The University of Central Florida will recognize 56 students for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service across a range of disciplines during its Founders’ Day celebration on March 31. The honorees include national and global scholarship winners, researchers, athletes, teaching assistants, residence assistants, and leaders in campus organizations such as Student Government and the President’s Leadership Council.
According to the university, this year’s group represents transfer students, first-generation college attendees, international students, and members of the Burnett Honors College. Many have volunteered with hospitals, schools, food banks, shelters, clinics, youth clubs and other community organizations—often serving as organizers or coordinators for support drives.
John Buckwalter, UCF’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs said: “The students we recognize at our Founders’ Day Student Honors Celebration are extraordinary not just for what they’ve achieved but for how they’ve shaped their time at UCF. They’ve pursued opportunities, challenged themselves and lifted others along the way.” He added: “When you look at this group you see trajectory — students whose experiences here are opening doors in meaningful ways and changing the direction of their futures; the trajectories of their families and the communities they inhabit.”
Award categories include new inductees into the Order of Pegasus—UCF’s highest student honor—as well as graduate awards for outstanding master’s thesis or dissertation work; undergraduate honors thesis awards; individual college awardees selected by deans; plus financial awards earned by all honorees. This year marks the 25th anniversary class of Order of Pegasus inductees with an average GPA among recipients of 3.912.
The campus community is invited to attend Wednesday evening’s Student Honors Celebration from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Student Union’s Pegasus Ballroom. A brief reception will follow.
