This guide is a resource to help you develop a sense of belonging, find community and build lifelong friendships while studying at 性视界传媒.

Marquee Events

Whether you鈥檙e studying at 性视界传媒 Downtown, the , Rosen College of Hospitality Management or the main campus,听听you鈥檒l have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Some signature events have become beloved 性视界传媒 traditions听with not-to-be-missed programming:

• Pegasus Palooza, 性视界传媒鈥檚 annual welcome week, greets new and returning students to campus with a variety of events including notable headliners at Comedy Knight and Concert Knight.

• 性视界传媒 Homecoming听Week,听蹿别补迟耻谤颈苍驳听Spirit Splash,听kicks听off听Monday,听Oct. 19,听and听concludes听with the 性视界传媒 football team鈥檚 matchup against BYU on听Saturday,听Oct. 24.

• Space Game, a football game unlike any other in the nation, pays tribute to our 性视界传媒鈥檚 roots as America鈥檚 Space University. This year鈥檚 matchup against Baylor on Friday, Oct. 30, marks 10 years of the Space Game.

• , held each spring at听听Orlando鈥檚 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, showcases the artistic talents of 性视界传媒鈥檚 faculty and students in performances, exhibitions, presentations and interactive experiences.

• Gather Luncheon,听a听community-building event in the spring hosted by听Wellness & Health Promotion Services and Dining Services,听听brings hundreds of students听together听听for听a free, three-course meal.

Recreation, Intramurals and Sports Clubs

In addition to its fitness and recreation facilities, the Recreation and Wellness Center has longstanding intramural and sports club programs that allow students to form friendships and win championships, sometimes on the brightest of stages.

The RWC鈥檚 intramural sports program welcomes all 性视界传媒 students, especially those who are new to Orlando and haven鈥檛 met enough peers to form their own team. Thanks to its free agency feature, individuals ca听be matched up with others or be paired with an established team.

The sports club includes 45 different sports, encompassing everything from judo to lacrosse to wakeboarding and have produced some of 性视界传媒鈥檚 most notable alumni. Gold medalist Phil Dalhausser 鈥�02, who played club volleyball while pursuing his business degree, and bronze medalist Kristen Thomas 鈥�16, who began her rugby career听as a theatre studies major听at 性视界传媒,听both went on to听represent听Team USA听at听multiple Summer Olympic Games.

For more information, visit听.

Registered Student Organizations

性视界传媒 offers more than 650 registered student organizations spanning academic, professional, cultural and spiritual, social and recreational, and sports interests.

KnightConnect听is 性视界传媒鈥檚 official involvement platform where students can explore听these organizations or even create a new one.听Each organization has its own page with meeting times, contact information,听and ways to get involved.

Visit the听听to find the organization right for you.

Greek Life

The fraternity and sorority experience has long been a part of campus life. Since the 1970s, fraternities and sororities have been providing spaces of belonging for students to grow together during their collegiate years.

Currently our 性视界传媒 Greek community is听comprised听of 46 organizations, which all听share the values of scholarship, leadership,听service听and brotherhood/sisterhood.

For more information visit听.

性视界传媒 Athletics 鈥� Knightmare Society and Marching Knights

性视界传媒 is a member of one of the premiere conferences in the nation, the Big 12. From听Fear the Fronds听to听Zombie Nation, the student section鈥檚 energy is听an integral part of the game day atmosphere听and gives the Knights a distinct home field (and court) advantage.

All full-time 性视界传媒-enrolled students (except 性视界传媒 Online) are eligible for free tickets to home sporting events. Please note: all seating is first-come, first-served and admission is not guaranteed. For more information, especially for football and men鈥檚 basketball student tickets, please visit .

罢丑别听 is an organization built and run by 性视界传媒 students and supported by 性视界传媒 Athletics. Joining the official group has its perks, including football tickets automatically loaded to members鈥� Ticketmaster accounts, a dedicated fast pass entrance at all 性视界传媒 men鈥檚 basketball games, and first access to post-season student ticket claims.

Students can also contribute to game-day experiences by joining听, a more than 390-member marching band student organization that performs at pregame shows, halftime shows, pep rallies and听other听fan-fest听events. By creating the soundtrack for these dynamic events, the Marching Knights serve as one of the most vibrant and visible forces for school spirit.

Engage in听Research

Undergraduate research provides opportunities to build a learning community with faculty and fellow students听while engaging听in meaningful work that听develops听solutions听for听challenges facing our communities,听industries听and the world.

In addition to forging connections with peers and mentors, this听practical experience听allows students to听build their professional resumes听before听they graduate.

, 性视界传媒鈥檚 annual university-wide celebration of research and creative scholarship showcases graduate and undergraduate research. The week is scheduled for March 29 through April 2, 2027, featuring presentations, exhibitions and other events showcasing student research.

For more information on how to get involved with undergraduate research, visit听.

贰虫辫濒辞谤别听翱谤濒补苍诲辞

性视界传媒 students live in one of the most vibrant destinations in the world, Orlando.听Whatever your interest, Orlando听likely has听it:听theme parks,听elite听sporting events,听electric festivals,听Michelin-rated restaurants,听nearby听coastlines听and听natural springs.

Orlando is what you make it, and there are ways to experience it all on a student budget.

罢丑别听听offers听discounted听tickets to various attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal听Orlando听and Kennedy Space Center.听Every spring semester, 性视界传媒 students听enjoy听free, exclusive access to Universal Islands of Adventure as part of Universal Knights.

