cup to life outside of the stadium. Being able to contribute to an event of this magnitude is both humbling and motivating, and I know it will be one of the most impactful experiences of my career. 麻豆原创 prepared me for this opportunity by putting me in real-world sports environments early and constantly challenging me to grow as a leader. Through the program and my experience as a recruiting assistant for 麻豆原创 Athletics with the football team, I learned how to operate in fast-paced environments where organization, communication and adaptability are critical. Because of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 麻豆原创, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.

Daniel Garzon 鈥�23 鈥�24MSBM 鈥�24MBA

Bachelor鈥檚听in听elementary听education
Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business听administration

Role:听Workforce听integration听senior听coordinator,听Tournament Operation Center Services
FIFA site:听Miami

I started my journey at FIFA as an intern with the volunteer management team shortly after graduating from the DeVos Sport Business Management program in 2024. As a recruitment coordinator, I spearheaded communications and recruitment strategy while sourcing and scheduling thousands of candidates. Now in my new role, I will be in the heartbeat of the headquarters of the tournament, fulfilling operational needs for all departments while manipulating data to make informed decisions for all the venues during the World Cup.

Risako Karasawa 鈥�21

Bachelor鈥檚 in entertainment management
Graduate student majoring in sport business management

Role: VIP Tour Coordinator/Translator
FIFA site:听Dallas

I serve as the primary point of contact for a VIP delegation from Japan. My responsibilities include coordinating transportation and logistics, providing interpretation and translation support, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout the visit. Combining my passions for sports, entertainment and hospitality, this opportunity feels like the perfect intersection of everything I love. Through both the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the DeVos Sport Business Management Program, I have gained practical experience through hands-on opportunities working with professionals across the industries in event planning, guest experience, sponsorship and stakeholder management that prepared me for this incredibly exciting opportunity.

William Mendez 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business听administration

Role: Team protocol liaison officer
FIFA site:听Miami

I will provide operational support as a main point of contact for the teams鈥� protocol representatives, managing VIP/VVIP seating, ticket distribution and logistics. I鈥檓 truly excited to be part of an event of this magnitude because FIFA 鈥�26 goes beyond sports by bringing people together across cultures from all over the world.鈥疶he DeVos Sport Business Management program at 麻豆原创 has played a major role in preparing me for this moment, giving me the hands-on experience and confidence I need to contribute to an event of this scale.

Colin O鈥橳oole 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚听in business听administration

Role: Accreditation center coordinator
FIFA site:听Boston

I grew up watching the World Cup and always dreamed of being part of the most watched sporting event in the world. My experience in the soccer industry through both professional and volunteer roles gave me a strong foundation, and the DeVos program broadened my perspective. It exposed me to the business side of the industry, while simultaneously connecting me with incredible mentors and peers, ultimately giving me the confidence and network to land this opportunity with FIFA.

Connor Pank 鈥�17

Bachelor鈥檚 in听management

Role:听Team听services听venue听officer
FIFA site: Tampa, Florida

The sport business management minor at 麻豆原创 offered plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry. My junior year, I was fortunate enough to land a season-long internship at Orlando City Soccer Club in the game day operations department, which then turned into a full-time position with seven amazing seasons of constant growth and experiences that I am forever grateful鈥痜or.

Being involved in a FIFA World Cup has been a personal goal of mine since my early days with Orlando City SC, when we hosted a U.S. Soccer vs.听Panama World Cup Qualifier听ahead of the听2018 FIFA World Cup.听Every team听participating听in the World Cup chooses a designated home base,听which includes the team hotel, training听site听and other operational support facilities as needed. My role is centered around acting as FIFA鈥檚 primary operational lead on-site for Cabo Verde鈥檚 home base in Tampa to ensure a seamless, world-class experience.

Annie Quaile 鈥�06

Bachelor鈥檚听in听marketing

Role:听Venue听manager,听FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Atlanta

I act as the bridge between FIFA, Atlanta and the commercial and operational partners delivering the Fan Festival experience. My role focuses on coordinating event听logistics, operations, guest experience, VIP and talent management, and partner integration while ensuring FIFA brand standards are upheld throughout the event.

One of the biggest takeaways from my experience at 麻豆原创 was learning how to balance creativity,听leadership听and problem-solving under pressure, which is听essentially the听foundation of live event and operational management.听The FIFA World Cup is one of the few truly global experiences that brings together people from every background,听culture听and country around a shared passion.听All of听the planning, coordination and operational work happens behind the scenes for months, so finally seeing people from around the world听gathering together, celebrating and creating memories is incredibly rewarding.

