麻豆原创 Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker鈥檚 nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how 麻豆原创 is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

鈥淲ith its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.鈥� 鈥� Sharon Tucker

鈥淚 am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health鈥檚 support of the college,鈥� says Tucker. 鈥淧artnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.鈥�

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of 麻豆原创 and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health鈥檚 senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization鈥檚 mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

鈥淒r. Tucker鈥檚 research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,鈥� Edmondson says. 鈥淚t is an honor to continue to partner with 麻豆原创 to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.鈥�

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of 麻豆原创鈥檚 inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for 麻豆原创 nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping 麻豆原创 attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining 麻豆原创鈥檚 Go for Launch campaign.

Miller was impressed by our reputation as an early leader in technology and STEM fields, our connection to the space program and our success expanding into other areas. In fact, 麻豆原创 boasted one of the highest certified public accountant (CPA) pass rates of any public university 鈥� impressive to an aspiring accountant.

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to 麻豆原创 sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family鈥檚 trajectory, along with the university鈥檚.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift 鈥� the largest single philanthropic investment in the university鈥檚 history 鈥� to position 麻豆原创 as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

First-Generation Student

Miller is president and co-founder of both Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health. He also founded and sold another successful business in his entrepreneurial career.

But back when Miller was attending 麻豆原创, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

鈥淢y father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淚n the summer, he would get me out of bed early and have me carrying lumber and working on roofs. I learned to work hard, but I also learned that [it] was a tough job to do for 50 years. I wanted to try a different path.鈥�

Once he started on that path, there was no stopping him.

Building Foundations

At 麻豆原创, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

鈥淚 learned how to really study and apply myself academically at 麻豆原创. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at 麻豆原创 has been foundational to my success.鈥�

“I realize now that everything I learned at 麻豆原创 has been foundational to my success.鈥�

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to 麻豆原创. That鈥檚 where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw 鈥�90 鈥�94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

鈥淚nitially, I wasn鈥檛 interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren鈥檛 serious about school or life, and I was,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淏ut my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It鈥檚 where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more.鈥�

鈥淭o this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes 鈥�95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years,鈥� Miller continues. 鈥淎s I look back, everything in my life has a connection to 麻豆原创 鈥� my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie 鈥�95, since we met in college.鈥�

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to 麻豆原创. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, 麻豆原创 Athletics鈥� Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

Each gift has been based on a personal connection or conviction.

鈥淏eing a first-generation student myself, having that opportunity to support students who are the first in their families to go to college is personal to me,鈥� Miller says.

As his capacity to give grew, Miller wanted to make a transformative gift that would have an impact today and for generations to come. That led to conversations with university leaders about the opportunity to establish as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

To help bring that vision to life 鈥� and to build early momentum for , 麻豆原创鈥檚 comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future 鈥� Miller has committed to a $50 million gift, establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

The investment will accelerate an innovative new model of business education听designed for a world听where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare听students with the skills the marketplace demands.

鈥淲e are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before,鈥� says Miller, who was inducted into the 麻豆原创 College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. 鈥淚 want 麻豆原创 to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else.鈥�

Inspiring Others

鈥淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.鈥�

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to 麻豆原创 anonymously. But as 麻豆原创 unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision.

鈥淚 hope this gift inspires people to be part of 麻豆原创鈥檚 mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it鈥檚 $10, $100 or $1,000 鈥� it all makes a difference,鈥� Miller says.

