IMPACT Magazine UCF

IMPACT

UNLEASHING POTENTIAL HOW PHILANTHROPY FUELS EXCELLENCE

INSIDE:

College of Arts & Humanities

Dean Jeff Moore on the power of philanthropy (and music).

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UCF FOUNDATION

“Accessible green spaces make our communities more vibrant and livable. We are proud to work with

to support the UCF Arboretum and its programming.”

—Nick Miceli, regional president for Florida Metro at TD Bank, and board chair, TD Charitable Foundation.

Living Laboratory

TD Charitable Foundation recently gave $10,000 to allow the UCF Arboretum to increase its outreach and build stronger ties to the community through family-friendly free Community Day events. The events offer a more structured way for visitors to get to know the wonders of the Arboretum, an 82-acre green space on campus and academic and research gem that provides hands-on opportunities for students and visitors to explore and learn about the native plant, animal and insect life of our Central Florida environment.

Community Days include a rotating schedule of learning stations, guided trail walks and seasonal themed handson projects and have been a resounding success. “We know green spaces provide countless social, health and economic benefits, which is why expanding access is so critical to making our communities more vibrant and livable,” says Nick Miceli, regional president for Florida Metro at TD Bank and board chair of the TD Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to support UCF and work with them to increase access to and engagement with our unique and beautiful green spaces for residents of East Orlando.”

We’ve made some changes to IMPACT this issue, and we hope you love them. We’ve also enhanced the online magazine experience with more in-depth features and video content. You can find IMPACT online at ucffoundation.org/impact. As always, we welcome your feedback — and if you’ve got a great UCF story, please let us know!

Thank you for your support.

Susan Watkins, Managing Editor, UCF Advancement Communications susan.watkins@ucf.edu

$1 MILLION GIFT SUPPORTS PROGRAMS AMPLIFYING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The idea that international experience opens us to intercultural understanding is a driving force behind Jonathan and Nancy Wolf’s establishment of a $1 million endowment — the Jonathan & Nancy Wolf Fund for Global Dialog — to support UCF’s Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII). GPII connects the UCF campus and the Central Florida community to global cultures, ideas and information and acts as a think tank supporting UCF’s international programs, global partnerships, collaborative research with faculty and more.

The Wolfs are committed to supporting philanthropic efforts locally and globally. In 2018, they created a partnership between UCF and the American University of Cairo, where Jonathan Wolf studied and now serves on the board of trustees. The partnership paved the way for a reciprocal study-abroad agreement, the Nancy and Jonathan Wolf Global Academic Initiative. In addition to the student exchange component, the Wolfs also support other areas of cooperation, including faculty visits, exchanges and development programs.

“The Wolfs’ endowment will help foster greater intercultural understanding, support innovative international education and create more engaged citizens of the world,” says David Dumke, executive director, UCF GPII. “We’re grateful to the Wolfs for their ongoing support that has enabled GPII to grow as a hub for advancing UCF’s international profile and engagement.”

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but . . . it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”

— Maya Angelou

“The generosity of Jim and Julia [Rosengren] has helped the university tremendously. Their support of programs across UCF and their commitment to our students, student-athletes and overall academic excellence will benefit lives and UCF’s upward trajectory for many years to come.”

MICHAEL D. JOHNSON, UCF provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, speaking about Jim Rosengren, who passed away in March.

HELIOS EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND UCF INVEST $3.25 MILLION IN NEW DOWNTOWN SCHOLARS INITIATIVE

The number of students from Jones, Evans and Oak Ridge high schools in Orlando who earn degrees from UCF may soon increase, thanks to a $2 million grant from Helios Education Foundation. The partnership between Helios and UCF launches the UCF Downtown Scholars Initiative (UCF DSI) to create new pathways to success at UCF for qualified students at the target schools. Inspired by Helios’ leadership and generosity, the university is also contributing funds to the new initiative, resulting in a combined investment of $3.25 million.

“Through this partnership with Helios, we are opening educational pathways that unleash the potential of these students and empower them to pursue excellence, earn success and boost their upward mobility,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright.

NOTES OF GRATITUDE

Students and others whose lives have been changed by donors like you.