Andres Sifontes 鈥�24

Bachelor鈥檚 in communication

Role:听Coordinator, Accreditation Documentation and Training Operations
FIFA site: Houston

I joined the FIFA team in September 2024, supporting preparations for both Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026. In my role now, I oversee Accreditation Center operations in Houston, assist volunteers, and ensure that key stakeholders 鈥� including partners like Coca-Cola, Adidas and Visa 鈥� receive proper credentials. 麻豆原创鈥檚 communication program, and especially my听Communication Research Methods听Professor , equipped me with the tools I continue to apply every day in my role at FIFA by teaching me how to communicate effectively, carry myself professionally, and think strategically.

Since graduating, my goal has been to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States. This passion has always been part of who I am, and 麻豆原创 helped me build the foundation to pursue it professionally. After graduation, I worked with Inter Miami CF, and now with FIFA, I鈥檝e been fortunate to play a role in supporting the continued development of the sport. I truly believe we are about to witness unprecedented growth for the game in this country. I hope that at the end of my career, I can look back and say I contributed to that growth 鈥� and that it all started at 麻豆原创.

Dennis Sprenkle 鈥�01

Bachelor鈥檚听in听political听science

Role:听Director of听workforce听and听human听resources
FIFA site:听Miami

My team oversees the employee journey from recruitment to offboarding across the three host countries (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.) and 16 host cities. We are responsible for everything from workforce planning, training, visa management, benefits, payroll, employee uniforms and just about every other aspect of human resources.

I have always had a keen interest in global political and business affairs, which is why I studied political science with an emphasis on international relations at 麻豆原创. Working for a governing body like FIFA in many respects is akin to working for the United Nations. 鈥� In order to be a successful leader in a global organization like FIFA, it is critical to have an open mind to effectively collaborate, plan and execute the largest sporting event in human history. My education and experience at 麻豆原创 as a leader in Student Government certainly laid the foundation and has helped prepare me for this opportunity.

Ryan Taheri 鈥�24

Bachelor鈥檚听in听finance

Role:听Workforce听operations听manager
FIFA site: Dallas

I grew up watching the World Cup with my family. Now, I occasionally stop for a second and realize how special it all is to be working behind the scenes on the operational side of the tournament. A big part of what I do in my role is coordinate with different functional areas like transportation, catering, accommodations, uniforms and venue operations to ensure the workforce is supported and operations run smoothly.

鈥溌槎乖� pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts.鈥�

A lot of the role comes down to staying organized, communicating clearly and solving problems quickly. 麻豆原创 pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts. Looking back now, I don鈥檛 think I realized at the time how much of my experience at 麻豆原创 directly prepared me for working on something as large and complex as a鈥疐IFA 鈥�26.

Alejandro Tarazona 鈥�22

Bachelor鈥檚 in integrated business

Role:听Manager,听Training听Site听Venue听Transport
FIFA site: Miami

I鈥痮versee transportation operations and鈥痩ogistics鈥痑t all 75 training sites across U.S., Canada and Mexico 鈥� including shuttles, loading zones, team busses and their fleets, and parking lots for media, volunteers and guests. I grew up in Lake Nona and had an opportunity to play collegiate soccer at a Division II school in Florida, but financially, it just didn鈥檛 make sense for my family and me. Instead I enrolled at Valencia College and earned my degree through the .

麻豆原创 gave me the technical skills I needed for my managerial position now, like creating financial analysis for labor rates across 16 stadiums that鈥痺e鈥檒l鈥痓e using in U.S., Canada and Mexico. As a former soccer player and as someone鈥痺ho is鈥痮bsessed with the sport, working for one of the biggest and best sports organization in the world has been a lifelong goal.鈥疶his experience has taught me to consider redefining what鈥檚 possible and keep setting goals.

Tomas Upegui 鈥�22

Bachelor鈥檚听in听integrated听business

Role:听Fleet听operations听analyst
FIFA site: Miami

Growing up playing soccer, being involved with FIFA in any capacity is something I never imagined would become reality, especially this early in my career. I am supporting transportation and depot operations across all 16 host cities, contributing to transportation operations involving VIPs and trophy movements. Studying business taught me how to work efficiently in fast-paced environments and quickly adapt while balancing multiple responsibilities at once, which directly translates to my role.

