Worth noting among this graduating class:

• Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma.
• More than 25% of this term’s degrees are tied to STEM majors.
• About 30% of the undergraduate graduating class are Pell Grant recipients.

麻豆原创 is the leading producer of talent among Florida鈥檚 universities, awarding roughly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state鈥檚 workforce.

Graduates will hear from听three听esteemed speakers听鈥� all 麻豆原创 graduates 鈥斕齱hose leadership and impact听have听benefited听our region:

• Psychology alum听Allen Johnson听鈥�81,听chief听venue听officer for听City听for听Orlando Venues
• Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
• 颁谤颈尘颈苍补濒听箩耻蝉迟颈肠别听补濒耻尘听Fred Kittinger 鈥�80, 麻豆原创鈥檚 former听senior associate vice president for government and community relations

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, summer commencement will take place over three ceremonies spanning Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.

All guests, including children and infants,鈥痭eed a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the鈥痩ive ceremony via a simulcast viewing鈥痠n the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be .

Commencement Photo-ops Across 麻豆原创

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House football stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday,听July听30,听4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.),听summer听graduates are invited to a photo-op 鈥� Grad Walk 鈥� within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.鈥疓raduates听are required to听register at听.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony听dates听and streaming links:

贵谤颈诲补测,听闯耻濒测听31

6听辫.尘.

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Community Innovation and Education

College of Graduate Studies

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday,听Aug. 1

9 a.m.

Barry S. Miller听College of Business

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

2:30听辫.尘.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Optics and Photonics

College of Sciences

For more details and FAQs about听Summer听2026 commencement celebrations, visit听ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Allen Johnson 鈥�81

Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues

Allen Johnson 鈥�81 has served as chief venues officer of Orlando Venues since 2004, overseeing the City of Orlando’s diverse portfolio of Kia Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.

Johnson brings decades of venue management experience from leadership roles across Florida. Under Johnson’s leadership, Orlando Venues has evolved into a premier, globally recognized destination for sports, entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of guests each year while strengthening Central Florida’s reputation as a world-class destination.

A proud 麻豆原创 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he has earned numerous honors, including the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Legacy Award, the SPORTYS Executive of the Year Award and the Downtowner of the Year Award.

He remains active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), serving as past chairman and trustee of the foundation board, while also contributing to organizations that include the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the .

Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97

Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue

Tanya Hill 鈥�97听is Florida Blue鈥檚 market president for Central Florida,听responsible for听regional business and community engagement in a 9-county region.

Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has worked with reputable brands including Chick-fil-A, Target and Walt Disney World to drive business results through strategic partnerships.

Hill is passionate about investing time in the community and has been involved with听numerous听community and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the听African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic听Partnership听and the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from 麻豆原创.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

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

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

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

Prior to his career at 麻豆原创, Kittinger served as chief of staff to Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and previously as vice president of government relations for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He began his career as a legislative aide to state Senator George Stuart of Orlando.

Reflecting his commitment to the community, Kittinger currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Central Florida (past chair), Central Florida Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at 麻豆原创.

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

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in 麻豆原创鈥檚 work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university鈥檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

鈥淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at 麻豆原创.鈥�

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at 麻豆原创 in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

鈥淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of 麻豆原创,鈥� Kittinger says. 鈥淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.鈥�

He served on orientation team and President鈥檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed 麻豆原创鈥檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master鈥檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at 麻豆原创 working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he鈥檚 ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you鈥檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at 麻豆原创, you鈥檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond鈥檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 鈥� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.鈥� 鈥� Fred Kittinger

鈥淚t takes that trio to make an impact 鈥� you鈥檝e got to have private industry, you鈥檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I鈥檝e been very blessed.鈥�

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university鈥檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); 听the 麻豆原创 Downtown campus; the growth of the 麻豆原创 Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

鈥淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,鈥� says Janet Owen, 麻豆原创 vice president for government and听community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students鈥� lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the 麻豆原创 Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program鈥檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

鈥淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,鈥� Owen says. 鈥淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred鈥檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.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

麻豆原创 has earned a 听signaling the university鈥檚 growing support for military and veteran students. This is the first year 麻豆原创 has earned the听Gold听designation, following听many听years听as a听Silver听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听Military Times鈥櫶� 2025 Best for Vets Colleges List.

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

Holistic Programming

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

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

• Collaboration with 听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听鈥� including听Amazon, JE Technology and Disney 鈥斕齮hat provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships,听internships听and career fairs

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

Access to Financial Support听

• 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听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听military-connected听students.

A new liaison program has been piloted in the last year, placing an MVSS staff member with VA work study students at the听Rosen College of Hospitality Management听and听麻豆原创 Downtown听to increase support services for military-connected students at those campus locations.听In听Fall听2026, the program is expected to expand to听the College of Business, College of听Sciences听and 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听finance听major听Abigail Kost. 鈥淚 have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and听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听our听Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January,鈥�U.S. News & World Report鈥痳anked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听established听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听, 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听鈥� and the only school in Florida and the southeast 鈥斕齮o participate听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听听鈥斕齦ocated听next door to each other in Lake Nona鈥檚 Medical City 鈥斕齟nsures every medical student听receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine,听neurology听and psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

麻豆原创鈥檚 history department has been documenting veterans鈥� stories听as part of the Library of Congress鈥櫶齎eterans History Project听since听2010.听麻豆原创鈥檚 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 麻豆原创听grad, who earned his听master鈥檚 in business administration听in 2001,听joins听the likes of听fellow Hall of Famers听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听leads with humility,听generosity听and a deep sense of responsibility to this community,鈥� says听麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗is decades of work with听the Orlando Magic and his continued investment in our university听reflect the character and听commitment听that听define听麻豆原创. As chair of our Board of Trustees, I see every day how deeply he believes in this institution and the听opportunities听we听create for听Central Florida. His induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a remarkable career听and听all of us at听麻豆原创听are听proud to celebrate this moment with him.鈥�

Man of the Hour

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

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Alex Martins into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame,鈥澨齭ays听Orlando Magic听chairman听Dan听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听was named听听in 2021 and听also听serves on the dean鈥檚 executive council for the听. Martins served on the developmental board of the globally acclaimed 听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听sport management听and business administration. Under Martins鈥� leadership, the Magic contributed $1.5 million to the construction of听麻豆原创 Downtown听in 2015, the first major private donation for the campus.

He听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听serves as vice chair of听the Orlando听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听Governors, and听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鈥檚听CEO听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and chief operating officer.

During his tenure as CEO, the听Sports Business Journal听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听in 2024.

His effort and collaboration with local business and political leaders听helped to听secure the Kia Center as a sports and entertainment home, which opened in October 2010. The Kia Center was named the听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听Villanova sports information department,听assisted听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听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听talent to fuel Florida鈥檚 economy听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听PC Gamer听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听Galaxy Studios located less than a mile from听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and 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听companies that eagerly hire听FIEA and GaIM graduates. The skills听taught in the two programs align perfectly听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听鈥�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 Back Fall 2025
Student Union, 听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, 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:听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听. 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.听 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