A child clutches a wand before stepping into Hogsmeade for the first time. Nearby, a father smiles, remembering his own first visit years earlier. Grandparents pause for a photo. Teenagers race toward their favorite coaster. Doug Akers 鈥�07 notices all of it.

As senior vice president of operations for Universal Destinations & Experiences, the 性视界传媒 hospitality management alumnus helps oversee the intricate systems that make those moments possible. But after more than 20 years in the themed entertainment industry, he鈥檚 learned that operations isn’t really about attractions, transportation or crowd flow.

It’s about protecting something surprisingly fragile: wonder.

Finding the Right Path

Akers’ love of theme parks began early. He found himself happily spending hours designing his own theme parks inside video games and paying far more attention to the operational details than anyone else his age thought necessary. While friends obsessed over bigger roller coasters and taller drop towers, he wondered where deliveries arrived, where maintenance crews parked and what made the fantasy feel believable.

“I had my own little fan website,” he says. “People think I’m obsessive, but I’d ask myself, ‘Where’s my service road? Where’s my warehouse? The park doesn’t look real. It needs the support buildings.'”

As a child, Akers helped his parents with the annual school carnival, arriving before the crowds to watch an empty schoolyard transform into something magical.

Looking back, though, the curiosity started even earlier. As a child, Akers helped his parents with the annual carnival at his elementary school, arriving before the crowds to watch vendors transform an empty schoolyard into something magical.

“I think that’s really where I got my roots,” he says, reflecting on early mornings spent watching adults solve problems, adapt to surprises and somehow make it all look effortless.

By high school, that curiosity had become impossible to ignore. He enrolled in Honors Physics after hearing about a key design project that challenged students to apply scientific principles to something they cared about. He knew immediately that he wanted to create a theme park.

At 性视界传媒, he discovered that operations offered the same intellectual challenge that first drew him to engineering.

The project quickly grew beyond a classroom assignment.听 Along with crafting miniature toothpick landscapes and designing attractions, Akers wrote fictional press releases announcing the park’s grand opening and carefully mapped out how every element fit together. He wasn鈥檛 just building rides 鈥� he was creating an experience.

Engineering seemed like an obvious choice when Akers began college. He had always been fascinated by how systems worked and how their pieces fit together. At 性视界传媒, he discovered that operations offered the same intellectual challenge that first drew him to engineering, while adding a dimension he hadn’t expected: human behavior.

How do thousands of moving parts and people come together so seamlessly that guests never stop to think about them? How do all those unseen details shape what people remember long after they return home?

Those questions ultimately led him to , where he discovered an academic environment that blended entertainment, finance, guest service, leadership, operations and strategic thinking.

Learning to See the Invisible

A college job at Universal Orlando Resort became something much bigger 鈥� a cauldron of knowledge, more wondrous than anything else he had known. Each new opportunity brought greater responsibility. Akers worked in transportation, attractions, food and beverage, entry operations and special events across multiple parks and international projects. By building a reputation for thoughtful leadership and a willingness to learn every corner of the business, he rose from a college employee to one of the company’s senior executives.

Along the way, he learned one lesson that has shaped his career: the most exceptional operations are often the least visible.

When every detail is executed seamlessly, guests never think about logistics, staffing or transportation. They鈥檙e focused on making memories with family and friends.

That鈥檚 when Akers realized operations were never the end goal. They were the foundations that made those meaningful experiences possible.

Wonder Doesn’t Have an Age Limit

Spend a day in the parks with Akers and one thing becomes clear: he spends as much time watching guests as he does monitoring attractions. A child experiences a beloved story for the first time. Parents revisit childhood memories. Grandparents watch a new generation imagine and dream.

For Akers, those moments are the true measure of success.

Wonder doesn鈥檛 disappear as people grow older. It simply takes on new meaning with every stage of life, creating memories and connections that span generations.

Creating and operating the spaces where those moments take place has quietly become the work of his career.

Leading Through Curiosity

Today, Akers oversees operations on a scale he never imagined as a college student. His career has taken him across the U.S. and around the world, including helping open Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Beijing.

Those experiences also help shape the future of the industry. Through the first-of-its-kind housed within 性视界传媒’s Rosen College 鈥� created in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences 鈥� students will learn how storytelling, technology and operations work together while designing experiences that inspire wonder, with Universal helping craft the curriculum.

At 性视界传媒, professors and mentors challenged Akers to think differently and encouraged him to pursue opportunities he hadn’t considered. They helped him recognize that careers rarely follow a straight path and that curiosity is often a better guide than certainty.

It’s the same advice he shares with 性视界传媒 students: Don’t become so attached to your original plan that you miss the opportunity in front of you. The best experiences are the ones held together by thousands of invisible details working in perfect harmony, Akers says.

Somewhere today, another child will step through Universal Orlando Resort鈥檚 gates carrying a wand almost as tall as they are. Years from now, they may return with children of their own.

Akers hopes they never think about the thousands of unseen details that made the day possible.

He hopes they remember only how they felt.

He hopes they remember the wonder.

is about more than reaching a destination. It鈥檚 about creating the conditions for bold ideas, transformative experiences and life-changing opportunities, similar to the ones that shaped Akers’ career. Join us in investing in students, strengthening our university and helping 性视界传媒 continue to reach ever higher.