One of the most exciting parts of this experience has been realizing the true scale of the FIFA World Cup and seeing firsthand how much coordination happens behind the scenes to make an event of this magnitude successful.

There鈥檚 something undeniably powerful about becoming the person your younger self once needed.

For nonprofit management alum Britt Johnson 鈥�23 鈥�25MNM, that transformation came full circle.

Johnson, who experienced homelessness and a lack of resources growing up, was recently named executive director of Christian HELP, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness by supporting at-risk households.

“I see myself in some of the children who come to us fighting hunger. … Now I lead an organization that [supports] and protects them.”

The organization primarily serves the ALICE population 鈥� Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed 鈥斕齱orking families who may be one car breakdown or missed paycheck away from crisis.

鈥淚 see myself in some of the children who come to us fighting hunger and [lacking] resources because I was once that child,鈥� Johnson says. 鈥淚n my own personal life, I experienced homelessness. I experienced a lack of basic necessities. Now I lead an organization that [supports] and protects them.鈥�

Establishing an Educational Foundation

Johnson’s path to leadership wasn’t linear.

After dropping out of high school to help support his family, he spent 17 years away from the classroom. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he enrolled at Orange Technical College and earned his GED.

He later attended Seminole State College before transferring to 麻豆原创 through the program. At 麻豆原创, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science before enrolling in the 鈥檚 program.

That education changed more than his career trajectory 鈥� it introduced him to nonprofit Christian HELP. Its mission focuses on preventing homelessness by helping people find work, access resources and build stability.

In 2021, Johnson began volunteering there to fulfill a Seminole State honors program service requirement. But the moment he started working with clients, he recognized himself in them.

鈥淚t looked like my lived experience,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 got really connected to the mission.鈥�

Rising Through the Ranks

What began as 20 volunteer hours turned into years of service and leadership. Johnson rose through the organization as volunteer coordinator, resource manager, food distribution lead and care manager before being named executive director in November 2025 鈥� just before graduating with his master鈥檚 degree.

Today, he leads with a philosophy grounded in listening first and meeting people where they are to best provide the help they need.

鈥淲hen I walk into a neighborhood or a church or a city council meeting, I’m there to co-create with the community, not prescribe it,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e have to listen first before acting.鈥�

Christian HELP provides everything from one-on-one career coaching, resume clinics, financial literacy workshops and skill-building sessions. Through its Central Florida Employment Connections division, the nonprofit hosts six regional job fairs each year at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, connecting employers directly with job seekers. Its food pantry distributes more than 1 million pounds of food annually across Orange and Seminole counties.

“Our services help provide stability in times of uncertainty.”

For clients actively working toward employment, the organization also provides targeted financial assistance, helping cover expenses like gas, an oil change or a utility bill.

鈥淥ur services help provide stability in times of uncertainty,鈥� Johnson says. 鈥淚f you’re not working, you’re going to tip over into a spiraling cycle of issues, and we want to prevent that.鈥�

Under Johnson’s leadership, Christian HELP is continuing to expand. This spring, the organization opened a second Orange County location through a partnership with Peace United Methodist Church, bringing employment services, grocery support and financial literacy programs directly into neighborhoods.

The Heart of the Mission

In 2025, Johnson was named an Emerging Leader Impact Award recipient by Heart of Florida United Way and recognized as an Alumni Excellence Honoree by Seminole State College. He was also recently accepted into Nova Southeastern University, where he鈥檒l pursue a Doctor of Education degree in human service administration.

Still, Johnson says many of the opportunities that made these recognitions and opportunities possible began at 麻豆原创. Coursework in volunteer management and cross-sector collaboration gave him practical tools he now uses every day. Just as important were the mentorship, networking and alumni community connections that helped open doors beyond graduation.

鈥淭he biggest lesson I carry from 麻豆原创 to Christian HELP every day is very simple: Access is dignity,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen you build systems that are welcoming, data-informed and relentlessly human, lives are transformed.鈥�

Some of the nation鈥檚 most promising scientists can be found in Will Furiosi 鈥�13 鈥�14MAT鈥檚 Oviedo High School classroom.

Spend five minutes talking to Ankan Das, Angela Calvo-Chumbimuni and Moitri Santra about their research innovations in robotics, mental health and agriculture, and one truth becomes quite clear: These teens are the real deal.

