ORLANDO, Fla. – University of Central Florida President John Hitt on Tuesday announced that Dr. Phillips Charities have pledged $3 million toward construction of the school's downtown campus.
The pledge is the largest private donation thus far to the downtown Orlando UCF campus, and the money will be used to construct an academic building, Hitt said.
Dr. Phillips’ gift comes a day before university leaders will present plans for the campus Wednesday at UCF to the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.
Dr. Phillips’ $3 million contribution also brings the total community support for UCF Downtown to $16 million.
“When our Board first heard about UCF Downtown and the compelling vision of President Hitt and his team, we knew we wanted to help make this campus a reality,” said Dr. Phillips’ President and CEO Kenneth D. Robinson. “Our mission as an organization is to help transform lives, and in doing so, lift our entire community. We believe this gift to downtown is an investment in our children’s future.”
Dr. Phillips Charities have a long-standing partnership with UCF, contributing toward the College of Medicine, College of Business Administration and the Dr. P. Phillips School of Real Estate.
“These gifts have produced life-changing opportunities for so many of our students,” said UCF President John C. Hitt. “We are so grateful for Dr. Phillips Charities’ support of the UCF Downtown campus and the lasting impact it will have on our community.”
One-third of the new $60 million downtown academic building will be funded through community support. The university also is contributing $20 million from its resources and asking the state for an additional $20 million.