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Advancement & Partnerships Event Photos
Explore highlights from UCF’s Go for Launch campaign through a collection of photo galleries capturing the energy, pride, and impact of our signature events. From the excitement of the Pep Rally to the inspiring moments of Liftoff, these galleries showcase the people, partnerships, and shared vision driving UCF forward. Experience how our community comes together to celebrate progress, champion innovation, and support the future of our students and university.
ADVANCEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS NEWS
IMPACT IN ACTION
The honorees are advancing discovery across fields ranging from transportation safety and quantum science to tourism, disaster resilience and emerging technology.
As transportation office program lead engineer in NASA’s Moon Base Program, Teresa Kinney ’11MS is helping shape the systems that will move cargo and critical capabilities to and across the lunar surface.
By embracing both his creative instincts and analytical mindset, Alex Bair ’16 has carved out an unexpected career helping move the entertainment industry forward.
From industry summits and moon gazing to a spectacular drone show and the 10th annual Space Game, experience a week of events celebrating UCF’s space origin and the people and discoveries moving it forward.
Space has always inspired what Knights do. The same unstoppable spirit that launched UCF still drives us — to challenge, lead and dare to explore the unknown.
Celebrating 10 years of the UCF Space Game, the 2026 uniforms pay tribute to NASA’s beginnings and UCF’s origin as America’s Space University.
A unique anechoic chamber devoted to research on human health — specifically hearing — is now open on UCF’s main campus.
This guide shares key dates and resources available to help make registering for your next semester as smooth as possible.
VIDEOS
UCF: Maximizing Competitive Excellence | Go For Launch
UCF was founded on one purpose: prepare for and own the future. Discover how our relentless drive toward excellence is propelling us to national and global prominence across the spectrum of student and faculty achievement from science and business to athletics and themed experiences. See what the world is watching. Join our mission today. We are Go For Launch.
UCF: The Avatar Era
Join Carolina Cruz-Neira, Ph. D., University of Central Florida faculty and a member of the National Academy of Engineering as she discusses how UCF is using the power of technology to drive positive change. Explore the VARlab, learn how embodied AI agents can help at home and the workplace and how digital twins can extend human presence beyond the body.
UCF Charles Millican Legacy Society
UCF’s Future Begins: Go For Launch
At UCF, we are building the futures we are just starting to imagine, because the world needs visionaries and problem-solvers who can tackle what’s next. We invite you to imagine what’s possible as we launch together. Join us on our mission from the campus to the stars!
VIDEOS
Meet the Go For Launch Mission Commanders
UCF Fintech Leading the Nation in Emerging IT Developments and Finance
How UCF is Designing Dining for Deep Space
As space tourism accelerates from concept to commercial reality, one essential question remains: What will travelers eat — and how will it elevate their experience?
At UCF, Possibility Begins with You
At UCF, breakthroughs do not happen by accident. They begin with curiosity, courage and the commitment to invest in what comes next. In this video, students, faculty and alumni share the discoveries they are making today and the bold questions they are pursuing for tomorrow.
UCF: Scaling the Future of Space Exploration
Space exploration is entering a new era. The question is no longer whether we can reach orbit — but how we prepare for Mars. In this video, our experts explore what it takes to move from moonshots to Mars — and why the groundwork must be laid now.
UCF: Elevating Student Success
What does it mean to be at the epicenter of opportunity?
At UCF, it means freedom — the freedom to explore, to strive, and to imagine yourself doing what once felt out of reach.
UCF: Fueling Discovery and Innovation
At UCF, anything is possible.
From photonics and nuclear chemistry to AI, theater technology and hearing science, our students and faculty move bold ideas from concept to real-world impact.
UCF: Advancing Future Frontiers
We don’t wait for the future.
We build it.
Through applied research, collaboration and fearless creativity, UCF is advancing the frontiers that will shape our world.
VIDEOS
THE LATEST FROM ALUMNI
Tell us a little about yourself! Since graduating from UCF I explored multiple career options before becoming an author. I worked in finance and law and thought of pursuing a law degree. It didn’t take too long in the corporate world for me to realize I just didn’t have any interest or passion for what […]
Tell us a little about yourself! Hey Knight Nation! I’m Melyssa Allen — a double board-certified lifestyle medicine coach, author, and founder of Melyssa with a WHY, LLC where I help busy people create healthy lifestyles that last and leave them feeling empowered and energized! I am a 2x UCF Alum holding my bachelor’s degrees […]
Tell us about yourself:I’m a fifth-generation Floridian who’s lived the past three decades in Virginia. After graduating from UCF, I moved to Tallahassee, got a graduate degree in library admin, and worked full-time for various agencies, including the Jacksonville Public Libraries, Florida State Hospital, and the Florida Department of Commerce. All the while I wrote […]
Hep Aldridge is a certified scuba diver, cave diver, amateur archaeologist, and retired college administrator whose main area of interest in Pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas has expanded to the mysteries of ancient civilizations worldwide. He has led or been part of archaeological expeditions to Mexico and Honduras, making discoveries that have been reported in National Geographic magazine. Hep’s […]
Tell us a little about yourself! I’m Akiya Maston, a K–8 school principal, award-winning author, and Adolescent Development Specialist with more than 22 years of hands-on experience guiding young people through their most transformative years. My journey began at the University of Central Florida (Class of ’99), where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology, my […]
Tell us a little about yourself! Bill Singer, Psy.D., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., C.A.P., believes in doing as much as he can to make the world a better place. He is a lifelong learner and has earned six college degrees in the fields of psychology, sociology, and clinical social work. He is licensed in Florida as a […]
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Founded in 1994 by Tom Messina ’84 and Mike Hinn ’92, Pegasus magazine is the official publication of the University of Central Florida, published twice annually. Find the latest in research developments, student success stories, university advancements and alumni news.
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