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聽launching Knights to new heights.

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

Your gift ensures that聽when聽life鈥檚聽trials聽test our聽Knights,听they聽pass聽with flying colors,听securing聽the education听补苍诲 future聽they聽deserve.

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

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

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

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

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

Support 麻豆原创 College of Medicine researchers as they聽break聽into new realms of聽understanding聽around聽the聽country鈥檚聽second leading cause of death聽鈥� cancer.聽Through聽innovative science,听they鈥檙e聽exploring key聽avenues of discovery聽including聽the role that聽genes play聽in聽determining聽a person鈥檚 cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread听补苍诲 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聽for patients.聽 brings聽us one聽step closer聽to聽lives saved,听families unburdened听补苍诲 a cure聽realized.

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

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

It鈥檚聽time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us聽as聽we rally around聽our favorite causes, and聽maybe even聽uncover some聽new聽ones, during 麻豆原创 Day of Giving.聽Find聽more areas of support聽by聽别虫辫濒辞谤颈苍驳听迟丑别听,鈥痑nd聽save the date to聽聽on Thursday, April 9.聽聽

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

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

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

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

Holistic Programming

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

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

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

Academic Resources

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

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

Career Readiness

• Industry partnerships聽鈥� including聽Amazon, JE Technology and Disney 鈥斅爐hat provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships,听internships听补苍诲 career fairs

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

Access to Financial Support聽

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

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

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

Additionally, MVSS聽empowers 麻豆原创鈥檚 faculty and staff through professional development opportunities with strategies and tips on how to best serve and engage with聽military-connected聽students.

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

鈥淭he support the office provides is some of the most efficient and effective support I have encountered at 麻豆原创,鈥� says聽蹿颈苍补苍肠别听尘补箩辞谤聽Abigail Kost. 鈥淚 have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and聽learns. The office is also a pillar of emotional wellbeing and has helped me navigate VA benefits and scholarship opportunities. I would not have come as far as I have without the office鈥檚 resources.鈥�

麻豆原创: Committed to Serving Veterans

麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment to serving veterans is not singularly confined to聽our聽Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January,鈥�U.S. News & World Report鈥痳补苍办别诲听麻豆原创 No. 6 for online bachelor鈥檚 programs for veterans.

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

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

Last year,听麻豆原创 became one of 12 universities nationwide聽鈥� and the only school in Florida and the southeast 鈥斅爐o participate聽in a new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership.

A partnership between 麻豆原创 College of Medicine and Orlando VA Medical Center聽聽鈥斅爈ocated聽next door to each other in Lake Nona鈥檚 Medical City 鈥斅爀nsures every medical student聽receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine,听neurology听补苍诲 psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

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

About Military Friendly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man of the Hour

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

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

Ties that Bind

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

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

Magic Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow鈥檚 leading video game developers are聽being built today at 麻豆原创.

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

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

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

Strategy for Success

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

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

Orlando: A Leading Tech Hub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serious Business

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

For good reason.

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

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

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

Climbing the Leaderboard

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rankings鈥� Methodology

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

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

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

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

Taking the Risk

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

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

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

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

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

Training the Next Generation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earning Recognition in Service and Scholarship

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

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

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

Standing before a room of business leaders, community partners and fellow students, 麻豆原创 junior Mariana Guerrero introduced herself not only as an accounting major in the and a student, but as someone shaped by a lifetime of seeing what meaningful engagement can do.

Born and raised in Orlando, Guerrero grew up with 麻豆原创 woven into her life. Her parents, both proud Knights, spent their early careers working full time while attending school part time. Her mother鈥檚 two decades in government and community relations meant that childhood weekends were often spent at university events long before she understood what it meant to belong to a campus community.

So when it came time to apply to college, she submitted only one application.

鈥淚 have always been a Knight,鈥� she said.

Her parents鈥� work ethic allowed her to fully immerse herself at 麻豆原创. She joined the College of Business Ambassadors, now serving as vice chair, became active in the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), mentors two students, and chairs the President鈥檚 Leadership Council. Each role, she says, has deepened her sense of community and purpose.