“I feel very proud and grateful for the opportunity. UCF has always been the school I wanted to attend, because I grew up here in Orlando, so when I heard about this program, I knew I had to jump on it. I’m really excited to be a Knight.”

ALYSSA CHAMBERS, A JONES HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, is one of the first participants in the new UCF Downtown Scholars Initiative, a partnership between UCF and Helios Education Foundation.

IN MEMORIAM: James “Jim” Rosengren, Class of 1981

FOR JAMES ROSENGREN, GIVING BACK TO HIS ALMA MATER WAS AN HONOR.

Rosengren and his wife, Julia, supported a wide range of programs and made multimillion-dollar gifts to several colleges and UCF Athletics.

A retired combat medic, Rosengren provided financial support and advice to UCF RESTORES, a program known nationally for its innovative PTSD treatment. The Rosengrens’ support for the program helped ensure its future ability to provide treatment at no cost to its patients.

Athletics was also near to Rosengren’s heart. As a UCF student and ROTC cadet commander, he marched with the honor guard and fired a cannon to celebrate touchdowns in the Citrus Bowl, where the fledgling team played at the time. The couple’s generosity helped create the on-field cabanas and the Rosengren Lounge in UCF’s stadium.

2022 cohort of UCF DSI students visit the UCF Downtown campus.

NEW COLLEGE OF NURSING BUILDING AT LAKE NONA RECEIVES APPROVAL

FUNDRAISING LAUNCHES FOR THE NEW, PERMANENT HOME WITH EXPANDED SPACE AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT THE NURSING SHORTAGE AND FOSTER INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

The Board of Trustees recently approved the use of stateallocated funds to begin the planning and design phase for the projected 90,000-square-foot College of Nursing building at the UCF Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona.

With state funding estimated to pay for less than half of the new building — the Florida Legislature allocated $29 million to UCF for the new building during the 2022

secured and planning goals are met, the college will break ground on the new building, which is anticipated to open during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The new home of the College of Nursing will sit on the 50acre property already home to the UCF College of Medicine and the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. Preliminary plans include classrooms and state-of-the-art learning labs for health assessment.

Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Model Center will prepare students for clinical practice.

“UCF’s College of Nursing leverages the innovation and collaboration our university is known for to educate the nurse caregivers, researchers and educators of tomorrow,” says President Alexander N. Cartwright.

“We are incredibly excited to have our nursing students join our Academic Health Sciences Center in Lake Nona, and we look forward

to increasing the excellence of our programs and our impact in our community through the partnerships and opportunities that this move will enable.”

The new building is a much-needed investment for the region and the state, both of which are facing a critical healthcare worker shortage. The Florida Hospital Association projects a shortage of 37,400 RNs statewide by 2035 and has actively advocated to increase the supply of quality faculty and campus resources for nursing programs. The association estimates that an additional 2,300 RNs are needed to enter the workforce each year to address the projected state shortage.

“This is an incredible milestone for UCF, and we’re laser focused on moving from vision to reality,” says Mary Lou Sole, dean of the College of Nursing. “This is a transformational project that has wide-reaching impact for our region, and we will need the support of our entire community to help us reach our goal of educating more Knight nurses to positively impact more patient lives, and guide 21st century healthcare.”

UCF already graduates more newly licensed registered nurses annually than any other institution in the State University System, with approximately 260 Knight nurses entering the workforce each year. Once the building is complete and fully funded, the College of Nursing expects to increase enrollment for new nurses and future nurse

educators and grow the number of existing UCF faculty.

Approximately 85% of UCF nursing alumni live and work in Florida, and almost 60% live and work in the sixcounty core of Central Florida.

“The community is growing,” says Sole, who notes that Florida’s population is rising at rates that exceed the national average. “Our population is also aging, which is increasing demand on our healthcare systems. As a region, we need to be able to provide high quality, compassionate care to our residents who live here now and those coming here in the future.”

That’s where more Knight nurses will help. UCF’s nursing graduates are well prepared for clinical practice, consistently surpassing the national average on the licensure

examination for RNs and nurse practitioners. With additional faculty, staff and space, the college will also grow enrollment capacity for its doctoral and master’s degree programs. These programs help educate more advanced practice providers, nurse leaders and executives, and nurse educators who will fuel the pipeline of nursing faculty, which is essential for combating the nursing shortage.

