The Florida Senate celebrated “UCF Day” on Wednesday, March 20, recognizing the University of Central Florida’s many contributions to the state economy during the university’s 50-year history.

Senate Resolution 1780, sponsored by Sen. Andy Gardiner of Orlando, extended congratulations to UCF’s faculty, administration, staff, students and alumni on the occasion of UCF’s 50th anniversary this year. The resolution listed a number of UCF milestones and achievements, including:

  • An economic output of more than $4.3 billion in 2011;
  • The award-winning DirectConnect to UCF program, recognized as a national model for partnerships with state and community colleges;
  • The UCF College of Medicine’s contribution to a growing cluster of life sciences centers and research institutions;
  • The impressive diversity of the student body;
  • The efficiency of a university that spends nearly 40 percent less than the State University System average on administrative costs.

    • “We thank Sen. Gardiner and his colleagues for this honor and for recognizing UCF’s contributions to the state over the past half century,” said UCF President John C. Hitt.  “The support of the Florida Legislature is critical to our ability to create opportunities for our students, faculty, alumni and community.”

    For more information about UCF’s 50th anniversary, visit www.ucf.edu/50/.