UCF Community Relations 2014 Annual Report

University of Central Florida

community relations

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University of Central Florida • www.ucf.edu

UCF_CommRelations_AnnualReport2014.indd 3 7/29/14 4:20 PM


Annual Report 2014 | 1

VisionThe University of Central Florida is a comprehen-sive 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 com-munity through faculty, student and staff relation-ships, partnerships, collaborations, events and other community engagement.

MissionThe 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 under-standing of the university within key external communities.

UCF delivers on its commitment to be the number one 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, support-ing fundraising events for non-profit entities and facilitating efforts that encourage strategic collabora-tions. In a highly austere financial environment, 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 13 chambers of commerce. Collectively, division staff served in more than 70 leadership roles (i.e., boards, executive committees) during FY 2013–2014.

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2 | University of Central Florida Community Relations

Division Goals and Objectives1. Maintain, strengthen and develop relationships

with 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 entrepre-neurship.

3. Develop, plan, and coordinate opportunities designed to highlight the president of the univer-sity, 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.

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 achieves this by partnering with internal depart-ments, and external organizations, holding leader-ship roles in key local organizations, i.e., chambers of commerce, maintaining relationships with city, county, and state officials, as well as representatives of economic development, healthcare and commu-nity 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 13–14, Community Relations participated in, hosted, facilitated, strategically identified UCF representatives, or sponsored over 120 programs held in the tri-county area, Orange, Osceola and Seminole.

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 13–14, the Office of Constituent Rela-tions coordinated or consulted on 95 events for the president of the university. Each event touched upon the goals of the university by showcasing the undergraduate 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 center works in partnership with other institutions and organizations committed to a shared future that advances economic prosperity and development. Every forum, presentation, event, and Metro Center Outlook show highlights community outreach and awareness. During FY 13–14, the Metro Center hosted more than 35 live events and television broadcasts.

Global Perspectives partnerships, forums and publications served

more than 32,000 people.

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 provid-ing international emphasis to curricula and research. In addition, it works to expand the university’s efforts to enlarge Central Florida’s awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness of the global community.

During FY 13–14, Global Perspectives part-nerships, forums and publications served more than 32,000 people.

Community Relations participated in, hosted, facilitated, strategically identified

UCF representatives for, or sponsored

over 120 programs held in the tri-county area.


Goal 1 Offer the Best Undergraduate Education available in florida

october 2013 Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund recipients. (photo courtesy of Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando)

september 2013 First lady Martha Hitt and UCF president John C. Hitt, far left, are joined by some of the university’s founders, Mary Jo Davis, Charles and Saundra Gray, Joe Guernsey, and James and Betty Robinson, at the State of the University Address. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography)


In collaboration with the Office of the President, in September the Office of Constituent Relations hosted the annual State of the University Address. More than 600 attendees heard UCF president John C. Hitt’s remarks centered on the university’s rich 50-year history. These remarks included the rec-ognition of key individuals who helped secure the campus site and funding, the university founders,

In FY 2013–14, division staff assisted and advised external groups providing scholarships to under-graduate UCF students such as Florida Execu-tive Women (FEW) and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSFMO), which support the educational development of outstanding women and minority students. Due to this involvement, UCF students are the recipients of approximately 65% of the HHSFMO awards.

The Division of Community Relations’ 2013–2014 programs and activities helped advance UCF’s strategic goals in the following ways:

Alignment with the University’s Five Goals

1

2

3

4

5

Offer the BEST UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION Available in Florida

ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL PROMINENCE in Key Programs of Graduate Study and Research

PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL FOCUS to our Curricula and Research Programs

Become More INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE

Be America’s LEADING PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY


october 2013 Florida Lottery officials, Bright Futures scholarship recipients, and UCF administrators are on hand for the third annual Bright Futures Scholarship reception. (photo courtesy of Renee Jones, Florida Lottery)

may 2014 Traditional Scottish bagpipers lead the Spring 2014 commencement procession into UCF’s CFE Arena. (photo courtesy of UCF Marketing)


Dr. Charles Millican, original faculty and staff members in attendance, along with City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

The Office of Constituent Relations also worked closely with the Registrar’s Office to coordinate UCF’s summer, fall and spring commencement ceremonies. More than 7,800 students crossed the stage during the Spring 2014 ceremonies. UCF has awarded more than 240,000 degrees in its 50-year history.