Her interest in accounting began at age 13, when her parents enrolled her in a financial literacy summer camp she initially resisted.

鈥淚 just wanted to be a normal teenager,鈥� she said.

Instead, she discovered how engaging personal finance could be, especially through the board game Cash Flow, which she played so often her cousins eventually called her for help.

That curiosity grew in high school, where she researched teen financial literacy and realized how few young people had access to the conversations her parents encouraged at home. When she took her first financial accounting class at 麻豆原创, her interests aligned, and she began envisioning a future where her love of numbers could translate into meaningful work.

Her professional world expanded quickly. She represented 麻豆原创 in competitions, including the KPMG-sponsored HSI Battle of the Brains Case Competition, where 麻豆原创 won first place. She attended leadership programs at the KPMG Lakehouse and joined the firm鈥檚 Global Advantage Program in Lisbon, Portugal. Next summer, she will return to KPMG as an audit intern, with plans to earn her CPA and begin her career in public accounting.

Guerrero closed her remarks with gratitude for her family, for 麻豆原创 and for partnerships like the one between the university and KPMG.

鈥淚 am excited to make the leap from being an involved 麻豆原创 student to being an engaged 麻豆原创 alumna,鈥� she says.

Her introduction set the tone for an evening focused on shared purpose.

Impact of Partnership

麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright followed by highlighting the significance of the Crossroads Speaker Series and its partnership with Dr. Phillips Charities. The series, he said, is designed to explore how business, philanthropy and values-based leadership can work together to create positive change.

Cartwright emphasized KPMG鈥檚 engagement across the university, from supporting the Professional Selling Program to mentoring students at the KPMG Lakehouse. Their recent support of 麻豆原创 Space Week reflects a partnership committed to innovation across disciplines.

He also spoke about 麻豆原创鈥檚 continued momentum, including achieving the final metric required for Florida鈥檚 Preeminent University designation.

鈥淭hat is what makes 麻豆原创 remarkable,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.鈥�

鈥淭hat is what makes 麻豆原创 remarkable. We open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.鈥� 鈥� 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright

Remarks from Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, reinforced the importance of investing in people and partnerships. From there, the evening shifted to its featured conversation.

Sherry Magee聽鈥�92, senior director of community relations at the KPMG Lakehouse and a 麻豆原创 graduate, moderated a fireside chat with Jennifer Flynn Dear, managing director of corporate affairs for KPMG US鈥攐ffering the audience a close look at leadership, service and purpose through Dear鈥檚 experience.

鈥淲e are so lucky to have 麻豆原创 in our community,鈥� Dear began. 鈥淭hey are wonderful community partners as well as a stellar business school thanks to the excellent Kenneth Dixon School of Accounting, KPMG accepts 70% of 麻豆原创 applicants.鈥�

Her career with the company began more than 25 years ago when she moved to New York City hoping for an advertising career. Feeling overwhelmed on her first day, she called her mother to say she would not last. Instead, she built a career across 12 areas of the organization, learning continuously.

One of her most memorable projects involved partnering with the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy鈥檚, to raise awareness for adoption issues. That work sparked a passion for connecting business with causes that matter.

鈥淚 like pairing business and industry to raise awareness of an issue,鈥� she said.

Dear shared that KPMG employees have donated more than $67 million and logged 130,000 volunteer hours. She takes special pride in the firm鈥檚 work in education and mental well-being, noting that KPMG Family for Literacy has provided more than 7 million new books to children in low-income communities since 2008.

The more employees get involved, she said, the more fulfilled they feel.

鈥淓ven before Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, KPMG had a match set up for hurricane assistance, and participation was incredible.鈥�

Philanthropy, she added, is considered an obligation as employees advance.

She also described the KPMG Lakehouse, a learning and innovation center where employees and clients engage with emerging technologies and leadership training.

鈥淲e train every day on AI,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e invested $2 billion in Microsoft to keep our data safe and to be more efficient and effective.鈥�

The evening closed with remarks from Rodney M. Grabowski, 麻豆原创鈥檚 senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the 麻豆原创 Foundation.