鈥淚 want to tell people this: If it鈥檚 not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now,鈥� he continues. 鈥淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖� is being trusted to lead, and Barry鈥檚 investment reinforces that 麻豆原创 is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don鈥檛 just succeed in the world 鈥� they come back to help build what鈥檚 next.鈥� 鈥� Alexander N. Cartwright, 麻豆原创 President

The investment will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will position 麻豆原创 as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

鈥淭his is a defining moment for 麻豆原创 and for the College of Business,鈥� says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 鈥�01MBA. 鈥淎s an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how 麻豆原创 transforms lives by opening doors to opportunity, and this extraordinary gift takes that mission to an entirely new level, giving future generations of Knights access to a world-class business education and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.鈥�

鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Barry for his extraordinary belief in this university and in the impact our students make. This is a defining moment for 麻豆原创 and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥溌槎乖� is being trusted to lead, and Barry鈥檚 investment reinforces that 麻豆原创 is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don鈥檛 just succeed in the world 鈥� they come back to help build what鈥檚 next.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖� gave me the opportunity to build my future,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淭his investment is about creating that same opportunity for others 鈥� and ensuring students are prepared for a world where technology and business are constantly evolving.鈥�

A Defining Moment for 麻豆原创

Few universities of 麻豆原创鈥檚听young听age听have alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of this听milestone听is longtime听supporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,听president of听the Florida-based听听and听Voloridge听Health.听Miller is听a first-generation听college听graduate whose early partnership and belief in鈥痶he university鈥痟elped accelerate鈥槎乖粹�檚 trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to widening听opportunity鈥痟elped lay鈥痶he groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn,鈥痠nnovate鈥痑nd launch their careers.鈥疢iller鈥檚听latest听investment reflects 麻豆原创鈥檚 ability to听produce听talent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspires听that talent to return听not just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shape听what鈥檚听next.

Building the Future of Business Education

鈥溌槎乖� gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others.鈥� 鈥� Barry Miller 鈥�95, 听Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

will听operate听as a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challenges听in emerging fields like artificial intelligence,听fintech听and digital risk.

The focus is not simply on technical skills, but on empowering graduates to take action to address organizational obstacles and lead in fields fueled by rapid technological change.

This vision is grounded in the region 麻豆原创 calls home.

Orlando has rapidly听emerged听as one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing technology hubs,听with听demand for talent in fintech and听AI continuing听to听evolve.听Across Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,听risk听and data-driven decision-making.

麻豆原创 sits at the center of this momentum,听uniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will power听the future.

The investment will support听a multi-phase strategy designed to position 麻豆原创 as听the听destination for business and technology education, including:

• Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,听trust听and disinformation
• A new听master鈥檚听in听technology听leadership and听innovation
• Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, Bloomberg听training听and industry-led projects
• Growth of 麻豆原创鈥檚 corporate partnership ecosystem.

Together, these investments will create a learning environment that mirrors modern workplaces 鈥� fast听moving, data听driven and deeply connected to industry.

鈥淭echnology is advancing rapidly, and the real opportunity is in how organizations use it to perform,鈥� says听College of Business Dean听Paul听Jarley. 鈥淭his investment allows us to build a business school focused on how the work actually gets done听鈥斺�撎齱here students learn to apply judgment, navigate ambiguity, and lead in environments shaped by technology, data, and organizational complexity.鈥�

Accelerating Momentum

Miller鈥檚 leadership gift听marks a milestone in听听鈥� a听$3.5 billion听campaign to听expand听opportunity,听advance听discovery,听and drive impact across the university.

It sets the tone听for what comes next,听accelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in 麻豆原创鈥檚 future.

鈥淭his is what momentum looks like,鈥� says听Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the 麻豆原创 Foundation. 鈥淚t reflects confidence in 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision and signals to partners, alumni and investors that this university is building something meaningful and worth being part of.鈥�

Together, talent, opportunity and partnership are converging,听positioning听麻豆原创听to听be a leading force in shaping听what鈥檚听next in business,听technology听and innovation.

鈥溌槎乖� is not waiting to be recognized. We are being chosen, invested in and trusted to lead,鈥� Cartwright says. 鈥淭his milestone gift reflects a growing sense of pride across the university and signals the momentum others will want to help build 鈥� and it is only the beginning.鈥�

The Power of a 24-Hour Mission

In a single day, 5,187 donors from across the country and around the globe gifted more than $14.9 million in support of 麻豆原创鈥檚 bold vision for the future, setting a new record in dollars raised during . With contributions spanning across all 12 colleges and 200 programs and initiatives, participants included both longtime supporters and first-time donors, reflecting a growing community united by a shared belief in the power of education, discovery and opportunity.