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.

When Alex Williams 鈥�09 says, 鈥渢hese are exciting times,鈥� just consider where he鈥檚 been and where he believes humanity is going.

Williams recently traveled between Virgin Galactic鈥檚 headquarters in Tustin, California, and its spaceship factory in Mesa, Arizona, 350 miles from Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Today, fewer than 800 people have traveled to space. But Virgin Galactic projects that soon 750 or more people 鈥� 鈥渁stronauts鈥� 鈥� will ride its spaceships annually.

“My wheelhouse, [going] back to Disney and 性视界传媒, is designing experiences that are different, larger than ourselves.”

As the company鈥檚 senior manager of program design, Williams is among those responsible for producing a full 鈥渆xperience鈥� around each pinnacle moment.

鈥淢y wheelhouse, [going] back to Disney and 性视界传媒, is designing experiences that are different, larger than ourselves,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淗ere, I get to be part of opening space as the next layer of humanity.鈥�

While Virgin Galactic鈥檚 early flights made headlines for carrying company founder Sir Richard Branson and a few private astronauts, those brief trips had a bigger purpose.

鈥淲e believe deeply in making space accessible for all,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淓ach spaceflight brings everyone closer. The day is coming for everyday people who watched Apollo and Artemis missions with wonder. It鈥檚 coming for the person looking for perspective or the next adventure. They can be astronauts.鈥�

Inside and Outside a Flight to Space

The official term for a flight with Virgin Galactic is 鈥渟paceflight expedition.鈥� Passengers don鈥檛 board a rocket.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a spaceship,鈥� Williams says.

Part of the experience, then, is knowing your way into a spacesuit and into your seat aboard the spaceship. It鈥檚 bonding with crewmates and being prepared for Mach 3 speed. Preparation is critical, but it鈥檚 designed to be much less intense than fortifying oneself for a Mount Everest expedition.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e in New Mexico for less than a week,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want it to be physically taxing because we want you fully immersed in this monumental experience.鈥�

The spaceflight expedition is approximately 90 minutes from boarding to landing, including several minutes of weightlessness.

鈥淪afety is paramount, so we use an air launch system where a launch vehicle carries our spaceship to a release point of 45,000 feet,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淭hen the rocket motor kicks in, and the spaceship accelerates to Mach 3. The astronauts are sent back into their seats comfortably. When the motor shuts off, you coast to your highest point. And then the spaceship glides back to Spaceport for a graceful runway landing.鈥�

The immersion surrounds those 90 minutes. It includes hospitality, food and beverage, and bringing astronauts and their families into the culture of the Las Cruces area.

鈥淲e test everything,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned, for example, that I like hatch chiles.鈥�

They are now part of the carefully designed experience.

Stretching His Own Mind

After four years at Virgin Galactic, Williams has explained the experience so many times that he feels as if he鈥檚 taken flight himself.

Even so, he still occasionally struggles to find the words.

鈥淚t鈥檚 indescribable,鈥� he says.

The technology of safe spaceflight is mostly beyond his understanding, which only adds to the fascination for a kid at heart who grew up in Citrus County, just 90 minutes from Orlando鈥檚 theme parks, where he first began stretching his imagination.

鈥淒isney had this unbridled positivity for what the future could be,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚 wanted to be a part of something like that, helping push humanity forward, but I wasn鈥檛 sure how.鈥�

He began to discover how at 性视界传媒, where he majored in art and says he had the freedom to 鈥淔rankenstein my educational program together.鈥� The first day he walked into the Student Union, he happened to be walking into auditions for Universal Orlando Resort鈥檚 Halloween Horror Nights.

鈥淭hat experience became a piece to the puzzle,鈥� he says.

A themed attraction class, where he helped design a ride, added another piece. So did operations courses through his hospitality management minor at .

He used all these lessons during his 16 years with Disney, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and D23.

鈥淎nd then my ears perked up when I heard about the direction of Virgin Galactic,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淚 saw it like my own story 鈥� in a constant state of becoming.鈥�

“This is a rare experience that can connect us to each other, to our planet and to possibilities to do something good.”

His mindset also parallels Virgin Galactic鈥檚 ultimate intent for spaceflight.

鈥淚t comes down to optimism,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his is a rare experience that can connect us to each other, to our planet and to possibilities to do something good. You don鈥檛 go up on our spaceship to look out at space 鈥� you go up to look back at Earth. As more people do that, we can鈥檛 begin to imagine how much good can result from those few minutes.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.

The native Floridian听dreamed of working听in听one someday听and knew 性视界传媒 鈥斕齦ocated听next door to some of the world鈥檚 premiere theme parks with a solid pipeline to the industry 鈥� was her ticket to get there.

Never听mind that at the time of her enrollment to the听听in 2020, a global pandemic听had quite听literally closed the doors on the industry.

Nothing could derail her from her goal.

Today,听the听hospitality management alum is a senior technical coordinator at听听in Orlando, the division of听听that听designs, develops听and produces听immersive theme park attractions,听resorts听and experiences worldwide.

