2016
t n e m rt a p e d
ns o i t la e r y it n u mm o c   f o
l a u n t n a por
e r
University of  Central Florida
University of Central Florida
2016
community
relations
UCF DELIVERS ON ITS COMMITMENT TO BE AMERICA’S LEADING PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY® through several of its divisions, including the Division of Community Relations. This commitment significantly affects and enhances the economic development, cultural relevance and the social and environmental setting of the community it serves. Every activity executed strives to strengthen existing partnerships or cultivate new ones, as well as expand regional awareness of the educational assets and intellectual capital housed within our institution. The departments within the Division of Community Relations share authority, responsibility and accountability for community engagement. As in previous years, staff continue to serve as ambassadors to the external community by speaking upon invitation at community and business functions, supporting fundraising events for non-profit entities and facilitating efforts that encourage strategic collaborations. As the national economy continues to rebound, investments in the local chambers of commerce have proven to be the most efficient and cost effective engagement and communication vehicles. Through our division, the university holds membership and actively participates in 11 chambers of commerce, including board service with three chambers. Collectively, division staff served in more than 80 leadership roles (e.g., boards, executive committees) during FY 2015–2016.
Vision
Division Goals and Objectives
The University of Central Florida is a comprehensive metropolitan university with a combination of academic excellence and commitment to its social, economic, cultural and environmental setting. The Division of Community Relations serves as both the internal and external liaison accomplishing the university’s goals by connecting UCF to the community through faculty, student and staff relationships, partnerships, collaborations, events and other community engagement.
1. Maintain, strengthen and develop relationships with
Mission The mission of the Division of Community Relations is to cultivate, maintain and enhance the link between UCF and the various publics which it serves and to create and implement community-based programs to increase knowledge and understanding of the university within key external communities.
city, county and state officials as well as with representatives of economic development, health care and community agencies.
2. Develop, coordinate and foster partnerships encompassing internal university participants and external community participants promoting economic development initiatives and entrepreneurship.
3. Develop, plan, and coordinate opportunities designed to highlight the president of the university, his goals and his vision.
4. Maintain and strengthen chamber of commerce relationships.
5. Continue to develop and coordinate community initiatives focused on economic development, social issues and service opportunities furthering integration within the community.
2 | University of Central Florida Community Relations
The Office of Community Relations maintains constant involvement with the immediate external community in an effort to position the university as a community resource, an intellectual hub, and a community asset. Community Relations staff achieve this by partnering with internal departments, and external organizations, holding leadership roles in key local organizations, (e.g., chambers of commerce), maintaining relationships with city, county, and state officials, as well as representatives of economic development, health care and community agencies. In addition, the office is responsible for communicating with neighbors and groups in proximity to the university to build awareness and support for university initiatives. During FY 15–16, Community Relations participated in, hosted, facilitated, strategically identified UCF representatives for, or sponsored more than 120 programs held in the tri-county Orange, Osceola and Seminole area. The Office of Constituent Relations implements high-profile events for the president of the University of Central Florida. Constituent Relations provides staff support, management, administrative direction, coordination and control of events and activities for academic programs, donors and campus-related events. Each event showcases the education and research opportunities available at the University of Central Florida by highlighting the talent of the students, faculty and staff. Every event venue brings the community, donors, partners, alumni, students, faculty, and staff together to tell the story of their particular academic program and how it enhances the education available at the university. In FY 15–16, the Office of Constituent Relations coordinated or consulted on 100 events for the president of the university. Each event touches upon the goals of the university by showcasing the undergrad-
uate and graduate programs, international programs, research, diversity and partnerships. The Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies serves as a place where government leaders, business executives and academic experts come together to discuss major issues facing the state of Florida. The Associate Vice President of Community Relations and Director of the Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies serves as a liaison for the university interacting with community based organizations. This position is responsible for executive leadership and strategic direction within those organizations as a university resource. Utilizing the Metro Center, the director also serves as a link between the university and the ninecounty Central Florida region. The center provides formats for government leaders, business executives and academic experts to discuss major issues facing the Central Florida area and the state of Florida. Through sponsorships, committee involvement, board positions, and producing and hosting WUCF TV’s Metro Center Outlook, the Metro Center functions as a community resource. During FY 15–16, the Metro Center director moderated, hosted or sponsored more than 40 live events and television broadcasts. The Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Global Perspectives sharpens UCF’s international focus. The office helps advance UCF’s goal of providing international emphasis to curricula and research. In addition, it works to expand the university’s efforts to increase Central Florida’s awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness of the global community. In FY 15–16, Global Perspectives partnerships, forums and publications served more than 32,000 people and reached thousands more via traditional and social media.