听gives Knights of all experience levels opportunities to go on hiking and camping trips at nearby springs, learn to surf, paddle through bioluminescent waters and more.

Several cultural museums in the area offer free entry,听including听the听 on the main campus,听Rollins Museum of Art听and Mead Garden in nearby Winter Park,听and the听Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central 性视界传媒听in Maitland.听罢丑别听acclaimed听Orlando Museum of Art听offers free entry on the third Thursday of each month听as part of its Access for All initiative.

Held annually at the start of the fall semester, Visit Orlando鈥檚 Magical Dining offers a chance to sample some the area’s exceptional restaurants at a fraction of the normal cost. Savor three-course, prix-fixe dinners听 鈥� including at Aurora at the on-campus The Celeste Hotel 鈥� for just $40 or $60 per person from Aug. 14 鈥� Sept. 30, 2026.

For a combined 13 years, Alexandria Marcellus and Mason Miles lived lives defined by missions, military orders and serving something greater than themselves.

Then came a challenge unlike any either had faced before: college.

Stepping onto 性视界传媒鈥檚 campus meant trading uniforms for backpacks, military precision for unstructured schedules and familiar routines for classrooms filled with students years younger than themselves. After years of knowing exactly where they needed to be and when, they suddenly had to chart their own course.

That uncertainty became the beginning of an entirely new mission.

This summer, the two U.S. Army veterans 鈥� both first-generation college students 鈥� will cross the stage during 性视界传媒鈥檚 Summer 2026 Commencement with bachelor鈥檚 degrees and full-time jobs already secured. Their journeys represent far more than earning a degree. They show how resilience, adaptability and a willingness to embrace the unknown can transform possibility into opportunity.

Alexandria Marcellus: Finding Stability 鈥� and a Calling to Serve

Marcellus has spent much of her life opening doors no one in her family had opened before.

At 17, she became the first person in her family to enlist in the Army. While stationed in Germany, she earned an associate degree in business administration and began to see college as a realistic option for the first time.

“The military was an escape,鈥� Marcellus says. 鈥淚f I wanted a different life from the one I’d seen, this was the way.”

鈥淪erving my soldiers put me in a position to always be in service of others because of the difference that I can make.鈥� 鈥� Alexandria Marcellus

During seven years of military service, she quickly rose into a noncommissioned officer leadership role, discovering that her greatest fulfillment came from helping others succeed.

鈥淪erving my soldiers put me in a position to always be in service of others because of the difference that I can make. That鈥檚 what stuck with me the most,鈥� Marcellus says.

That mindset followed her to 性视界传媒.

Leaving the military and becoming a full-time student just two months later proved more difficult than she expected.

The campus felt enormous. The freedom she had long desired suddenly became intimidating. Unsure where she fit, she walked into (MVSS), where a veteran peer success coach assured her she wasn’t alone.

鈥淭hat’s when, for the first time since I left the military, I felt like somebody understood me,鈥� Marcellus says.

What began as a place to ask questions quickly became what she describes as her “duty station on campus.”

Inspired by the support she received, Marcellus returned as a peer success coach, helping veterans and students on academic probation regain confidence, navigate challenges and create plans for success. Often, she found that what students needed most was someone willing to listen.

She recalls several students telling her, “No one has ever asked me what’s going on in my life that’s affecting my grades.”

Marcellus became that person.

Wanting women veterans to experience the same sense of belonging she found in the military, Marcellus established the Women Veterans Association at 性视界传媒, creating a community where women veterans could build lifelong friendships and support one another throughout college.

“If I could create a space where women could come together and find someone who was going to be pivotal to them succeeding along their journey,” she says, “then I wanted to do it.”

Her own journey wasn’t without setbacks. After realizing the management major wasn’t the right academic fit, she discovered 性视界传媒’s integrated business program, where collaborative projects and interdisciplinary coursework aligned perfectly with her strengths.

“I want my future children, my nieces and nephews, my godchildren and anyone close to me to see what’s possible because when you watch someone you know accomplish something, it suddenly feels like something you can accomplish, too.” 鈥擜lexandria Marcellus

As graduation approached, she looked beyond the classroom for industry experience. After six unanswered applications to Lockheed Martin, persistence paid off when she landed a year-long position through the Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP), which provides undergraduate and graduate students with real-world work skills relevant to their academic and career goals. As an integrated program planner, she balanced full-time coursework while coordinating schedules, improving processes and building industry-ready skills.

The experience helped prepare her for her current position as an administrative assistant at CHA Consulting, a local engineering consulting firm, where she supports engineering teams across Central 性视界传媒.

Graduation isn鈥檛 the finish line. She plans to earn her project management professional certification before pursuing graduate studies focused on business psychology and organizational leadership.

For Marcellus, every achievement represents another opportunity for someone else.

“Every single challenge or opportunity in life is like a door,” she says. “When I can open one, it doesn’t just change my life. It creates a path for people coming after me. I want my future children, my nieces and nephews, my godchildren and anyone close to me to see what’s possible, because when you watch someone you know accomplish something, it suddenly feels like something you can accomplish, too.”

Mason Miles: Turning Curiosity into a Career

For many teenagers, an 18th birthday comes with cake and car keys. For Miles, it came with a decision to enlist in the Army.

College wasn’t financially realistic after high school, but military service offered opportunity, purpose and a way forward.