鈥淭his is our fifth year for Crossroads,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities, to Mariana Guerrero, and to KPMG and Jennifer Flynn Dear for sharing their stories. Thank you for joining us. Go Knights and Charge On!鈥�

Sunday, Aug. 17:

The Knighting
Addition Financial Arena
11 a.m. to Noon

麻豆原创鈥檚 official welcome ceremony for all new Knights held in the Addition Financial Arena.

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

What鈥檚 the best way to get involved? Talking to people who are. See the amazing student organizations that you can join here at 麻豆原创. There will be DJs, free food and more.

Monday, Aug. 18:

Campus Locators
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons鈥� Seneff Plaza and Parramore Garage at 麻豆原创 Downtown
8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.

Coming to the downtown campus for the first time? Not sure where to go? Wondering what services the campus has to offer? Look for the downtown campus locator tents located in the DPAC Seneff Plaza and near the Parramore parking garage. There will be staff waiting to help you find what you are looking for and answer questions you may have.

Saving Secrets with Snap Tabling
Recreation and Wellness Center, Room 111
11 a.m. 鈥� noon

Have you heard about Saving Secrets? Come learn the basics of discount savings and grocery shopping tips on a budget. Learn about SNAP benefits and how to apply.

Well-Being Open House
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons鈥� East Lobby at 麻豆原创 Downtown
11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Stop by the DPAC East Lobby (the side with the campus store) to meet all the downtown resources available to support your well-being.

Valencia College International Student Services Global Welcome Event
UnionWest 2nd Floor Lobby at 麻豆原创 Downtown
Noon 鈥� 2:00 p.m.

Valencia College International Student Services (ISS) is thrilled to invite all Valencia international students to this gathering. ISS is dedicated to ensuring your time at Valencia College is both enjoyable and successful.

Knight-Thon Karnival
Memory Mall
1 鈥� 4 p.m.

Knight-Thon鈥檚 kickoff event for the new year. Held at Memory Mall, this event will allow all 麻豆原创 students to attend a mini carnival with games, food, prizes, an inflatable attraction and more. Students can also learn more about Knight-Thon, their cause and how they can get involved with the organization.

Movie Knight
Memory Mall
7:30 p.m.

The Campus Activities Board will host a movie knight at Memory Mall for students to enjoy a showing of A Minecraft Movie with their friends.

Tuesday, Aug. 19:

Campus Locators
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons鈥� Seneff Plaza and Parramore Garage at 麻豆原创 Downtown
8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.

Coming to the downtown campus for the first time? Not sure where to go? Wondering what services the campus has to offer? Look for the downtown campus locator tents located in the DPAC Seneff Plaza and near the Parramore parking garage. There will be staff waiting to help you find what you are looking for and answer questions you may have.

Speed Friending
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Room 107 at 麻豆原创 Downtown
11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Student Engagement presents to you Speed Friending. This event is an amazing networking opportunity where 麻豆原创 Downtown students can get to know one another by answering fun questions. Food, snacks and drinks will be provided.

Welcome Back Popsicle Social
Reflecting Pond
Noon 鈥� 1 p.m.

Pop on by to enjoy complimentary popsicles from Pop Parlour and meet 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright and First Lady Melinda Cartwright. Enjoy mingling with members of the leadership team and a special appearance by Knightro. The event will also include representatives from several campus organizations with resources and information on the opportunities and services they provide. In the event of inclement weather, this outdoor meet and greet will be moved inside Millican Hall.

SNAP Coaching
UnionWest, First Floor at 麻豆原创 Downtown
2 鈥� 3 p.m.

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This program is federally funded and provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of individuals who may not make enough money to eat healthy consistently. Learn more about SNAP at our monthly tabling event.

Taste of 麻豆原创
Addition Financial Arena
4 鈥� 6 p.m.

This event will highlight cultural foods, free to the student and staff population.