Making a听Bold Move

As a听junior in听high school,听Cortier got her first real glimpse of career options in hospitality when she听attended an industry-focused听summer camp that听Rosen College听hosted at听the听time.听As a senior,听she听focused her听AP听capstone project听on hydroponics in听the theme park industry. She听knew听the project听would听help her听make听connections, because听it听required听a professional mentor.

Cortier took the initiative to听reach out to听,听dean of听Rosen College, who at that time was听interim听chair听of the听college鈥檚听Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management.

Mejia appreciated Cortier鈥檚 interest in the industry and her courage in reaching out. She invited her for a campus tour and connected her to a local hydroponics expert. Cortier鈥檚 bold plan had worked.

鈥淚t is so rare to get a cold call from a high school student who, at such听a young age, was so certain she wanted to build a career in hospitality leadership. You just do not see that kind of passion every day,鈥� says Mejia, who continued to mentor Cortier throughout her time at 性视界传媒. 鈥淏ella continuously challenges and pushes herself past her comfort zone, which is why she is so successful and a model for the students who come after her. I am so proud of her.鈥�

Turning the Unexpected听Into听a听Winning Situation

Cortier鈥痗ontinued to demonstrate that dedication and initiative once she was a full-time student. She was part of a core group who鈥痑ttended鈥痭early every virtual鈥痬eet-and-greet鈥痺ith鈥痜aculty and staff that the Rosen College organized.

鈥淲hen the faculty and staff saw that I was showing up, and they understood the passion that I had to be there, they started inviting me to take part in different events,鈥� says Cortier, who was invited to be a student representative on the Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council, provide college tours for industry leaders and be part of a project team to enhance the student experience post-pandemic.

Meanwhile听she also听joined the Rosen College Leadership Council, became a tour guide with听性视界传媒听Undergraduate听Admissions听and听joined the听student听chapter of the Future Theme Park Leaders Association.听Cortier听also joined听the听听as a member of听the drum line,听and听that鈥檚听where she met her fianc茅,听Erik听Solberg 鈥�24.

Forging a Path and Finding Her Place

When her marching band responsibilities ended in fall 2020, Cortier landed her first part-time job in a local theme park, SeaWorld Orlando. She discovered her love of working in rides and attractions and parlayed that into two summer internships focused on hospitality leadership development at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania and another job at Universal Orlando Resort.

鈥淚听loved听Universal听right away, and I knew听I wanted to ultimately end up there,鈥� Cortier says.

During her last semester of school, Cortier became an intern on the Universal Orlando Resort Operations Safety & Compliance team, and she has been with the company ever since.

In 2023, she made the move from a front-line job to a backstage role with Universal Creative after attending an internal career fair to explore opportunities.

鈥淚 always loved attractions so much,听and听I听didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 ever want to leave,听but I made the jump to explore something new, and I鈥檓 so glad I did,鈥� says Cortier, who听supports听the听engineering and safety听team听at听Universal听Creative, which听helps bring new听experiences听to life.

Moving Forward,听Giving Back

Cortier听still values听networking, and she has听developed听a passion for helping others find their way.听She听is听involved with听IAAPA, a global听association for the attractions industry,听and serves听on听its听North American Education Committee and听as听chair of听its听Young Professionals听Education听Task听Force.

鈥淩osen College gave me a foundation in hospitality, leadership, operations, teamwork and creating meaningful guest experiences.鈥�
鈥� Bella Cortier

鈥淩osen College听gave me a foundation in hospitality, leadership, operations, teamwork and creating meaningful guest experiences,鈥� Cortier says.听鈥淲hen I get calls听to come back and speak or be part of an event听at Rosen College, I always say yes.听I had people feed into me, and听that鈥檚听my way of giving back 鈥� sharing my experience and talking to students who听are finding听their path.鈥�

Cortier shared her story at the announcement听of听the鈥�, a first-of-its-kind addition to the No. 1 hospitality college in the nation, backed by a $10 million investment from Universal Destinations and Experiences.

This new Pegasus Partnership听is part of 性视界传媒鈥檚听听campaign, a bold mission for the future of the university.

At the threshold of retirement on June 30, 性视界传媒鈥檚 first Pegasus Professor (honored in 2000) and original architect of online learning would rather talk about his ultimate inspiration.

鈥淢y greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me,鈥� says Dziuban, an inaugural Online Learning Consortium (formerly Sloan Consortium) fellow.

鈥淢y greatest reward is that so many of my former students stay in touch with me.鈥�

Those students often showed up for Dziuban鈥檚 statistics and research design classes. Many of these students were daunted by the subjects only to find that the person teaching them listened intently, making himself, and the material, approachable.

This is Dziuban鈥檚 style 鈥� with students, colleagues, everyone. To effectively teach, he knows he must begin with the right questions. That curiosity-driven approach has guided 性视界传媒 to be a leader in online education, including the 性视界传媒 Online program which serves 9,000 students annually, for over 30 years 鈥� earning recognition among the nation鈥檚 best programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Here, 性视界传媒鈥檚 longest serving faculty member is finally on the other side of the questions, sharing insightful reflection and parting wise words.