The son of a construction worker who had long been fascinated by engineering and aviation, Miles participated in JROTC throughout high school before spending six years in the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

He began as an unmanned aircraft operator before advancing to aircraft commander, instructor and noncommissioned officer, eventually helping develop battlefield training doctrine alongside senior military leaders 鈥� responsibilities few people in their early twenties ever experience.

Yet during deployment, another passion quietly emerged.

鈥淚 saw that it was direct industry-relevant experience that was veteran-preferred. So I thought, 鈥榃hy not try my hand at it?鈥� I ended up in a field that has a ton to do with my exact interest.鈥� 鈥� Mason Miles

Between missions, he taught himself Python programming, built Arduino robotics kits and enrolled in online college courses.

“I knew engineering was something I was interested in,” Miles says. “I never thought I would do it. Once I got back from deployment, I saw I had plateaued [in my career]. My natural next step was in engineering.鈥�

Returning to his hometown of Orlando, he enrolled at 性视界传媒 to study computer engineering.

Determined to gain industry experience as early as possible, he applied to Lockheed Martin鈥檚 CWEP program during his first year as a Knight.

Having previously worked with Lockheed Martin while serving in the military, he recognized the program as an opportunity to combine classroom learning with real-world experience.

鈥淚 saw that it was direct industry-relevant experience that was veteran-preferred,鈥� he says. 鈥淪o I thought, 鈥榃hy not try my hand at it?鈥� I ended up in a field that has a ton to do with my exact interest.鈥�

Over the past three years, Miles has worked as a software engineer focused on cybersecurity for embedded systems, strengthening his knowledge of software and hardware development.

“Every class I took throughout my computer engineering degree either has a direct piece of software or skill or toolbox that I need for my job.” 鈥� Mason Miles

Classroom learning and professional experience quickly became inseparable.

“Every class I took throughout my computer engineering degree either has a direct piece of software or skill or toolbox that I need for my job,” Miles says.

His proudest accomplishment came during Senior Design, a capstone course for engineering and computer science disciplines at 性视界传媒. He helped create a biometric sleep-tracking device that mimics a bedside lamp 鈥� an invention he hopes to patent while continuing his accelerated bachelor鈥檚-to-master鈥檚 degree in computer engineering.

Miles has already accepted a full-time position as a cyber software engineer with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando.

Where Their Stories Go From Here

For Marcellus, graduation represents another door opened for her and for the generations of family members and fellow veterans who鈥檒l follow.

For Miles, it marks the moment when years of military service give way to a career solving tomorrow鈥檚 greatest cybersecurity challenges.

As they graduate with careers already underway, they embody what military service has always been about: using your skills to make a difference wherever you鈥檙e called next.

Studies have shown the condition affects nearly one in four women worldwide and is linked to dozens of potential disorders involving multiple organ systems. Yet many healthcare providers receive only limited training in diagnosing the source of pain, often leaving patients facing years of uncertainty, repeated testing and ineffective treatments before receiving the right diagnosis.

A yearlong collaboration between a 性视界传媒 physician-scientist and two biomedical sciences undergraduate students aims to create a better environment for doctors and patients to reach an understanding together. Biomedical sciences students Sarah Gabriela Nieto Chavarro and second-year Juliana Dimetry interned with Georgine Lamvu, a 性视界传媒 College of Medicine volunteer professor of obstetrics and gynecology, to transform years of international research into a practical tool to help clinicians evaluate patients more quickly and confidently.

The team is developing an AI-assisted clinical questionnaire application that guides physicians through a patient’s symptoms and identifies which organ systems and conditions should be examined. Rather than replacing a physician鈥檚 judgment, the application compiles patient histories quickly to help guide physicians toward making a clearer diagnosis.

From International Research to a Practical Tool

Despite the prevalence of CPP, many healthcare providers lack specialized training in diagnosing the underlying condition because symptoms often overlap with gastrointestinal, urinary, musculoskeletal and reproductive disorders.

鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping that this can become easy to use and can take a detailed medical history that could take an hour to get through down to just 5 to 10 minutes.鈥� 鈥� Georgine Lamvu, volunteer professor and Orlando VA practitioner

鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping that this can become easy to use and can take a detailed medical history that could take an hour to get through down to just 5 to 10 minutes,鈥� says Lamvu, who practices at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Orlando and directs its gynecological surgery fellowship program and center. 鈥淭hat allows physicians to have a more efficient evaluation and spend more time with the patient.鈥�

The center is a pioneering program designed to address the growing demand for specialized gynecologic care among women veterans. As the number of women veterans using VA healthcare services is expected to increase significantly, this fellowship and center aims to train highly skilled gynecologists to meet their healthcare needs within the VA system and beyond.

As part of that initiative, this project builds upon nearly five years of work led by Lamvu alongside an international coalition of physicians, researchers and patient advocacy groups.

Their research culminated in an international consensus called R U MOVING SOMe, an acronym that categorizes the broad range of symptoms associated with chronic pelvic pain and is the basis of the AI-tool Lamvu and her team developed.

Finding a Definitive Diagnosis

Lamvu says the team translated the clinical research into the logic behind a chatbot-style application that asks fewer than 20 targeted questions. Physicians enter a patient鈥檚 symptoms and history into the program, which then suggests the organ systems and conditions most likely responsible for the pain, helping clinicians focus their evaluation.