From the moment the campaign launched at midnight, momentum built quickly 鈥� across campuses, communities and time zones. Hour by hour, participation grew as alumni, students, faculty, staff, partners and friends added their support, each gift contributing to something larger than any single moment.

Momentum Across Knight Nation

By mid鈥憁orning, the energy of 麻豆原创 Day of Giving was unmistakable. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Student Union buzzed with celebration as everyone gathered for photobooths, coffee and conversations that turned into meaningful contributions.

The celebration extended beyond main campus, with similar moments unfolding at 麻豆原创 Downtown and the Health Sciences Campus, reinforcing 麻豆原创 Day of Giving as a university鈥憌ide movement.

鈥淓very gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward.鈥� 鈥� President Alexander N. Cartwright

鈥溌槎乖� Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what Knight Nation can accomplish together,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淓very gift helps expand opportunity for our students, fuels discovery and sparks innovations that move our communities forward.鈥�

麻豆原创 Day of Giving is a key moment within Go for Launch: The Campaign for 麻豆原创鈥檚 Next Mission and the university鈥檚 most ambitious revenue-generating effort to date.

Powered by Knight Nation

Through the Go For Launch campaign, 麻豆原创 builds upon four priorities that will amplify our impact and create our future. They represent the pioneering spirit of 麻豆原创 and speak to the unique needs of our dynamic community: , , and. Together, these priorities accelerate 麻豆原创鈥檚 continued rise as Florida鈥檚 Technological University and create opportunities that extend far beyond campus.

This campaign shares the same collaborative spirit that鈥檚 fueled record-breaking results for 麻豆原创 Day of Giving year after year.

鈥淲e recognize the unique combination of philanthropy, partnership and collective drive needed to bring bold visions to life, and we鈥檙e proud to lean into that,鈥� says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships at 麻豆原创 and CEO of the 麻豆原创 Foundation, Inc. 鈥淎t 麻豆原创, we鈥檙e building a future that others have only begun to imagine, and that pursuit is sustained not by any one individual or group, but by the power of many.鈥�

For students like Ervin Xhemali the impact of these efforts is both immediate and life鈥慶hanging. A first鈥慻eneration student funding his education independently, Xhemali initially thought the scholarship credit in his account was a mistake, until he realized it came from the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund, established by Raymond Smithberger 鈥�02MBA in honor of his mother.

The scholarship helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on learning and future goals. For Xhemali, an economics major balancing coursework with multiple jobs, the support was more than financial, it was a catalyst for what would come next.

Across campus and online, 麻豆原创 Day of Giving spotlighted stories of impact 鈥� students discovering new opportunities, faculty advancing breakthroughs and alumni carrying the Knight spirit into industries and communities worldwide.

Transformational investments fueled that momentum, including a $500,000 grant from Bank of America to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on 麻豆原创鈥檚 Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona. The gift closed a more than $30 million private fundraising effort for the facility, bringing 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision for its College of Nursing to life alongside $43 million in state support.

Fuel for the Mission

Over the past four years, 24,411 individuals have invested more than $49.5 million through 麻豆原创 Day of Giving, strengthening the foundation for continued impact and growth.

Together, these moments reflect what has always defined 麻豆原创: a belief that bold ideas, supported by a committed community, create lasting change. In just 24 hours, Knights demonstrated how collective generosity can expand opportunity, accelerate innovation and move ideas forward.

Together, Knight Nation isn鈥檛 just imagining the future; through moments like 麻豆原创 Day of Giving, we鈥檙e creating it.

