[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the 50th anniversary of the University of 
Central Florida, UCF. As a shining success story in America's higher 
education system, UCF has recently become the Nation's second-largest 
university. Not only has UCF grown in size, but also diversity, quality 
of education, and reputation. Today, UCF serves nearly 60,000 students, 
including a 39 percent minority population.
  I was pleased to learn the first class of medical students graduated 
from UCF earlier this year, those graduates were a part of a historical 
undertaking. The impact of UCF's medical school in the region is 
historic as well. UCF's College of Medicine plays a vital role in 
Orlando's ``Medical City'' at Lake Nona, a cluster of research 
institutions that will help to position Central Florida as a leader in 
medical care. UCF hopes for the medical school to not only increase 
opportunities for medical education in Florida, but to create a climate 
of excellence among regional research, education and medical care that 
will make it one of the premier institutions in the world.
  I would also like to mention the Institute for Simulation and 
Training at UCF, who has recently celebrated 30 years of Modeling and 
Simulation Training and is an internationally recognized research 
institute who has partnered with both military contractors and the 
Department of Defense.
  Congratulations to the University of Central Florida on reaching this 
milestone and on its many distinguished achievements in research, 
teaching, and public service as it celebrates its Golden Anniversary. I 
look forward to 50 more years of accomplishments.

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