Backed by 麻豆原创 associate professors Ellen Kang (physics and NanoScience Technology Center) and Candice Bridge 鈥�07笔丑顿听(chemistry) and researcher Max Kuehn 鈥�22 (Exolith Lab), the Oviedo High trio recently earned recognition as the top three projects at Seminole County鈥檚 regional science fair.

With Oviedo鈥檚 proximity to main campus, the collaboration highlights 麻豆原创鈥檚 steadfast commitment to supporting STEM education across Central Florida.

They went on to represent the county admirably at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, where they took home several prizes against more than 1,700 high schoolers from around the globe.

Most notably, Santra took home first place and $6,000 in the Plant Sciences category and received the EU Contest for Young Scientists Award. She will represent Regeneron ISEF at the EU Contest for Young Scientists to be held this September in Kiel, Germany.

鈥淲orking in Dr. Kang鈥檚 lab played pretty big role in choosing materials science and engineering as my major for college because I was exposed to just how many different things someone can do in the area I work with, nanotechnology,鈥� says Santra, a senior bound for Stanford who has worked with Kang since she was a freshman. 鈥淭he lab provided a lot of resources 鈥� not just the instruments, but also mentorship, advice and support.鈥�

A Will to Succeed

The hallway leading to Furiosi鈥檚 classroom is decorated with rows of blue, red, white, green, yellow and pink paper accomplishment ribbons. More ribbons, pennants and certificates adorn his walls, along with eight Science and Engineering Fair of Florida best-in-fair grand award senior division trophies 鈥� more than any other high school in the state.

During his own primary education, Furiosi attended eight schools over 12 years. As a seventh-grader at Stone Magnet Middle School in Brevard County, he was initially prohibited from participating in science fair because officials couldn鈥檛 verify Furiosi was capable of the coursework from his transfer transcripts. He would later go on to earn Order of Pegasus as a Burnett Honors Scholar majoring in biomedical sciences before earning his master鈥檚 degree in teacher education.

Every day, he saw a wall of ribbons, much like the ones in his classroom now. And every day he would tell himself, 鈥淚 want to be one of those kids.鈥�

That experience fundamentally shaped how the 麻豆原创 grad runs his program today.

鈥淲hat keeps me motivated is knowing that I have the opportunity to get people to be really prepared, informed citizens who are good thinkers, and who, when faced with a problem, smile and tackle it instead of running away,鈥� Furosi says.

Infusing Life into Science

Furiosi began teaching at Oviedo High School in 2013 as he pursued his accelerated master鈥檚 degree, made possible by the College of Community Innovation and Education鈥檚 Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program. The program, funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, was created in response to the growing need for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Four years later, he took over the school鈥檚 science fair program and was determined to breathe new life into it, which at the time involved just four kids.

He cold called students in his AP Biology and Honors Chemistry听courses, begging anyone who had shown a glimmer of interest during class to sign up so they wouldn鈥檛 have to fold the program.

Today, he鈥檚 at 46 students, with some, like Calvo-Chumbimuni, interested in joining the program as soon as they arrive at Oviedo High.

鈥淢y seventh grade science fair teacher knew Mr. Furiosi and spoke highly of him,鈥� says Calvo-Chumbimuni, who earned fourth place ISEF’s biochemistry category this year. 鈥淲hen I came to Oviedo High and met him, I immediately understood why. The research program stood out to me as a valuable opportunity.鈥�

Furiosi fosters a safe space to fail, learn and grow from the research. There are no barriers to entry; no project deemed too insignificant. And he stresses the merits of high-quality mentorship, like the ones Das, Santra, and Calvo-Chumbimuni formed with 麻豆原创 faculty and STEM labs.

Some of his students have earned thousands of dollars in prizes 鈥� one alone pulled in $70,000 and is now studying at the University of Glasgow 鈥� at prestigious competitions sponsored by some of the tech industry鈥檚 biggest names, including Regeneron and Lockheed Martin, a 麻豆原创 Pegasus Partner.

His alums have gone on to top research institutions including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, and of course, 麻豆原创. One of those Knights is aerospace engineering grad Daniel Dyson 鈥�21 鈥�22MS 鈥�25PhD, who studied in Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Subith Vasu鈥檚 lab and now works for Relativity Space at NASA鈥檚 Stennis Space Center, America鈥檚 largest rocket propulsion test site.

