Here are the highlights that shaped an unforgettable year.

Daring to Boldly Invent the Future: Florida’s Next-Generation Preeminent University

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ met the 12 metrics required to earn the Preeminent State Research University designation from the Florida Board of Governors, the highest designation for state research universities. This landmark achievement highlights sustained progress in student success, research and more β€” affirming ±«°δΉσ’s leadership in advancing opportunity and impact in Florida and beyond.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, Fueling a Talent Pipeline and Healthcare Innovation

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ opened theβ€―Dr.β€―Phillips Nursing Pavilionβ€―on the Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona β€” a 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. The pavilion expands immersive simulation technology and interdisciplinary learning spaces, enabling ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to graduate more nurses ready to serve communities across the region.

Pegasus Partners Expand with BNY and Lockheed Martin

This year saw strategic growth of ±«°δΉσ’sβ€―Pegasus Partnersβ€―program, with major collaborations forged with global financial services company BNY and aerospace and defense leader Lockheed Martin. The BNY co-located educational innovation hub on ±«°δΉσ’s main campus β€” the first of its kind in Florida β€” brings experiential learning and cybersecurity education directly to students. Additionally, the expanded Lockheed Martin partnership will grow the highly successful College Work Experience Program and expand research in vital areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and hypersonic technologies.

Elevating Impact Across Space

As America’s Space University, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ deepened its influence across the space sector this year, highlighted by the inaugural ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Space Week that took place Nov. 3-7. The university-wide celebration showcased all the ways Knight Nation is advancing space research, supporting Florida’s fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The observance also marked the debut of the SpaceU Awards, which celebrated eight honorees β€” two students, three faculty, two organizations and a record-setting astronaut β€” for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space development, discovery and exploration.

±«°δΉσ’s impact also extended into human health in space. Two internationally knownβ€―β€―experts β€” William Powers and Jennifer Fogarty β€” joined the College of Medicine’s faculty as part of ±«°δΉσ’s new Center for Aerospace and Extreme Environments Medicine that will leadβ€―research and technology development for improving health in extreme environments such as space.

As the top talent provider to the nation’s aerospace and defense industries, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ also launched a new online space MBA program to meet the expanding needs of the booming space industry on Florida’s Space Coast and around the world. The 24-month part-time graduate business program focuses on space commercialization, business strategy and innovation, preparing graduates to lead in high-impact roles across the commercial space, aerospace, government, startups and emerging tech industries.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Launches Institute of Artificial Intelligence to Advance Research, Talent Development Across Disciplines

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ launched the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, a new university-wide initiative bringing together top faculty, industry partnerships and cross-campus collaboration to position the university as a national leader in AI. The institute will also support ±«°δΉσ’s AI for All Initiative, which integrates AI into teaching and learning across disciplines, ensuring students graduate with the ability to use AI effectively in their careers.

Honoring Excellence on Founders’ Day

±«°δΉσ’s annual Founders’ Day honored the outstanding achievements of the university’s employees, faculty and students. Hundreds of Knights were recognized for theirβ€―excellence and impactβ€―β€” among themβ€―Pegasus Professorsβ€―Roger Azevedo, Fevzi Okumus and Yan Solihin; Medal of Societal Impact honoree Mohamed Abdel-Aty; Reach for the Stars honoreesβ€―Amrita Ghosh, Leland Nordin, Yogesh Rawat and Kelly Stevens; and 37 Order of Pegasus inductees β€” the university’s highest student honor.

Epic Universe Launch Provides Immersive Learning Opportunities at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½

Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, opened its gates this spring, and Knights played a role in bringing it to life. Located less than a mile away, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s β€” ranked No. 1 in the world for hospitality education (CEOWORLD magazine) β€” turned Epic Universe into a living case study for hands-on learning in hospitality, themed experience, engineering and beyond. While the park attracts millions of guests with its immersive worlds and attractions, it’s also transforming hospitality education for Rosen College students, building a direct talent pipeline into the park and developing a workforce ready to lead the industry.