鈥淥nce I realized it wasn鈥檛 a mistake, I was thrilled,鈥� says Xhemali, one of the inaugural recipients of the Katherine Crock Memorial Scholarship. 鈥淚鈥檓 financing this entire experience on my own, so every bit helps. That鈥檚 money I can now put toward my future.鈥�

For Xhemali, an aspiring lawyer, college once felt like a distant world reserved for others. Between traveling back-and-forth across the Atlantic Ocean to live with his parents in Albania and relatives in Chicago and Jacksonville, Florida, he constantly balanced family expectations with his own ambitions. Ultimately, Xhemali faced a difficult choice: work to support his family or focus solely on his studies. He chose both, supplementing his scholarship by working as a produce clerk at Publix and a warehouse shipper.

College of Business alum Raymond Smithberger 鈥�02MBA understands that drive. Growing up on a 100-acre farm in Southeast Ohio, Smithberger learned the value of hard work and family obligation early on. The oldest of five, with a father who worked in a factory and a mother who was a receptionist, Smithberger was aware of the financial hurdles facing a first-generation student when he left home to pursue his undergraduate degree and later an MBA at 麻豆原创.

Now the chief operating officer at Help at Home, a national home care provider, Smithberger credits his late mother, Katherine Crock, for pushing him to blaze his own trail.

鈥淪he was the one who really encouraged me to do things differently,鈥� Smithberger says.

Following his mother鈥檚 passing, Smithberger honored her legacy by creating the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund. The endowment ensures students like himself, and Xhemali, have the support they need to define their own futures 鈥� and pays tribute to someone who valued education more than anything else.

麻豆原创 Day of Giving is Thursday, April 9. Join us during Knight Nation’s single largest day of impact as we support our favorite colleges, programs, student services, research endeavors and more. .

鈥淸My mother] wanted to pursue further education but never had the chance,鈥� Smithberger says. 鈥淚 feel honored to support other first-generation students in her memory.鈥�

Strategically launched last year on to maximize impact, visibility, and matching opportunities, the Katherine Crock Memorial Fund helps to expand student access, reduce financial barriers,and accelerate academic success. By funding both established and new scholarship initiatives, donors directly enable 麻豆原创 students to focus on their studies and career-shaping experiences, such as internships and campus involvement, rather than financial stressors.

While the finer points of 麻豆原创 Day of Giving are still new to Xhemali, he understands the significance ofSmithberger鈥檚 generosity.

鈥淚鈥檓 still fresh, but I鈥檓 figuring out this stuff,鈥� Xhemali says. 鈥淲hat I do know is that I want to use this scholarship to put me in a position where I can help someone like Mr. Smithberger has helped me.鈥�

The pivotal investment closes an aggressive and purposeful capital campaign to raise more than $30 million in private funding, which together with $43 million from the State of Florida, has brought 麻豆原创鈥檚 bold vision of a new home for its College of Nursing to life.

鈥淧urposeful partnerships are what move our people and ideas forward to shape the future,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淥ur mission with this campaign was clear: to address Florida鈥檚 nursing shortage head-on by significantly increasing 麻豆原创鈥檚 capacity to prepare compassionate and highly skilled Knight nurses. Together, with the generous support of state leaders, donors and partners, we are moving healthcare forward by fueling talent and innovation.鈥�

Opened in Fall 2025, the 90,000-square-foot Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion increases access to 麻豆原创鈥檚 accredited and nationally ranked nursing degree programs. One in four Florida nursing graduates already receive a degree from 麻豆原创, more than any other university in the state.

With the opening, 麻豆原创 will graduate an additional 150 newly licensed eligible nurses annually and directly impact Florida communities. Of the more than 17,000 Knight nurse alumni, 85% live and work in the Sunshine State and nearly 60% remain in Central Florida.

The facility comes at a critical time for the profession and state, which is facing a projected shortage of 37,400 registered nurses by 2035. To meet demand spurred from Florida鈥檚 rapidly growing and aging population, an estimated 2,300 RNs are needed to enter the workforce annually.

