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Pieces From Our Past

  • Shovel and photos of the FTU groundbreaking ceremony.

    The Groundbreaker This ceremonial shovel was first used March 19, 1967, for the groundbreaking of FTU, then at UCF’s 25th anniversary celebration and the 2007 College of Medicine’s groundbreaking.

  • Brick for use with the Alumni Plaza wall.

    Goodwill Wall Alumni Plaza’s wall is able to house up to 1,000 personalized bricks. Built in 1989 in front of Millican Hall, it’s a showcase area for those alumni who have donated $1,000 or more to the Alumni Trust Fund.

  • First commencment keepsakes.

    First Commencement Keepsakes from the 1970 commencement ceremony, where the auditorium was filled to capacity — much like today. Items courtesy of Lois M. Jackson, ’70

  • Coffee cup and saucer.

    Fine Dining President Millican and his wife, Frances, enjoyed entertaining guests, and this coffee cup and saucer were in frequent use.

  • Vulture Vinnie

    Vulture Vinnie Named in the earliest days of the university, Vinnie the Vulture lived for many years near the Student Center. This taxidermy serves as a reminder of the ever-present vultures that circled the newly cleared land on campus.

  • Emblem of Honor

    Emblem of Honor In September 1968, Dr. Millican was presented with the FTU President’s Medallion, which bears the university’s seal.

  • FTU’s first student handbook

    Astro-Orange Designed by Norman Van Meter, the Citronaut appeared on the cover of FTU’s first student handbook.

  • The first edition of FTU’s student newspaper

    Temporary Title The first edition of FTU’s student newspaper — briefly called F.T.U.??? — was published Oct. 7, 1968. A naming contest took place soon afterward, and proposals included Tech News and Views, Pegasus and FTU Star. The winning name? FuTUre.

  • Portrait of President Colbourn

    Presidential Portrait This painting of President Colbourn was created by artist B. Tiffany in 1992.

  • Founding President Charles Millican’s

    Bronze Laurel Founding President Charles Millican’s likeness was captured in bronze in this bust sculpted by J.V. Spatafora in 1974.