Community Engagement
See how UCF academics and leaders intersect and collaborate with the community and others in making the world a better place.
Fri Jan 15
Istarted learning about the ministry and civil rights work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in elementary school in my hometown of Philadelphia. I recall asking my parents how he managed to do so many things, and I remember them telling me that he led them but depended on people coming together and supporting…
Thu Jan 14
The show must go on, so Theatre UCF is finding new ways to bring live performances back to the stage for in-person shows this spring. The three outdoor performances include a hopeful musical concert, a colorful Commedia dell’arte play and a family-friendly show about wanting to be anything but average. To maintain the health and…
Wed Jan 13
On Inauguration Day — January 20 — I always think there’s no better time to recommit to the spirit of the man who held the president’s office first. George Washington, the man who invented the inauguration speech, crafted an address that speaks to what unites Americans. Washington took office in a precarious moment. The previous…
Mon Jan 11
Florida’s threatened coral reefs have a more than $4 billion annual economic impact on the state’s economy, and University of Central Florida researchers are zeroing in on one factor that could be limiting their survival – coral skeleton strength. In a new study published in the journal Coral Reefs, UCF engineering researchers tested how well staghorn…
Mon Jan 11
We are all concerned about the status of COVID-19 in Central Florida, especially as we prepare to start spring classes on Monday. As physicians and faculty, we want to share information about the virus and UCF’s plan. We have been living with COVID since March, and the university’s robust contact tracing program has shown no…
Mon Jan 11
When UCF resumed reduced campus operations last fall, the university made numerous upgrades to cleaning and safety procedures to help promote a healthier environment for Knights. These changes included reducing seating capacity in classes, adding hand sanitizing stations across campuses and using disinfectant foggers to conduct efficient cleaning, among many others. As UCF continues to…
Fri Jan 8
If you’ve set a New Year’s resolution to read more books in 2021, you can start making good on your promise with “Silver Sparrow,” part of the NEA Big Read: Central Florida program. UCF faculty, staff and students can pick up a complimentary copy at the John C. Hitt Library of Tayari Jones’ fiction novel…
Wed Jan 6
There are the average demands of a final semester in college, and then there’s Raquel Lozano’s life. She’s juggling two majors — political science and public administration — a minor in urban and regional planning and a certificate in human resources. The 24-year-old has the power of attorney and is the healthcare surrogate for her grandmother, who raised her and with whom…
Wed Jan 6
After a national search, UCF has selected Matthew Hall as its new vice president for information technology and chief information officer. He is expected to start his new role on Feb. 5. “I look forward to welcoming Matt to the leadership team and to working with him to help our faculty, staff and students to…
Tue Jan 5
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make an enormous impact on the world in just about every area of life, it has also underscored the importance of global health awareness and the challenges faced across populations. These issues and more will be explored at the College of Medicine’s 2021 Global Health Conference entitled, “Global Health Conference X:…
Fri Dec 18
2020 has certainly been full of challenges. Melinda and I are proud to be associated with faculty, staff and students whose remarkable resilience during these difficult times helped UCF flourish as a metropolitan research university and continue to reach new heights in academic, operational and inclusive excellence. While we know that many are still struggling, we…
Thu Dec 17
In this last COVID-19 health tip before the holidays, we’re addressing gratitude — an approach to life that helps improve your mental outlook, especially during challenging times. Medical research also shows that grateful, thankful people are better in protecting their physical health and in dealing with healthcare challenges. For advice on how to practice gratitude,…
Wed Dec 16
This week marks the fourth time in three years that representatives from UCF-based Limbitless Solutions has spoken at the United Nations. Limbitless Solutions, which makes bionic arms for children and expects to launch adult clinical trials in 2021, has been a strong advocate of the power technology to create a more inclusive world. The U.N.…
Wed Dec 16
Orlando’s own Flying Horse Big Band celebrates the legacy of Ray Charles. On their 7th album, The Flying Horse Big Band, joined by a host of distinguished guest artists, stands on the shoulders of genius. Ray Charles spent his formative years in Florida and went on to forge a long, successful career unique and stunning musical interpretations.…
Wed Dec 16
Proceeds from UCF-designed and Rock ’Em-manufactured face coverings have raised $50,000 for the UCF Student Emergency Fund as of this month. The masks were released in August as part of an âArmor Up, Knights’ fundraiser. UCF Marketing teamed up with Rock ’Em — an Orlando-based company started in 2011 by former UCF student Rob Starkman — to…
Wed Dec 16
Bite Knights aims to inspire college students to experiment in the kitchen and try new dishes. The series encourages students that there’s no right or wrong way to cook, as long as you are having fun and staying safe. In this episode, UCF Social Ambassador and Bite Knights host Christopher D’Andrea is joined by two…
Wed Dec 16
Iam a competitor. We all are to some extent—some more than others. We all have something ingrained in our primitive brains: We love to win. This is the reason when I wake up every morning that I pick my feet up no matter how heavy they may feel. Whether it’s a game of rock-paper-scissors or…
Tue Dec 15
Today, Limbitless Solutions announced that beginning in 2021, recipients of 3D-printed prosthetic arms from UCF’s Limbitless Solutions get to choose new bionic designs from the world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Kassandra, a main character in the universe, is an elite warrior whose resilience and strength enabled her to change the world, and Ubisoft and Limbitless Solutions…
Mon Dec 14
Whenever there is a crisis, Knights step up to the challenge to help campus, local and global communities as best we can. The coronavirus pandemic was no exception. Here are some of the ways Knight Nation has made a difference through community, innovation and impact efforts. Protecting the Community UCF partnered with Aventus Biolabs to…