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to Bank of America Central Florida for their support that will impact generations in Central Florida and beyond,鈥� says College of Nursing Dean Sharon Tucker. 鈥淭hrough philanthropic support and partnerships, 麻豆原创 has turned a challenge into opportunity 鈥� one that improves lives with increased access to a high-quality education and increased collaboration to innovate patient care. Together we are ensuring a healthier future for all.鈥�

In addition to expanding classroom space, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion dramatically expands space for simulation and immersive technologies to prepare future healthcare providers in the Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center. 麻豆原创 is a global leader in healthcare simulation, and the first in Florida with three global accolades in the innovative field.

With an optimal location in Lake Nona, adjacent to 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Medicine and in a hub of industry activity, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is fueling greater collaborative research and learning opportunities. 麻豆原创 students gain hands-on clinical experiences at neighboring healthcare facilities and real-life practice in interdisciplinary care with the new 麻豆原创 Health Mobile Clinic.

鈥淭his building is positively impacting how my peers and I learn, as community support is at the forefront and motivates our studies,鈥� says Raquel Vargas, a current accelerated second degree BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) student at 麻豆原创. 鈥淚n addition, the advanced technology in the simulation center is improving my ability to analyze and anticipate real-life patient scenarios, preparing me for my future clinical practice.鈥�

The capital campaign launched in November 2022 anchored by a generous $10 million gift from Dr. Phillips Charities. Other founding donors of the facility include the Helene Fuld Health Trust, 麻豆原创 Pegasus Partners AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children鈥檚 Health and Addition Financial, Zaby and Suree Vyas, and many others.

鈥淭hrough this grant, the Bank of America is bolstering the backbone of healthcare in one of our nation鈥檚 fastest-growing regions,鈥� says Naveed Shujaat, president, Bank of America Central Florida. 鈥淓ducation and healthcare are powerful forces in communities 鈥� catalysts that transform lives. This support for the education of future 麻豆原创 nurses will have an immeasurable impact on the patients and families they serve, especially in Florida.鈥�

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That鈥檚 because every dollar ripples far beyond a single day. Every gift opens doors: for students to chase a dream, create unforgettable memories, boldly invent the future and be recognized for their hard work. And every donor does more than give 鈥� they ignite potential, spark inspiration and elevate Knights for generations.

With 麻豆原创 Day of Giving 2026 right around the corner 鈥� Thursday, April 9 鈥� we鈥檙e reflecting on the transformational effects and personal stories of triumph that emerged from last year鈥檚 show of support, knowing that shortly, our collective contributions will set another wave of Black & Gold breakthroughs, successes and discoveries into motion.

Prioritizing Unique Opportunities

Area of Support: College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean鈥檚 Excellence Fund
Amount Raised: $67,421
Impact: Learning experiences

Growing up in rural Ohio, Jordan Hires, an aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar, often gazed at the boundless night sky, inspired by the astronauts from her home state of Ohio. Moving 1,000 miles away for college was daunting, but manageable. With her sights set on becoming a chief engineer for deep space flights, 麻豆原创 offered two key benefits: a renowned aerospace engineering program and proximity to NASA.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the best decision I鈥檝e made,鈥� she says.

Since becoming a Knight, she鈥檚 done backstage tours at NASA, met with industry leaders from Mitsubishi, Siemens Energy and Lockheed Martin, and even talked to a former astronaut at an awards ceremony. This past summer, she worked alongside Professor Kareem Ahmed in the Propulsion and Energy Research Lab as a U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellow, testing a solution to remove heat from engines 鈥� research that could make hypersonic aircraft safer and cheaper. It was her second research experience as an undergrad.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 every little girl鈥檚 dream to work on classified projects with military and civilian applications, but it definitely was this little girl鈥檚 dream,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hanks to 麻豆原创, I鈥檝e had experiences that most students don鈥檛 get until graduate school.鈥�

Many of those opportunities are made possible by the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean鈥檚 Excellence Fund, which supports hands-on learning, cutting-edge research equipment and innovative initiatives.