The Division of Community Relations’ 2015-2016 programs and activities helped advance UCF’s strategic goals in the following ways:
Goal 1
Offer the Best Undergraduate Education
In FY 2015-16, division staff assisted and advised external groups providing scholarships to undergraduate UCF students such as Florida Executive Women and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando (HHSFMO), which support the educational development of outstanding women and minority students. Due to this involvement, UCF students are the recipients of approximately 55% of the HHSFMO awards, bolstering the university’s efforts to become designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. The Office of Constituent Relations, in conjunction
with the president’s office, oversees the development, support and training of the 35 members of the President’s Leadership Council who serve as ambassadors for the university and the Office of the President. The President’s Leadership Council has proven to be a valuable asset to UCF and the community. The members contributed more than 4,500 service hours this year while hosting university functions and touring distinguished university guests; the members are also active in recruiting new students. Constituent Relations works closely with the
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OCTOBER 2015 Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund recipients. (photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando)
Registrar’s Office to coordinate UCF’s summer, fall and spring commencement ceremonies. The university awarded more than 15,500 degrees this fiscal year, and has awarded more than 293,000 degrees in its young history. UCF President John C. Hitt and Provost A. Dale Whittaker hosted more than 350 new and returning faculty at the annual Faculty Welcome celebration that marks the beginning of the academic year at UCF. Event highlights included an update on the UCF Downtown campus initiative; the announcement of the addition of approximately 200 faculty members as a result of state performance funding; and student enrollment statics. Constituent Relations staff played a key role in coordinating the annual National Scholars Reception in September to welcome incoming National Merit, National Hispanic and National Achievement Scholars and introduce them to university administrators and their peer mentors. More than 90 guests were in attendance this year, including scholars, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees. In addition, Florida Lottery officials partnered with Constituent Relations staff for the Bright Futures scholarship reception in October. More than 150 UCF Bright Futures scholarship recipients attended this fifth annual event on Memory Mall to hear from Florida Lottery Orlando District Manager Don Creley, SGA Vice President Jarell Jones and President Hitt. Last year, more than 23,000 students at UCF received Bright Futures scholarships. The Office of Constituent Relations collaborated with the Office of the President in September to host the annual State of the University Address. This year, the address was presented in an interview format and was moderated by Grant Heston, vice president for communications and marketing. Attendees were allowed to submit questions for President Hitt, enhancing audience participation. Keith Koons, chair
AUGUST 2015 Dr. Reid Oetjen, Dean Mary Lou Sole, and Vice President Maribeth Ehasz with members of the UCF faculty. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
SEPTEMBER 2015 UCF President John C. Hitt and Vice President Grant Heston discussing the state of UCF. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
of the Faculty Senate, and Cait Zona, SGA president, provided remarks as well. The Office of Constituent Relations executed and managed the annual Founders’ Day Honors Convocation attended by more than 275 faculty, students, administrators and staff. The convocation advances the university’s “best undergraduate education” goal as it recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of over 150 faculty members, staff and students. The Metro Center provided internship opportunities for UCF students working closely with the Metro Center director researching and preparing interviews for guests at WUCF TV; topics ranged from youth financial literacy to gambling expansion to public safety and gun control. The Metro Center director moderated a panel at the 2016 Florida College Access and Success Summit discussing college affordability and student financial literacy. Two hundred educators and policymakers from around the state attended the conference. The Global Perspectives Office and its affiliates provided undergraduate students with access to a unique selection of 30 prominent specialists—in the classroom, via 30 segments of the award-winning Global Perspectives show on WUCF TV, in digital video conferences and teleconferences, at 18 pub-