Introducing John Buckwalter, ±«°δΉσ’s Next Provostβ€―

Following a competitive national search, John Buckwalter was appointed ±«°δΉσ’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. He and his wife, Amalia, officially joined Knight Nation on Aug. 1. Buckwalter brings more than 20 years of experience in academia to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½. He most recently served as provost at Boise State University, where he led transformative interdisciplinary initiatives and championed student achievement. He succeeds Provost Michael D. Johnson, who retired this summer following 35 years of service to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.

Knights Shine in Athletics

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Athletics delivered unforgettable moments this year β€” from the rowing team claiming its first Big 12 Championship in program history, to men’s soccer’s conference title, to men’s tennis clinching its , to 82-78 victory over Hofstra at Additional Financial Arena that sparked the best start (8-1) in head coach Johnny Dawkins’ tenure.

Together, We Unleashed Impact: Thank You, Knight Nation, for a Transformational Day of Giving 2025

Knights made a collective impact for another record-breaking celebration of all things Black & Gold. raised more thanβ€―$14.8β€―millionβ€―β€” a 63% increase from last year and the most in university history.β€―Withβ€―10,472β€―gifts, inspired donors across the globe rallied together for the community-driven effort β€” fueling ±«°δΉσ’s academic programs, life-changing scholarships, groundbreaking research and more. These contributions were made across all 50 U.S. states, as well as globally, including Australia, France, Panama and the United Kingdom.

Elected leaders joined founding donors to celebrate the pavilion’s opening on ±«°δΉσ’s at Lake Nona. They gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and toured the pavilion, which will help to address Florida’s critical nursing shortage. Fittingly for Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University, the pavilion also features the latest in immersive modeling and simulation technologies.

“This facility will help strengthen Florida’s nursing talent pipeline in ways that make communities across our state healthier.” β€” ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright

β€œThe Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is a powerful example of what is possible when vision, community and partnership come together. Built with the generous support of state leaders, donors and health care champions, this facility will help strengthen Florida’s nursing talent pipeline in ways that make communities across our state healthier,” says ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright. β€œTogether, we are fueling hands-on learning, enabling new research and discovery, and preparing generations of Knight Nurses who will have a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.”

With the opening, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will increase access to its accredited and nationally ranked nursing degree programs and graduate an additional 150 newly licensed nurses annually. These graduates will have a direct impact on the state. Of the 17,000 Knight nurse alumni, 85% live and work in Florida, and nearly 60% remain in Central Florida.

Located next to the College of Medicine and in Lake Nona’s Medical City, a nationally recognized hub of healthcare innovation, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion will bolster interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare providers to thrive in the workforce and deploy cutting-edge research to solve the industry’s greatest challenges and ensure a healthier future for all.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson played a vital role as Senate President in securing about $43 million in state funding for the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, as well as additional funding for state university and state college nursing initiatives throughout Florida.

β€œWe worked very hard to secure the funding,” he says. β€œWhen you think about state-of the-art nursing, when you think about doubling the capacity of nursing, this couldn’t come at a better time. Florida is growing 400,000 people a year still. We’re going to continue to grow.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the state continues to invest in key academic programs that set an example nationwide,” says State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. β€œThe new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is no exception β€” by providing innovative educational opportunities for nursing students now, Florida is ensuring a promising future of skilled nurses that will care for our communities.”

The Power of Partnerships

The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, which came to fruition through $43 million from the State of Florida and over $29 million from private donors, will directly impact the community that created it and will be a longstanding symbol of what can be achieved through the power of community partnerships β€” unleashing potential for generations to come.

β€œWe are honored to be part of this transformative moment for Central Florida,” says Kenneth Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Inc. and the Dr. Phillips Foundation. β€œThis investment will help address the nursing shortage, strengthen our healthcare system, and expand access to exceptional education and career opportunities. By supporting this project, we’re helping to graduate more Knight nurses who will make a lasting impact. We’re proud to stand with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and our community partners to shape a healthier, brighter future.”

