[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E12-E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of 
Central Florida (UCF) on its 50th anniversary. Founded as Florida 
Technical University, UCF has grown to prominence over the past 50 
years. UCF is now the second largest university in the nation, 
educating almost 60,000 undergraduates and graduates each year.
  UCF continuously strives for academic excellence. U.S. News and World 
Report ranks UCF as a top ``up-and-coming'' university, while The 
Princeton Review rated UCF as one of the best values in the country. 
UCF is also home to world-renowned programs like the Institute for 
Simulation and Training and the College of Optics & Photonics, both of 
which are leading the way in their respective fields.
  Under the direction of President John C. Hitt, UCF recently opened 
its College of Medicine in Lake Nona Medical City. The medical school, 
in partnership with other research institutions in the Medical City, 
promises to make Central Florida a destination for medical research. 
The College of Medicine joins the Rosen College of Hospitality 
Management, located near the region's most popular attractions, in 
providing specialized education to UCF students. UCF has become 
``America's Partnership University,'' working closely with governments, 
nonprofit organizations, and industry to prepare students for their 
chosen careers.

[[Page E13]]

  UCF is also committed to achieving diversity and accessibility. UCF 
students come from all 50 states and 148 countries. The University's 
student body is comprised of a minority population of nearly 40 
percent, and 10 percent of students are adult learners. To increase 
accessibility, the college offers numerous online courses, including 69 
entirely web-based degree and certification programs.
  Perhaps fitting for a university on the rise, the UCF Knights 
recently won their first Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game, the 2014 
Fiesta Bowl. They are the youngest university ever to win a BCS game.
  It is my pleasure to recognize UCF for its accomplishments over the 
last 50 years. I congratulate the hard-working faculty and outstanding 
students that make UCF a destination for our nation's best and 
brightest young minds. Go Knights!