In October, Florida Lottery officials partnered with Constituent Relations staff to raise awareness that the Florida Lottery primarily finances Bright Futures scholarships. More than 200 UCF Bright Futures scholarship recipients attended the third annual reception on Memory Mall to hear from Lottery secretary Cynthia O’Connell and UCF president John C. Hitt. President Hitt remarked that last year, 25,495 deserving students at UCF received Bright Futures Scholarships to help them advance their dreams of obtaining a college degree. UCF ranked second among state universities in total Bright Futures scholarship funding. In Fall 2013, 91.3% of all UCF freshmen who are Florida residents benefitted from Bright Futures scholarships. Since 1997, the Florida Lottery has contributed more than

$3.6 billion, curbing the college costs for more than 600,000 of Florida’s best and brightest students.

The Office for Global Perspectives and its affili-ates provided undergraduate students with access to a unique selection of prominent specialists—in the classroom, through digital video conferences and teleconferences, in public forums, and via internships, fellowships and scholarships. Examples of distin-guished visitors include Jessica Fellowes, Prabhu Guptara, Khaled Al Maeena, Amb. Myles Frechette, Max Rodenbeck, Fiona Hill, Vivana Hurtado and Chong Kim. Other opportunities for undergraduate students were available through: the Diplomacy Pro-gram (directed by Amb. Elam-Thomas), the PMBF Program (directed by David Dumke and co-chaired by John Bersia, with Amb. Elam-Thomas on the advisory board), The India Center (directed by Pal-lavoor Vaidyanathan and co-chaired by John Bersia), the Kurdish Political Studies Initiative (co-directed by John Bersia), the China-Taiwan Cross-Strait Pro-gram (co-directed by John Bersia), the Global Peace and Security Studies Program (co-directed by John Bersia, with Jessica Gagnon and Amal Khan on the advisory board), the Human Trafficking Awareness Program (chaired by John Bersia, with Amb. Elam-Thomas on the advisory board), the Isle of Man Small Countries Program at UCF (chaired by John Bersia

More than 7,800 students crossed the stage during the Spring 2014

ceremonies. UCF has awarded

more than 240,000 degrees in its 50-year history.

Last year,

25,495 deserving students at UCF received Bright Futures Scholarships.


Goal 2 Achieve International Prominence in Key Programs of Graduate Study and Research

november 2013 Author and award- winning educator Rafe Esquith served as guest speaker at UCF’s annual Interna-tional Breakfast. (photo courtesy of the Marquette Educator)

october 2013 Award-winning documentary producer Jehane Noujaim discusses political change in Egypt. (photo courtesy of UCF Global Perspec-tives Office)

Goal 3 Provide International Focus to Our Curricula and Research Programs

may 2014 Metro Center Outlook host Dr. Diane Trees interviews Cape Canaveral CEO John Walsh. (photo courtesy of WUCF TV)


and coordinated by Jessica Gagnon, with Amb. Elam-Thomas and Ted Reynolds on the advisory board) and the Middle Eastern Studies Program (co-chaired by John Bersia, with David Dumke, Amb. Elam-

Thomas and Ted Reynolds on the advisory board). The Office and its affiliates also hosted 40 student interns, fellows, scholars, volunteers and other assis-tants during the year.

The Office of Global Perspectives and its affiliates have developed or supported publications that boost UCF’s national and international profile and reputation, along with providing special opportu-nities for graduate students as research/editorial assistants. Our Worldviews for the 21st Century monograph series featured globally prominent specialists in the past year, such as Allan Goodman and Fiona Hill. The series, published quarterly, is read by audiences in several countries. Publications by Global Per-spectives staff are in libraries and used in classrooms in multiple countries.

Metro Center Outlook provided opportunities to increase community awareness and knowledge through internationally-oriented topics and guests. John Walsh, CEO of Cape Canaveral, discussed the expanding trade expectations for Florida’s ports with the expansion of the Panama Canal. Frank DiBello, CEO of Space Florida, highlighted several partner-ships with European companies and space industries in central Florida. The Metro Center also sponsored a ULI Central Florida event in Brevard County fea-turing Cape Canaveral CEO John Walsh along with a panel discussion on the economics of expansion. Approximately 200 people attended the event.

The Office of Global Perspectives and its affili-ates provided regular opportunities through speaker forums, panel discussions, symposia, digital video

conferences, working conferences, dialogues and workshops for students, faculty and the community to enhance classroom and textbook instruction,


june 2014 Maritza Martinez, third from right, takes part in the Hispanic Chamber Civic Advocacy Series panel discussion featuring Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, fourth from left. (photo courtesy of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)

november 2013 Ambassador Gary Grappo, former Head of Mission, Office of the Quartet Representative, the Honorable Tony Blair, in Jerusalem, spoke at the annual Global Issues Con-ference at UCF. (photo courtesy of UCF Global Perspectives Office)


Goal 4 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 com-munity initiatives via sponsorships, committee and board service. Community Relations holds trustee- level membership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which serves 1,400 members; silver-level membership with the African American Chamber of Commerce which serves approximately 350 members; bronze-level sponsorship with the Central Florida Disability Chamber which serves approximately 75 members; and corporate membership in MBA Orlando with approximately 400 members. Commu-nity Relations staff are also members of the City of

Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commis-sion Executive Team and coordinated UCF’s student entry in the City of Orlando’s MLK parade.

