Danielle Aming

The provided document is a transcript of a Provost Forum titled "Funding & Philanthropy." This forum details the University of Central Florida's strategic plan and its financial goals, focusing on cultivating diverse talent, leveraging distinctive assets, fostering partnerships, and implementing innovative academic and financial models. Key financial objectives discussed include generating $100 million in new non-philanthropic revenue by 2035, increasing endowed professorships to 80 by 2020, and expanding alumni giving to 30,000 donors by 2020. The "Ignite Campaign," aiming to raise $500 million and including the "Hit Initiative" for faculty endowment, is presented as a crucial component of these strategic funding efforts. The forum emphasizes donor engagement and long-term relationships for achieving the university's strategic objectives.

The meeting focused on regional priorities for Central Florida's seven counties, structured around four discussion panels. Key topics included infrastructure and growth, with an update on the commuter rail (SunRail); business climate and competitiveness, featuring an overview of the 'Open for Business' initiative aimed at job creation; civic and governance systems, emphasizing the development of a regional water strategy; and innovation and economic development, highlighting job growth, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and support for STEM fields. Speakers also discussed the overwhelming defeat of Amendment 4, the progress of regional assets like the Amway Center and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the success of the High-Tech Corridor Council research program, the launch of the UCF College of Medicine, and the economic impact of the Grow FL program. Furthermore, a resolution opposing further expansion of casino gambling in Florida was mentioned as a high priority.

The virtual open forum included updates from university leadership, including President Cartwright and Interim Provost Johnson, concerning the fall semester, COVID-19 planning for the spring semester, and diversity and inclusion efforts. Key discussion points included establishing a President's Student Advisory Council, commitments to improving search committee training and funding positions within diversity initiatives, and leadership conversations regarding civil workplace culture. Strategic planning focuses on achieving Top 50 public institution status, which requires investment in the academic core to increase faculty count to over 2,000 over three years and identifying funds for staff professional growth. Administrative restructuring includes re-establishing the university budget committee to review strategic investments. Furthermore, an external review of Student Development and Enrollment Services was completed, and updates were provided on senior leadership searches, including the hiring of the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, Gerald Hector, starting January 4th.

The document pertains to the Fall 2021 Commencement ceremony, which was the 166th commencement exercise for the University of Central Florida. The ceremony included acknowledgments of the graduating classes from the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) and the College of Health Professions and Sciences. Key discussion points included praising the graduates for demonstrating optimism, compassion, and determination despite pandemic-related obstacles, setting new records for academic excellence, and noting UCF's recognition as a top producer of Fulbright students. The commencement speaker, Dr. Pamela Carroll, Founding Dean for the College of Community Innovation and Education, discussed the importance of continuing to live by the UCF creed (Integrity, Scholarship, Community, Creativity, and Excellence) and stepping into new obligations post-graduation. She also highlighted alumni achievements, such as a graduate involved in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine development and another who competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Recognition was also given to ROTC graduates, student veterans, and faculty members.

The document details the UCF Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony. Key elements included the opening remarks by Dr. Rose Susan D'Bartee, the Grand Marshal, welcoming graduates, guests, and online viewers to the 170th commencement exercises. The ceremony featured the singing of the national anthem. President Alexander Cartwright addressed the graduates, celebrating their hard work, persistence, and adaptability, and emphasizing UCF's status as a university for the future. The President also recognized family and friends for their support. Speeches highlighted the achievements of UCF alumni, such as Dr. Maria Vasquez and Ken Dion, and acknowledged the university's high rankings in innovation and its role in supplying talent to the Aerospace and defense Industries. The commencement speaker, Dr. Bridget Burns, shared her personal journey as an underdog and offered advice centered on embracing challenges and finding purpose. The ceremony recognized graduates from the College of Community Innovation and Education and the College of Nursing, including those in ROTC programs and student veterans.