Humble Roots

鈥淚 never set out to achieve any of this,鈥� he says, 鈥渂ut the smallest incidences can make significant impacts.鈥�

Dziuban grew up near Utica, New York, where most boys graduated from high school and followed their fathers into the mills. Dziuban, avid about hunting and fishing, began to develop a routine that exists to this day: reading two books every week.

鈥淭he truth is, I didn鈥檛 want to work in a mill,鈥� he says. 鈥淩eading led to college and college allowed me to reinvent myself. People had called me Charlie. I hated it. In college, I became Chuck.鈥�

Chuck earned degrees, moved, taught, and discovered a connection with statistics and research. At the University of Wisconsin, a mentor, Chester Harris, changed his life.

鈥淗e was terrifyingly smart,鈥� Dziuban says, 鈥渂ut he knew the importance of understanding students before expecting them to understand the subject. I still have a picture of Chester on my desk. It keeps me humble.鈥�

Humility was among the factors that drew Dziuban to a new university in Orlando, where parking lots were dirt and a cardboard box housed the university鈥檚 entire computing output.

鈥淚 saw FTU then, and 性视界传媒 now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas.鈥�

鈥淚 saw FTU then, and 性视界传媒 now, as a place where you had room to develop ideas,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was like a Silicon Valley startup. You weren鈥檛 sure how it might go, but at least the vibe was positive.鈥�

He developed one of his first ideas following a three-hour statistics lecture.

鈥淢y students should have been in an emergency room after that lecture,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 realized they鈥檇 learn better by running data first and then coming back for an abbreviated lesson 鈥� similar to what we call a 鈥榝lipped classroom.鈥� Students said, 鈥極h, I get it now.鈥� 鈥�

Pioneering Digital Learning

Dziuban was called upon to use his expertise in and research design to develop a plethora of ideas that would attract international attention to 性视界传媒.

One of those early ideas led to a seismic shift that thousands of 性视界传媒 and 性视界传媒 Online students are still benefitting from today.

While developing what would become the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness, Dziuban mentioned to the university鈥檚 fourth president, John C. Hitt, the concept of remote learning through the use of VHS tapes.

鈥淗e told me to innovate,鈥� Dziuban says, 鈥渟o we used computers instead of tapes. Eventually, we had the most sophisticated online learning model in the country, and the walls of classrooms came down.鈥�

This is why, the annual Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, established in 2012, is bestowed to one 性视界传媒 instructor who teaches an exemplary online or video course.

鈥淟ike I said, I never planned any of this,鈥� he says.

Staying True to 鈥淒oing the Right Thing鈥�

If you ever stepped near Dziuban鈥檚 office, you鈥檇 see a poster featuring a child with hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen 鈥� namesake of 性视界传媒鈥檚 Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Rosen used an adage that鈥檚 echoed in Dziuban鈥檚 mind since they began to break barriers to education in communities in need 31 years ago: 鈥淒o the right thing.鈥�

With this as his guide, Dziuban helped The Rosen Foundation institute a program to ensure free preschool and resources through high school. College and trade school would also be free. Instead of directing the program, they empowered people in Orlando鈥檚 Tangelo Park and Parramore communities to lead it.

They鈥檝e expanded that impact across 性视界传媒 as well, and the results have been remarkable 鈥� including a recent $50,000 donation from the Harris Rosen Foundation to Gainesville for All in honor of Dziuban鈥檚 work transformative community initiatives.

鈥淭he odds of earning a college education have gone from nine-to-one against to three-to-one in favor,鈥� Dziuban says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 immense talent in every community. We can鈥檛 let it go to waste. It鈥檚 why we start young and celebrate every success.鈥�

At the end of this school year, he will be on stage for just such a celebration.

鈥淚鈥檒l have the honor of moving tassels from the right to the left on the graduation caps of pre-k students,鈥� Dziuban says.

The man with six decades of achievements in higher education will stand back and enjoy a moment the 4- and 5-year-old kids can tell others about.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 imagine anything more meaningful than that.鈥�

This year鈥檚 tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations 鈥� United States, Canada and Mexico 鈥� and the first to include an expanded field of 48 teams from across the globe. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 matches June 11 鈥� July 19, including the championship match in New York and third place playoff in Miami.

This historic event coincides with the United States鈥� 250th anniversary听and marks the first time since 1994 the country has hosted the men鈥檚 World Cup.

Here鈥檚听a look at some of the Knights bringing this event to life.

Izzy Angel 鈥�23

Bachelor鈥檚听in听human听communication

Role:听Media听operations听and听services
FIFA location: Atlanta

I will be supporting media logistics, guiding photographers and press to designated areas, and facilitating press conferences and interviews. One of the biggest ways 性视界传媒 prepared me for this opportunity was through its emphasis on networking, collaboration and real-world experience. That mindset opened doors to internships, jobs and experiences that helped me gain confidence in putting myself out there and connecting with people.

It鈥檚 been really fulfilling to meet people with completely different backgrounds and life experiences who are all coming together over a shared passion. Being part of something on such a global scale and feeling that sense of community has been incredibly special.

