University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF), located in Orlando, Florida, is a member institution of the State University System of Florida. As of 2005, UCF is the largest undergraduate public university in Florida and second by total enrollment, trailing the University of Florida by fewer than 5,000 students. UCF awards bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. The main campus is located approximately 13 miles from downtown Orlando and 55 miles from Daytona Beach, and there are twelve satellite campuses in eastern central Florida, though none is as large as the 1415 acre (5.73 km²) main campus.

History

The university was established on 10 June 1963 when the State Legislature passed Bill 125. The first classes began in October 1968 with a class size of 1,948. UCF was known as Florida Technological University (or Florida Tech) until the name was changed on December 6, 1978 by the State Legislature. FTU's former rival, the Florida Institute of Technology, is now named Florida Tech. In 2003, UCF had the distinction of being the fastest growing University in the United States in terms of undergraduate enrollment, and as of 2005, more than 44,000 students attend the school.

Related Topics:
University - 10 June - 1963 - State Legislature - December 6 - 1978 - Florida Institute of Technology - United States - Undergraduate - As of 2005

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One of the founding goals of the university was to act as a support system for the Kennedy Space Center which is about 50 miles (80 km) away. Additionally, the nearby Central Florida Research Park which infuses research funds into the university and draws many interns and graduates from it, has a major focus of simulation as well space and defense related research.

Related Topics:
Kennedy Space Center - Central Florida Research Park - Simulation - Space - Defense

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The University's first mascot, was the short lived Citronaut, a half orange half astronaut hybrid. This was decided by a vote amongst the current FTU students, other ideas included Victor the Vulture, and Rocket Mickey. With the changing of name from FTU to UCF, the UCF athletics association also decided on a more serious mascot, and "Knightro" the golden knight was born. Knightro was later accompanied by his associate "Glycerine".

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