The College of Nursing has been leading the charge in educating the next generation of nurses since 1979 and is ranked among the best in the nation. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recently was one of nine programs worldwide — and the only one in Florida — to receive an endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning.

An artist rendering of a skills lab inside the future UCF College of Nursing building in Lake Nona, Florida.

An artist rendering of the future 90,000-square-foot College of Nursing building at the UCF Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona, Florida.

JEFF

MOORE

Jeff Moore is the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. He joined UCF’s faculty in 1994 as the university’s first full-time percussion professor and, prior to his appointment as dean in 2013, served as the director of the School of Performing Arts and chair of the music department. Jeff and his wife, Mindy, are philanthropists dedicated to providing the finest arts education to students, taking them from the classroom to the stage and beyond.

Why is music such an important part of people’s lives?

Imagine the biggest event in your life and then imagine it without music. Or think of a great event in your life, and how it couldn’t possibly get any better and then suddenly you hear a great piece of music that just puts it over the top. Music makes life better. I felt that at a young age, which is why I was drawn to the drums at age 10.

Even after you expressed an interest in drums, you didn’t receive your first snare drum until after a year or so. Why was that?

When I told my dad I was interested in learning how to play the drums, he took me to a music shop. I went over to the big traps, all shiny brass and chrome, and my dad came up behind me and gave me a pair of drumsticks and a small rubber disk shaped like a stop sign. It was a drum pad and he told me to practice on that and get good at

it first. I kept at it for a year, but instead of making music, I was making thuds. My dad was satisfied, though, and I finally got my first snare drum. A year after that, I got my first drum kit.

Your high school band director recognized that you had some talent and suggested you pursue a more well-rounded musical education, even though your heart was set on becoming the world’s best drummer. How did you accomplish that?

My high school band director, Pat Day, connected me with Galen Leonard, a principal from the San Jose Symphony, which led to lessons from the legendary Tony Cirone, a percussionist with the San Francisco Symphony. He was not just a great teacher, but he has had a great career. Everyone in the percussion world knew his name and he has written some very well-regarded books. I thought, “I want to have a career like this guy!”

As a musician, you learned the art of improvisation. Are there parallels to working in higher education?

Improvisation in music, which some people may think means creating music out of thin air, really happens within a framework of parameters that you can work within. I prefer to improvise within a structure, as a supporting character to help lift the group up. This is a great metaphor for working in administration and with our students as well. I often need to improvise to get a point across. I have different ways of communicating with different personalities. I think it is important for me to know what is meaningful to others and what will help me connect with and facilitate other people’s excellence.

You and your wife, Mindy, have shared your generosity with UCF over the years and have also provided for UCF in your estate plans. Can you talk about your philanthropy?

My family wasn’t wealthy and I was the first in my family to go to college, so I knew that if I wanted to study percussion, I would need academic scholarships. I never met the people who funded these scholarships, but their generosity and foresight really opened the world to me. It was such a valuable investment that when you look at the different ways you can use money to make a difference, I don’t know if there is a higher return on investment than that — you change someone’s life, and you change the lives that the person intersects with. That’s a huge impact.

Had it not been for philanthropy, Mindy and I would not have been fortunate enough to live the lives we have had. Knowing that, through our gifts, future students will benefit after we are gone gives us peace of mind.

Jeff and Mindy Moore recently created two scholarships named for Ron and Debbie Dunham (Mindy’s parents) and Howard and Mary Giurich (Mindy’s grandparents) to provide support for students studying percussion at UCF. Because they are endowed, both scholarships will last in perpetuity.

“Jeff and I wanted to establish these scholarships so that my parents and grandparents would never be forgotten,” says Mindy. “I was not musically inclined at all — I freeze up even when singing ‘Happy Birthday’ — but they enthusiastically supported me all my life.”

When Jeff and Mindy attended Lincoln High School in San Jose, California, they were part of the school’s marching band — Jeff, on percussion, and Mindy, a member of the color guard. In preparation for the Lincoln Lions’ football games, Jeff, Mindy and the other students would spend countless hours on the field, learning the complex moves involved with the crowd-pleasing halftime performances.