鈥淢r. Furiosi really pushes you toward excellence,鈥� says Das, a sophomore building a tensegrity robot with shape memory alloys that he tested at 麻豆原创鈥檚 Exolith Lab.

Supporting Excellence

An award-winning researcher who has been supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Kang is not easily impressed. Still, Santra made an immediate impression as an eighth grader when she first popped up Kang鈥檚 inbox, asking if she could present her idea on a nanoparticle treatment for citrus greening disease in Florida.

鈥淚 could clearly see that she had a firm understanding of the material and just thought, 鈥榃ow, she is really a force.鈥� I actually wanted to have my undergrad students see her presentation because of how professional she was, even at that young age,鈥� Kang says. 鈥淪he has this creativity, passion, persistence and resilience 鈥� all the key elements that you need as a successful STEM field researcher.鈥�

Similarly, Bridge immediately noticed Calvo-Chumbimuni鈥檚 persistence and go-getter attitude when she initially connected with her two years ago. Driven by her interest in the intersection of neuroscience, psychology and analytical chemistry, Calvo-Chumbimuni pitched her idea to develop an electrochemical sensor and biosensor to improve diagnostic methods for mental health disorders.

鈥淚鈥檝e always appreciated her sense of humanity,鈥� Bridge says. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥業f you can foster someone who has this sort of compassion already, there are infinite possibilities for what they can do to benefit the community.鈥� 鈥�

The two have been dedicated, active participants in their labs, regularly conducting research multiple days per week during the school year and, at times, daily over the summer.

The faculty and their doctoral students have mentored the high schoolers through instrumentation methods, analyzing data, the literature review process and their presentations.

Both presented continuations of their projects at ISEF 鈥� Calvo-Chumbimuni for her second-straight year, Santra for her third 鈥� while Das made his first time at the competition memorable with his fourth-place finish in the engineering technology: statics and dynamics category.

Kuehn, who is an engineer at , is accustomed to working with a variety of researchers and scientists who test their experiments and equipment at the Highland Regolith Test Bin. He says he was quickly intrigued by Das鈥� project, a lightweight and nimble robot that can expand, contract and move through electric current.

Das wanted to test the robot in lunar regolith 鈥� simulated moon dirt 鈥� because he envisions the tech behind his robot one day being utilized in lunar missions or search and rescue efforts in unstable environments.

鈥淢ax noticed that sometimes the motion was a little slow, so he gave some suggestions,鈥� Das says. 鈥淲orking in the lunar regolith chamber was a very insightful and eye-opening experience. I know I鈥檓 still in high school, but I鈥檝e learned I want to do research for as long as I can because I really find this interesting.鈥�

Which, at the end of the day, has been Furiosi鈥檚 mission all along.

鈥淩esearch is not just in science. It is in all disciplines. There鈥檚 a lot of cool things that need to be discovered in all fields,鈥� he says. 鈥溌槎乖粹�檚 expertise has been so invaluable in preparing my students for the future. A lot of these kids have wonderful ideas, and I really hope we can continue growing more professional support for them in any capacity.鈥�

They鈥檙e already renowned researchers and experts in emergency management. Now, professors and are expanding their impact to the federal level after being hand-selected for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship.

The fellowship, housed within FEMA鈥檚 National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU), brings together top crisis leaders from across the nation to strengthen the future of emergency and crisis management. Emrich was selected for the 11th cohort in New Orleans (May 11-15) and Washington D.C. (June 22-26), and Knox will join the 12th in Washington D.C. (July 20-24) and Houston (Aug. 17-21).

Researchers Sought Out by FEMA

Prior to joining the s Emergency Management and Homeland Security program, Emrich and Knox each worked with FEMA in separate capacities.

Emrich spent years working in the organization, from mapping hurricane impacts in Florida in 2004 to helping rebuild trust in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Knox has worked with FEMA through its Higher Education Program, which she has participated in since 2011, lead focus group initiatives, established an annual award, and aided in training curriculum development.

When assembling these new cohorts, FEMA sought out and hand-selected each of them. Typically, it is rare to include multiple academics in these groups, let alone two from one university in consecutive cohorts.

鈥淭he fact that there’s two of us from 麻豆原创 is a really big deal,鈥� Knox says.