The team plans to expand the application beyond patient questionnaires by incorporating physical examination findings into the same scoring system. Ultimately, the researchers say they hope it can be used in any practice that serves women, but it may be years away from being realized.

鈥淧hysicians just need a way of processing all the information that comes from the patient to narrow it down to a differential diagnosis,鈥� Lamvu says. 鈥淩ight now, it鈥檚 all too common to see healthcare workers panic a little when they hear a patient has chronic pelvic pain because it’s considered a complex condition.鈥�

An Inspiring Internship

The students sifted through years of research and developed the logic for the AI in less than a year. Given the complexity of CPP and the vast amount of data, Lamvu says she is impressed by Dimetry and Nieto Chavarro.

鈥淭hey learned valuable lessons, like if you see a problem that seems unsolvable to everyone else and that directly and negatively impacts patients, you have the power to do something about it,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hese are experiences not every student gets to have, especially this early on in their life.鈥�

Dimetry says she challenge intrigued her, and that she was drawn to the project for the opportunity to be at the forefront of medicine and emerging technology.

鈥淚 think that adapting the field of medicine to AI in ways such as this project is necessary to keep medicine growing and advancing,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 also saw how impactful this project could be if done successfully, and I wanted to be a part of that and make a difference,鈥�

For Nieto Chavarro, who graduates Summer 2026, the experience showed her how to use technology to help deliver compassionate patient care.

鈥淥n a personal level, this experience has taught me to keep going and to never give up,鈥� Nieto Chavarro says. 鈥淎ll of this has ultimately reinforced how essential it is to genuinely listen to patients so they feel safe and understood鈥�

Three 性视界传媒 graduates have been selected for the Orlando Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care nurse practitioner residency, a highly competitive postgraduate training program at the nation鈥檚 fourth-largest VA medical center.

Only three residents are selected annually from a pool of applicants to participate in the program, in which 性视界传媒 has had consistent representation since its inception. This year, all three spots were awarded to 性视界传媒 graduates 鈥� including two who earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) this Saturday during a 性视界传媒 Summer 2026 commencement ceremony.

For , Melissa Fajardo 鈥�11 鈥�23 and Nancy Saintil 鈥�10MS 鈥�25DNP 鈥� three first-generation college graduates and two first-generation Americans 鈥� it鈥檚 a career opportunity forged in hard work and shaped by an education at 性视界传媒.

鈥淭his milestone represents years of perseverance, faith, growth and the encouragement of people who believed in my potential,鈥� says Alliance, is among the more than 300 nursing students graduating from 性视界传媒 this week. 鈥淚t is also a reflection of the mentorship, opportunity and support I received throughout my education at 性视界传媒.鈥�

“These three 性视界传媒 graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.鈥� 鈥� Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�13PhD, 性视界传媒 director of adult primary care nurse practitioner programs

The one-year program is designed to ease the transition into independent practice for newly graduated, licensed nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioner residents rotate through clinical settings with structured mentorship to help care for the 149,000 veterans served by the Orlando VA Healthcare System.

鈥淭his program requires advanced clinical practice, scholarship and leadership skills,” 听says Jacqueline LaManna 鈥�13PhD, 性视界传媒’s director of the adult primary care nurse practitioner programs. “These three 性视界传媒 graduates are highly qualified and will excel in both their residency and future careers as nurse practitioners.鈥�

鈥溞允咏绱� prepares nurse practitioners for success,” adds Jonathan Decker, director of the family nurse practitioner program. 鈥淥ur graduates鈥� consistently surpass national first-time pass rate averages on board certifications and many secure employment or advanced training opportunities before graduation 鈥� just like these three.鈥�

The graduates will begin their residency this fall at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, minutes away from 性视界传媒鈥檚 new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion. The state-of-the-art facility is helping address critical nursing shortages 鈥� awarding more than 900 nursing degrees in the last academic year.

For Saintil, the wife of a veteran, the opportunity is deeply personal.

鈥淭hrough my exposure to the VA healthcare system, I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has on the lives of America鈥檚 veterans,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 am inspired by the VA鈥檚 commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and honored to contribute to that mission.鈥�

Together with their cohort, the three new Knight nurse practitioners are joining one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing occupations and meeting increasing demand in 性视界传媒. Driven by physician shortages and a growing and aging population, the growth rate of nurse practitioners in the Sunshine State is projected to be 41.6% by 2034.

Meet them here.

Mimi Alliance 鈥�22

What inspired your nursing career?
From an early age, I knew I wanted a career in healthcare where I could make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives. As I听grew older, I became drawn to the structure and mission of public service, particularly organizations with the ability to improve health at both the individual and community level.

How did 性视界传媒 prepare you for practice?
性视界传媒 prepared me through academic rigor, diverse clinical training, faculty mentorship and meaningful opportunities to serve the community. 性视界传媒鈥檚 Family Nurse Practitioner doctoral program challenged me to strengthen my clinical reasoning, communicate clearly, and think beyond the walls of the clinic.

For example, my doctoral project provided hearing screenings for older adults in Central 性视界传媒 based in 性视界传媒鈥檚 Mobile Health Clinic. Working alongside faculty, providers, audiologists, students and community partners taught me how collaboration can improve preventive care.

As a student who carried significant responsibility early in life, being part of the 性视界传媒 community allowed me to fully experience scholarship, service, leadership and connection.

In the future鈥�
My long-term goal is to become an exceptional family nurse practitioner known for compassionate, whole-person care, strong clinical reasoning and meaningful relationships with patients over time.