Wednesday, Aug. 20:

Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando
麻豆原创 Downtown Campus and downtown Orlando
All Day

Are you up for the challenge? Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando is back! You and your friends have from 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, to complete as many challenges as you can.

This is a single-player activity, but you can complete challenges with your friends using the Scavify app. You must complete the challenges in your own account to be considered for one of the giveaways.

Search for Scavify in the App Store or Google Play, then create an account using your student email address. Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, search 鈥淭he Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando鈥� and click 鈥渏oin.鈥�

Enter password: 鈥�2019鈥�

Welcome Expo
Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom
10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

The Welcome Expo, hosted by the Knights Major Exploration and Transition Center, is the perfect place to discover what the 麻豆原创 Main Campus has to offer. Stop by the event to meet with campus offices, departments and local businesses from the area. Enjoy connecting with others while collecting many free giveaways. This event is open to all 麻豆原创 students, staff and faculty.

Homecoming Reveal
Student Union, Atrium
11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Come out to find out the events and theme for 麻豆原创 Homecoming 2025.

Internships: Who鈥檚 Hiring and Where Can I Find Them?
TBD
2 鈥� 3 p.m.

Do you need experience? Find out how to obtain internships through experiential learning.

Fresh-U Market
Recreation and Wellness Center, Room 111
2 鈥� 4 p.m.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services’ (WHPS) FreshU Market, located on the first floor of the wellness center, teaches healthy eating habits and making delicious treats 鈥� free of charge. Students should enter through the WHPS entrance, located next to Chick-fil-A.

Comedy Knight
Addition Financial Arena
Doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.

The Campus Activities Board will be hosting a comedy show with a hilarious set by SNL star Ego Nwodim.

Thursday, Aug. 21:

Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando
麻豆原创 Downtown 听补苍诲 downtown Orlando
All Day

Are you up for the challenge? Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando is back! You and your friends have from 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, to complete as many challenges as you can.

This is a single-player activity, but you can complete challenges with your friends using the Scavify app. You must complete the challenges in your own account to be considered for one of the giveaways.

Search for Scavify in the App Store or Google Play, then create an account using your student email address. Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, search 鈥淭he Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando鈥� and click 鈥渏oin.鈥�

Enter Password: 鈥�2019鈥�

Welcome Back Fall 2025
Student Union, 聽Atrium
11 a.m.

Join the Ginsberg Center as we welcome new and returning Knights for the Fall 2025 semester.

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

This event entails free food from food trucks for the 麻豆原创 Downtown community.

Student Faculty Feud
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, Parramore Room (Room 107)
1 p.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

Do you have what it takes to challenge your professor and win a prize? Join the 麻豆原创 Downtown faculty for some fun and games!

Reunite with Your Orientation
Howard Phillips Hall, outside
5 鈥� 8 p.m.

Reunite with some of the familiar faces from your orientation group.

Concert Knight
Addition Financial Arena
Doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.

The Campus Activities Board will be hosting a concert featuring singer Daya with special guest Thomas Day.

Library Scavenger Hunt
John C. Hitt Library
Noon 鈥� 2 p.m.

The 麻豆原创 Libraries are hosting a postcard-themed scavenger hunt to get you familiar with all the areas of the John C. Hitt Library. Take a world tour and learn about the services, resources, and spaces that support your academic journey. The first 150 students to complete the grand tour will earn an exclusive 麻豆原创 Libraries Duck and commemorative postcard.

Friday, Aug. 22:

Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando
麻豆原创 Downtown 听补苍诲 downtown Orlando
All Day

Are you up for the challenge? Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando is back! You and your friends have from 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, to complete as many challenges as you can.

This is a single-player activity, but you can complete challenges with your friends using the Scavify app. You must complete the challenges in your account to be considered for one of the giveaways.

Search for Scavify in the App Store or Google Play, then create an account using your student email address. Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, search 鈥淭he Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando鈥� and click 鈥渏oin.鈥�

Enter Password: 鈥�2019鈥�

Welcome to the Majors
Addition Financial Arena
10 a.m. 鈥� noon.