鈥淏y bringing together these multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral leaders, it will help us better prepare for uncertainty in future disasters.鈥� 鈥� Chris Emrich

FEMA formed the program鈥檚 cohort model knowing that the future of disaster response depends not on any single agency or sector but on the strength of connections between them. Each cohort brings together crisis leaders from government, academia, nonprofits and the private sector to build the kind of cross-sectoral networks that are nearly impossible to forge during an actual disaster.

鈥淭his program is part of a more recent attempt to try to engage across sectors more efficiently,鈥� Emrich says. 鈥淏y bringing together these multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral leaders, it will help us better prepare for uncertainty in future disasters.鈥�

Strengthening the Field, Benefiting Students

Emrich and Knox will participate in roundtable seminars, site visits and discussions with fellow experts to examine emerging risks and shifts in the emergency management landscape, explore leadership frameworks for navigating crises, and brainstorm strategies to strengthen the field, all while building this trusted, cross-sector network.

Knox sees the fellowship as a chance to build new partnerships and bring national insights back to 麻豆原创, ultimately benefiting students.

鈥淓mergency management changes constantly,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 have the luxury of rinse and repeat. This gives us another avenue to bring the latest thinking directly into our courses. I’m looking forward to exploring these issues through both the lens of researcher and the lens of program director.鈥�

Emrich also sees opportunities for expanding research and collaboration by learning where those in the field are currently struggling.

鈥淚鈥檇 love to be a fly on the wall to hear what people’s troubles are,鈥� he says. 鈥淚n academia, we’re fortunate to have the time to think about these things and reflect on how to better support them. Those insights turn into grant proposals, student support and expanding the knowledge base.鈥�

Enhancing 麻豆原创鈥檚 Cutting-Edge Research

The fellowship also aligns with emerging research areas that 麻豆原创 is already exploring when it comes to cutting-edge innovations in crisis management.

For example, Emrich is currently using AI to build educational games that teach students about social vulnerability. What would once have taken years of programming work can now be produced from existing course materials and exercise content 鈥� opening the door to educational tools that weren’t previously feasible.

鈥淲hat AI has been able to produce from my knowledge is something I could not have produced on my own,鈥� Emrich says. 鈥淥ne of the things emergency managers are grappling with now is how to use AI productively. I look forward to being part of the conversation.鈥�

Knox is interested in real-time digital replicas of communities, called 鈥渄igital twins,鈥� that can be used to model disaster scenarios, as well as to test recovery and mitigation plans before they’re needed.

鈥淎 lot of emergency management boots-on-the-ground work is to help make decisions with the incomplete information in a very timely manner,鈥� Knox says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at how AI can complement critical thinking skills with new capabilities. I鈥檝e seen it take off in engineering and computer sciences disciplines using real-time social media data to understand evacuation patterns.鈥�

Beyond their individual research, both professors see the fellowship as a catalyst for something bigger within 麻豆原创 and beyond. They hope it will help them identify new ways to connect expanded emergency management expertise across disciplines.

鈥淢补苍测 faculty members in different departments are doing research that can actively support emergency management,鈥� Emrich says. 鈥淚 think it might be incumbent upon us to come back to the university and say, 鈥楾his is where we need to be. This is how we connect all of our different experts, stakeholders and partners to make our program even stronger.鈥�

When Latrell Sam-German graduated high school in 2021, he didn鈥檛 have a detailed career plan 鈥� just a desire to do something that was bigger than him.

Fortunately for him, the possibilities in the realm of serving others are plentiful. He first thought of enlisting in the military, which would also provide the structure he was seeking. He even considered pursuing medicine, trade work or air traffic control.

It was ultimately that innate sense of purpose, coupled with mentorship, that introduced Sam-German to the world of law enforcement by way of 麻豆原创. Now on the brink of becoming the inaugural graduate of the bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice program鈥檚 professional track, he鈥檚 preparing to cross the commencement stage at Addition Financial Arena on Saturday.

But first, he鈥檒l spend today celebrating his graduation from the inaugural class of the Orlando Police Department鈥檚 in-house academy.

Boldly Pursuing His Purpose

Sam-German鈥檚 foray into criminal justice began with candid discussions with both his uncle and best friend鈥檚 brother, both of whom work for a police department in South Florida. The latter became his mentor.

鈥淗e took me under his wing and showed me the ins and outs of the career, getting me into the right mindset for the academy and what to expect,鈥� he says.