I also see education as part of my professional identity and hope to continue mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioner students.

Melissa Fajardo 鈥�11 鈥�23

What inspired your nursing career?
Nursing is my second career. I initially worked as a first responder and worked with the Orange County Corrections Department for more than 20 years.

I was inspired to pursue a nursing career after watching my grandparents transition through life in the care of the most genuine and loving hospice nursing staff.

How did 性视界传媒 prepare you for practice?
性视界传媒 has been instrumental in my education. I grew up in Massachusetts and was the first in my family to consider attending college. I chose 性视界传媒 for my first degree and have continued to choose 性视界传媒. I love the campus and the education.

The mentorship of my professors, especially in the doctoral program, has given me the confidence to believe in my ability to pursue a higher-level role.

In the future鈥�
After completing the residency, my goal is to secure a full-time position with the VA as a family nurse practitioner in one of the primary care clinics in Central 性视界传媒.

I come from a long line of veterans, beginning with my grandfather who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and providing care to veterans is an incredible privilege. While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, I believe we have a responsibility to honor them by providing compassionate, high-quality, and respectful healthcare. I want to become the kind of provider who not only manages chronic illnesses, but also empowers veterans to take an active role in their health and ensures they always feel heard, respected and valued.

Nancy Saintil 鈥�10MSN 鈥�25DNP

What inspired your nursing career?
My mom was a nursing assistant, and she encouraged me to pursue a career in the profession. I remember as a child watching her with patients, and I wanted to care for others as she did.

After nearly 16 years in nursing and following my father鈥檚 stroke, I felt called to expand my role in patient care. That experience inspired me to become a stronger advocate for vulnerable populations, including those who may struggle to access or trust the healthcare system.

As a nurse practitioner, I hope to make a meaningful difference by providing compassionate, patient-centered care and serving as a voice for those who need it most.

How did 性视界传媒 prepare you for practice?
性视界传媒 prepared me for my career as a primary care nurse practitioner by combining strong academic instruction with meaningful clinical experiences.

Many of the faculty are practicing nurse practitioners, which allowed them to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to student success helped bridge the gap between theory and practice and strengthened my readiness to enter clinical practice.

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on lab experiences, and strong clinical partnerships, I gained exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.

These experiences have equipped me with the foundational knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the VA.

In the future鈥�
Upon completion of the residency, I hope to continue serving veterans within the VA healthcare system and build a fulfilling career in primary care, providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

Madison Young always knew she wanted a career in law. What she didn鈥檛 know was where that path would lead.

That became clearer during the Spring 2026 semester when the student landed an internship with Judge Christopher Sprysenski, a family law judge and 性视界传媒 adjunct instructor in the College of Community Innovation and Education. The courtroom became a classroom, where for more than 200 hours, she observed family law proceedings, watching the legal system work in real time before debriefing directly with the judge who decided the outcomes.

This internship helped solidify that she鈥檚 meant to be here.

The opportunity began after Young took Sprysenski鈥檚 Domestic Relations Law course. After learning about her career goals, volunteer work with the Legal Aid Society and growing interest in family law, he encouraged her to apply for the judicial internship program he facilitates.

It proved to be the perfect match.

By the end of the semester, Young had accepted a job offer as a legal assistant and set her sights firmly on law school.

More Than a Front-Row Seat

What made the experience unique wasn鈥檛 just observing cases 鈥� it was understanding the reasoning behind them.

After court sessions, Young had the opportunity to discuss cases with Sprysenski, gaining insight into how judges evaluate witness credibility, weigh evidence and how attorneys present and advocate for a strong case.

鈥淭hat was definitely a big difference between doing an internship at the courthouse versus at a law firm,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 got to see his perspective on what he found important about someone’s argument, what didn’t weigh into his decision and how he came to make his decisions. It gives me perspective for when I become an attorney.鈥�

The internship also introduced her to a side of the legal profession many undergraduates never experience. Sprysenski invited Young to professional networking events with practicing attorney groups such as Central 性视界传媒 Collaborative Divorce and the Seminole Inns of Court. She鈥檚 also pursuing volunteer opportunities with the Central 性视界传媒 Collaborative Divorce group thanks to these connections.

鈥淣ow, I’ve grown a community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 got to meet some cool people working in the field I want to go into, and it’s been really inspiring.鈥�

Finding Her Calling

As she watched family law cases unfold and the weight the outcomes carry for real families, Young became increasingly interested in helping families navigate conflict outside the courtroom through mediation, collaborative divorce and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

That interest led her to enroll in Lecturer ‘s mediation practicum and pursue 性视界传媒’s graduate certificate in conflict resolution and analysis while preparing for the Law School Admission Test.

“[Madison] was one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of working with.” 鈥� Christopher Sprysenski, 性视界传媒 adjunct instructor

Her work ethic alone speaks for itself 鈥� a testament to her dedication to making a mark in the field. While carrying a full course load, participating in 性视界传媒’s Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and completing her internship, Young also worked full time as a bartender and volunteered with the Legal Aid Society as a court-appointed advocate for children involved in active cases.

鈥淚 have to say she was one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of working with,鈥� Sprysenski says. 鈥淥n top of my internship, Madison actively attended many social events with me where she met lawyers in our community, and she is already receiving job offers.鈥�

One of those connections led directly to her first professional role. Young recently joined Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, a family law firm in Maitland, 性视界传媒, where she works as a legal assistant, drafting legal documents, managing case deadlines and filings, communicating with clients and learning what goes into preparing family law cases.

