UCF Advancement and Partnerships

08/24/2026

Today marks the first day of the 2026–2027 school year! 💛🖤

Get a first-hand look at what the generosity through UCF Day of Giving is making possible for Knights. Join UCF senior Antonio as he shares how donor support is helping students thrive, learn and Charge On!

08/14/2026

Truly an amazing partnership between UCF and Universal Destinations & Experiences! Check out this new story about Alumnus Doug Akers!

08/07/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time to create a plan that protects the people and causes you care about most. By creating your will, you can provide peace of mind for your loved ones and help shape a legacy that lasts for generations.

UCF has partnered with FreeWill to make the process simple, secure and completely free. In about 20 minutes, you can take the first step toward planning your future. Make a will today: https://frwill.link/44UIwvG

07/31/2026

Transformational giving creates transformational opportunities.

Ron and Julie Cartwright have committed $750,000 to UCF Athletics, investing in the success of current and future student-athletes. Their commitment reflects the powerful impact of giving in expanding opportunities, strengthening programs and empowering Knights to excel on and off the field.

Thank you, Ron and Julie, for helping shape the future of UCF through your extraordinary generosity. 💛🖤

UCF Athletics will name the Ron and Julie Cartwright Head Coaches Corner, a landscaped gathering space located near IOA Plaza between the north and south entrances of the new Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House.

07/30/2026

07/29/2026

Florida has once again been ranked the No. 1 state for higher education for the 10th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report’ 2026 State Rankings. At UCF, we're proud to help advance this legacy through innovation, collaboration and the partnerships that create lasting impact for our students and communities.



https://bit.ly/4yKMDbx

The momentum continues with the launch of Florida 10 for 10: Celebrating a Decade of Leading Higher Education, a scholarship initiative elevating student success.

07/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to seven UCF students and alumni who earned 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships — one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for graduate researchers in STEM fields. Their work spans astrophysics, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology, aerospace engineering and mathematics, advancing discoveries with the potential to impact communities, industries and our world.

This achievement reflects the power of research, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that prepare Knights to lead the future of innovation and scientific discovery.

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.

07/20/2026

🚀 UCF is advancing the future of energy, aviation and space research.

The Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER) has been named an official university research center, strengthening its mission to drive innovation, industry partnerships and hands-on opportunities for the next generation of Knights.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4gBNhlc

The Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research, which has become an official university center, is elevating its ties to industry and national laboratories and creating a long-term success plan for core faculty.

07/16/2026

Research with impact beyond Earth. 🚀

A new UCF study found that microgravity and space radiation may accelerate aging-related changes in the liver, offering insights that could help protect astronauts on long-duration missions and advance therapies for age-related diseases here on Earth. This groundbreaking work highlights the power of UCF research to address global challenges and improve lives. Read more about it here: https://bit.ly/4vwoNxC

Findings from College of Medicine Professor Michal Masternak and his team suggest spaceflight stressors may accelerate aging in the liver. This discovery could inform future medical research to understand aging on Earth and protect space travelers.

07/14/2026

UCF’s CECS is creating a talent pipeline of future energy industry leaders, and we’re proud to announce that they have received a $75,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Together with Duke Energy, UCF can ignite curiosity in youth about STEM careers, remove financial barriers through scholarships, and shape the future of an industry. Read more about it here: https://bit.ly/4peGCzm