Brendon Boseja 鈥�25

Bachelor鈥檚 in听integrated听business

Role:听Senior听coordinator,听Client Group Management听Accreditation
FIFA site: Miami

At 性视界传媒, I learned to network and make many connections in the industry and to continue these relationships. This has especially helped me throughout FIFA, especially since my main job is to communicate with every stadium involved in the tournament. Working for a sports organization as big as FIFA has been a dream of mine, and to be involved with an event like the World Cup is surreal to think about.

Taylor Culver 鈥�23 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Bachelor鈥檚 in kinesiology
Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business administration

Role:听Event听executive, FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Houston

鈥淏ecause of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 性视界传媒, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.鈥�

My role is to help create and execute large-scale fan experiences that bring the energy of the World Cup to life outside of the stadium. Being able to contribute to an event of this magnitude is both humbling and motivating, and I know it will be one of the most impactful experiences of my career. 性视界传媒 prepared me for this opportunity by putting me in real-world sports environments early and constantly challenging me to grow as a leader. Through the program and my experience as a recruiting assistant for 性视界传媒 Athletics with the football team, I learned how to operate in fast-paced environments where organization, communication and adaptability are critical. Because of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through 性视界传媒, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.

Daniel Garzon 鈥�23 鈥�24MSBM 鈥�24MBA

Bachelor鈥檚听in听elementary听education
Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business听administration

Role:听Workforce听integration听senior听coordinator,听Tournament Operation Center Services
FIFA site:听Miami

I started my journey at FIFA as an intern with the volunteer management team shortly after graduating from the DeVos Sport Business Management program in 2024. As a recruitment coordinator, I spearheaded communications and recruitment strategy while sourcing and scheduling thousands of candidates. Now in my new role, I will be in the heartbeat of the headquarters of the tournament, fulfilling operational needs for all departments while manipulating data to make informed decisions for all the venues during the World Cup.

Risako Karasawa 鈥�21

Bachelor鈥檚 in entertainment management
Graduate student majoring in sport business management

Role: VIP Tour Coordinator/Translator
FIFA site:听Dallas

I serve as the primary point of contact for a VIP delegation from Japan. My responsibilities include coordinating transportation and logistics, providing interpretation and translation support, and ensuring a seamless experience throughout the visit. Combining my passions for sports, entertainment and hospitality, this opportunity feels like the perfect intersection of everything I love. Through both the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the DeVos Sport Business Management Program, I have gained practical experience through hands-on opportunities working with professionals across the industries in event planning, guest experience, sponsorship and stakeholder management that prepared me for this incredibly exciting opportunity.

William Mendez 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚 in business听administration

Role: Team protocol liaison officer
FIFA site:听Miami

I will provide operational support as a main point of contact for the teams鈥� protocol representatives, managing VIP/VVIP seating, ticket distribution and logistics. I鈥檓 truly excited to be part of an event of this magnitude because FIFA 鈥�26 goes beyond sports by bringing people together across cultures from all over the world.鈥疶he DeVos Sport Business Management program at 性视界传媒 has played a major role in preparing me for this moment, giving me the hands-on experience and confidence I need to contribute to an event of this scale.

Colin O鈥橳oole 鈥�26MSBM 鈥�26MBA

Master鈥檚听in听sport听business听management
Master鈥檚听in business听administration

Role: Accreditation center coordinator
FIFA site:听Boston

I grew up watching the World Cup and always dreamed of being part of the most watched sporting event in the world. My experience in the soccer industry through both professional and volunteer roles gave me a strong foundation, and the DeVos program broadened my perspective. It exposed me to the business side of the industry, while simultaneously connecting me with incredible mentors and peers, ultimately giving me the confidence and network to land this opportunity with FIFA.

Connor Pank 鈥�17

Bachelor鈥檚 in听management

Role:听Team听services听venue听officer
FIFA site: Tampa, 性视界传媒

The sport business management minor at 性视界传媒 offered plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry. My junior year, I was fortunate enough to land a season-long internship at Orlando City Soccer Club in the game day operations department, which then turned into a full-time position with seven amazing seasons of constant growth and experiences that I am forever grateful鈥痜or.

Being involved in a FIFA World Cup has been a personal goal of mine since my early days with Orlando City SC, when we hosted a U.S. Soccer vs.听Panama World Cup Qualifier听ahead of the听2018 FIFA World Cup.听Every team听participating听in the World Cup chooses a designated home base,听which includes the team hotel, training听site听and other operational support facilities as needed. My role is centered around acting as FIFA鈥檚 primary operational lead on-site for Cabo Verde鈥檚 home base in Tampa to ensure a seamless, world-class experience.

Annie Quaile 鈥�06

Bachelor鈥檚听in听marketing

Role:听Venue听manager,听FIFA Fan Festival
FIFA site: Atlanta

I act as the bridge between FIFA, Atlanta and the commercial and operational partners delivering the Fan Festival experience. My role focuses on coordinating event听logistics, operations, guest experience, VIP and talent management, and partner integration while ensuring FIFA brand standards are upheld throughout the event.