Founding donors of the facility also include the Helene Fuld Health Trust; ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Pegasus Partners AdventHealth, Orlando Health, Nemours Children’s Health and Addition Financial; Zaby and Suree Vyas; and many others.

β€œToday we are witnessing the power of partnerships,” says Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, who, as the previous College of Nursing dean, led the efforts to advocate and raise funds for the new building. β€œThe Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is the result of the collective efforts of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and this community to come together to solve one of our greatest healthcare challenges. We are incredibly grateful for the support, which will have an immeasurable impact for generations to come.”

Inside the Future of Nursing

Every aspect of the 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and student success and well-being.

β€œThe Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion will serve as a catalyst for ensuring a brighter, healthier future,” says new College of Nursing Dean Sharon Tucker. β€œIn this space, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ will strengthen and empower future nurses and nurse leaders to advance healthcare innovation and collaboration to improve evidence-based patient care and outcomes.”

On the second and third floors is a hub of healthcare innovation, the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is Florida’s first simulation center to earn three international accolades in the field and the new, expanded space will build upon its global leadership to innovate healthcare education using the latest immersive technologies to prepare nurses for practice as compassionate, skilled providers.

The second floor also features the Dr. Colleen Conway Welch Virtual Reality Learning Studio, a makerspace design studio to accelerate nurse-led innovations, a home health apartment to meet growing demand for home-based healthcare, and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation Healthy Aging Research Lab for interdisciplinary research and innovations led by renowned aging expert Ladda Thiamwong.

Upon entering the pavilion, students, faculty, staff and visitors are greeted with the inspiring β€œβ€ public art commissioned by Florida’s Art in State Building program. The first floor also includes three large high-tech learning studios, the Zaby and Suree Vyas Collaboration Concourse, the Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation Study Cafe and a student success suite.

The opening comes a little over a year and a half after the groundbreaking in January 2024. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ built the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in conjunction with HuntonBrady Architects, Ayers Saint Gross and DPR Construction.

±«°δΉσ’s Industry Partners Highlight Transformational Impact

AdventHealth

β€œAt AdventHealth, we’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary caliber of nurses who graduate from ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½. They bring clinical excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their patients β€” values that perfectly align with our mission to provide whole-person care. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, we’re happy to support this exciting new chapter for the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ College of Nursing. And as a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ alum, I’m excited to welcome even more outstanding Knight nurses to AdventHealth.”

-Cathy Stankiewicz, (MSN’11), chief nursing officer, Central Florida Division

Helene Fuld Health Trust

β€œThe Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling Center at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ exemplifies our mission to support the education of nursing students. Simulation is a critical component [of] nursing education and will continue to be in the future, and we’re proud to make this investment to strengthen nursing skills and improve the welfare of our communities.”

-Robert Campbell, vice president of Trust & Fiduciary Services at HSBC, who oversees the trust

Nemours Children’s Health

β€œGrowing and solidifying the nursing workforce is critical to care delivery across the healthcare sector. Through our longtime relationship with the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ College of Nursing, we have seen firsthand the benefits of hiring their well-trained, work-ready graduates. The new nursing pavilion will be a tremendous asset in our continued collaboration, partnership, and investment to support the education, development, and maturation of emerging nurses.”

-Nicole Johnson, (DNP’17), senior vice president and chief nursing and patient operations officer Β 

Orlando Health

β€œIt is an honor and privilege to be associated with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, and we are thankful for our partnership with the university, nursing professors, and students.”

-David Strong, president and CEO

The college’s Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center recently received full accreditation in human simulation by the Association of SP Educators, which is the highest honor given by the organization and recognizes an organization’s adherence to the standards of best practices to ensure growth, integrity and safe application of human simulation-based education practices.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is one of just 19 simulation centers worldwide and the only program in Florida in the inaugural Association of SP Educators accreditation cohort β€” elevating the university to an elite group of leaders with accreditations or endorsements from all three healthcare simulation organizations.

