The Garceaus '78
When you think about the future of UCF, maybe 20, 30 or even 50 years from now, what do you see? What kind of changes do you envision for UCF in the years to come?
I attended what was then FTU (Florida Technological University) and graduated in 1978, which was the same year the name was changed to UCF. I worked full time at Disney and went to school full time on the GI bill for four straight years. What is now University Boulevard, at the time was FTU Boulevard. The drive to school on FTU Boulevard was like a drive in the country. There were ranches on both sides of the street and a few scattered houses and subdivisions. It was not unusual to see horses and riders along the way.
Today, UCF is the second largest University, by student population, in the country. I think the main campus will continue to evolve as an international education destination. The technical sciences and liberal arts fields will probably dominate the offerings on campus. The UCF Medical School should evolve in to be one of the most prestigious medical professional schools ever. The integration and internationalism of the UCF communities will be a tremendous vehicle for improving the lives of people around the world.
You've been supporters of athletic programs and scholarships, as well as many other academic areas, at UCF for many years. What made you decide to include UCF in your estate planning as well?
UCF's sports programs gained our interest approximately 25 years ago. Through our participation as fans, we developed relationships with other Alumni and supporters. These relationships became a part of our UCF sports community.
As far as including UCF in our estate planning, the University and its academic and sports programs have had a tremendous impact on the overall UCF community. They offer opportunities to many talented and young lives to improve themselves and grow as decent human beings. It is exciting to witness this growth and to know that the future will be brighter and better for so many individuals.
We are proud to be associated with UCF and to have a part of our estate donated to enhance our support of these important programs.