The College of Business takes the main stage for its signature event, which introduces incoming business students to the culture of the college and sets them on the path to success. More than 1,200 business students are expected to attend 麻豆原创鈥檚 largest face-to-face class, where they鈥檒l hear from college leadership, faculty and alumni. They鈥檒l also get a chance to network with student organizations and community and corporate partners, including presenting sponsor Wells Fargo. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

Movie Night:聽Deadpool & Wolverine
CMX Plaza Cinema Caf茅 12, near 麻豆原创 Downtown
7 p.m.

The Downtown Student Life team is thrilled to invite you to an exclusive screening of Deadpool & Wolverine at the CMX Cinema in downtown Orlando. Drinks and snacks will be provided, while supplies last. Student must bring their 麻豆原创 or Valencia College Downtown ID. RSVP for your slot聽. At 5:45 p.m., students will check in at UnionWest. At 6:15 p.m., moviegoers will leave for the cinema.

Neon Paint Rave
Memory Mall
8 鈥� 11 p.m.

Join Late Knights for a neon paint rave.

Saturday, Aug. 23:

Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando
麻豆原创 Downtown and downtown Orlando
All Day

Are you up for the challenge? Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando is back! You and your friends have from 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, to complete as many challenges as you can.

This is a single-player activity, but you can complete challenges with your friends using the Scavify app. You must complete the challenges in your own account to be considered for one of the giveaways.

Search for Scavify in the App Store or Google Play, then create an account using your student email address. Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, search 鈥淭he Amazing Race: Downtown Orlando鈥� and click 鈥渏oin.鈥�

Enter Password: 鈥�2019鈥�

Day of Service
Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom
8 a.m., check-in is between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Volunteer 麻豆原创 is hosting this event to give students an opportunity to get involved in their 麻豆原创 and Orlando communities. RSVP for this event on Knight Connect. Sign-ups for volunteer sites will be first-come, first-served. Students will complete three hours of service and learn how to get involved in more service activities for the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

Wednesday, Aug. 27:

Speaker Knight
Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom
Doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m.

The Campus Activities Board is hosting a speaker panel with actor Karan Brar in the Pegasus Ballroom, where students can hear about his journey and take part in a Q&A with their friends.

Since 2017, the KB Foundation has supported Philadelphia鈥檚 youth through educational experiences and mentorship. This immersive Orlando trip combined two of the organization鈥檚 programs to advance learning for its KB Foundation mentees, including youth from 20 high schools who have participated in college prep or lunch and learn programs since middle school. Founder and CEO Kirk Berry says that he wants the students who participate in the program to learn about careers through immersive experiences and make the right choices for their future.

鈥淎t the KB Foundation Inc., our approach to career exploration activities is about exposing our youth to what it is like for a day in the life of any given career,鈥� Berry says. 鈥淗earing about a career is one way to learn, but spending time doing a small part of the career is a more impactful way to learn about it.鈥�

College Possible, an organization working to broaden educational opportunities for youths, also attended this exploratory Orlando field trip for KB Foundation mentees.

Tyler Cholminski, a high school junior and mentee, says the KB Foundation and College Possible programs are helping him prepare for his future.

鈥淚 just started with the program a month ago,鈥� Cholminski says. 鈥淭hey have already taught me so much. More than just preparing for college, I’ve learned about life.鈥�

The KB Foundation recognizes 麻豆原创鈥檚 strong ties to the gaming industry through its successful FIEA alumni, which inspired them to visit the university.

鈥淭his partnership came about because our vice president of operations and programming, Justin Fishman,鈥� Berry says. 鈥淗e saw it as an opportunity to give our youth an opportunity to experience an extremely specialized career field. Since the 麻豆原创 has a direct career path to the gaming industry, it will show our youth what is required to pursue such a skilled profession.鈥�

Berry says the trip will give students a fresh perspective on gaming, which already plays a significant part in many of their lives.

鈥淭his trip will have a tremendous impact on our youth because many of them play games and only participate as consumers,鈥� Berry says.聽 鈥淭he opportunity to learn about the pathway into this specific industry will be life-changing for the students.鈥�

During the students鈥� trip to FIEA, they had the opportunity to listen to executive director Ben Noel speak about what their future could look like with a career in gaming.

