There will be a tribute event to honor the University of Central Florida’s President John C. Hitt celebrating his 25 year anniversary with the university Wednesday.
The campus community is invited to participate in the milestone event, held in the Student Union Pegasus Ballroom from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served during the reception to follow.
Since Hitt and his wife Martha joined the UCF family in 1992, UCF has thrived, with enrollment nearly tripled, becoming the nation’s second largest university. Research funding has escalated from $28.4 million to more than $100 million annually in the past 11 years.
During his time as UCF president, the construction of the College of Medicine at Lake Nona was completed, which is the biggest economic boost for Central Florida since the introduction of Walt Disney World. The College of Medicine is set to generate around 30,000 jobs and bring an annual $7.6 billion economic benefit to the community.
“It is a privilege to serve as president of a university,” said Hitt during his inaugural address. “Society invests in universities not just its money, but something far more precious, the potential of enterprising men and women who seek to enrich their lives through higher education.”
Originally published Feb. 26, 2017