Opening the Door

For Young, the most important lesson from her 性视界传媒 experience is simple: get involved.

“The classes at 性视界传媒 [gave me a strong] foundation, but being able to observe [family law] in real life [gave] me a completely different understanding.” 鈥� Madison Young, legal studies student

性视界传媒鈥檚 legal studies faculty 鈥� many of whom are practicing attorneys, judges and mediators 鈥� provided valuable mentorship and connections in the profession, but it was Young鈥檚 initiative to build relationships, seek opportunities and step outside the classroom that transformed those opportunities into a career.

鈥淚 don’t think I would have realized I wanted to do family law and be a lawyer if I didn’t make those connections,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he classes at 性视界传媒 [gave me a strong] foundation, but being able to observe [it] in real life [gave] me a completely different understanding. Getting experience early opened up a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I [hadn鈥檛] engaged [with] and connected through them.鈥�

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.

性视界传媒 is the leading producer of talent among 性视界传媒鈥檚 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 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒 for 性视界传媒 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, 性视界传媒鈥檚 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 性视界传媒

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 性视界传媒. 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 性视界传媒’s reputation as a world-class destination.

A proud 性视界传媒 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, 性视界传媒 Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the .

Tanya (Easterling) Hill 鈥�97

Market President for Central 性视界传媒, 性视界传媒 Blue

Tanya Hill 鈥�97听is 性视界传媒 Blue鈥檚 market president for Central 性视界传媒,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 性视界传媒, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic听Partnership听and the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Hill holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism from 性视界传媒.

Fred Kittinger 鈥�80

Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, 性视界传媒

A native of central 性视界传媒, Fred Kittinger 鈥�80 recently retired as senior associate vice president for government and community relations at 性视界传媒, where he served for more than 22 years.

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

Prior to his career at 性视界传媒, 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 性视界传媒 (past chair), Central 性视界传媒 Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at 性视界传媒.

Kittinger graduated from 性视界传媒鈥檚 criminal justice program and earned his master’s degree in public administration from 性视界传媒 State University.

Students in the , with support from the American Association of Venezuelan Engineers (AAVE), are producing 3D-printed orthopedic devices 鈥� including splints, neck braces and animal immobilizers 鈥� for people and pets injured in the disaster.

The initiative, called Bracing Venezuela, began after BMES leaders contacted Greco Pinz贸n, president of AAVE. Pinzon鈥檚 dad, who has been volunteering in Caracas, Venezuela鈥檚 capital, connected the students with physicians on the ground who identified the types of orthopedic devices most urgently needed.

“… before we knew it, we had a campuswide humanitarian project taking shape.”

鈥淔rom there, everything snowballed,鈥� says Jannah Barakat, a mechanical engineering major and president of BMES. 鈥淲e started test printing, organizing volunteers, building a print tracker, reaching out to other student organizations, and before we knew it, we had a campuswide humanitarian project taking shape.鈥�

Since launching the effort, BMES has produced more than 350 devices that have been shipped to clinicians in Venezuela. Smaller items, such as finger and wrist splints, take only a few hours to print and are manufactured flat so they can be easily transported. Once they arrive, clinicians soften the material with hot water and mold each device to fit each patient. Larger devices, such as neck braces and animal leg braces, are printed in multiple sizes and can take up to 10 hours to complete. With volunteers printing from across 性视界传媒 and beyond, multiple devices can be produced simultaneously.

Bracing Venezuela has received support from Mohsen Rakhshan, an assistant professor in and BMES faculty advisor, who opened his lab鈥檚 3D printer for the project. While many volunteers are engineering students, faculty members, 性视界传媒 alumni and 3D-printing hobbyists have also come forward to help.

鈥淥ne of the coolest things about this project has been watching people from so many different backgrounds come together around one goal,鈥� Barakat says. 鈥淲hether you’re printing a brace, packing a box, donating supplies or simply helping us spread the word, every contribution helps get these devices into the hands of the people and animals who need them.鈥�

“I hope this initiative becomes a model for how engineering students can quickly mobilize to respond to humanitarian needs.”

Those interested in joining the initiative don鈥檛 need to own a 3D printer. BMES supplies filament to volunteers who have printers, while others can still make an impact by donating materials, connecting the organization with additional volunteers or helping spread the word.

For Barakat, Bracing Venezuela demonstrates what鈥檚 possible when engineering students come together for a greater good.

鈥淚 hope this initiative becomes a model for how engineering students can quickly mobilize to respond to humanitarian needs,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hether it’s supporting communities after natural disasters, helping [less fortunate] populations locally or partnering with organizations in other countries, I’d love to continue using engineering as a way to make healthcare more [widely available] wherever it’s needed.鈥�

To join the Bracing Venezuela initiative, email Jannah.barakat@ucf.edu.

Alums Erica Carnegie 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA, Aliya Everett 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA and current graduate student Zuri Sims represented 性视界传媒 in the United States Golf Association鈥檚 (USGA) 2026 Pathways Discover Program during this summer鈥檚 126th U.S. Open Championship.

Through the hands-on learning experience, students had access to professionals from some of USGA鈥檚 partners including Deloitte, NBCUniversal, Ally, American Express, Cisco, Lexus and Rolex.

