Dreaming Big

The downtown campus got more traction today with an announcement of an additional $3 million gift from Dr. Phillips Charities. The gift will help fund construction of a new academic building that will be the heart of the UCF Downtown campus serving about 7,700 UCF and Valencia College students.

This donation and along with other gifts from community supporters brings the total to $16 million. Today’s announcement comes a day before university leaders will present plans for the campus to the Florida Board of Governors.

Dr. Phillips Charities CEO Kenneth Robinson presented a $3 million check to UCF President John C. Hitt and Mayor Buddy Dyer; who believe their dream is soon to be fulfilled.

Pending approvals, the campus will open in fall 2018. UCF Downtown will offer students an innovative learning environment within walking distance of a wide array of internship and job opportunities in fields such as digital media, communication, public service, to include legal studies and health-related programs.

UCF will share the campus with Valencia College, and promises to bring nearly 2,000 jobs to the downtown area.