Leading in Simulation

Last month, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ also received re-endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning for continued excellence in applying simulation standards of best practice in education.

±«°δΉσ’s endorsement dates back to 2022, when it was one of nine programs worldwide to receive the inaugural Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement.

Additionally, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ recently earned re-accreditation in teaching and education from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare β€” an international honor the university has held since 2020. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ was awarded an additional accreditation in research.

β€œThese three international accolades highlight how ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is continuing to lead at a global level in healthcare simulation education, research and practice,” says Mindi Anderson, associate dean for simulation and immersive learning at ±«°δΉσ’s College of Nursing and one of the college’s internationally certified healthcare simulation experts. β€œThrough excellence in simulation, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is able to ensure nursing students at all levels graduate practice-ready with hands-on clinical skills as well as strong judgment, decision-making, communication and critical thinking skills β€” ensuring quality, compassionate and safer patient care.”

Each year, ±«°δΉσ’s STIM Center provides more than 12,000 simulation-based contact hours to undergraduate and graduate students using high-technology manikins, augmented and virtual reality applications, and hologram technologies.

It continues to innovate in the evolving field and is currently piloting the use of artificial intelligence with simulation in nursing education.

In Fall 2025, ±«°δΉσ’s STIM Center will expand its physical footprint and future impact with its new space in the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on the Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona.

The Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center will feature state-of-the-art simulated patient suites, a clinical skills exam suite and dedicated space for virtual reality and immersive research.

Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in ±«°δΉσ’s β€” a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

Hundreds of fans celebrated ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

A student practices with a manikin hand at ±«°δΉσ’s state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ women’s track and field team has clocked some of the world’s fastest times this year.

During the 10th anniversary of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts β€” aΒ multi-day festival honoring creative expressions β€” artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

Knightro shows off a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ specialty license plate while filming a new at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy’s Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

A student guides TapeMeasure, ±«°δΉσ’s semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

A member of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

Annika Emmett, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

This year, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, located in ±«°δΉσ’s Exolith Lab. The lab’s Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.

Before the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

±«°δΉσ’s cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, ±«°δΉσ’s biggest homecoming tradition.

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year’s theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at ±«°δΉσ’s 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university’s ties to space exploration and innovation.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Nemours Children’s Health, one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, will invest $2.5 million in pediatric nursing education, training, innovation and research at ±«°δΉσ’s .

β€œStrengthening and solidifying the pediatric nursing workforce into the future starts with leading-edge education, training and development of emerging clinicians and nurse scientists today,” says Matthew Davis, enterprise physician-in-chief and chief scientific officer for Nemours Children’s Health. β€œThis Pegasus Partnership emphasizes our institutions’ shared commitment to education, research and innovation, and also furthers our ability to provide high-quality pediatric care and ultimately meet the needs of the patients and families we serve.”

Building upon ±«°δΉσ’s global expertise in healthcare simulation education and Nemours Children’s clinical excellence, the new Nemours Children’s Health Nursery and Pediatric Unit will be a hub of training, research and innovation. It will be designed to resemble a real-life pediatric hospital unit, featuring specialized pediatric equipment, neonatal, pediatric and expectant mother mannequins, as well as augmented reality simulations. Simulation scenarios will give ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ nursing students hands-on, clinical experiences to help them provide high-quality, compassionate care for pediatric patients and their families.

Nursing faculty members will collaborate with colleagues across ±«°δΉσ’s healthcare disciplines on research to innovate pediatric education and improve the health of children.

