ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Alumnus Engineers Wonder Across Generations Doug Akers ’07 turned a lifelong fascination with theme parks into a career leading operations at Universal Destinations & Experiences, where behind-the-scenes work helps preserve the wonder guests feel in the moment.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Grad Helps Shape Humanity’s Next Giant Leap Alex Williams ’09 discovered a path for his creative interests at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý — and now he’s helping design the future of human spaceflight at Virgin Galactic.
New ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Grad Spreads the Value of Financial Literacy Natalie Otero ’26 shifted from reluctant pre-med student to accounting enthusiast on the way to claiming ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s highest student honor before graduating.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s Summer 2026 Commencement Set for July 31-Aug. 1 Graduates will hear from distinguished alumni who’ve made significant contributions in the Orlando community.
2 Engineering Professors, 1 Alum Inducted Into ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inventors Hall of Fame Faculty members Reza Abdolvand and Ni-bin Chang and triple Knight Clara Rivero Baleine ’01 ’03MS ’05PhD are recognized for impacts to their fields and society.
Hospitality Alumna Forges Her Own Path While Giving Back to Others Rosen College graduate Bella Cortier ’22 has leaned into opportunities as she marches forward in her dream career with Universal Destinations & Experiences.
7 Knights Earn 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships The U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship program is among the most distinguished honors for graduate students conducting research with potential impacts across engineering, science and sustainability.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Sport Business Students Stand Out in Competitive U.S. Golf Internship Program ÐÔÊӽ紫ý landed three spots — more than any other university — in a 25-member cohort selected from nearly 800 candidates representing 44 states and nine countries.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Grad’s Career Pivot Leads to Historic NBA Championship Experience A former dancer for the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Knights and the Orlando Magic, aerospace engineering alum Olivia White ’16 took a chance to break into the sports business industry. She just helped the New York Knicks win an NBA championship for the first time in 53 years.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Elementary Education Alum Turns Chronic Illness into Platform for Education, Community After chronic kidney disease forced him to leave the classroom, Mondeson Mondesir ’17 found a new purpose — using his background in education to support and inform people living with chronic illness.