4 | University of Central Florida Community Relations
APRIL 2016 Provost A. Dale Whittaker and Faculty Senate Chair Keith Koons present Ida Cook with the Faculty Senate Service Award. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
MARCH 2016 Renowned scientist and television star Bill Nye the Science Guy discusses climate change, civic engagement and space exploration. (photo courtesy of the Global Perspectives Office)
lic forums, and through 35 internships, fellowships and scholarships. Examples of distinguished visitors include Bill Nye, Angela Oh, Kevin Bales, Shireen Hunter and Allan Goodman. Additional opportunities for undergraduate students were available through: the Diplomacy Program (directed by Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas), the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program (directed by David Dumke and co-chaired by John Bersia, with Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas on the advisory board), The India Center (directed by Pallavoor Vaidyanathan and co-chaired by John Bersia), the Kurdish Political Studies Program (co-chaired by John Bersia), the China-Taiwan Cross-Strait Program (co-directed by John Bersia), the Global Peace and Security Studies
Program (co-directed by John Bersia, with Jessica Squires serving as assistant director and Amal Khan on the advisory board), the Human Trafficking Awareness Program (co-chaired by John Bersia, with Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas on the advisory board), the Isle of Man Small Countries Program at UCF (chaired by John Bersia, with Jessica Squires serving as assistant director, and Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas and Ted Reynolds on the advisory board), and the Middle Eastern Studies Program (co-chaired by John Bersia, with David Dumke, Amb. Harriet Elam-Thomas and Ted Reynolds on the advisory board). The Office and its affiliates also hosted 35 student interns, fellows, scholars, volunteers and other assistants during the year.
Goal 2
Achieve International Prominence in Key Programs of Graduate Study and Research
The Global Perspectives Office and its affiliates have developed or supported publications that boost UCF’s national and international profile and reputation, along with providing special opportunities for graduate students as research/editorial assistants. The Worldviews for the 21st Century monograph series featured globally-prominent specialists in the past year, such as Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Cheney and Ndaba Mandela. The series, published quarterly, is read by audiences in several countries. Publications by Global Perspectives staff are in libraries and used in classrooms in multiple countries as well. The Global Perspectives television series on WUCF TV featured national and global newsmakers in various fields that helped increase the university’s visibility at home and abroad. The Office also sponsored or co-sponsored several forums that drew academics from all over the world, such as the inauguration of the Jalal Talabani Kurdish Political Studies Chair and ensuing panel presentation.
OCTOBER 2015 In a special presentation of the Kurdish Political Studies Program, Dr. Güneş Murat Tezcür is inaugurated as the Jalal Talabani Kurdish Political Studies Endowed Chair. He joins Dr. Najmaldin Karim and Dr. Gazi B. Zibari for a panel discussion on perspectives on Kurdish politics. (photo courtesy of the Global Perspectives Office)
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Goal 3
Provide International Focus to Our Curricula and Research Programs
Metro Center Outlook provided opportunities to increase community awareness and knowledge through internationally-oriented topics and guests. Policy changes with Cuba and cultural shifts in the Latino community as multiple generations acculturate in the United States were the focus of three episodes. Climate change and rising sea levels affect not only Florida but have implications worldwide. Environmental experts discussed the barriers to policy change at the national and international levels. The Global Perspectives Office and its affiliates provided regular opportunities through speaker forums, the Global Perspectives show on WUCF TV, panel discussions, symposia, digital video conferences, teleconferences, working conferences, dialogues and workshops for students, faculty and the community to enhance classroom and textbook instruction, as well as community awareness. These included the LIFE Global Issues Series, Florida International Summit 2016 and Interfaith Forum, among others. John Bersia taught two courses and Ted Reynolds
Goal 4
three courses. Finally, Global Perspectives staff and students encouraged and/or published research and commentary of global significance in the areas of human potential and political violence, among others.