β€œWe are thankful for Nemours Children’s continued partnership and support of pediatric nursing excellence at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.” β€” Mary Lou Sole, College of Nursing dean

β€œWe are thankful for Nemours Children’s continued partnership and support of pediatric nursing excellence at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” says ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ College of Nursing Dean Mary Lou Sole. β€œBy leveraging our collective strengths, together we will grow a pediatric nursing workforce of Knight nurses to care for children in our community, innovate pediatric clinical practices and positively impact children’s health for generations to come.”

The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is under construction on ±«°δΉσ’s Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona, a hub of healthcare activity and innovation including ±«°δΉσ’s College of Medicine and Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.

The nursery and pediatric unit will be located within the Helene Fuld Health Trust STIM Center on the second floor β€” a high-tech centerpiece in the new building featuring three times the current simulation space.

Nemours Children’s investment also will support the 2,100-square-foot Nemours Children’s Health Learning Studio, one of three high-tech classrooms located off the Collaboration Concourse. The studio will feature an innovative active learning design to facilitate collaboration and small-group work.

This investment expands upon Nemours Children’s partnership with ±«°δΉσ’s College of Nursing. Nemours Children’s already participates in ±«°δΉσ’s College of Nursing clinicals program, providing clinical rotations for 120 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ nursing students in 2024 to gain valuable, hands-on training at its Orlando hospital.

Earlier this year, Nemours Children’s Health became ±«°δΉσ’s first pediatric health-focused Pegasus Partner. Through the partnership, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and Nemours Children’s will collaborate on opportunities and initiatives that leverage their collective healthcare and academic excellence to advance children’s health β€” including the launch of a $2.5M Nemours Impact Fund, an interdisciplinary research collaboration agreement to advance pediatric healthcare and improve children’s health outcomes at individual and population levels.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and Nemours Children’s are creating a talent pipeline of skilled, pediatric healthcare providers to address the pediatric workforce shortage. Nemours Children’s previously established the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ College of Medicine β€” Nemours Children’s Health Department of Pediatrics to train the next generation of pediatric physicians.

With its investment at ±«°δΉσ’s College of Nursing, Nemours Children’s is educating and training future pediatric nurses. According to the Children’s Hospital Association, 35% of children’s hospitals across the U.S. are facing a shortage of pediatric registered nurses. Around 85% of ±«°δΉσ’s 16,000 Knight nurse alumni remain in Florida to live and work, growing the workforce at healthcare facilities including Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.

After its anticipated opening in Fall 2025, the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion will enable ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to graduate 50% more newly licensed nurses to address the nursing shortage as well as fuel innovation and research.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ is honored to announce Addition Financial as the first financial institution to be recognized as a Pegasus Partner. Addition Financial joins AdventHealth, Orlando Health and Nemours Children’s Health as organizations that share the university’s vision and commitment to continuing to lead the region in key industries such as aerospace, engineering, defense, optics, digital media, finance and healthcare. Pegasus Partners engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations, including talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and strategic philanthropy.

β€œWe are grateful for this new level of partnership between Addition Financial and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½,” says ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright. β€œAs our newest Pegasus Partner, we look forward to continuing our longstanding collaboration to create opportunities for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students and faculty and to improve outcomes for individuals across our community through the transformative power of education.”

β€œWe are grateful for this new level of partnership between Addition Financial and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½.” β€”ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ President Alexander N. Cartwright

As a new Pegasus Partner, Addition Financial generously supports the, the new and expanded home for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½’s College of Nursing that is anticipated to open in Fall 2025 and that will help the university graduate 150 much-needed additional nurses each year. They’re also a core supporter of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown, where students gain invaluable real-world experiences in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

By investing in ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown, which opened five years ago, the credit union helped the university partner with Valencia College to establish a campus that is now home to the nation’s top-ranked graduate video game design and emergency management programs. Students benefit from many internship and job opportunities in industries, as well as government and nonprofit offices, located in or near downtown Orlando.

Addition Financial Arena has hosted major ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ basketball wins and sold-out crowds, including the men’s basketball team’s upset over No. 3 Kansas last season in its first-ever Big 12 home game. Over the past five years, the arena has hosted 1.4 million visitors Β for university commencement ceremonies, basketball home games, concerts and other events.

