Giving & Alumni - Division of Student Learning and Academic Success

Your Gift Makes a Difference

When you give to the College of Undergraduate Studies, you help us provide students with access to academic programs and experiences that enable them to unleash their full potential.

To make a gift and learn more about giving opportunities, please contact Renzo Martorella, Director for Advancement, at 407-823-2877.

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Alumni Achievement and Student Scholarship Reception

On November 2, the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS) held its first Alumni Achievement and Student Scholarship Reception to recognize the accomplishments of its alumni and students. It was also an opportunity to thank donors for their support and generosity.

Celebrating Knights

On November 19, 2021, the College of Undergraduate Studies and the Division of Student Learning and Academic Success celebrated student academic success with a reception. Attendees included the college and division’s Advisory Board and Central Florida community members. The event’s highlight was listening to students share their stories about their path to earning their bachelor’s degrees. (Pictured left to right: Kameron ’95 and Amanda Kaviani, Boris Garbe, and Kristy and Dan ’20 Green)

Priority Initiatives

Vice Provost and Dean’s Undergraduate Success Fund
Education is power. With your partnership, we will provide students with financial support to finish their degrees and pay for educational expenses, such as textbooks. Your gift will also provide students with funds to participate in programs such as study abroad, undergraduate research, and internships.

PeerKnights Fund
Students’ first semester at UCF can be overwhelming. The PeerKnights program provides new Knights with a mentor to guide them through their classes, share information about co-curricular activities, and build a social network. Your gift of support will support this program and help students experience all that UCF has to offer.

Academic Advancement Programs
Everyone should have access to a college education. For first-generation and under-represented students, the cost can be a factor. Your gift provides financial support to students in need of emergency housing, clothes for interviews, travel expenses related to graduate school interviews, and participating in academic conferences.

Scholarships

The Division of Student Learning and Academic Success awards scholarships to UCF undergraduate students who demonstrate academic achievement and community activism. All eligible students are encouraged to apply via UCF’s A2O scholarship website.

2019-20 Scholarship Recipient
Autumn Wright and members of the Ferrante Family

Michael’ 15MS and Pamela ’85,’ 95MA,’ 00Ed.S Ferrante established the Ferrante Family LGBTQ Scholarship to recognize UCF’s commitment to the LGBTQ student community. The scholarship annually awards $1,000 to an undergraduate who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community and exhibits academic excellence through their coursework and educational endeavors. The scholarship
recipient will receive $500 in the fall and spring semesters.

2019-20 Scholarship Recipient
Eric LeBron with Mr. Michael Dively & Dr. Martin Dupuis

Dr. Martin Dupuis, senior associate dean of the Burnett Honors College, and Mr. Michael Dively, community activist and philanthropist, established the Dively-Dupuis LGBTQ Scholarship in 2017. The scholarship annually awards $1,400 to a high-achieving undergraduate who demonstrates leadership and activism within the LGBTQ community. The scholarship recipient will receive $700 in the fall and spring semesters.

**Mary Ellen and John Upperco** **Scholarship passes on the gift to education to future generations**

Their four sons have established the John and Mary Ellen Upperco scholarship, John Jr., Peter, Mark, Daniel, and their families. Growing up in a family that emphasized life-long learning and the importance of a college education, John and Mary Ellen wanted their sons to earn a college degree. The scholarship was developed so deserving, qualified students can have an opportunity to achieve their educational goals, and the Upperco family can pass on the gift of learning to future

Advisory Board

The College of Undergraduate Studies’ and Division of Student Learning and Academic Success’ Advisory Board comprises distinguished individuals dedicated to uplifting lives and livelihoods through the power of education. To download a Board member’s profile, just place your cursor over each image and download the pdf file.