Those performances would likely not have been possible without the support of people like the Dunhams and the Giuriches, who also spent long hours behind the scenes, readying the band for its time in the spotlight. When Mindy joined the marching band, they “joined” the marching band too. “My grandfather was a skilled carpenter who built his home in San Jose, and he also lent his craft to constructing a platform for the drum major on the high school field.”

The Dunhams and the Giuriches supported Mindy and her brother wherever they could. The Moores hope that students who receive the new scholarship will also feel similarly encouraged to continue studying their passion. “My parents and grandparents were always there,” Mindy says. “In a way, they are still here, supporting a new group of music students.”

MEANINGFUL MEMORIES

First-generation alumna creates scholarship to honor parents

It was a given that Amy Fluman Rettig ’89 would go to college. Although her parents did not have that chance, they made sure their four children would have the opportunity. A new scholarship created by Rettig — the FlumanRettig Scholarship for FirstGeneration Students — honors her parents and their commitment to education.

Rettig’s dad, Albert Fluman, was the youngest of 12 children and grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. He served as a chief petty officer/ navigator in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and married Rettig’s mom, Dee Finn, when he returned home in 1957.

The family moved to Hernando County, Florida, when Rettig was

Alumni boards, received her UCF degree in communications and is the senior vice president for community engagements at Nielsen, a global leader in audience insights, data and analytics, where she has worked for more than 28 years. She and her husband, Jeff, are parents to Nellie, a UCF Burnett Honors College student.

When Nellie was getting ready to start college, the Rettigs began to explore ways they could help students who were dreaming of going to UCF. They knew the time was right to create the scholarship to benefit first-generation college students, and they did not need to look far for inspiration.

“When the pandemic hit, I was fortunate to have my parents living close by,” says Amy. “They were so happy knowing that Nellie was heading off to college soon.” As the pandemic progressed, Dee Fluman’s health began to fail, and she passed away in 2021; Albert died this past March. They had been married for 63 years.

“We have made other charitable contributions throughout the years, but creating the scholarship in 2020 is the most meaningful gift I have ever made in my life,” says Rettig. “UCF has given me more than I could ever give back, and it was just a very simple way to show my appreciation.”

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Nellie and Amy

SUCCESSFUL DIAGNOSIS

Nurse leader supports and inspires Knight nurses to follow their dreams

Amedical misdiagnosis led Kelli Lipscomb ’11 ’16MS ’21PhD to a career in healthcare. After experiencing slurred speech and balance issues, Lipscomb was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 20 and told that time was of the essence. Lipscomb already knew that she wanted to go to college; she did not expect, however, that her educational journey would be accelerated.

Lipscomb followed her doctors’ advice and began an arduous educational path that took her from a bachelor’s degree to a doctorate in 10 years. A firstgeneration college student, she had already begun pursuing a degree in communication and public relations, but after receiving her diagnosis, she was drawn to the medical field and switched her focus to nursing school.

After 10 years of being on powerful medications for multiple sclerosis, Lipscomb learned that she did not have MS but a severe vitamin deficiency. The news solidified her decision to continue in healthcare. She worked in a high-acuity intensive care unit in Orlando for a few years after graduation; it was grueling but rewarding. “I loved my job. I love critical care nursing. I love everything about it,” she says. “But I felt like I could make a better impact by

teaching and empowering students.”

She received her master’s degree in 2016 and began working as an adjunct instructor at the UCF College of Nursing. Her colleagues told her she was a natural teacher, and she should apply for her PhD, so she did. She was one of four PhD students at the college to receive a full scholarship, thanks to three grants from the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, and GENEX Services, Inc.

Because she received scholarships as a doctoral student, she understands the importance of philanthropy. She made her first gift to UCF in 2011, the year she graduated with her bachelor’s degree, and has given regularly ever since. Recently, she has supported the healthcare simulation program in the UCF College of Nursing. “UCF has my heart,” Lipscomb says. “My motto boils down to, ‘if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ And there are a lot of students that need a leg up.”