In total, Addition Financial’s philanthropic support of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, as well as its projects and programs, has exceeded $25.8 million throughout the course of 20 years. The credit union has operated a branch on ±«°δΉσ’s main campus since 1971.

With a strategic eye on preparing students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, Addition Financial is collaborating with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ to grow its internship program. They’re working to engage annually in student research projects within multiple colleges, and to expand how the company uses faculty expertise to respond to key business challenges and opportunities.

β€œAddition Financial’s longstanding and successful partnership with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ speaks volumes to the deep commitment we share in improving the Central Florida community,” says Kevin Miller, president and CEO of Addition Financial Credit Union. β€œAs a credit union founded nearly 90 years ago by educators, witnessing ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ unleashing the true potential of its students, Addition Financial is proud to be the first financial institution to be a ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Pegasus Partner.”

Like ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, Addition Financial strongly believes in the power of education to transform lives. That philosophy drives the credit union’s support for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, as well as its focus on financial literacy. The state-chartered credit union was founded in 1937 by a group of 23 educators who aimed to create a better financial alternative for its members. The credit union has completed more than $60,000 in K-12 classroom renovations and grants and more than $70,000 in scholarships annually through the Addition Financial Foundation.

β€œFor more than a decade, Addition Financial has been part of the College of Business student experience through professional development workshops, internship opportunities and support for our young entrepreneurs through sponsorship of the Joust,” says Β Paul Jarley says. β€œKevin and his team have also been at the forefront of our efforts to introduce our faculty to the community through sponsorship of our Dean’s Speaker Series in downtown Orlando. Recognition as a Pegasus Partner is very well-deserved, and we are grateful for their support.”

An Environment of Excellence

Addition Financial’s substantial contributions have enhanced the student experience and created an environment of excellence, goals that ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ hopes will attract additional Pegasus Partners. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ alumni account for the largest part of the team at Addition, from interns to leadership, and even make up the majority of its board of directors.

To encourage the mutually beneficial relationship and regular conversations that already exist between ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and Addition Financial, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has created the President’s Industry Advisory Council, where representatives of the Pegasus Partners program will hold a seat, providing input to President Cartwright and exchanging ideas with other members of the Council on topics of current interest to the university and its partners.

Joining the new President’s Industry Advisory Council will be Kevin Miller, president and chief executive officer of Addition Financial.

Miller, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Emory Law School in Atlanta, has worked at Addition Financial since 2004. His personal philanthropic and community involvement also involves ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½; his wife, Kari Miller ’04MEd is an alumna. Together, the Millers have also supported ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ for more than 20 years, including the and the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Student Housing Insecurity Fund, the College of Community Innovation and Education, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown, and the College of Nursing. Β Another of the Millers’ major areas of interest includes

Miller is an elected director for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Foundation Inc. and serves on the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown Executive Advisory Council. He is also past chairman of the Foundation for Seminole County Schools and a board member for A Gift for Teaching and the Galileo School for Gifted Learning.

With an obvious passion for education, especially for public education, Miller enjoys engaging with ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and, together with his wife, bringing their children to sporting events, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Celebrates the Arts, the Dean’s Speaker Series and the university’s theatre program.

“ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and Addition Financial have transformed countless lives together, but today, this powerful partnership spreads its wings to truly soar,” says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Foundation. β€œOur collective vision for the future includes an expansion of the Addition Financial internship program and the 2025 grand opening of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, both of which expound on our commitment to fuel Central Florida’s talent pipeline and workforce for the future. We’ll spark new mutually beneficial connections between industry, students and faculty by further engaging them in student research projects and growing upon how the company uses faculty expertise to respond to key business challenges and opportunities. Their designation as a Pegasus Partner represents a new and exciting chapter that we can all expect incredible impact from.”