One of the biggest takeaways from my experience at 性视界传媒 was learning how to balance creativity,听leadership听and problem-solving under pressure, which is听essentially the听foundation of live event and operational management.听The FIFA World Cup is one of the few truly global experiences that brings together people from every background,听culture听and country around a shared passion.听All of听the planning, coordination and operational work happens behind the scenes for months, so finally seeing people from around the world听gathering together, celebrating and creating memories is incredibly rewarding.

Andres Sifontes 鈥�24

Bachelor鈥檚 in communication

Role:听Coordinator, Accreditation Documentation and Training Operations
FIFA site: Houston

I joined the FIFA team in September 2024, supporting preparations for both Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026. In my role now, I oversee Accreditation Center operations in Houston, assist volunteers, and ensure that key stakeholders 鈥� including partners like Coca-Cola, Adidas and Visa 鈥� receive proper credentials. 性视界传媒鈥檚 communication program, and especially my听Communication Research Methods听Professor , equipped me with the tools I continue to apply every day in my role at FIFA by teaching me how to communicate effectively, carry myself professionally, and think strategically.

Since graduating, my goal has been to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States. This passion has always been part of who I am, and 性视界传媒 helped me build the foundation to pursue it professionally. After graduation, I worked with Inter Miami CF, and now with FIFA, I鈥檝e been fortunate to play a role in supporting the continued development of the sport. I truly believe we are about to witness unprecedented growth for the game in this country. I hope that at the end of my career, I can look back and say I contributed to that growth 鈥� and that it all started at 性视界传媒.

Dennis Sprenkle 鈥�01

Bachelor鈥檚听in听political听science

Role:听Director of听workforce听and听human听resources
FIFA site:听Miami

My team oversees the employee journey from recruitment to offboarding across the three host countries (Canada, Mexico and the U.S.) and 16 host cities. We are responsible for everything from workforce planning, training, visa management, benefits, payroll, employee uniforms and just about every other aspect of human resources.

I have always had a keen interest in global political and business affairs, which is why I studied political science with an emphasis on international relations at 性视界传媒. Working for a governing body like FIFA in many respects is akin to working for the United Nations. 鈥� In order to be a successful leader in a global organization like FIFA, it is critical to have an open mind to effectively collaborate, plan and execute the largest sporting event in human history. My education and experience at 性视界传媒 as a leader in Student Government certainly laid the foundation and has helped prepare me for this opportunity.

Ryan Taheri 鈥�24

Bachelor鈥檚听in听finance

Role:听Workforce听operations听manager
FIFA site: Dallas

I grew up watching the World Cup with my family. Now, I occasionally stop for a second and realize how special it all is to be working behind the scenes on the operational side of the tournament. A big part of what I do in my role is coordinate with different functional areas like transportation, catering, accommodations, uniforms and venue operations to ensure the workforce is supported and operations run smoothly.

鈥溞允咏绱� pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts.鈥�

A lot of the role comes down to staying organized, communicating clearly and solving problems quickly. 性视界传媒 pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts. Looking back now, I don鈥檛 think I realized at the time how much of my experience at 性视界传媒 directly prepared me for working on something as large and complex as a鈥疐IFA 鈥�26.

Alejandro Tarazona 鈥�22

Bachelor鈥檚 in integrated business

Role:听Manager,听Training听Site听Venue听Transport
FIFA site: Miami

I鈥痮versee transportation operations and鈥痩ogistics鈥痑t all 75 training sites across U.S., Canada and Mexico 鈥� including shuttles, loading zones, team busses and their fleets, and parking lots for media, volunteers and guests. I grew up in Lake Nona and had an opportunity to play collegiate soccer at a Division II school in 性视界传媒, but financially, it just didn鈥檛 make sense for my family and me. Instead I enrolled at Valencia College and earned my degree through the .

性视界传媒 gave me the technical skills I needed for my managerial position now, like creating financial analysis for labor rates across 16 stadiums that鈥痺e鈥檒l鈥痓e using in U.S., Canada and Mexico. As a former soccer player and as someone鈥痺ho is鈥痮bsessed with the sport, working for one of the biggest and best sports organization in the world has been a lifelong goal.鈥疶his experience has taught me to consider redefining what鈥檚 possible and keep setting goals.

Tomas Upegui 鈥�22

Bachelor鈥檚听in听integrated听business

Role:听Fleet听operations听analyst
FIFA site: Miami

Growing up playing soccer, being involved with FIFA in any capacity is something I never imagined would become reality, especially this early in my career. I am supporting transportation and depot operations across all 16 host cities, contributing to transportation operations involving VIPs and trophy movements. Studying business taught me how to work efficiently in fast-paced environments and quickly adapt while balancing multiple responsibilities at once, which directly translates to my role.

One of the most exciting parts of this experience has been realizing the true scale of the FIFA World Cup and seeing firsthand how much coordination happens behind the scenes to make an event of this magnitude successful.

Last year,听Spencer听was promoted to听his听first leadership role as a performance coordinator with the Entertainment Events team at Universal Orlando Resort听鈥� guiding performers,听maintaining听show quality,听and collaborating with creative and technical teams听to deliver听live events and听immersive听guest experiences. He credits 性视界传媒 with helping him achieve a decades-long goal.

That听dream听started during听his听childhood in Virginia, when听his听parents went through a difficult divorce, and he听found听his听happy place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.听He went on to become a theater student, and in high school he took a job听at the park听as a performer.

