The native Floridian��dreamed of working��in��one someday��and knew �鶹ӳ����ý —��located��next door to some of the world’s premiere theme parks with a solid pipeline to the industry — was her ticket to get there.

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

Nothing could derail her from her goal.

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

Making a��Bold Move

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

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

Mejia appreciated Cortier’s 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’s bold plan had worked.

“It is so rare to get a cold call from a high school student who, at such��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,” says Mejia, who continued to mentor Cortier throughout her time at �鶹ӳ����ý. “Bella 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.”

Turning the Unexpected��Into��a��Winning Situation

Cortier continued to demonstrate that dedication and initiative once she was a full-time student. She was part of a core group who attended nearly every virtual meet-and-greet with faculty and staff that the Rosen College organized.

“When 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,” says Cortier, who was invited to be a student representative on the Dean’s Advisory Council, provide college tours for industry leaders and be part of a project team to enhance the student experience post-pandemic.

Meanwhile��she also��joined the Rosen College Leadership Council, became a tour guide with���鶹ӳ����ý��Undergraduate��Admissions��and��joined the��student��chapter of the Future Theme Park Leaders Association.��Cortier��also joined��the����as a member of��the drum line,��and��that’s��where she met her fiancé,��Erik��Solberg ’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.

“I��loved��Universal��right away, and I knew��I wanted to ultimately end up there,” 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.

“I always loved attractions so much,��and��I��didn’t think I’d ever want to leave,��but I made the jump to explore something new, and I’m so glad I did,” says Cortier, who��supports��the��engineering and safety��team��at��Universal��Creative, which��helps bring new��experiences��to life.

Moving Forward,��Giving Back

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

“Rosen College gave me a foundation in hospitality, leadership, operations, teamwork and creating meaningful guest experiences.”
— Bella Cortier

“Rosen College��gave me a foundation in hospitality, leadership, operations, teamwork and creating meaningful guest experiences,” Cortier says.��“When I get calls��to come back and speak or be part of an event��at Rosen College, I always say yes.��I had people feed into me, and��that’s��my way of giving back — sharing my experience and talking to students who��are finding��their path.”

Cortier shared her story at the announcement���Ǵ����ٳ�� , 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��is part of �鶹ӳ����ý’s����campaign, a bold mission for the future of the university.

The incoming directors are Tiffany Altizer ’90MST, Stuart Brown ’97, Todd Feintuch ’04, Ryan Kelley ’03 ’11MBA, Rhett Rosen ’05, Naveed Shujaat ’04 ’06MBA and Fabio Zacco.

The board also confirmed two new committee advisors: Heather Churchill ’95 ’96MBA, who will begin serving on the investment committee on July 1, and Mary Eberhardt ’89, who joined the finance and facilities committee on May 14.

“Our board members and advisors play a critical role in advancing �鶹ӳ����ý’s mission and ensuring we remain positioned to meet the opportunities ahead,” says Stuart Heaton, chair of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders whose perspectives, expertise and commitment to �鶹ӳ����ý will help strengthen our impact and support future generations of Knights.”

About the Board

The �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation Board of Directors oversees the stewardship and management of private philanthropic support for the university.

As �鶹ӳ����ý continues to advance its $3.5 billion Go For Launch campaign, Foundation Board members play a critical role in helping shape the university’s future.

Through its standing committees and strategic leadership, the board helps ensure resources are invested effectively to elevate student success, fuel discovery and innovation, advance future frontiers and drive competitive excellence.

The newly appointed directors and committee advisors bring experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines, adding valuable insight to the board’s governance, financial oversight and long-term planning efforts.

Their collective expertise helps ensure �鶹ӳ����ý remains positioned to meet emerging challenges, seize new opportunities and deliver meaningful impact across Florida and beyond.

“The strength of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation lies in the dedication and leadership of the individuals who choose to invest their time, talent and expertise in our mission,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement & partnerships and CEO of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation. “As we welcome these new directors and advisors, we are grateful for their willingness to serve and help guide �鶹ӳ����ý’s continued growth and momentum. Their leadership will be instrumental as we advance Go For Launch, �鶹ӳ����ý’s ambitious campaign to expand opportunity, accelerate discovery and strengthen our impact for generations of students, faculty and communities to come.”

The board also recognized three directors whose second terms conclude June 30: Brian Butler, Cathy Engelman and Clint Bullock ’95.

“Brian, Cathy and Clint have each made meaningful contributions during their years of service,” Grabowski says. “Their leadership, advocacy and commitment to �鶹ӳ����ý have helped strengthen the foundation and have advanced opportunities for our students, faculty and university community. We are deeply grateful for their service and lasting impact.”

Meet �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation’s Newest Board Members

Tiffany Altizer ’90MST

Tiffany Altizer, managing shareholder of Keith Altizer and Company, P.A., is a respected CPA whose leadership includes service on the �鶹ӳ����ý Board of Trustees and the Limbitless Solutions Board of Directors. She brings exceptional financial expertise and deep governance experience to the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation. Altizer earned her master’s degree in taxation from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Stuart Brown ’97

Stuart Brown, a partner at Guidehouse, leads global technology and innovation initiatives while maintaining a strong commitment to �鶹ӳ����ý through mentoring, recruitment and volunteer leadership. He also advises the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation’s philanthropy and donor engagement committee. Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Todd Feintuch ’04

Executive vice president and chief wealth officer at Seacoast Bank, Todd Feintuch brings more than two decades of wealth management and investment expertise. He previously served as an advisor to the Foundation’s investment committee. Feintuch earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Ryan Kelley ’03 ’11MBA

Ryan Kelley, principal and chief operating officer of Atlas Benefits Finance, is an experienced investment executive and dedicated �鶹ӳ����ý supporter. He advises the Foundation’s investment committee and is an active philanthropic leader within the university community. Kelley earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and master of business administration from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Rhett Rosen ’05

CEO of Trader Vic’s Worldwide, Rhett Rosen oversees the global growth of the iconic hospitality brand. A proud alumnus, he also serves as cochair of �鶹ӳ����ý’s campaign advocate network committee. Rosen earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Naveed Shujaat ’04 ’06MBA

Central Florida market president for Bank of America, Naveed Shujaat leads regional business and community engagement initiatives. A two-time �鶹ӳ����ý graduate, he brings strategic financial leadership and a deep commitment to community impact. Shujaat earned his bachelor’s degree in business and MBA from �鶹ӳ����ý.

Fabio Zacco

Fabio Zacco serves as senior director and chief of staff at BNY, which was named a Pegasus Partner in 2025 after years of mentoring students and strengthening industry relationships. He also serves on the �鶹ӳ����ý Capital Markets Advisory Board.

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.” — 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’s new school and the college’s 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.

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership & Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences,” says Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury.

“�鶹ӳ����ý was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “This 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.”

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

The Universal and �鶹ӳ����ý 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 �鶹ӳ����ý 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’s research will build on �鶹ӳ����ý’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s 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 �鶹ӳ����ý 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 �鶹ӳ����ý/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with �鶹ӳ����ý we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent — and the next chapter will be even better,” Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences John Sprouls says. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been a global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” says �鶹ӳ����ý Rosen College of Hospitality Management Dean Cynthia Mejia. “By 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.”

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As �鶹ӳ����ý’s 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 �鶹ӳ����ý, 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 �鶹ӳ����ý.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of , �鶹ӳ����ý’s $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal’s commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.

Designed to accelerate innovation, the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations group connects real clinical and operational challenges with student and academic talent, creating a healthcare environment where ideas are tested, informed by feedback, and continually improved. The space serves as an extension of the system’s downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health’s presence within SPRK aligns with �鶹ӳ����ý’s broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, shared��challenges��and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential��learning��and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in��Orlando Health’s��long-standing partnership with �鶹ӳ����ý.

“By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.” ��— Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý president

The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive, year-round care for �鶹ӳ����ý student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As a��Pegasus Partner,��Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the��, which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and �鶹ӳ����ý collaborate on advanced technology projects��—��such as the AI for Medical Surgery system��—��jointly offer specialized residency programs and��collaborate in��many��additional��ways.

“Orlando Health has been an exceptional partner,��demonstrating��what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared��purpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located in��approximately��2,649��square feet��within SPRK, the��Strategic Innovations group��was intentionally placed, here,��to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

This co-location enables a new operating model. Orlando Health brings real health system��challenges��directly into the academic environment, and interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty,��and Orlando Health innovators rapidly design, test,��and refine solutions.

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI��models��and various orthopedic innovations.

“The opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at �鶹ӳ����ý represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas,” says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. “Through this partnership, we are creating a collaborative environment where clinicians, researchers, students and industry leaders can generate real-world solutions and drive innovations that will shape the future of how we care for patients.”

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents �鶹ӳ����ý’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Through��a collective effort��—��combining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate��partnerships, research��commercialization��and other revenue-generating endeavors��—���鶹ӳ����ý��is charting��a��bold��new path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

“This co-location with Orlando Health exemplifies the kind of partnership that powers Go for Launch, bringing industry and academia together to create real-world impact,” says Rod Grabowski, �鶹ӳ����ý vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation. “By aligning visionary partners with �鶹ӳ����ý’s innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives.”

�鶹ӳ����ý Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of �鶹ӳ����ý’s College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker’s nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how �鶹ӳ����ý is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

“With its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.” — Sharon Tucker

“I am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health’s support of the college,” says Tucker. “Partnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.”

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of �鶹ӳ����ý and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health’s senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

“Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson says. “It is an honor to continue to partner with �鶹ӳ����ý to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.”

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of �鶹ӳ����ý’s inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for �鶹ӳ����ý nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping �鶹ӳ����ý attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining �鶹ӳ����ý’s Go for Launch campaign.

Miller was impressed by our reputation as an early leader in technology and STEM fields, our connection to the space program and our success expanding into other areas. In fact, �鶹ӳ����ý boasted one of the highest certified public accountant (CPA) pass rates of any public university — impressive to an aspiring accountant.

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to �鶹ӳ����ý sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family’s trajectory, along with the university’s.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift — the largest single philanthropic investment in the university’s history — to position �鶹ӳ����ý as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

First-Generation Student

Miller is president and co-founder of both Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health. He also founded and sold another successful business in his entrepreneurial career.

But back when Miller was attending �鶹ӳ����ý, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

“My father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me,” Miller says. “In the summer, he would get me out of bed early and have me carrying lumber and working on roofs. I learned to work hard, but I also learned that [it] was a tough job to do for 50 years. I wanted to try a different path.”

Once he started on that path, there was no stopping him.

Building Foundations

At �鶹ӳ����ý, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

“I learned how to really study and apply myself academically at �鶹ӳ����ý. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school,” Miller says. “I didn’t know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at �鶹ӳ����ý has been foundational to my success.”

“I realize now that everything I learned at �鶹ӳ����ý has been foundational to my success.”

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to �鶹ӳ����ý. That’s where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw ’90 ’94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

“Initially, I wasn’t interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren’t serious about school or life, and I was,” Miller says. “But my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It’s where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more.”

“To this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes ’95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years,” Miller continues. “As I look back, everything in my life has a connection to �鶹ӳ����ý — my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie ’95, since we met in college.”

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to �鶹ӳ����ý. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, �鶹ӳ����ý Athletics’ Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

Each gift has been based on a personal connection or conviction.

“Being a first-generation student myself, having that opportunity to support students who are the first in their families to go to college is personal to me,” Miller says.

As his capacity to give grew, Miller wanted to make a transformative gift that would have an impact today and for generations to come. That led to conversations with university leaders about the opportunity to establish as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

To help bring that vision to life — and to build early momentum for , �鶹ӳ����ý’s comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future — Miller has committed to a $50 million gift, establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

The investment will accelerate an innovative new model of business education��designed for a world��where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare��students with the skills the marketplace demands.

“We are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before,” says Miller, who was inducted into the �鶹ӳ����ý College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. “I want �鶹ӳ����ý to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else.”

Inspiring Others

“Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to �鶹ӳ����ý anonymously. But as �鶹ӳ����ý unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in �鶹ӳ����ý’s vision.

“I hope this gift inspires people to be part of �鶹ӳ����ý’s mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it’s $10, $100 or $1,000 — it all makes a difference,” Miller says.

“I want to tell people this: If it’s not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now,” he continues. “Finding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.”

“�鶹ӳ����ý is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that �鶹ӳ����ý is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don’t just succeed in the world — they come back to help build what’s next.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ӳ����ý President

The investment will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will position �鶹ӳ����ý as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

“This is a defining moment for �鶹ӳ����ý and for the College of Business,” says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins ’01MBA. “As an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how �鶹ӳ����ý transforms lives by opening doors to opportunity, and this extraordinary gift takes that mission to an entirely new level, giving future generations of Knights access to a world-class business education and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

“We are deeply grateful to Barry for his extraordinary belief in this university and in the impact our students make. This is a defining moment for �鶹ӳ����ý and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “�鶹ӳ����ý is being trusted to lead, and Barry’s investment reinforces that �鶹ӳ����ý is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don’t just succeed in the world — they come back to help build what’s next.”

“�鶹ӳ����ý gave me the opportunity to build my future,” Miller says. “This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others — and ensuring students are prepared for a world where technology and business are constantly evolving.”

A Defining Moment for �鶹ӳ����ý

Few universities of �鶹ӳ����ý’s��young��age��have alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of this��milestone��is longtime��supporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,��president of��the Florida-based����and��Voloridge��Health.��Miller is��a first-generation��college��graduate whose early partnership and belief in the university helped accelerate �鶹ӳ����ý’s trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to widening��opportunity helped lay the groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn, innovate and launch their careers. Miller’s��latest��investment reflects �鶹ӳ����ý’s ability to��produce��talent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspires��that talent to return��not just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shape��what’s��next.

Building the Future of Business Education

“�鶹ӳ����ý gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others.” — Barry Miller ’95, ��Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

will��operate��as a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challenges��in emerging fields like artificial intelligence,��fintech��and digital risk.

The focus is not simply on technical skills, but on empowering graduates to take action to address organizational obstacles and lead in fields fueled by rapid technological change.

This vision is grounded in the region �鶹ӳ����ý calls home.

Orlando has rapidly��emerged��as one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology hubs,��with��demand for talent in fintech and��AI continuing��to��evolve.��Across Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,��risk��and data-driven decision-making.

�鶹ӳ����ý sits at the center of this momentum,��uniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will power��the future.

The investment will support��a multi-phase strategy designed to position �鶹ӳ����ý as��the��destination for business and technology education, including:

• Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,��trust��and disinformation
• A new��master’s��in��technology��leadership and��innovation
• Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, Bloomberg��training��and industry-led projects
• Growth of �鶹ӳ����ý’s corporate partnership ecosystem.

Together, these investments will create a learning environment that mirrors modern workplaces — fast��moving, data��driven and deeply connected to industry.

“Technology is advancing rapidly, and the real opportunity is in how organizations use it to perform,” says��College of Business Dean��Paul��Jarley. “This investment allows us to build a business school focused on how the work actually gets done��—–��where students learn to apply judgment, navigate ambiguity, and lead in environments shaped by technology, data, and organizational complexity.”

Accelerating Momentum

Miller’s leadership gift��marks a milestone in����— a��$3.5 billion��campaign to��expand��opportunity,��advance��discovery,��and drive impact across the university.

It sets the tone��for what comes next,��accelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in �鶹ӳ����ý’s future.

“This is what momentum looks like,” says��Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation. “It reflects confidence in �鶹ӳ����ý’s vision and signals to partners, alumni and investors that this university is building something meaningful and worth being part of.”

Together, talent, opportunity and partnership are converging,��positioning���鶹ӳ����ý��to��be a leading force in shaping��what’s��next in business,��technology��and innovation.

“�鶹ӳ����ý is not waiting to be recognized. We are being chosen, invested in and trusted to lead,” Cartwright says. “This milestone gift reflects a growing sense of pride across the university and signals the momentum others will want to help build — and it is only the beginning.”

With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth — we’re counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this �鶹ӳ����ý Day of Giving.

As Knights, we challenge status quo. We charge boldly ahead toward industry evolutions and technological advancements. We dare to build a future the world has only begun to imagine. And it’s all driven through moments like this and individuals like you.

Together,��we’re��launching Knights to new heights.

When the unexpected arises,��help��sometimes��comes in the form of .��Created to support��Knights��facing��hardship that may��hinder��their education,��this fund��provides��financial support��for textbooks,��fees��and other education-related��expenses��for qualifying students.

Your gift ensures that��when��life’s��trials��test our��Knights,��they��pass��with flying colors,��securing��the education��and future��they��deserve.

The  provides services, programming and resources for thousands of military-connected students currently enrolled at �鶹ӳ����ý.

helps ensure��that��those who have served and their connected students are fully supported as they pursue their educational and career goals.

�鶹ӳ����ý has been recognized��with a��Gold Award��on the��Military Friendly��Schools list, as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a Best Military-Friendly Online College and on the Military Times’ ��2025��Best for Vets Colleges List.��Help us��continue that legacy��of��serving those��who’ve��served.

offers an intensive, comprehensive therapy program��to those��navigating Aphasia, a��language��disorder that can arise from��health challenges such as��stroke,��brain��cancer��and brain injury,��and��affects��an individual’s ability to��read, write,��speak��and��comprehend��language.

Through the program,��individuals are��empowered to��make progress on their long-held goals, like talking with their grandchildren or ordering their favorite restaurant meal.

��on �鶹ӳ����ý Day of Giving��supports the continuation of this��important��service for our community, as well as the hands-on experience �鶹ӳ����ý student clinicians��receive.

Support �鶹ӳ����ý College of Medicine researchers as they��break��into new realms of��understanding��around��the��country’s��second leading cause of death��— cancer.��Through��innovative science,��they’re��exploring key��avenues of discovery��including��the role that��genes play��in��determining��a person’s cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread��and how to harness the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells.

The goal: to prevent cancer and find new therapies that improve quality of life��for patients.�� brings��us one��step closer��to��lives saved,��families unburdened��and a cure��realized.

Did you know��that �鶹ӳ����ý has one of the top Moot Court��teams in the nation, ranking��among the top 15��overall��by the American Moot Court Association?��Supervised by the , these student advocates��are challenged��with arguing��mock supreme court cases��on constitutional amendments.

and��national��leadership��by��making a gift on �鶹ӳ����ý Day of Giving.��Help��cover��competition travel expenses, as well as��the��cost of��the��annual tournament��hosted��at �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown��each fall.

It’s��time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us��as��we rally around��our favorite causes, and��maybe even��uncover some��new��ones, during �鶹ӳ����ý Day of Giving.��Find��more areas of support��by��exploring��the��, and��save the date to����on Thursday, April 9.����

Spanning multiple years, Go For Launch is the most ambitious revenue-generating effort in �鶹ӳ����ý’s history. The campaign builds on decades of momentum and reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what it will take for a modern, metropolitan research university to deliver at the scale the future demands.

Founded to power America’s space race, �鶹ӳ����ý has always been an institution built for moments of possibility. Go For Launch draws directly from that legacy, reaffirming �鶹ӳ����ý’s role as Florida’s Technological University and calling on Knights, partners and visionaries to help shape what comes next.

Campaign Goals and Timeline

The Go For Launch campaign seeks to generate $3.5 billion over a multi-year period through philanthropy, partnerships and aligned revenue strategies, advancing priorities that will shape �鶹ӳ����ý’s trajectory for decades. Funds will fuel innovation across the university, from breakthrough research and talent development to infrastructure and partnerships that extend �鶹ӳ����ý’s impact far beyond campus.

The campaign follows a successful pre-launch phase that quietly engaged donors, volunteers and community partners around a shared vision. As of Feb. 21, �鶹ӳ����ý has secured more than $2 billion in early commitments from individuals, families and partners who believe in the university’s bold future.

“This campaign is about matching �鶹ӳ����ý’s ambition with the resources required to deliver on it,” says �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright. “It is an investment in discovery, talent and solutions that will shape Florida’s future and improve lives far beyond our campus.”

Four Pillars Driving a Transformational Vision

Go For Launch is anchored by four integrated campaign pillars, each essential to �鶹ӳ����ý’s ability to deliver impact at scale.

Elevating Student Success
Elevating Student Success ensures every Knight has the support, resources and opportunities to thrive, from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Campaign investments will expand scholarships, strengthen proactive advising and success coaching, enhance career preparation and sustain innovative support systems that remove barriers before they derail progress. This pillar reflects �鶹ӳ����ý’s commitment to access and outcomes, preparing graduates who are confident, career-ready and equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Fueling Discovery and Innovation
Fueling Discovery and Innovation accelerates �鶹ӳ����ý’s role as a driver of breakthrough research and real-world solutions. Support will advance faculty-led research, interdisciplinary collaboration and student-driven discovery across areas such as space, cybersecurity, health, energy and advanced technologies. With strong industry partnerships, a thriving research ecosystem and a culture of commercialization, �鶹ӳ����ý is poised to move ideas faster from lab to impact, creating jobs, improving lives and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.

Advancing Future Frontiers
Advancing Future Frontiers positions �鶹ӳ����ý at the forefront of what’s next, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, space exploration, immersive technologies and aerospace medicine. Commitments will support research infrastructure, interdisciplinary institutes and bold experimentation that push beyond today’s limits and shape tomorrow’s industries. As technology and humanity converge, �鶹ӳ����ý is not waiting for the future to arrive. The university is actively inventing it, translating discovery into global impact and economic vitality.

Maximizing Competitive Excellence
Maximizing Competitive Excellence positions �鶹ӳ����ý to compete and win at the highest levels nationally. Campaign investments will strengthen faculty recruitment and retention, expand university-wide technology integration, enhance athletics and academic competitiveness, and continue building a destination campus that attracts top talent, industry partners and research opportunities. As Florida’s Next-Generation Preeminent Research University, �鶹ӳ����ý is focused on translating ambition into sustained performance, elevating our standing, sharpening our edges and ensuring excellence is not episodic but institutionalized.

Why This Campaign and Why Now

Go For Launch represents a clear evolution from �鶹ӳ����ý’s prior comprehensive campaigns, with specific focus on directly addressing the rising complexity and cost of delivering a world-class education and research enterprise. It recognizes that sustained excellence requires continued investment in people, ideas and infrastructure.

“Go For Launch will bring our university community together around our boldest aspirations,” says Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO, �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation Inc.�� “It will empower students, support faculty excellence, fuel innovation that strengthens our region and maximize competitive excellence. This campaign reflects our shared belief in what is possible and our commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come.”

A Launch Worth Celebrating

The public phase of Go For Launch was unveiled at campuswide launch events that brought together thousands of alumni, donors, faculty, students and community leaders. The immersive experience reflected the campaign’s spirit, featuring interactive installations, storytelling and moments that highlighted �鶹ӳ����ý’s impact across research, innovation and student success.

Campaign volunteer leadership was celebrated during the event, underscoring the personal commitment many leaders feel toward �鶹ӳ����ý’s mission and future.

Impact in Action

Investments generated through Go For Launch will directly advance research with real-world consequences, from improving health outcomes to accelerating breakthroughs in assistive technologies.

Go For Launch is both a continuation of �鶹ӳ����ý’s founding mission and a declaration of where the university is headed next. It signals confidence in �鶹ӳ����ý’s people, our ideas and our ability to lead.

To learn more about Go For Launch or to get involved, visit