After completing his associate degree at Broward College, Sam-German transferred to 麻豆原创 in 2024. Although he knew he wanted to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice, it was an email about the program鈥檚 new professional track from Associate Professor that caught his attention.

Housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education, the professional track allows students to graduate with a degree in criminal justice and a听certificate in criminal justice management and leadership 鈥� plus state certification in law enforcement or corrections, acquired through internship experiences like officer academies.

鈥淏eing able to graduate 麻豆原创 and academy at the same time was definitely the biggest draw for me,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like knocking out two birds with one stone. The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge.鈥�

“The opportunity to complete the academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

In the professional track, he had the opportunity to go on ride-alongs with three agencies 鈥� Orange and Osceola County Sheriff鈥檚 offices, and Orlando Police Department (OPD). He spent the next year and a half juggling his coursework with the various career fairs and networking opportunities that Watkins passed along. All the while, his eyes remained locked on the goal of landing an academy sponsorship for his final semester.

In early Fall 2025, he interviewed with OPD and passed the physical abilities test. He knew his commitment to networking had paid off when his recruiting lieutenant and sergeant remembered him from a spring career summit.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Sam-German got the call he鈥檇 been hoping for: OPD had offered him an academy sponsorship.

Training for Impact

Since early December, Sam-German has attended OPD鈥檚 in-house academy full-time as his required internship. The rigorous experience consists of intensive training in law enforcement policies and procedures, physical training and defense tactics. That includes five consecutive weeks of high-liability training with firearms, first aid and driving patrol cars.

鈥淚t’s very paramilitary,鈥� he says. 鈥淓very day we have to shine our boots, iron our clothes, make sure everything is up to par and come ready. It鈥檚 essentially changing our point of view from the civilian mindset to an officer mindset. We鈥檝e learned to watch our surroundings, never be complacent, know policy and rules, and know when to apply them.鈥�

鈥淥ur job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

When all is said and done, he will have completed 772 hours of training that concludes at the culmination of his first week as a sworn officer. In mid-May, he鈥檒l begin field service alongside a field training officer.

Right now, he鈥檚 most looking forward to learning about community patrol.

鈥淚 have always been interested in getting out there in community, speaking with people, learning a city鈥檚 cultural fabric and how I can help,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y biggest focus right now is to be great in patrol because sometimes people just need somebody to talk to. After all, our job is public service, and we’re there to help. I really wanted to do something that was bigger than me, and I think this is one of the best occupations to fulfill that.鈥�

Persistence That Delivers

The fact that he鈥檚 about to cross the finish line won鈥檛 hit him until he puts on the cap and gown 鈥� and the official OPD officer uniform. But Sam-German is already reflecting on how quickly his time at 麻豆原创 has gone by, and how the decision to pursue the professional track helped launch his career trajectory.

That鈥檚 thanks in large part, he says, to the faculty who have helped foster connections and provided opportunities to explore different career paths.

鈥淢y professors have been great,鈥� he says. 鈥淢补苍测 of them are retired law enforcement who came over to 麻豆原创 and can speak about the career and what to expect. Being able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience.鈥�

鈥淏eing able to come straight from college into the academy has given me the upper hand because a lot of what we talked about in class now pertains to my police academy experience.鈥� 鈥� Latrell Sam-German, student

Sam-German’s story is exactly what Watkins hopes to see for years to come 鈥� more graduates like him who will go on to impact change in the criminal justice system.

鈥淲orking with and assisting Latrell along his professional journey is exciting, fulfilling and a testament to the work of many,鈥� he says. 鈥淒eveloping and promoting the professional track has taken many years and considerable work with our police and correctional professionals in and around Central Florida.”

Professor and Chair adds that the program was intentionally designed to be mutually beneficial to students and law enforcement agencies in reinforcing the workforce pipeline.

鈥淭he professional track is our department鈥檚 way to give back to the surrounding law enforcement and correctional community in the form of producing high-quality, motivated and practitioner-ready students like Latrell,鈥� Paoline says.

As he prepares to reap both the academic and professional rewards of his work, Sam-German also finds personal reward in having become someone his classmates turn to for advice as they consider pursuing the professional track. He tells them that if they鈥檙e willing to put the work in, good things will happen.

鈥淚 don’t think it was luck; it was the result of hard work,鈥� he says of his success. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about not being afraid to put yourself out there and talk to these agencies, even when it can feel intimidating. That door is going to open. You just have to step through it.鈥