Of the 25-member intern class for 2026, 性视界传媒鈥檚 three accounted for more than any other university in the country. The cohort was selected from the largest and most competitive applicant pool in the Pathways program鈥檚 five-year history, with 782 applications submitted from candidates representing 44 states and nine countries.

鈥淚t is a tremendous honor that the USGA continues to choose DeVos students for these positions.鈥� 鈥� Adrien Bouchet

鈥淎liya, Erica and Zuri represent all the best qualities of the DeVos program,鈥� says Adrien Bouchet, who serves as Richard & Helen DeVos Foundation endowed chair and eminent scholar of the DeVos sport business management program. 鈥淭hey are ambitious, hard-working, and community focused. It is a tremendous honor that the USGA continues to choose DeVos students for these positions.鈥�

Resume-Building Experience

Over the 10-day program in June, participants benefitted from an immersive internship experience designed to introduce students from a wide range of backgrounds to career opportunities across the golf industry through networking, mentorship, executive leadership sessions and hands-on operational learning with golf-industry executives and senior business leaders.

Everett, who is now working as a creative services marketing fellow for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a post-graduate internship, says she feels she most benefitted from conversations with members of the USGA Executive Committee at The Meadow Club of Southampton, and a fireside chat with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

鈥淪he gave us some insight into her perspective on the recent WNBA-CBA negotiations, and the committee members were genuinely curious to learn our stories and passionate about our aspirations, so both opportunities were more of the exclusive parts of this experience that I am very, very grateful for,鈥� Everett says.

The program also connected this year鈥檚 interns for one-on-one mentorship with 25 alumni of the program, who could help advise how to best leverage the invaluable experience.

鈥淚’m looking forward to applying what I learned about the business side of sport from the USGA to my coursework as well as my day-to-day at my business strategy and innovation residency with the Orlando Magic this year,鈥� Sims says.

性视界传媒-USGA Connections

USGA has turned to 性视界传媒 before when it needed qualified candidates.

Andy Smith 鈥�23MSBM 鈥�23MBA was selected for the 2024 USGA Pathway Interns Class. He now serves as an account manager for partnership marketing for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of New York鈥檚 Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty.

Tiesha Scott 鈥�24 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA was named to the inaugural class of the Pathways Launch Internship program this year. Her paid internship opportunity is with the LPGA in Miami.

A new educational partnership between 性视界传媒 and the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) is creating opportunities for research, student training and workforce development in one of the country鈥檚 most specialized scientific fields. The collaboration strengthens critical scientific capabilities, facilitates the sharing of resources and expertise, helps build the radiochemistry talent pipeline and positions 性视界传媒 at the forefront of nuclear chemistry research that supports national security missions.

鈥淭hrough collaborative research projects and summer internships, 性视界传媒 students gain hands-on experience working alongside federal scientists and access to AFTAC鈥檚 facilities and instrumentation for research supporting national security missions,鈥� says Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, associate professor of chemistry in the 性视界传媒 College of Sciences and principal investigator of the partnership.

Only a small number of universities nationwide have established this type of relationship with AFTAC, the Department of the Air Force responsible for monitoring nuclear treaty compliance and detecting nuclear events worldwide.

A Nationally Recognized Program

鈥淭he fact that we were invited by AFTAC to be one of their official academic partners says a lot about the recognition of our program and the important role chemistry and radiochemistry play in the national security landscape.”

According to Anagnostopoulos 鈥� director of 性视界传媒鈥檚 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fellowship and 性视界传媒 principal investigator for the multi-institutional NNSA-funded Consortium for Nuclear Forensics 鈥� 性视界传媒鈥檚 growing reputation in radiochemistry and analytical chemistry helped distinguish the university as a strong academic partner.

The collaboration also reflects 性视界传媒鈥檚 broader role in supporting 性视界传媒鈥檚 rapidly growing aerospace, defense and national security ecosystem through research, workforce development and federal partnerships.

鈥淥ur radiochemistry program is gaining national recognition through multiple research grants and collaborative proposals,鈥� Anagnostopoulos says. 鈥淭he fact that we were invited by AFTAC to be one of their official academic partners says a lot about the recognition of our program and the important role chemistry and radiochemistry play in the national security landscape.鈥�

The partnership builds on 性视界传媒鈥檚 advanced research infrastructure, including radiochemistry laboratories, mass spectrometry capabilities and materials characterization resources. Together, these facilities enable researchers to analyze complex nuclear materials and conduct detailed characterization studies for national and international security applications.

鈥淲e have cutting-edge facilities and instrumentation for sensitive and precise analysis,鈥� Anagnostopoulos says. 鈥淭he combination of radiochemistry, advanced analytical capabilities and access to radioactive materials allows us to address complicated real-world problems and provide technical information that can support our federal partners鈥� missions.鈥�

Unique Opportunities for Students

For students, the partnership opens the door to hands-on experiences rarely available in a traditional academic setting.

Through internships and collaborative research projects, students will work alongside multidisciplinary teams of chemists, engineers and scientists while gaining exposure to federal laboratory environments and national security protocols.

Few universities nationwide offer students direct pathways into operational nuclear security environments, making the partnership a unique training opportunity for 性视界传媒 students interested in chemistry, national security and federal science careers.

鈥淏eyond the technical training, they gain exposure to mission-focused work, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills that are essential in federal and defense environments,鈥� Anagnostopoulos says.

Building the Future Workforce

The agreement also addresses a national need for trained experts in radiochemistry and nuclear chemistry, highly specialized disciplines offered at only a limited number of institutions nationwide, Anagnostopoulos says.