The Metro Center director participated in local and regional community events held by diverse populations and organizations. At the Annual State-wide ULI Summit, the director served as a panelist for the Women’s Leadership Breakfast along with Orange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson.

Metro Center Outlook featured an episode on the Central Florida Disabilities Chamber and opportuni-ties in Central Florida for entrepreneurial candidates, and a minimum of 50% of Metro Center Outlook shows featured women in leadership positions throughout Central Florida with topics ranging from the film industry in Florida to modern media and job creation.

The Office of Global Perspectives and its affili-ates shared ideas and viewpoints on the main theme for the year, “What Is Global Is Local: Understand-ing the Challenges and Opportunities of a Rapidly Changing, Uncertain World,” as well as for other themes or series. These focused on a multitude of topics—political change, the global economy, peace and security, various countries and regions, wom-

A minimum of 50% of Metro Center Outlook shows featured

women in leadership positions throughout Central Florida.

as well as community awareness. These included: Women and Leadership: A Global Perspective, Florida International Summit 2014, and the UCF Community Summit on Environment and Global Climate Change 2014, among others. John Bersia taught two courses, Ambassador Elam-Thomas one course, and Ted Reynolds two courses. Finally, Global Perspectives encouraged and/or published research and commentary of global significance in the areas of conflict and international cooperation, among others.


october 2013 Dr. Diane Trees interviews Stefanie Steele, executive director of the Central Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, on Metro Center Outlook. (photo courtesy of WUCF TV)

january 2014 City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is joined by city commissioners and members of the Mayor’s MLK Commission at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

december 2013 Writer and comedian Negin Farsad, center, is flanked by Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program director David Dumke, left, and Global Perspectives director John Bersia, right, at a screening of Fersad’s film The Muslims are Coming! (photo courtesy Office of Global Perspectives)


• Samar Fatany, author and journalist, on women in Saudi Arabia. October 23–24, 2013.

• Ramon F. Jurado, Panamanian novelist, Department of Modern Languages Distin-guished Visitor. January 30, 2014.

• Naomi Tutu, human-rights advocate. March 20, 2014.

• Viviana Hurtado, founder of The Wise Latina Club. April 11, 2014.

• Adm. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Egyptian defense attaché, Washington, D.C. April 16, 2014.

en’s leadership and human rights—and were led by speakers of varied national, ethnic, religious, politi-cal 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. A select sample of visitors included:

• Prabhu Guptara, globalization specialist and scholar, on India’s rise. October 1, 2013.

• Zainab Al-Suwaij, co-founder and Executive Director, American Islamic Congress. October 17, 2013.


january 2014 Associate vice president Maritza Martinez addresses Winter Park Chamber members, community leaders, and residents at Mayor Ken Bradley’s State of the City address. (photo courtesy of Winter Park Chamber of Commerce)

june 2014 Candidates await the East Side Regional Hob Nob straw poll results. (photo courtesy of Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce)


• Mark Romoff, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. May 2, 2014.

• Serhii Plokhy, author of The Last Empire and Director, Ukrainian Research Institute, Harvard University. May 21, 2014.

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. For example, the Community Relations director served as editor-in-chief of the Hispanic Chamber quarterly magazine, Vision, the past chair-man of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, as well as an economic competitiveness committee member of the newly-formed Project DTO Task Force which will provide strategic guidance in the development and evolution of Downtown Orlando.

Community Relations and Constituent Rela-tions staff also served on the Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber’s East Side Regional Hob Nob planning committee, contacting candidates, securing sponsor-ships, and providing guidance on logistics. The event brought more than 600 attendees to the UCF Fair-winds Alumni Center and featured more than 50 candidates in local, state, and national races vying for votes in a unique, two-county straw poll.

