The University of Central Florida reported on Apr. 3 that more than 4,830 donors contributed over 10,470 gifts totaling about $14.8 million during the UCF Day of Giving in 2025.
The university said these contributions support a wide range of student opportunities and initiatives, with the next Day of Giving scheduled for Thursday, April 9. Organizers highlighted how each donation helps students pursue their goals and supports programs across campus.
Among the areas benefiting from donations is the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean’s Excellence Fund, which raised $67,421 to support hands-on learning experiences. Aerospace engineering major Jordan Hires described her research work at UCF as life-changing: “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” she said. Hires credited her undergraduate research opportunities to resources provided by donor funds.
The Marching Knights Scholarship Fund received $14,067, enabling scholarships for band members like Zoie Taverna. Taverna shared how scholarship support allowed her to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities: “Without scholarships, I wouldn’t have the time to do extracurriculars… where I get to represent UCF in Central Florida and around the world,” she said.
CREOL (the College of Optics and Photonics) used part of its $54,880 in raised funds to provide scholarships for attendees at its Laser and Photonics Summer Camp. High school student Chloe Phung attended from Vietnam and said: “I had the chance to learn many things… about optics, lenses and lasers.”
Another area supported was communication studies through a new endowed scholarship fund created by faculty member Michelle Dusseau. Beatrix Alerte became its first recipient this summer. “This scholarship has given me the freedom to say yes to career-building opportunities… while worrying less about covering personal living expenses,” Alerte said.
As UCF prepares for its next Day of Giving on April 9, organizers encourage participation from alumni and supporters with plans for challenge hours designed to maximize impact.