Supporting Lasting Memories

Area of Support: Marching Knights Scholarship Fund
Amount Raised: $14,067
Impact: Multiple scholarships for band members

For 麻豆原创 Marching Knights President Zoie Taverna, two moments define her 麻豆原创 experience: the rush of running onto the field for her first game and the bittersweet joy of singing the alma mater song alongside her best friend for their final game before graduation.

鈥淔or three whole years, we stood next to each other in the stands, screaming, feeding off each other鈥檚 energy,鈥� Taverna says. 鈥淔or her last game, we went all out. We couldn鈥檛 even talk by the end of it. We cried while singing the alma mater.鈥�

Taverna is among the Marching Knights whose experiences at 麻豆原创 are bolstered by the Branen Band Endowed Scholarship, which helps cover essentials like textbooks, meals and rent that her Bright Futures scholarship does not. As a mechanical engineering major, band leader and corresponding secretary for the national chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, she packs her days with coursework, practice and student engagement.

During the summers, she works full-time at a summer camp for kids, and she spends her weekends and evenings at Panera Bread to save up enough to cover the expenses to allow her to stay focused while in school.

鈥淲ithout scholarships, I wouldn鈥檛 have the time to do extracurriculars, such as Marching Knights, where I get to represent 麻豆原创 in Central Florida and around the world,鈥� she says. 鈥淎nd I wouldn鈥檛 get to spend every Saturday in the Bounce House with all of my friends, immersed in the band life we love.鈥�

Illuminating Pathways

Area of Support: College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
Amount Raised: $54,880
Impact: $4,880 Went Toward Supporting 19 scholarships for attendees

This summer, high school student Chloe Phung left the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to spend a week immersed in the study of light on 麻豆原创鈥檚 campus. As part of the third Laser and Photonics Summer Camp hosted by CREOL, she joined more than 50 high school students from across Central Florida 鈥� and around the world.

鈥淚 had the chance to learn many things, to learn more about optics, lenses and lasers,鈥� Phung says.

In addition to learning opportunities, the camp shines a light on the photonics industry, where more than 10,000 jobs open each year in the U.S., despite only 80 to 100 students in the nation graduating with bachelor鈥檚 degrees in photonics annually. A third of those graduates come from CREOL.

Paying it Forward

Area of Support: Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication and Community Impact Endowed Scholarship Fund
Amount Raised: $1,780
Impact: $1,500 scholarship for one communication major, awarded annually

Beatrix Alerte transferred to 麻豆原创 in Spring 2024 with a plan: build community on campus, explore a career in media, stay active in service and say yes to every opportunity.

The first three goals came naturally. She enrolled in classes, mentored two freshmen as part of the 麻豆原创 chapter of Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program and served as a trip coordinator for the Alternative Spring Break Program. Alerte also gained work experience as a marketing ambassador for Project BEST, a Student Support Services project that supports first generation students, and as an intern with 麻豆原创 Athletics.

Her final goal was made easier this summer when Alerte was named the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Michelle R. Dusseau Communication and Community Impact Endowed Scholarship, created this past year by longtime the College of Science‘s Nicholson School of Communication and Media faculty member Michelle Dusseau.

鈥淭his scholarship has given me the freedom to say yes to career-building opportunities, many of which are unpaid, while worrying less about covering

personal living expenses,鈥� Alerte says. 鈥淭hat support makes all the difference.鈥�

This 麻豆原创 Day of Giving, we鈥檙e launching Knights to new heights! Save the date to on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Check out the to maximize your impact. And get ready to join your Knight Nation family as we Bounce, Stomp, Splash and Cheer our way to more impact than ever before.