That鈥檚听when he听knew听he听could turn his passion into a career.

鈥淎s a kid,听I could immerse myself in a show and have a reprieve from听difficult times听at home.听I knew that someday I wanted to create that happiness for others,鈥澨齋pencer听says. 鈥淥nce I听had the opportunity听to work there, I was fascinated听by what it took听behind the scenes听to bring a theme park experience to life.听I听wanted a career filled with days like those.鈥�

To pursue听this path,听he听set听his听sights听on attending听, where he听went on to听earn听his bachelor鈥檚 degree in entertainment management听in 2023.听Just听this week,听性视界传媒听welcomed听 as its first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner and announced the creation of The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation听at Rosen College.

鈥淲hen I found Rosen College, I knew it was the place for me,鈥� he says.听鈥淥n the first day of class, my professor talked about the joys of a career in the theme park industry. It was a dream听I鈥檇听had for so long that it moved me to tears.鈥�

He sent his mom a text that said,听鈥淭hank you for everything听you鈥檝e听done for me.听I鈥檓听exactly where I need to be.鈥�

However,听as听an out-of-state听student,听tuition听was a challenge听for Spencer.听His听mom did all she could听to help听him, but听he听has worked听hard to pay for听his听education.听He became听a听resident听assistant听on campus听and also听received a Rosen听College听scholarship.听Throughout school,听he has听worked as a performer in all three听major听Central 性视界传媒听theme parks听simultaneously.

He also became a听leader听on campus and in the industry, serving听as听vice听president听of 性视界传媒鈥檚 Future Theme Park Leaders Association听while he was a Rosen College student.

He credits听his听professors听with听believing in him and supporting him throughout his journey,听helping him to work toward听his goal听of听becoming听a show director听in one of the local world-class theme parks.

The same professor who inspired him on day one later encouraged him to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in听themed experience, part of听性视界传媒鈥檚听College of Arts and Humanities.听This program听is designed听for听the听next generation of creators, artists and leaders听who听are redefining what it means to be entertained, and Spencer just听graduated in early May.

鈥淢y 性视界传媒 journey has been the experience of a lifetime,鈥� he says.听鈥淎nd the best part is that I鈥檒l spend my career creating experiences that are just as life-changing for others.鈥�

Last year, Spencer received a听Universal Orlando听Impact Award听recognizing his contributions听to听the听grand opening celebration of Epic Universe, the resort鈥檚 newest theme park.

听at听,听inspiring the 性视界传媒 community听and听demonstrating听the power of a Knight education to听reshape what it means to be entertained and what the future of experiences holds for people everywhere.

The 性视界传媒-Universal听Pegasus Partnership听is a听significant early听milestone听of听听鈥斕齛听$3.5 billion听campaign to expand听opportunity, advance听discovery听and drive impact across the university.

Spencer鈥檚听story shows why听听is听so important: Investments in 性视界传媒 help students ignite meaningful careers, discover new听frontiers听and create a bold tomorrow.听Students like听him听are launching a new era of innovation and making their mark across every industry.

鈥淭he Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow鈥檚 leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.鈥� 鈥� Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 nationally. With the addition of Universal鈥檚 new school and the college鈥檚 School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

鈥淭he Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow鈥檚 leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences,鈥� says Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury.

鈥溞允咏绱� was built to power what鈥檚 next for our students, for industry, and for the State of 性视界传媒,鈥� 性视界传媒 President Alexander N. Cartwright says. 鈥淭his collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.鈥�

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and 性视界传媒 partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside 性视界传媒 faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school鈥檚 research will build on 性视界传媒鈥檚 existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world鈥檚 most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

• Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
• AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
• AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between 性视界传媒 and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the 性视界传媒/Universal Creative Lab.

鈥淭ogether with 性视界传媒 we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent 鈥� and the next chapter will be even better,鈥� Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences John Sprouls says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.鈥�

鈥淩osen College has long been a global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,鈥� says 性视界传媒 Rosen College of Hospitality Management Dean Cynthia Mejia. 鈥淏y strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.鈥�

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As 性视界传媒鈥檚 first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with 性视界传媒, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at 性视界传媒.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of , 性视界传媒鈥檚 $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal鈥檚 commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.

性视界传媒 is the leading producer of talent among 性视界传媒鈥檚 universities, awarding nearly 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 six esteemed speakers whose leadership and impact span some of Central 性视界传媒鈥檚 most influential industries:

• Barry Miller 鈥�95, president of Voloridge Investment Management
• Brian Adams 鈥�04MBA, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central 性视界传媒 Division
• Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company
• Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of Higher Learning Commission
• Maj. Gen. James Smith, commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base
• Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Science

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, spring commencement will take place over six ceremonies spanning Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

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 livestreamed .

Commencement Photo-ops Across 性视界传媒

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

Grad Walk

On Thursday, May 7, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), spring 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 are required to .

Commencement Schedule

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

Friday, May 8

9 a.m.

College of Business

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

2 p.m.

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

7 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m.

College of Community Innovation and Education

2 p.m.