鈥淔IEA has one of the top graduate programs in gaming for the past six years,鈥� Noel says. 鈥淓lectronic Arts, Microsoft, and Iron Galaxy are all up the street from us. Twenty years ago, game development was not prevalent in Downtown Orlando. Today, there are 2,500 developers working in Orlando. Things like this happen in cities when they really focus on doing things.鈥�

After Noel finished his talk with the students, they had the opportunity to tour FIEA to immerse themselves in the technology utilized for game development and education.

Students learned about the technology and work that goes into creating virtual reality games and, through a demo, stepped onto the sets of popular shows, movies, and games such as Mario Kart, Harry Potter, and Stranger Things.

Students went behind the scenes to learn more about the magic behind motion capture and try it for themselves. They geared up in motion capture suits and showcased their basketball skills on the court and the big screen.

Rahim Gardner, a sophomore attending high school in South Philadelphia, shares why this trip means so much to him.

鈥淭his experience means the world to me because I was granted the opportunity to come here,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 learning a lot, and I get to see what is outside of Philadelphia in the world.鈥�

鈥淢y late father, Thaddeus Seymour Sr., devoted his career to higher education as both a teacher and administrator, including serving for 12 years as president of Rollins College in Winter Park,鈥� Seymour said during his commencement speech. 鈥淭hroughout my life I have worked to embrace and act upon the values that he and my late mother Polly shared with their children.鈥�

鈥淭he bestowing of degrees at commencement was always my favorite part of the year at 麻豆原创, so to be recognized in this way, by the university that Katie, [my wife], and I so deeply love, is truly an honor.鈥� 鈥� Thad Seymour Jr., honorary degree recipient

Thaddeus Seymour Sr. also served as the dean of Dartmouth College and president of Wabash College. With this upbringing on college campuses, Seymour says education was a logical path.

Seymour has contributed to 麻豆原创 in varying roles since 2015. Prior to serving as 麻豆原创 interim president from February 2019 to April 2020, he led the development of the university鈥檚 previous strategic plan and was named vice president for partnerships and chief innovation officer.

鈥淗is strategic insight and leadership were instrumental in shaping our previous roadmap, which served as a guiding force for the university鈥檚 academic and operational growth,鈥� Provost Michael D. Johnson wrote in his recommendation letter. 鈥淏y uniting university leadership, faculty and community stakeholders, Thad ensured the plan aligned with the needs of both 麻豆原创 and the broader Central Florida region, positioning 麻豆原创 as a leader in innovation and economic development.鈥�

Seymour also played an instrumental role in making 麻豆原创 Downtown 鈥� which celebrates its five-year anniversary this year 鈥� a reality. As the intellectual anchor to Orlando鈥檚 Creative Village, 麻豆原创 Downtown has awarded over 10,300 degrees to Knights in select majors across the university鈥檚 College of Business, College of Community Innovation and Education, and College of Sciences, as well as students at Valencia College.

鈥淚n my DNA is this belief that education is the single most important thing that can improve a person鈥檚 opportunities, their quality of life, their livelihood and their impact on the world,鈥� Seymour said in an interview in 2019. 鈥淎nd education should not be a privilege, but rather widely available to expand opportunity and strengthen our society.鈥�

鈥淭had was also a key architect in the creation of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Downtown Campus, a transformative project that has redefined urban education in Central Florida,鈥� Johnson continued in his letter. 鈥淗is efforts to bring together [various] partners 鈥� including the City of Orlando, Valencia College and private industry 鈥� were critical to the success of this ambitious initiative. Today, 麻豆原创 Downtown serves more than 8,000 students and has become a hub for experiential learning, community engagement, and economic revitalization, thanks to Thad鈥檚 leadership and vision.鈥�

Seymour earned a bachelor鈥檚 in history from Dartmouth College, and a master鈥檚 and doctoral degree in history, from the University of Wisconsin. He also graduated from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University with an MBA.

For three decades, Seymour worked as a business executive in technology and healthcare industries, including his work as vice president of marketing and strategy at Curascript, a subsidiary of Express Scripts, which had acquired Priority Healthcare where he had quarterbacked the $1.3 billion transaction as vice president of corporate development.

Leveraging this expertise and a skill for fostering partnerships, Seymour has contributed to the growth of Central Florida. He helped bring more than $3 billion to Lake Nona Medical City by leading strategy and business development聽for the area in his role as senior vice president of Tavistock Development Company. He created and served as founding president of the Lake Nona Institute, which hosts the widely acclaimed annual Lake Nona Impact Forum focused on health innovation. Seymour also led efforts to bring the United States Tennis Association to Lake Nona 鈥� resulting in the nation鈥檚 largest tennis complex.

He has served on the board of the Orlando Economic Partnership, Visit Orlando, BioFlorida, and Innovate Orlando. Seymour is a past chair of the statewide Florida Research Consortium, StarterStudio, an entrepreneurial support nonprofit organization in downtown Orlando, and Shepherd鈥檚 Hope, which provides free medical care to more than 20,000 uninsured patients annually throughout Central Florida.

Now retired, Seymour and his wife, Katie, remain active community volunteers, including training puppies for Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that provides services dogs for free to those needing assistance.

鈥淔or his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to 麻豆原创, and his visionary approach to higher education, I can think of no one more deserving of the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service than Thad Seymour,鈥� Johnson stated in his letter. 鈥淗is contributions have left a lasting legacy at 麻豆原创 and within the Central Florida community.鈥�

Honorary degrees require a detailed nomination process, a recommendation from the university president, and ultimately, approval from the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees’ vote, which occurred on Sept. 27, 2024, for one to awarded to Seymour was unanimous.

鈥淭he bestowing of degrees at commencement was always my favorite part of the year at 麻豆原创, so to be recognized in this way, by the university that Katie, [my wife], and I so deeply love, is truly an honor,鈥� Seymour says.

As Seymour joined Knights who were awarded nearly 6,500 degrees this semester, he encouraged them to do three things: honor this special place and take it with them, celebrate the 鈥渃rooked path鈥� that lies ahead, and be the best leader they could be.

鈥淯ltimately, I found my way back to academia, having the honor and pleasure to work with incredible leaders at 麻豆原创 who were redefining the future of higher education. I couldn鈥檛 have planned or predicted my 鈥榗rooked path鈥� any better than you will be able to,鈥� Seymour said during his commencement speech. 鈥淏ut by celebrating it you are always ready to pivot when a new and unexpected opportunity appears before you. Armed with what 麻豆原创 has provided to you, I鈥檓 confident that your path will be rewarding and impactful in ways you can鈥檛 even imagine today.鈥�

Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in 麻豆原创鈥檚 鈥� a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

Hundreds of fans celebrated 麻豆原创 men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

麻豆原创 broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help 麻豆原创 graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

A student practices with a manikin hand at 麻豆原创鈥檚 state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the 麻豆原创 women鈥檚 track and field team has clocked some of the world鈥檚 fastest times this year.

During the 10th anniversary of 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts 鈥� a聽multi-day festival honoring creative expressions 鈥� artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

Knightro shows off a 麻豆原创 specialty license plate while filming a new at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy鈥檚 Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

麻豆原创 students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

A student guides TapeMeasure, 麻豆原创鈥檚 semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

A member of 麻豆原创 Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing 麻豆原创 as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

Annika Emmett, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

This year, 麻豆原创 Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world鈥檚 largest simulated lunar surface, located in 麻豆原创鈥檚 Exolith Lab. The lab鈥檚 Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.

Before the 麻豆原创 Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young 麻豆原创 fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

麻豆原创鈥檚 cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by 麻豆原创 Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, 麻豆原创鈥檚 biggest homecoming tradition.

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year鈥檚 theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at 麻豆原创鈥檚 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university鈥檚 ties to space exploration and innovation.

麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA鈥檚 Kennedy Space Center.