From Orlando to communities across the country and around the world, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the university will unite with a shared goal: elevating student success, advancing discovery and innovation and driving academic excellence through the power of giving.

麻豆原创 Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what the Knight community can accomplish together. Every gift helps expand opportunity for our students and fuels the discoveries that move communities forward.

At 麻豆原创, generosity isn鈥檛 just about supporting a university. It鈥檚 about investing in people and possibilities 鈥� the students pursuing their dreams, the researchers tackling global challenges and the partnerships transforming communities. Every gift, no matter the size, helps turn ambition into action.

When Knights give, opportunity expands.

Support from donors activates scholarships that help students stay on track toward graduation. It powers research that advances industries from space exploration to artificial intelligence. It strengthens programs that prepare tomorrow鈥檚 nurses, engineers, educators and entrepreneurs. And it opens doors for first-generation students who are daring to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In short, every gift has a meaningful impact on the lives of current and future Knights everywhere.

Throughout the day, supporters can direct their gifts to the colleges, programs and initiatives that matter most to them. Whether someone chooses to support student scholarships, cutting-edge research, athletics, the arts or programs that expand access to education, each contribution helps power the momentum that defines 麻豆原创.

That collective momentum is what makes the day so powerful.

Across campus and online, 麻豆原创 Day of Giving highlights the stories behind the impact 鈥� students finding their path, faculty leading breakthroughs and alumni who continue to carry the Knight spirit into industries and communities around the globe. These stories remind us that behind every gift is a person whose opportunity just grew a little larger.

The day also celebrates the determination and optimism that define 麻豆原创. Since its founding, the university has been built by people who dared to think differently and act boldly. Today, that same spirit drives the work happening in classrooms, labs and communities every day.

From expanding access to higher education to advancing research that improves lives, 麻豆原创 continues to prove that big ideas 鈥� paired with bold action 鈥� can create lasting change.

Here are a few things Knights should know about 麻豆原创 Day of Giving 2026:

• It鈥檚 a 24-hour giving celebration. On Thursday, April 9, Knights everywhere will unite for 麻豆原创 Day of Giving 鈥� a day dedicated to supporting the students, research and programs shaping the future.听

• Every gift accelerates what鈥檚 next.听Donor support powers scholarships, breakthrough research and programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

• You decide where to make an impact.听Give to the college, program, scholarship or initiative that matters most to you.

• Knights participate around the world.听Alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends come together from across the country and around the globe.

麻豆原创 Day of Giving invites everyone who believes in that mission to take part.

A gift on April 9 is more than a donation. It鈥檚 a vote of confidence in the students working toward their goals, the faculty pushing the boundaries of knowledge and the partnerships strengthening communities across Florida and beyond.

Together, the Knight community is building something extraordinary 鈥� a future powered by curiosity, courage and generosity.

On April 9, every Knight has the opportunity to help shape what comes next.

Join the momentum. Help build what鈥檚 next. Be part of 麻豆原创 Day of Giving.

Spanning multiple years, Go For Launch is the most ambitious revenue-generating effort in 麻豆原创鈥檚 history. The campaign builds on decades of momentum and reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what it will take for a modern, metropolitan research university to deliver at the scale the future demands.

Founded to power America鈥檚 space race, 麻豆原创 has always been an institution built for moments of possibility. Go For Launch draws directly from that legacy, reaffirming 麻豆原创鈥檚 role as Florida鈥檚 Technological University and calling on Knights, partners and visionaries to help shape what comes next.

Campaign Goals and Timeline

The Go For Launch campaign seeks to generate $3.5 billion over a multi-year period through philanthropy, partnerships and aligned revenue strategies, advancing priorities that will shape 麻豆原创鈥檚 trajectory for decades. Funds will fuel innovation across the university, from breakthrough research and talent development to infrastructure and partnerships that extend 麻豆原创鈥檚 impact far beyond campus.