OCTOBER 2015 Following an interfaith panel discussion hosted by the Three Wise Guys, Zen Buddhist priest Angela Oh discusses “East Meets West: Opportunities and Challenges of Diversity,” and practices Buddhist breathing techniques with attendees. (photo courtesy of the Global Perspectives Office)
Become More Inclusive and Diverse
Division staff supported, participated and made the university’s resources available to diverse populations by providing support for internal and external community initiatives via sponsorships, committee and board service. Community Relations holds trustee-level membership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which serves 750 members, silver-level membership with the African American Chamber of Commerce which has 300 members, bronze-level membership with the Central Florida Disability Chamber which serves approximately 400 members, and corporate membership in MBA Orlando, Orlando’s LGBT chamber of commerce, with approximately 400 members. The Community Relations director serves on the board of the African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Relations manager is on the City of Orlando’s Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Executive Planning Team, providing guidance on more than 20 MLK-related events throughout the metro area and coordinating UCF’s student entry in the City of Orlando’s MLK parade. Approximately 51% of Metro Center Outlook shows featured minority and diverse guests, with topics
ranging from ethnicity and cultural ties to women in high tech industries to veterans overcoming physical and mental challenges. Metro Center Outlook featured eight episodes focusing on diversity and opportunities for change. These shows included a celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Orlando, exploring cultural identity in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and changing relationships as generations of American Latino families view policy changes with Cuba. The Global Perspectives Office and its affiliates shared ideas and viewpoints on the main theme for the year, “Planet of Discontent: How Can We Fix It?” This focused on a multitude of topics—the environment and climate change, global economy, political change, peace and security, and civil and human rights—and were led by speakers of varied national, ethnic, religious, political and ideological backgrounds. Every visitor, forum, presentation, event and partnership is planned with the idea of encouraging a better understanding of the world, its people and its diversity. The Office also supported inclusion and diversity through its programming on the Global Perspectives show on WUCF TV.
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JANUARY 2016 Associate Vice President of Community Relations Maritza Martinez co-chairs the African American Chamber’s 2016 Eagle Awards. (photo courtesy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida)
OCTOBER 2015 The Veterans Business Initiative focuses on employment, training and entrepreneurship and is an ongoing initiative to help veterans find career paths. (photo courtesy of the Central Florida Disability Chamber)
MAY 2016 Metro Center Outlook host Dr. Diane Trees interviews retired naval officer Michael Roggio, a 2016 Invictus Games competitor. (photo courtesy of WUCF TV)
SEPTEMBER 2015 Ndaba Mandela discusses Africa’s potential for growth, his foundation Africa Rising, and the legacy of his grandfather, Nelson Mandela. (photo courtesy of the Global Perspectives Office)
JANUARY 2016 UCF mascot Knightro joins City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, members of the Mayor’s MLK Holiday Commission, MLK Humanitarian student award winners, and City Year Orlando AmeriCorps members at the 32nd Annual MLK Holiday Parade in downtown Orlando. (photo courtesy of the City of Orlando)
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Goal 5
Be America’s leading partnership university
Division staff were actively involved in area chambers of commerce through committee and board service, providing leadership on various initiatives throughout the year and serving as a liaison to the university and its resources. The Community Relations director served as a member of the Winter Park Chamber Government Affairs Committee, which keeps a pulse on local political issues and offers educational programming, resources and informative alerts to chamber members. Community Relations staff represented the university on a multi-chamber Capitol Connection fly-in to Washington, D.C., hosted by Congressman John Mica. The Community Relations manager chaired the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber’s 2016 East Side Regional Hob Nob, held on UCF’s main campus at the Fairwinds Alumni Center with more than 450 attendees. The Office of Community Relations coordinated UCF’s overall involvement in the 2015 Greater Orlando Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s largest one-day fundraiser in Central Florida, held on UCF’s main campus in September. UCF’s recruiting