University of Central Florida
07/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/24/2026 07:39
UCF’s Summer 2026 Commencement Set for July 31-Aug 1
UCF will award more than 4,900 degrees during this summer's ceremonies, continuing its record-setting momentum in preparing highly skilled graduates for in-demand fields, including engineering, computer science, business, nursing, and digital and emerging media.
Worth noting among this graduating class:
- Roughly 30% of the undergraduate students receiving their degrees are the first in their families to earn their diploma.
- More than 25% of this term's degrees are tied to STEM majors.
- About 30% of the undergraduate graduating class are Pell Grant recipients.
UCF is the leading producer of talent among Florida's universities, awarding roughly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state's workforce.
Graduates will hear from three esteemed speakers - all UCF graduates - whose leadership and impact have benefited our region:
- Psychology alum Allen Johnson '81, chief venue officer for City for Orlando Venues
- Journalism alum Tanya (Easterling) Hill '97, market president for Central Florida for Florida Blue
- Criminal justice alum Fred Kittinger '80, UCF's former senior associate vice president for government and community relations
Commencement Festivities
Held in the Addition Financial Arena, summer commencement will take place over three ceremonies spanning Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1.
All guests, including children and infants, need a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.
Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed on UCF's YouTube channel.
Commencement Photo-ops Across UCF
Best photographic locations on UCF's main campus for grad photos. UCF Downtown's most photographic locations for grad pictures.Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House football stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.
Grad Walk
On Thursday, July 30, 4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), summer graduates are invited to a photo-op - Grad Walk - within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage. Graduates are required to register at foundation.ucf.edu/GradWalk.
All commencement ceremonies are livestreamed. (Photo by Antoine Hart)Commencement Schedule
Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:
Friday, July 31
6 p.m.
College of Arts and Humanities
College of Community Innovation and Education
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Saturday, Aug. 1
9 a.m.
Barry S. Miller College of Business
College of Health Professions and Sciences
2:30 p.m.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Optics and Photonics
For more details and FAQs about Summer 2026 commencement celebrations, visit ucf.edu/graduation.
Commencement Speakers
Allen Johnson '81 graduated with a degree in psychology.Allen Johnson '81
Chief Venues Officer, City of Orlando Venues
Allen Johnson '81 has served as chief venues officer of Orlando Venues since 2004, overseeing the City of Orlando's diverse portfolio of Kia Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art.
Johnson brings decades of venue management experience from leadership roles across Florida. Under Johnson's leadership, Orlando Venues has evolved into a premier, globally recognized destination for sports, entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of guests each year while strengthening Central Florida's reputation as a world-class destination.
A proud UCF graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology, he has earned numerous honors, including the 2025 International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Legacy Award, the SPORTYS Executive of the Year Award and the Downtowner of the Year Award.
He remains active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), serving as past chairman and trustee of the foundation board, while also contributing to organizations that include the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, Victim Service Center and the UCF DeVos sport business management program.
Tanya Hill graduated with a degree in journalism.Tanya (Easterling) Hill '97
Market President for Central Florida, Florida Blue
Tanya Hill '97 is Florida Blue's market president for Central Florida, responsible for regional business and community engagement in a 9-county region.
Throughout her more than 25-year career, she has worked with reputable brands including Chick-fil-A, Target and Walt Disney World to drive business results through strategic partnerships.
Hill is passionate about investing time in the community and has been involved with numerous community and civic organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, 4Roots Foundation, Orlando Economic Partnership and the Winter Park Health Foundation.
Hill holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from UCF.
Fred Kittinger graduated with a degree in criminal justice.Fred Kittinger '80
Former Senior Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations, UCF
A native of central Florida, Fred Kittinger '80 recently retired as senior associate vice president for government and community relations at UCF, where he served for more than 22 years.
He worked alongside local and state leaders to help foster some of UCF's most transformative achievements, including the approval of UCF's College of Medicine, the creation of the world-class Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, the development of UCF Downtown, the expansion of the UCF Business Incubation Program and investments that enhanced the student experience and advanced regional impact.
Prior to his career at UCF, Kittinger served as chief of staff to Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood and previously as vice president of government relations for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He began his career as a legislative aide to state Senator George Stuart of Orlando.
Reflecting his commitment to the community, Kittinger currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Central Florida (past chair), Central Florida Council for Scouting America and Legacy Pointe at UCF.
Kittinger graduated from UCF's criminal justice program and earned his master's degree in public administration from Florida State University.
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University of Central Florida published this content on July 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 24, 2026 at 13:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]