The Office of Community Relations coor-dinated UCF’s overall involvement in the 2013

Greater Orlando Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s largest one-day fundraiser in Central Florida, which was held on UCF’s main campus for the first time in September, welcoming more than 20,000 participants to our main campus. Proceeds from the Heart Walk fund cardiovascular research and education as well as community programs. The university’s efforts were once again led by 2013 Heart Walk co-chairs UCF provost Tony Waldrop and College of Medicine dean Deborah German. Team UCF broke its previous years’ records in both participation and fundraising: This year, 624 walkers from 37 university-affiliated teams raised more than $45,000—far surpassing UCF’s goal of 350 partic-ipants and $35,000 raised. UCF ranked fifth out of 96 companies based on dollars raised.

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, quarterly council meetings have provided a venue for members to share input on var-ious campus developments and stay abreast of events that impact the community. By partnering with and keeping an open line of communication with


april 2014 2013–2014 UCF Community Council chair Susan Vernon-Devlin introduces UCF president John C. Hitt at the council’s annual State of the University update.

september 2013 College of Business dean Paul Jarley unveils the college’s new initiatives at the President’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography)

september 2013 UCF mascot Knightro was on hand to greet visitors and lead off the festivities at the Greater Orlando Heart Walk which took place on UCF’s main campus for the first time.


The UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon

was attended by more than 800 university and community friends and raised

$21,560 in scholarship funds for student-athletes.

these stakeholders, the university enjoys a positive relationship with its nearest neighbors. This year’s featured speakers included UCF president John C. Hitt and Pegasus Health assistant director of com-munications and public relations, Karen Phillips.

The Office of Community Relations partnered with the College of Business on the Fall 2014 President’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast in Sep-tember, featuring UCF College of Business (CBA) dean Paul Jarley. Dubbed “A Conversation with the College of Business,” the event served as the official rollout of the dean’s vision for a thriving partnership between the CBA and the Central Florida com-munity. The dean unveiled several of the college’s new initiatives, including: the grand opening of the Blackstone LaunchPad entrepreneurial program; cross-disciplinary collaborations with the College

of Science and College of Engineering to develop a curriculum addressing the needs of local tech firms; and the CBA’s “Thought Leader Series,” featuring CBA faculty sharing their ideas and current proj-ects with the public. Guests were also challenged to reach out to the CBA faculty to help build ties between the CBA and the community.

In August, the fifth annual UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon was held at the newly-named CFE Arena. Constituent Relations staff worked with the UCF Athletics development staff to secure corporate sponsorships, event support, chance draw-


august 2013 The Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon raised more than $21,000 for UCF student athletes. (photo courtesy of Jeff Garner, UCF Alumni Association)

december 2013 Left to right, Judy Duda, Susan Pelteson, and Beth Smith help raise funds for Coalition for the Homeless at the annual Town & Gown Council Holiday Tea. (photo courtesy of UCF Town & Gown Council)

april 2014 Howard Drive Elementary students show off their first-place medals at the 2014 Florida Odyssey of the Mind State Finals held at the CFE Arena. (photo courtesy of Tropical Region Odyssey of the Mind)


ing, and logistics coordination. The luncheon was attended by more than 800 university and commu-nity friends and raised $21,560 in scholarship funds for student-athletes, bringing the total amount of scholarship dollars raised for student-athletes in the past five years to more than $189,000.

The UCF Town & Gown Council (T&G) is a community-based organization. Membership is comprised of representatives from the Central Florida community (Town) and representatives of the UCF community (Gown). The Office of Constituent Rela-tions provides staff and event logistical support for all Town & Gown events, supporting the “leading part-nership university” goal with their mission of strength-ening relationships between UCF and the community. An example of strengthening relationships between UCF and the community is demonstrated with the annual Town & Gown Council and UCF Wom-en’s Club Holiday Tea, held annually at the Burnett House, where members of both T&G and UCF Women’s Club partner to raise much-needed funds and items for the Coalition for the Homeless. Mon-etary donations from the 73 attendees totaled $3,580 at the 2013 event, bringing the total raised for the Coalition since the event’s inception to over $23,000.

A partnership with the state executive board of Florida Odyssey of the Mind brought the Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament to the University of Central Florida again this year. This single event had approximately 1,500 student participants (from kin-dergarten to college-age) with an overall total of over 5,000 attendees. In coordinating such a large event,

it takes the teamwork and cooperation of many UCF partners. This event further advances the university’s “leading partnership” goal by relying on a partner-ship between the Odyssey state executive board, the Office of Constituent Relations, the UCF Student Union, CFE Arena, UCF Police, UCF Dining Services, and the many, many volunteers of Odyssey of the Mind that make this program a success. The Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament has returned to the UCF campus each year since 2000.

