The University of Central Florida is $3 million closer to getting a new downtown Orlando campus.  On Tuesday, UCF announced Dr. Phillips Charities is pledging $3 million to the UCF Downtown project.

Raquel Toro will likely graduate from UCF before the new downtown campus is even built.  But she’s happy other students will have the chance to learn there.

“I think it’s going to be an awesome opportunity for anyone that’s going to be over there,” said Toro, a UCF Senior.

Since Governor Rick Scott rejected a plan to spend millions of dollars of state money for the UCF Downtown project in 2015, the university has collected $16 million in public and private donations from the community, including the $3 million announced Tuesday – the largest donation to date.

“It just shows some people see our vision and want to contribute and be a part of it,” said Toro. 

UCF needs $60 million total for the UCF Downtown campus.  They have $20 million ready to go in university funds.  This latest donation gives them $16 million of the $20 million they need from the community.  UCF is hoping the funding already in place will now convince state leaders to approve contributing the remaining $20 million of state money.  

On Wednesday, UCF will present their plans for the project to the Florida Board of Governors in hopes the board will approve the project.  That approval would pave the way for Governor Scott to approve state spending for the project.

Rachel Toro says she plans on doing graduate work at UCF, and she loves the idea of studying in the heart of downtown Orlando.

“I like the idea of taking SunRail into downtown.  You know, you can go to class and then be around – network – and go to your internships because it’s right over there.  I think it’s going to be awesome,” said Toro.

DONATIONS

Dr. Phillips Charities $3 million
Orange County Government $3 million
Valencia College $2 million
Orlando Magic $1.5 million
CFE Federal Credit Union $1.5 million
Florida Hospital $1.5 million
UCF Leadership and Boards $1 million
Creative Village Development, LLC $1 million
Alan Ginsburg, Orlando Philanthropist $500,000
Orlando City Soccer Club $300,000
CNL Financial Group $250,000
Universal Orlando Foundation and Universal Orlando Resort $250,000
Dr. Bruce Douglas of Winter Park $100,000
Coca-Cola $100,000
Total
 $16 million

 

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