College of Sciences (excluding Nicholson School of Communication and Media)

7 p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Graduate Studies

College of Optics and Photonics

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

Commencement Speakers

Barry Miller 鈥�95

President of Voloridge Investment Management

Barry Miller 鈥�95 serves as president of Voloridge Investment Management, quantitative hedge fund manager, and Voloridge Health, a data science-based health tech company, both 性视界传媒 based.

Miller, who graduated with honors from 性视界传媒 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in finance, recently made a transformational $50 million gift this spring to establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business at 性视界传媒. The largest single philanthropic investment in 性视界传媒 history, the gift will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable.

Miller, also a member of the 性视界传媒 College of Business Hall of Fame, brings years of executive experience, having previously served as CEO of LASAS Technologies, a finance and insurance company that he co-founded in 1998. His career experience includes financial analysis, capital raising, financial markets, actuarial experience, software development and in-depth company infrastructure formation.

After gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and chief executive officer, Miller鈥檚 ambition led him to join and invest in Voloridge Investment Management and then Voloridge Health. For both companies, he is responsible for many facets of leadership, including trading, back-office operations, compliance, sales and marketing, vendor relationships and strategic planning.

Brian Adams 鈥�04MBA

President and CEO of AdventHealth Central 性视界传媒 Division

Brian Adams is president and CEO of AdventHealth鈥檚 Central 性视界传媒 Division, one of the nation鈥檚 largest faith-based health systems, whose 37,000 dedicated team members provide care for more than 3 million patients.

Known for building high-performing teams and ensuring the organization grows to meet the care needs of the community, Adams has led efforts to expand access to care, elevate quality and bring innovative solutions to rapidly growing communities. His leadership has continued to position AdventHealth as a trusted and innovative partner in Central 性视界传媒.

As a part of AdventHealth for more than 24 years, Adams has held senior leadership roles across the organization, including CEO positions in Tampa and Polk County, where he oversaw major expansions, facility investments and quality improvements.

He earned his master鈥檚 of business administration from the University of Central 性视界传媒 and a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Union College in Nebraska. Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Adams and his wife have two teenage sons.

Gloria Caulfield

Vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company

In her multifaceted role as vice president of strategic alliances at Tavistock, Gloria Caulfield manages business development and corporate partnerships, collaborates with national and global stakeholders to advance health innovation, and leads the development of cutting-edge strategies for the Lake Nona community.

She is the chief architect and creative force behind the Lake Nona Impact Forum. The revered global health innovation summit brings together many of the world鈥檚 most preeminent thought leaders and serves as a signature event of the Tavistock Group.

Caulfield serves on boards that reflect her passion for advancing the future of human health, including the StartUp Health Impact Board, which focuses on mobilizing entrepreneurs to solve the biggest health challenges of our time, and the LFE Capital Advisory Board, which supports female founders and impactful, wellness-oriented companies.

Prior to joining Tavistock, she had a distinguished career at AdventHealth. As senior executive director for community development, she provided strategic leadership for corporate partnerships and spearheaded critical community initiatives across Central 性视界传媒. Caulfield is an alumna of the University of Arizona and brings visionary leadership to every aspect of her work.

Barbara Gellman-Danley

President of Higher Learning Commission

Barbara Gellman-Danley is president of the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges and universities to ensure they meet high-quality standards and continuously improve.

Prior to beginning this role in 2014, she was president of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College in Ohio. She previously served as vice chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, president of Antioch University McGregor, vice president at Monroe Community College and vice chancellor at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Gellman-Danley sits on the boards of Credential Engine, which she chairs, and GlobalMindED. Her career includes previous board and commission memberships with the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, the American Council on Education鈥檚 Education and Attainment group and the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning.

Gellman-Danley holds degrees from Syracuse University, Simmons University, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. She did post-graduate work at New York University, Cornell, Harvard, the University of Chicago and MIT.

An honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, she is a professional certified coach, certified executive coach and certified life coach. She holds certifications in change management, Agile and Lean Six Sigma, a professional credential validating expertise in data-driven process improvement aimed at reducing waste and defects.

Maj. Gen. James Smith

Commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base

As commander, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is responsible for preparing the U.S. Space Force and more than 14,000 military and civilian guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine and test activities.

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Maj. Gen. Smith commissioned in 1997 as the top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His career spans numerous space operations and acquisition positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing, garrison and Field Command levels.

Maj. Gen. Smith has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current position, Maj. Gen. Smith served as the vice director, Joint Force Development, J-7, the Joint Staff, Arlington, Virginia.

Peter Lee

President of Microsoft Science

Peter Lee is president of Microsoft Science, where his responsibility is to accelerate the pace of discovery in the physical, biological and medical sciences through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Previously, he led the world laboratories of Microsoft Research. Before joining Microsoft in 2010, he established a new technology office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, creating operational capabilities in machine learning, data science and computational social science.

From 1987 to 2010, Lee was a professor and the head of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on the boards of several institutions in AI and medicine, including the board of trustees of the Mayo Clinic and the board of directors of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine. He served on President Obama鈥檚 Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity and has testified before both U.S. House and Senate committees.

He is the co-author of the book, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond. In 2024, Lee was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences.