This year’s tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations — United States, Canada and Mexico — 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 – July 19, including the championship match in New York and third place playoff in Miami.

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

Here’s a look at some of the Knights bringing this event to life.

Izzy Angel ’23

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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 �鶹ӳ����ý 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’s 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 ’25

Bachelor’s in integrated business

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

At �鶹ӳ����ý, 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 ’23 ’26MSBM ’26MBA

Bachelor’s in kinesiology
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Master’s in business administration

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

“Because of the connections, mentorship and opportunities I gained through �鶹ӳ����ý, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.”

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. �鶹ӳ����ý 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 �鶹ӳ����ý 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 �鶹ӳ����ý, these experiences expanded my confidence and showed me that I truly belong in this industry.

Daniel Garzon ’23 ’24MSBM ’24MBA

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Master’s in business administration

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

William Mendez ’26MSBM ’26MBA

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Master’s in business administration

Role: Team protocol liaison officer
FIFA site: Miami

I will provide operational support as a main point of contact for the teams’ protocol representatives, managing VIP/VVIP seating, ticket distribution and logistics. I’m truly excited to be part of an event of this magnitude because FIFA ’26 goes beyond sports by bringing people together across cultures from all over the world. The DeVos Sport Business Management program at �鶹ӳ����ý 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’Toole ’26MSBM ’26MBA

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Master’s in business administration

Role: Accreditation center coordinator
FIFA site: 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 ’17

Bachelor’s in management

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FIFA site: Tampa, Florida

The sport business management minor at �鶹ӳ����ý 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 for.

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. Panama World Cup Qualifier ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Every team participating in the World Cup chooses a designated home base, which includes the team hotel, training site and other operational support facilities as needed. My role is centered around acting as FIFA’s primary operational lead on-site for Cabo Verde’s home base in Tampa to ensure a seamless, world-class experience.

Annie Quaile ’06

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Role: Venue manager, 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 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 �鶹ӳ����ý was learning how to balance creativity, leadership and problem-solving under pressure, which is essentially the foundation of live event and operational management. The FIFA World Cup is one of the few truly global experiences that brings together people from every background, culture and country around a shared passion. All of the planning, coordination and operational work happens behind the scenes for months, so finally seeing people from around the world gathering together, celebrating and creating memories is incredibly rewarding.

Andres Sifontes ’24

Bachelor’s in communication

Role: 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 — including partners like Coca-Cola, Adidas and Visa — receive proper credentials. �鶹ӳ����ý’s communication program, and especially my Communication Research Methods���ʰ��Ǵڱ�����ǰ� , 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 �鶹ӳ����ý helped me build the foundation to pursue it professionally. After graduation, I worked with Inter Miami CF, and now with FIFA, I’ve 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 — and that it all started at �鶹ӳ����ý.

Dennis Sprenkle ’01

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Role: Director of workforce and human resources
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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 �鶹ӳ����ý. Working for a governing body like FIFA in many respects is akin to working for the United Nations. … 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 �鶹ӳ����ý as a leader in Student Government certainly laid the foundation and has helped prepare me for this opportunity.

Ryan Taheri ’24

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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.

“�鶹ӳ����ý pushed me into leadership opportunities early and taught me how to work in fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts.”

A lot of the role comes down to staying organized, communicating clearly and solving problems quickly. �鶹ӳ����ý 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’t think I realized at the time how much of my experience at �鶹ӳ����ý directly prepared me for working on something as large and complex as a FIFA ’26.

Alejandro Tarazona ’22

Bachelor’s in integrated business

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FIFA site: Miami

I oversee transportation operations and logistics at all 75 training sites across U.S., Canada and Mexico — 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 Florida, but financially, it just didn’t make sense for my family and me. Instead I enrolled at Valencia College and earned my degree through the .

�鶹ӳ����ý gave me the technical skills I needed for my managerial position now, like creating financial analysis for labor rates across 16 stadiums that we’ll be using in U.S., Canada and Mexico. As a former soccer player and as someone who is obsessed with the sport, working for one of the biggest and best sports organization in the world has been a lifelong goal. This experience has taught me to consider redefining what’s possible and keep setting goals.

Tomas Upegui ’22

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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.

Our students are groundbreaking national and global scholarship winners, researchers, athletes, teaching assistants, residence assistants and leaders in campus organizations, including Student Government, LEAD Scholars and the President’s Leadership Council. The honorees include transfer students, those from first-generation and international backgrounds and members of the Burnett Honors College.

Aside from focusing on academics and campus causes, many of the student honorees volunteered at hospitals, schools, parks, food banks, shelters, clinics, youth clubs and with many community service organizations — at times as organizers and coordinators for support drives and campaigns.

“When you look at this group, you see trajectory.” — John Buckwalter, �鶹ӳ����ý’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs

“The students we recognize at our Founders’ Day Student Honors Celebration are extraordinary not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they’ve shaped their time at �鶹ӳ����ý. They’ve pursued opportunities, challenged themselves and lifted others along the way,” says John Buckwalter, �鶹ӳ����ý’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “When you look at this group, you see trajectory — students whose experiences here are opening doors in meaningful ways and changing the direction of their futures, the trajectories of their families and the communities they inhabit.”

Student award categories highlight new inductees of the Order of Pegasus, �鶹ӳ����ý’s highest student honor; graduate awards for outstanding master’s thesis and outstanding dissertation; undergraduate awards for honors thesis; and individual college awardees as chosen by the respective college deans. All honorees earned financial awards.

This year’s 37 inductees into the Order of Pegasus mark the 25^th anniversary class of top-achieving Knights. The average GPA of the 2026 class is 3.912.

The campus community is invited to attend the Student Honors Celebration on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Student Union’s Pegasus Ballroom. A brief reception will follow.

Here are the students to be recognized.

Order of Pegasus Inductees

• Fatima Alziyad, College of Health Professions and Sciences and Burnett Honors College
• Andy Ayup, College of Sciences
• Megan Bailey, College of Engineering and Computer Science and Burnett Honors College
• Stacie Becker ’23, College of Arts and Humanities
• Akash Hari Bharath ’25MS, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Swati Bhargava ’25MS, College of Optics and Photonics
• Sanjana Bhatt, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Griffon Binkowski ’24, College of Sciences and Burnett Honors College
• Ossyris Bury, College of Engineering and Computer Science and Burnett Honors College
• Nico Chen, College of Arts and Humanities and Burnett Honors College
• Kyle Coutray, College of Medicine, College of Engineering and Computer Science and Burnett Honors College
• Allyson Crighton, College of Nursing and Burnett Honors College
• Nyauni Crowelle-Feggins, College of Health Professions and Sciences and Burnett Honors College
• Cameron Cummins, College of Arts and Humanities and Burnett Honors College
• Andrew “Drew” Hansen ’25, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Andrea Hernandez Gomez, College of Sciences
• Lindsey Hildebrand, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Ariana Johnson, College of Medicine
• Sanjan Kumar ’23, College of Medicine
• Kworweinski Lafontant, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Meera Lakshmanan, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Abrianna Lalle, College of Nursing
• Ilana Logvinov, College of Nursing
• Hannah Lovejoy, College of Business
• Taiel Lucile, College of Health Professions and Sciences and Burnett Honors College
• Robin Marquez, College of Sciences
• Shanel Moya Aguero, College of Community Innovation and Education and Burnett Honors College
• Gabrielle “Gabby” Murison, College of Sciences
• Varun Nannuri, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Natalie Otero, College of Business and Burnett Honors College
• Om Pathak, College of Medicine, College of Arts and Humanities and Burnett Honors College
• Pritha Sarkar ’24, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Jacob Vierling, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Janapriya Vijayakumar, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Ornella Vintimilla, College of Medicine and Burnett Honors College
• Om Vishanagra, College of Medicine, College of Engineering and Computer Science and Burnett Honors College

Undergraduate Student Awards

College Founders’ Award

• Liam Pivnichny, Burnett Honors College
• Antonella Bisbal Hernandez, College of Arts and Humanities
• Jordan Nell, College of Business
• Jude Hagan, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Ossyris Bury, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Timothy Horanic, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Sun Latt, College of Medicine
• Abrianna Lalle, College of Nursing
• Jacob Silver, College of Optics and Photonics
• Emily Willis, College of Sciences
• Fabian Rodriguez Gomez, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Outstanding Honors Undergraduate Thesis

• Edwin Garcia ’25, College of Arts and Humanities, Outstanding Honors Thesis in Arts, Humanities and Creative Inquiry
• Eric Haseman ’25, College of Sciences, Outstanding Honors Undergraduate Thesis in Social Sciences
• Shreya Pawar ’25, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Outstanding Honors Undergraduate Thesis in Natural Sciences
• Andrea Molero Perez ’25, College of Medicine, Outstanding Honors Undergraduate Thesis in Health Sciences
• Nicholas Rose ’25, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Outstanding Honors Thesis in Engineering and Technology

Graduate Student Awards

Outstanding Dissertation

• Jessica Moon ’25PhD, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Michael Pierro ’20 ’23MS ’25PhD, College of Engineering and Computer Science

“There has always been a need for open educational resources in higher education,” says Nicole Lapeyrouse, a �鶹ӳ����ý chemistry professor and 2023 Affordable Instructional Materials (AIM) High Impact Award winner. “By adopting or creating OER, you are able to further support students by making your courses more affordable and helping reduce the financial burden on students.”

Isabella Griffin, a student in Lapeyrouse’s Chemistry Fundamentals I course, confirms those benefits.

“The free textbook has helped ease the financial burden associated with being a college student.,” she says. “Sometimes, high prices prevent students from having textbook access — to the detriment of student learning. I greatly appreciate the free and open access to [the eBook]. It has increased my ability to access relevant and useful resources related to class.”

“From my own personal experience with not always having access to affordable resources,” says Lapeyrouse, “I wanted to prevent students from having to make a tough call on [whether to] buy the required resources or pay a bill.”

According to the 2022 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey conducted by Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC), 53% of students from Florida’s public higher education institutions indicated they did not purchase a required textbook for financial reasons. Forty-four percent took fewer courses. Thirty-eight percent did not register for a specific course. And 24% dropped a course due to the high cost of textbooks.

During the Fall 2022 semester, at least 61 �鶹ӳ����ý faculty members provided their required course materials at no cost to students through the use of OER. These efforts resulted in an estimated combined savings of $1,439,063.64 for 12,306 students enrolled in 99 course sections across four colleges and 12 departments. Since the Fall 2020 semester, roughly 18% of �鶹ӳ����ý students took a course offering OER — a 9% increase.

“We are grateful to our faculty who go the extra distance to make student course materials affordable,” says Michael D. Johnson, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The success of our students is paramount, and these efforts are being felt university-wide.”

The growth of OER across �鶹ӳ����ý has been fueled by a mixture of highly-motivated teams situated within �鶹ӳ����ý Digital Learning, �鶹ӳ����ý Libraries, Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL), Student Government, registered student organizations, such as Wiki Knights, and most importantly, the faculty units intent on delivering free, openly-licensed course materials to replace costly versions of the same or very similar content being sold on the free market.

“The work that Nicole and her colleagues are doing on OER is remarkable in several aspects,” says Department of Chemistry Chair Michael Hampton. “These OER materials are readily available at any time, at no charge, and can be used as a library for students to review and reinforce their studies. Additionally, faculty, including Nicole and her colleagues, are preparing these materials free of charge — [an example of] action arising from dedication.”

Data, such as those reported in the FLVC survey, continue to motivate �鶹ӳ����ý faculty, staff and students to devise actionable plans for creating viable open solutions that promote equitable access to customizable, shareable and impactful course materials.

This year, Student Government  has been a major talking point at recent meetings with high-level administration, and units across campus have already offered support to amplify student voices on this topic.

The FCTL, for example, expressed a willingness to deliver select communications about open education and shared ideas for a tabling opportunity to increase faculty awareness. Registered student organization Florida PIRG Students at �鶹ӳ����ý is also back in swing and working with the to help bring textbook affordability to the forefront.

Additionally, the �鶹ӳ����ý Libraries continues to offer support to the open education initiative by collaborating during bi-weekly team meetings, supporting Wiki Knights tabling events and generally helping advance strategic aspects of the OER movement.

How to Get Tickets

Students must use their Knights email to create an account and claim their tickets online through Ticketmaster March 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are limited and will be first come, first served.

Once students have claimed their tickets, they will receive email from Student Government with a link to sign up for a pick-up date and time during a three-week distribution period. Students will need their �鶹ӳ����ý ID to pick-up their tickets.

Digital ticket vouchers will not provide students access to the event.

Guest Tickets

This year, guest tickets will not be sold for Universal Knights.

Pass Holders

Universal Studios annual and seasonal pass holders still need to get a Universal Knights ticket to attend the entire event. Only attendees with the Universal Knights wristband will be allowed inside the park after 8 p.m. Annual passholders without a Universal Knights wristband must leave the park by 8 p.m.

Transient Students

Students who are enrolled at �鶹ӳ����ý but currently taking courses at another college or university for the Spring 2021 semester are unable to receive a free Universal Knights ticket.

Transferring Tickets

Students who have claimed a ticket and no longer wish to or are unable to attend Universal Knights may give their ticket to another student. To do so, do not use the transfer ticket option on Ticketmaster. Students who originally claimed a ticket must pick up physical tickets in-person before giving it to another student.

Reselling Tickets

Selling a Universal Knights ticket is a violation of the �鶹ӳ����ý Golden Rule. Violations are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Golden Rule Review Committee.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

Universal has implemented COVID-19 guidelines to ensure safety guidelines for all of their guests, which includes �鶹ӳ����ý students during the entire Universal Knights event.  These safety measures include:

• Temperature checks will be required upon arrival, and guests with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be admitted.
• Wearing a face covering throughout the park, including while waiting for and on rides, is required.
• Practice social distancing and keep at least 6 feet between your travel party and others.
• While in lines at the parks, standing on the floor markings until the group in front of you moves forward.
• At select locations including prior to boarding ride vehicles, guests will be required to use hand sanitizer.
• Washing hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.
• Following directions from team members and having patience as Universal works through these new operational procedures.

Transportation

Students who plan to drive to and from Universal Studios must use the free parking pass provided by SG. The parking pass becomes valid at 3 p.m. on the day of the event.

SG will provide limited busing to Universal Studios from main campus and back. Students must sign up for separate rides to and from the park between 3 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on the day of the event.  Students will need to bring their �鶹ӳ����ý IDs to ride these buses.

Food and Drinks

You are allowed to take bottled water and small snacks in a backpack or soft-sided bag.

There are different quick-service dining plans that include meals, snack and drinks available between $15.99 and $29.99 plus tax. They can be purchased online in advance or at guest services on the day of your visit.

What to Wear

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will be on your feet for hours.

Don’t forget sunscreen and hats to help keep you protected from the heat before the sun goes down.

A lightweight jacket might also be useful at night in case it gets cooler.

What to Take

Students must present a valid �鶹ӳ����ý ID at the entrance of the parks on April 12 in order to attend Universal Knights.

To save money, take a small backpack with snacks and sealed water bottles.

Be sure to put your phone on low-battery mode and, if you have one, take a portable charger to make sure your phone doesn’t die.

Wait Times for Rides

You can save time looking for the shortest lines by downloading the Magic Guide: Universal Orlando app to keep track of each ride’s wait time.

Share your experience on social media by tagging @�鶹ӳ����ý, @�鶹ӳ����ýSG and using #UniversalKnights2021.

The segment focuses on newly implemented safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including Plexiglas in high-contact areas, classroom and resident hall capacities, and sanitizing stations around campus.

“To me, student safety is the priority, and we have to focus on that,” Student Government President Sabrina La Rosa says in the clip.

This year’s inductees include seven LEAD Scholars, five President’s Leadership Council members, seven Student Government leaders, 11 Burnett Honors College scholars, three Greek members, two student-athletes and three transfer students, including one as a master’s degree student. Their collective GPA is 3.88.

Undergraduate students are selected based on academic achievement, university involvement, leadership and community service. Graduate students additionally are chosen based on publication or research experiences.

This year’s recipients will be honored at 5 p.m. April 6 at a ceremony in the Pegasus Ballroom.

The names and pictures of the recipients will be added to the wall showcasing past and present Order of Pegasus recipients in the Pegasus Lounge on the second floor of the Student Union. Inductees also receive commemorative medals and scholarships from Student Government.

This year’s recipients are:

• Yaser Ahmad, biomedical sciences (College of Medicine, Burnett Honors College)
• Karla Badillo-Urquiloa ’14 ’15MS, modeling and simulation (College of Engineering and Computer Science)
• Kyle Benkel, biomedical sciences (College of Medicine, Burnett Honors College)
• Samantha Berg, (College of Sciences, Burnett Honors College)
• Giorgi Beruashvili, international and global studies (College of Sciences, Burnett Honors College)
• Safia Centner, – pre-clinical (College of Health Professions and Sciences, Burnett Honors College)
• Breon Clark, – pre-clinical (College of Health Professions and Sciences)
• Kristen Detz, elementary education (College of Community Innovation and Education, Burnett Honors College)
• Jenna Dovydaitis, political science/biology (College of Sciences, Burnett Honors College)
• Taylor Duffy, – pre-clinical (College of Health Professions and Sciences)
• Kyler Gray, (College of Community Innovation and Education)
• Timothy Hill ’18, /criminal justice (College of Community Innovation and Education)
• Stephanie Jarmak, physics/planetary science (College of Sciences)
• Samuel Mikhail, biomedical sciences (College of Medicine, Burnett Honors College)
• Victoria Millington, biomedical sciences (College of Medicine, Burnett Honors College)
• Madeline Mills, political science/pre-law (College of Sciences)
• Sharon Park ’19, (College of Engineering and Computer Science)
• Taylor Pryor, English literature (College of Arts and Humanities, Burnett Honors College)
• Ryan Ridenbaugh ’16, biology (College of Sciences)
• Allison Sabol, (College of Business)
• Rachel Sampson, (College of Optics and Photonics)
• Sirikanya Sellers, (College of Medicine)
• Sarah Swiersz, (College of Undergraduate Studies, Burnett Honors College)
• George Walters-Marrah, biomedical sciences (College of Medicine)

More than 20 of our students are from the Bahamas, and our hearts go out to them, their families and their communities. In addition, many of our faculty and staff have connections to these islands.

There are a those hurt by Hurricane Dorian, and I encourage you to support the Bahamas the way that seems best to you. You also can reach out to �鶹ӳ����ý Global or Student Government to learn more about local relief efforts. Other efforts are underway for any affected students and will be shared soon.

�鶹ӳ����ý was fortunately spared the worst of Hurricane Dorian. Our experience preparing for the storm made me very proud of our university’s response.

Katie and I applaud the professionalism of our emergency management and public safety teams. They prepared our campuses this past week and ensured everything is up and running today. We also saw firsthand the compassion of those from Housing and Residence Life .

�鶹ӳ����ý’s financial aid, student account services and finance and accounting teams worked throughout the closure, as well, to complete disbursements and refunds this week.

Our medical students volunteered in Seminole County shelters to care for people who had to leave their homes. There’s no better way to give back than when it’s needed most.

The Knights Helping Knights Pantry, which reopens today, provides free clothing, food, toiletries and other items to students, no questions asked.

If you purchased more food than needed to prepare for the storm, consider donating those items to Knights Pantry. You can drop off items at the pantry in Ferrell Commons, at the President’s Office in Millican Hall or in donation bins set up across campus, which can be found under “Maps” in the .

Storm closures are never easy, but I encourage our faculty to be flexible with students who heeded early warnings and chose to evacuate. Equally important, any student who has difficulty returning in time for Friday classes should contact their faculty member directly.

Times like these remind me of the many reasons why �鶹ӳ����ý is so special — and why our campus community truly is a family.

Charge On!