The campaign follows a successful pre-launch phase that quietly engaged donors, volunteers and community partners around a shared vision. As of Feb. 21, 麻豆原创 has secured more than $2 billion in early commitments from individuals, families and partners who believe in the university鈥檚 bold future.

鈥淭his campaign is about matching 麻豆原创鈥檚 ambition with the resources required to deliver on it,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淚t is an investment in discovery, talent and solutions that will shape Florida鈥檚 future and improve lives far beyond our campus.鈥�

Four Pillars Driving a Transformational Vision

Go For Launch is anchored by four integrated campaign pillars, each essential to 麻豆原创鈥檚 ability to deliver impact at scale.

Elevating Student Success
Elevating Student Success ensures every Knight has the support, resources and opportunities to thrive, from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Campaign investments will expand scholarships, strengthen proactive advising and success coaching, enhance career preparation and sustain innovative support systems that remove barriers before they derail progress. This pillar reflects 麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment to access and outcomes, preparing graduates who are confident, career-ready and equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Fueling Discovery and Innovation
Fueling Discovery and Innovation accelerates 麻豆原创鈥檚 role as a driver of breakthrough research and real-world solutions. Support will advance faculty-led research, interdisciplinary collaboration and student-driven discovery across areas such as space, cybersecurity, health, energy and advanced technologies. With strong industry partnerships, a thriving research ecosystem and a culture of commercialization, 麻豆原创 is poised to move ideas faster from lab to impact, creating jobs, improving lives and addressing the world鈥檚 most urgent challenges.

Advancing Future Frontiers
Advancing Future Frontiers positions 麻豆原创 at the forefront of what鈥檚 next, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, space exploration, immersive technologies and aerospace medicine. Commitments will support research infrastructure, interdisciplinary institutes and bold experimentation that push beyond today鈥檚 limits and shape tomorrow鈥檚 industries. As technology and humanity converge, 麻豆原创 is not waiting for the future to arrive. The university is actively inventing it, translating discovery into global impact and economic vitality.

Maximizing Competitive Excellence
Maximizing Competitive Excellence positions 麻豆原创 to compete and win at the highest levels nationally. Campaign investments will strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, expand university-wide technology integration, enhance athletics and academic competitiveness, and continue building a destination campus that attracts top talent, industry partners and research opportunities. As Florida鈥檚 Next-Generation Preeminent Research University, 麻豆原创 is focused on translating ambition into sustained performance, elevating our standing, sharpening our edges and ensuring excellence is not episodic but institutionalized.

Why This Campaign and Why Now

Go For Launch represents a clear evolution from 麻豆原创鈥檚 prior comprehensive campaigns, with specific focus on directly addressing the rising complexity and cost of delivering a world-class education and research enterprise. It recognizes that sustained excellence requires continued investment in people, ideas and infrastructure.

鈥淕o For Launch will bring our university community together around our boldest aspirations,鈥� says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO, 麻豆原创 Foundation Inc.听 “It will empower students, support faculty excellence, fuel innovation that strengthens our region and maximize competitive excellence. This campaign reflects our shared belief in what is possible and our commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come.鈥�

A Launch Worth Celebrating

The public phase of Go For Launch was unveiled at campuswide launch events that brought together thousands of alumni, donors, faculty, students and community leaders. The immersive experience reflected the campaign鈥檚 spirit, featuring interactive installations, storytelling and moments that highlighted 麻豆原创鈥檚 impact across research, innovation and student success.

Campaign volunteer leadership was celebrated during the event, underscoring the personal commitment many leaders feel toward 麻豆原创鈥檚 mission and future.

Impact in Action

Investments generated through Go For Launch will directly advance research with real-world consequences, from improving health outcomes to accelerating breakthroughs in assistive technologies.

Go For Launch is both a continuation of 麻豆原创鈥檚 founding mission and a declaration of where the university is headed next. It signals confidence in 麻豆原创鈥檚 people, our ideas and our ability to lead.

To learn more about Go For Launch or to get involved, visit