efforts were led by College of Medicine Dean Deborah German and Provost A. Dale Whittaker, co-chairs of the 2015 Heart Walk. The university fielded 33 teams, for a total of 444 walkers. In all, UCF teams raised $43,217, surpassing the university’s $40,000 fundraising goal. Proceeds from the Heart Walk fund cardiovascular research and education as well as community programs. An estimated 20,000 walkers and runners participated this year. The Office of Community Relations hosted the December 2015 President’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast, sponsored by the Florida High Tech Corridor. Themed “UCF: Innovating Our Way to the Top,” the breakfast highlighted UCF’s many recent achievements in academics and research. The hundreds of business and community leaders who attended the event were urged to support the
university’s newest collaboration, the proposed expansion of the downtown campus, in conjunction with Valencia College, the City of Orlando, and Orange County Public Schools, among others. The UCF Community Council was established by the Division of Community Relations in 2009 to increase communication between the university and neighboring business and community leaders. Since its inception, council meetings have provided a venue for members to share input on various campus developments and stay abreast of events that impact the community. By partnering with and keeping an open line of communication with these stakeholders, the university enjoys a positive relationship with its nearest neighbors. This year’s featured speakers included UCF Athletic Director Danny White. The seventh annual UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon was held at the CFE Arena. Constituent Relations staff provided event support and logistics coordination to UCF Athletics. The luncheon was attended by more than 800 university and community friends and raised $49,526—enough to fund two Everyday Champion scholarships. This brings the total scholarship dollars raised for student-athletes in the past seven years to more than $273,000. The Office of Constituent Relations coordinated the milestone DirectConnect to UCF 10th Anniversary Celebration that recognized the program’s remarkable success. More than 200 attendees heard remarks from President Hitt, Vice Provost for Regional Campuses Jeffrey Jones, Provost A. Dale Whittaker, DirectConnect student speakers Danny Kiswani and Pamela Garcia, and Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development Mike Morsberger. Since the first graduating class of DirectConnect students in 2009, UCF has conferred 26,822 degrees in this pioneering program. Working in partnership with the UCF Foundation,
SEPTEMBER 2015 UCF walkers raised more than $43,000 for cardiovascular research and education. (photo courtesy of Emily Jourdan Photography)
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JUNE 2016 The East Side Regional Hob Nob featured 50 local, state and federal candidates vying for votes in a two-county straw poll. (photo courtesy of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce)
APRIL 2016 A delegation of more than 50 Central Florida business and community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of Capitol Connection 2016. (photo courtesy of Congressman John Mica)
DECEMBER 2015 UCF President John C. Hitt is joined by Board of Trustees Chair Marcos Marchena, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Provost A. Dale Whittaker at the President’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast. (photo courtesy of Emily Jourdan Photography)
President Hitt hosted 60 of the university’s major individual donors and family foundation representatives at the Burnett House, the president’s home on campus, for the President’s Appreciation Reception. Guests heard from President Hitt, Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development and CEO of the UCF Foundation Mike Morsberger, UCF alumnus, trustee emeritus, and UCF Foundation board member Rick Walsh, student-athlete Christal Peterson, and Leonard Williams, who accepted the President’s Award on behalf of the Marjorie and Leonard Williams Family Foundation. More than 200 campus and community partners attended the UCF Downtown Celebration, held in appreciation for their unwavering support for the university’s newest major endeavor. Speakers included UCF Senior Associate Vice President for University Relations and event emcee, Fred Kittinger, President Hitt, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Senator Andy Gardiner, and Valencia College President Sandy Shugart. Many of the project’s staunchest supporters were publicly recognized as well. President Hitt thanked those who financially supported the downtown campus and encouraged others to give additional support to help UCF reach the $20 million in private philanthropy needed to obtain state funding for the new campus.
MARCH 2016 Members of the UCF Community Council convene at Bright House Networks Stadium for a UCF Athletics update from Athletic Director Danny White.