That philosophy of giving back was informed by one of Lipscomb’s favorite UCF instructors, Dr. Betty Mayer, ’95BSN ’96MSN. When

Lipscomb graduated with her master’s degree, Mayer gave her a special gold ring from when she received her master’s degree from UCF, and when Lipscomb received her doctoral degree, Mayer sent her own regalia. “As an older and experienced RN, I recognized Kelli’s potential for learning about, and the education of, others in the field,” says Mayer. “I am confident that her abilities will now be applied to mentoring others in nursing excellence.”

“UCF is such a part of who I am. Whenever I meet nursing students, I encourage them as much as I can. I tell them: ‘Follow your dreams. Just keep going, keep going forward. Keep charging on.’”

FULL CIRCLE

Recent grad provides opportunities through service and scholarship

Afew years ago, Sean Farrell ’22MNM was unsure whether he had the academic qualifications to be accepted into a master’s program at UCF. Today, he is not only a recent graduate of the nonprofit management program but a member of the university family, helping to ensure student success.

Shortly after beginning the program, Farrell was encouraged by friends to consider working at UCF. He served for more than three years as the associate director of advancement for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and has recently become the director for advancement for Student Development and Academic Success in the College of Undergraduate Studies — raising funds for programs and projects across the university that foster students’ academic, personal and professional growth.

“I get to work on some really incredible gifts, together with colleagues and some of our university leaders,”

he says. “I wouldn’t have dreamed of having those opportunities otherwise. This person who wasn’t even sure if UCF would accept me as a student is now helping undergraduate students through the work I do. The irony is not lost on me.”

Between their gratitude for the opportunities UCF offered and a shared passion for philanthropy, Farrell and his wife, Valerie, knew they wanted to give back. That’s when they decided to establish a scholarship fund for undergraduate nonprofit management students. The Farrell Nonprofit Opportunity Scholarship will cover tuition, books and fees, and provide teachable moments for their two young children, 7-year-old Peter and 5-year-old Colleen, on the importance of both academic excellence and philanthropy.

Farrell knows firsthand that going into the nonprofit industry is challenging, especially in the first few years. “The more we can do to invest in our nonprofit students, the more the effect will multiply across the community,” he says. “When Valerie and I talked about it, we kept coming back to the word ‘opportunity.’ It’s because of the transformational opportunities that UCF gave me these last few years — to chart a different path professionally and academically — that I’m where I am today.”

Sean ’22 MNM and Valerie Farrell (photo credit: Melissa Spence)

DECADES OF SERVICE, A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT

Frank and Etta Jean Juge’s impact on the university will be felt for decades

Dr. Frank and Etta Jean Juge are charter Knights who met while working in the chemistry department. Frank held numerous administrative positions, helped establish the Burnett Honors College, developed wine courses for Rosen College of Hospitality Management (RCHM) and taught chemistry before retiring after more than 50 years of service. Etta Jean, a 1989 UCF grad, worked at the university intermittently for 20 years.

They both cherish their memories from their time at UCF and hold special fondness for the many people who touched their lives, especially Graeme Baker, the first chair of the chemistry department, and Leslie Ellis, the chair of the biology department and later provost.

In 2002, Etta Jean learned that Frank’s wife Beth had passed away. Beth Juge, too, had been an integral part of the early days of UCF and was well-loved by the campus community. Etta Jean donated to a scholarship established in Beth’s name — the Beth Juge Memorial Scholarship, supporting students in BHC.

The donation prompted a letter from Frank, thanking her for her gift in Beth’s memory. He included his email in case she ever wanted to catch up. They met for lunch a few weeks later. That fortuitous meeting has turned into two decades of a loving partnership in which they not only support each other, but also give to causes that are important to them.

Their latest gift to UCF’s InSpire Scholars Program in BHC helps eliminate socioeconomic status as a barrier to educational mobility. The Juges have also generously supported many other areas over two decades, including study abroad through the Dr. Frank Juge Study Abroad Scholarship, Knights Helping Knights and RCHM food pantries, and full-time doctoral students

Jean & Frank Juge Graduate Fellowship Endowment.

The importance of mentoring and giving back can be traced not only to the people they met early in their careers but also to the lessons from their parents.

“Frank and I both had humble beginnings,” Etta Jean says. “My dad had a scholarship for engineering, but his mother asked him to come home [from college] and help with his siblings. He never went back, but he would have been a wonderful engineer. My mother didn’t believe college was an option for her, but she poured all her knowledge into me and my sister,” she says.