As federal agencies and national laboratories work to strengthen expertise in nuclear security, treaty monitoring and advanced nuclear technologies, partnerships like this help ensure a pipeline of future highly skilled scientists is ready to contribute.

鈥淭his partnership helps prepare the next generation of scientists while keeping the country at the forefront of nuclear security and global safety,鈥� Anagnostopoulos says.

As the collaboration grows, it鈥檚 expected to expand opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students in other fields, such as big data analytics and cybersecurity, while further establishing 性视界传媒 as a hub for radiochemistry, defense-related chemistry, and national security research.

On how the ocean changed him:

I鈥檝e never been as calm as I’ve been since returning to land. I鈥檓 a kind of restless person in general, somewhat impulsive in certain contexts. I always feel the need to do something, another adventure in nature. I have this fire in me that just makes me adventurous. But I think the success of the crossing, including the three years of preparation, gave me a lot of confidence. And with confidence, I think came the calmness of knowing I didn鈥檛 need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

World Ocean Day is June 8.

On 性视界传媒鈥檚 influence in pursuing his dreams:

It was once a dream of mine to leave my home country and do research with NASA. Coming to 性视界传媒, I realized that dream. Maybe at one point I wouldn’t have been able to think rowing an ocean was possible, but achieving my dream at 性视界传媒 gave me the courage to try.

On the role a common goal can have in a team鈥檚 viability:

Our ultimate goal was to cross the ocean such that we would be willing and able to do it again in the next few years with the same team. This is the first time I am admitting out loud, I think we failed at that 鈥� none of us wishes to row an ocean again, nor are we planning another adventure with the same team.

So, though I have to admit we didn鈥檛 succeed in the ultimate holistic goal that we had, I think our crossing in general was quite successful. What I didn鈥檛 understand going into this was how strongly a common goal can influence your ability to withstand stress, interpersonal stress or annoyances from other team members. Everyone in this team had to work properly for us to be able to complete the goal. So even though we had that interpersonal tension and occasional conflicts, because of the salience of the shared goal, we were able to work through it.

On the breathtaking force of mother nature:

The ocean is so vast and so powerful. You鈥檙e nothing. We felt that the most when we had a school of whales approaching us from the stern. We saw them breaching, and then one whale swam under our boat, and we saw that it was longer than our boat, like 30 feet at least. It could have just pushed our boat over and do whatever it wanted with us. We had no power whatsoever.

And I really enjoyed the storms. During the last week we had such a strong wind coming from behind, with rain falling literally horizontally. It hurts when it hits you. The rain comes on so strong. And then the wind was so strong that it just pushed our boat. We usually did like 3 knots on our own, but the speed at that moment was 7 knots without rowing. We raised our oars and they became sails basically. We felt how the wind pushed through our oars. You鈥檙e just experiencing this unbelievable power of nature. It was amazing.

On his new motto 鈥� 鈥淒on鈥檛 fight with the ocean鈥�:

Just don鈥檛 fight with the ocean because you can鈥檛 win. There is no point. Just let things be, let them go. I think this was one of the things that I really took back with me from the experience. I can apply this anywhere. Like at the workplace, if we have colleagues who are difficult to deal with, you can’t change them. You can鈥檛 fight with the ocean. You can only change your own reactions and thoughts.

On halfway home still being a far way to go:

After we crossed the halfway point, it became more difficult. You would expect that maybe it gets easier because, oh, half is done, only half more to go, but only half more is still 20 days. It鈥檚 three more weeks. It鈥檚 still a lot of time to be thinking about, What do you want do when you finish? What do you want to eat? What are you going to do when you get back home? I think we as a team mentally got to the finish too fast. We really had to take a step back and remind ourselves to take it two hours at a time.

On the feeling of seeing land for the first time after 39 days:

We arrived at sunrise. When the light appeared and we saw those cliffs, it鈥檚 just something so overwhelming and unique, this feeling of, 鈥業t鈥檚 over. It’s done 鈥� 40 days of suffering basically has ended.鈥� As we entered the harbor, we saw our family and friends were up there on the cliff, waving the flags and then the finish flare going off. It was the high point, definitely.

On how the experience gave insight into his research on teams in extreme, isolated and confined environments:

I think one of the main takeaways that I got from this project was really that preparation is everything. Everyone externally was focusing on the mission, the row, because of course that鈥檚 the exciting part. For us, completing the row was the goal, but it鈥檚 the smallest piece of the whole project. The three years of preparation and those difficulties that we had, this was much more important.

So now for my research, I鈥檓 thinking, we鈥檙e always focusing on the part or the actual mission. It鈥檚 not necessarily irrelevant, but the mission is the outcome. The input that we should study is before the mission, the preparations. So that informs my future research quite a bit.

On what鈥檚 next:

I graduate in the summer. Days before we started the race, I accepted a job offer, which was a relief. I was prepared to take job interviews on the boat. I鈥檓听starting as听an assistant听professor of industrial/organizational psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey in August.

I realized that I don鈥檛 like this type of several-weeks-endurance events, it鈥檚 too monotonous, too dull. I was thinking that my next big thing would be skiing across Greenland, which is more than a month as well. But now, no, thank you. There鈥檚 not enough variability, or excitement, for me. I love mountaineering, summiting a mountain in a few days. I just bought new mountain boots, so I think this will be my next thing.