Throughout the fiscal year, the Office of Global Perspectives and its affiliates engaged in partner-ships to accomplish every initiative, collaborating with 182 organizations to date. Some examples include Florida Network for Global Studies, Global


january 2014 UCF Rosen College hosts actors Avery Brooks and Lynn Whitfield at a special performance of “An Evening with Zora” during the 2014 Zora Neale Hurston Festival. (photo courtesy of N.Y. Nathiri)

april 2014 Dr. Trees discusses the community school concept with UCF College of Health & Public Affairs dean Michael Frumkin on Metro Center Outlook. (photo courtesy of WUCF TV)

october 2013 Metro Center director Dr. Diane Trees and Lake Mary mayor David Mealor represent UCF at the Seminole Chamber Industry Recognition Luncheon.


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, U.S. Institute of Peace, Small Countries Financial Management Centre, American Security Project and Bipartisan Policy Center.

Metro Center Outlook is a WUCF TV program shown throughout nine counties in Central Florida on the local PBS affiliate. The director identified, scheduled, and coordinated guests for each show. As executive producer, the director engaged in research, developed program content and wrote material for all 24 shows. The director also hosted the 24 shows. Working with WUCF TV, the Metro Center director participated in a $11,950 grant awarded by the American Graduate/Point of View. The grant entailed focusing an episode of Metro Center Outlook on the community school concept as well as hosting a community event with a panel discussion on the importance of afterschool programs. The direc-tor worked with WUCF staff securing panelists, writing discussion content and coordinating material with all panelists. The director then hosted the panel discussion at the event.

The Metro Center director builds relationships through service on external organizational commit-tees and boards such as the Urban Land Institute’s management committee and the Seminole Regional Chamber of Commerce’s economic development committee. The Metro Center director served as vice

chair for the Seminole Regional Chamber of Com-merce Industry Recognition Luncheon, one of the major fundraisers for the chamber each year, with more than 300 people in attendance.

The Metro Center director moderated four panel discussions for community events. These included the UCF School of Real Estate Annual Forum panel on real estate trends, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Central Florida Building Healthy Commu-nities Panel on best practices in Central Florida, the ULI Central Florida Annual Trends Conference on health care real estate trends, and a WUCF POV panel discussion on the importance of afterschool programs. In addition to hosting each panel, respon-sibilities included securing panelists, setting format, writing all content, and working with panelists for clarity and flow of discussion prior to each event.


february 2014 Dr. Trees, second from left, is joined by panelists and presenters at the ULI Building Healthy Places community work-shop. (photo courtesy of ULI Central Florida)

september 2013 Vice President Donegan addresses business and community leaders at the President’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast. (photo courtesy of Courtney Shapiro Photography)


Working with ULI Florida staff representing the five Florida District Councils, the director assisted with securing a $25,000 grant from the ULI Foundation. This grant was matched with $25,000 from Florida Blue. The purpose of the grant was to convene stakeholders in the five district councils and complete a case study report on the Building Healthy Places Initiative. The Metro Center director served as co-chair for the statewide ULI Florida efforts and as chair of the ULI Central Florida Dis-trict workshop and steering committee. The report, Building a Healthier Florida, was published, dis-tributed and presented by the Metro Center director at the June 2014 ULI Annual Statewide Summit before approximately 500 people. The Metro Cen-ter director also served as a panelist for the keynote session on Building Healthy Places.

In all, the Metro Center sponsored seven events in partnership with three Central Florida orga-nizations. Along with sponsorship, participation included speaking roles for the Metro Center direc-tor, preparation of content, and logistical planning. These seven events collectively were attended by 1,600 community leaders.

During FY 13–14, Vice President Donegan, listed over the years as one of Orlando’s 50 most powerful people in Orlando Magazine, and recog-nized among Central Florida’s most well-networked citizens, contributed to scores of civic and profes-sional organizations by using her influence and access to support education, social services, health and arts, and provided valuable networking oppor-

tunities to local up-and-coming professionals. Over the years, Vice President Donegan has chaired, co-chaired and served on the boards of many fund-raisers for local nonprofits, including the American Heart Association, Heart of Florida United Way, Mennello Museum and Orlando Repertory Theatre, and chaired the opening festivities for the Orlando Science Center. 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 institu-tional knowledge she possesses is vital to their suc-cess and the cultivation of their respective volunteer leadership pipelines. Donegan played a key role in the execution of the Athena Women’s Luncheon, attended by over 400 of Central Florida’s most influential women, and will continue 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 continued to connect local women from all areas of business via quarterly gatherings. Under Donegan’s directive, the Division of Community Relations continues to coordinate community-based programs to enhance the community’s understand-ing of UCF’s role as a major research university.



University of Central Florida • www.ucf.edu


Documents

UCF Community Relations 2014 Annual Report