“We are happy to help future Knights achieve their educational dreams and to continue Charging On.”

Dr. Frank and Etta Jean Juge

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FUTURE FOCUSED

College of Business Hall of Famer invests in first-gen students, new FinTech program

holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, and his fraternity brother and former roommate, Sean Hayes ’95, is Voloridge’s VP of Business Development.

The Millers are longtime UCF partners; over the past two years, the couple has significantly supported scholarships for women in STEM and first-generation students, the UCF Athletic Director’s Fund and UCF’s new FinTech program. Barry recently spoke at the 2022 FinTech Summit in the leadup to the launch of the state’s first master of science in FinTech this fall and often mentors UCF business students in The EXCHANGE, the College of Business’s idea and networking hub. He also serves as a volunteer judge for the college’s Joust competition.

Asuccessful hedge fund manager has an instinct for great investments. For Barry Miller ’95, the investment in his UCF education has been a nexus of wonderful returns: lifelong friendships, hugely profitable business ventures — and where he met the love of his life.

“Many of the skills and things I learned nearly 30 years ago during my time at UCF, I still use to this day,” Miller says. “UCF

helped instill in me a work ethic — that you work hard, appreciate things and stay humble.”

Miller is a co-founder, board member and president of Voloridge Investment Management, a $9 billion hedge fund firm in Jupiter, Florida. He is a Knight surrounded by Knights: He graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in finance, his wife Rosalyn “Rosie” Miller ’95, a speech pathologist,

“We are grateful for alumni like Barry and Rosie Miller, who give to UCF with a future-forward and entrepreneurial spirit,” says UCF College of Business Dean Paul Jarley. “Their support bolsters the flourishing FinTech industry around Orlando with skilled graduates. And their leadership helps set an example for how alumni can ‘invest in the best,’ ensuring UCF’s studentathletes, first-generation students and women in STEM are supported for generations to come.”

“UCF helped instill in me a work ethic — that you work hard, appreciate things and stay humble.”

2022 UCF Business Hall of Fame inductee, Barry Miller ’95, with Rosie Miller ’95 at the recent Field of Dreams-themed awards gala.

MOVING THROUGH THE WORLD

‘REMARKABLY,’ THANKS TO IES

When Sebastian Strawser, who is now 28, was ready to go to college, his parents, Mike and Ann, wanted to ensure that Sebastian’s higher education experience was meaningful for him.

“Sebastian has Down syndrome, and he is legally blind,” says Mike Strawser, professor and chair of UCF’s Department of Philosophy. Sebastian was used to challenging himself and defying expectations. He had completed his high school education and was looking forward to going to college like his siblings. Thanks to UCF’s Inclusive Education Services (IES) Program, he was able to do so.

“We never thought Sebastian was going to live on campus,” says Mike. “But the director of the IES program at the time really encouraged us to consider having Sebastian live on campus, and he did so for three years.”

Sebastian learned to navigate campus quite quickly. “Toward the end of his time on campus,” says Mike, “he was helping new students in the program find their way around. It was remarkable how he learned to navigate the world.”

The Strawsers felt comfortable letting their son attend UCF for many reasons. “Going to UCF was the perfect environment for him,” says Ann. “In addition to the classes, there were restaurants, concerts and sporting events for him to attend and it was safe. We were nervous at first, but we decided to let him fly and figure it out for himself.”

Since its 2015 inception, 32 students have completed UCF’s Inclusive Education Services program and have gone on to the next chapter of their lives. Sebastian has a new job at Orlando Health, working as a linen technician in the housekeeping department, where he helps keep the towels stacked for the medical staff. He previously worked for UCP Bailes Early Childhood Academy and for UCF. “I think I love my new job at Orlando Health,” says Sebastian. “I have good coworkers and a great boss.”

“This has changed his life in so many ways,” says Ann. “We know that going to UCF was one of the best experiences of his life.” Adds Mike: “We are so grateful that Sebastian has had this wonderful opportunity — he became much more independent and self-confident.”

TO

SUPPORT, VISIT FOUNDATION.UCF.EDU/TJEEI

The Strawser siblings

TAKING FLIGHT