AUGUST 2015 Knightro, UCF President John C. Hitt, Martha Hitt, and Vice President Rick Schell are joined by keynote speaker and UCF football alum Sergio Joachim at the Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon. (photo courtesy of UCF Athletics)
NOVEMBER 2015 State college partner presidents join President Hitt at the DirectConnect to UCF 10th Anniversary Celebration. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
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FEBRUARY 2016 President Hitt presents Leonard Williams and members of the Williams family with the President’s Award. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
APRIL 2016 UCF Provost A. Dale Whittaker and Valencia West Campus President Falecia Williams lead guests in a toast celebrating the UCF Downtown campus. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
MAY 2016 Vice President Mike Morsberger and President Hitt present Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins with the President’s Partnership Award. (photo courtesy of the Office of Constituent Relations)
APRIL 2016 Metro Center Director Dr. Diane Trees interviews WL Icon Marilee Nutter, as part of the ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative WL Icons Series. (photo courtesy of ULI Central Florida)
The UCF Celebrates the Arts Festival reception kicked off the second annual showcase of extraordinary university performing and visual arts talent in April at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. The reception brought the university and Central Florida community together to see two-time Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle present his greatest works as the composer for Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespeare movies (Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, and more). Conducted by maestro James Shearman, the UCF Orchestra and choir performed music from the films with actors from Prague Shakespeare Company and Orlando Shakespeare Theater playing the roles. The festival was made possible due to the generous support of numerous community and campus partners. Working in partnership with the UCF Foundation, President Hitt hosted 60 of the university’s top corporate partners at the Burnett House. Guests heard from President Hitt, UCF’s Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development, Mike Morsberger, DeVos Sport Business Management Program student Caryn Grant, and Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins, who was honored with the President’s Partnership Award. President Hitt thanked guests for their continued support of the university. Metro Center Outlook, a 30-minute public affairs show, is a WUCF TV program shown throughout nine counties in Central Florida. The Metro Center director develops and identifies show concepts, identifies, contacts and schedules guests, researches and writes content for each show, and hosts the program. Twenty-six episodes were taped this fiscal year. Chambers of commerce play an important role in building and sustaining relationships. The Metro Center director accepted the role of chair-elect for the Seminole Regional Chamber of Commerce. The director also currently serves as the chair of the West Orange Chamber Hob Nob—a major fundraiser for the chamber with an anticipated attendance of more than 400. The director chaired the West Orange Committee of One Hundred and One Grant Revision Committee, instituting a new method focusing on transparency and objectivity in the grant-making process. The director chaired the West Orange Task Force, overseeing all aspects of a contested political seat debate attended by more than 200 local citizens. The Metro Center sponsored or co-sponsored 11 community events in the last fiscal year. These opportunities provide sponsor segments used by the director to highlight areas and programs of UCF excellence and to reinforce UCF as a resource in the community. The Metro Center director moderated five panel discussions for community events, including the UCF College of Business Real Estate Conference attended by more than 400 people, the West Orange Chamber
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Legislative Luncheon and two Urban Land Institute Women’s Leadership Initiative programs. The Global Perspectives Office and its affiliates engaged in partnerships to accomplish every initiative, with 186 organizations to date. Some examples include Global Ties U.S., World Affairs Council of Central Florida, Florida Network for Global Studies, Global Connections Foundation, The India Group, Zora Neale Hurston Festival, Dr. Phillips High School, Orlando Area Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Department of State, Association of Opinion Journalists, Institute of International Education, U.S. Institute of Peace, American Security Project, and Peace and Justice Institute. The reach of distinguished visitors supported by these partnerships was extended through the Global Perspectives television series on WUCF TV. During FY 15–16, Vice President Donegan, recognized among Central Florida’s most well-networked citizens, contributed to scores of civic and professional organizations by using her influence and access to support education, social services, health and arts, and provided valuable networking opportunities to local up-and-coming professionals. Over the years, Vice President Donegan has chaired, co-chaired and served on the boards of many fundraisers for local nonprofits. Her leadership roles in professional women’s groups— including the development of the United Way Council of Women—have earned her several honors. Often, she continues to advise these nonprofits in an unofficial capacity, as the institutional knowledge she possesses is vital to their success and the cultivation of their respective volunteer leadership pipelines. Donegan played a key role in the execution of the Athena Women’s Luncheon, annually attended by more than 400 of Central Florida’s most influential women, and continues her support of this initiative which raises scholarship dollars for UCF students. In addition, through the
executive women’s group she founded, affectionately known as FOH, she continues to connect local women from all areas of business via quarterly gatherings. Under Donegan’s directive, the Division of Community Relations coordinates community-based programs to enhance the community’s understanding of UCF’s role as a major research university.
MARCH 2016 Global Perspectives Office Director and WUCF TV host John Bersia interviewed international humanitarian Molly Melching about her work empowering West African communities to drive their own development. (photo courtesy of WUCF TV)
MAY 2106 Diane Trees moderates a panel discussion at the UCF College of Business Real Estate Conference. (photo courtesy of the UCF College of Business Administration)
MARCH 2016 The ninth annual Heart of Florida United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon raised a record $182,000 to support educational programs in Florida. Vice President Vice President of Community Relations Helen Donegan founded the Women’s Leadership Council in 2007 to address critical problems impacting women and children in the tri-county area. (photo courtesy of the Heart of Florida United Way)
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