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Discover the Top 5 Unbelievable Fun Facts About UCF You Never Knew!

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Get ready to embark on an adventure full of Knight pride and discover fascinating tidbits about the University of Central Florida that are sure to make you say, "Who knew?!"

1. Superman of Florida's Economy

Who says college is only for studying and partying? UCF is essentially the Superman of Florida's economy, swooping in to save the day: With more than 112,000 additional jobs created and $7.73 billion added to the state's economy, it's clear that UCF's impact on Florida is not to be taken lightly, according to a 2009-2010 study by the Florida Board of Governors.
Source => ucf.edu

2. Knightro's Origins and Adventures

Once upon a time, in an age of knights and campus glory: UCF's gallant mascot, Knightro, came to life in 1994 from the ambitious quill of Trey Gordon, and the winning name bestowed upon him by Robert Morris. This brave character replaced the not-so-cosmic Citronaut of 1969, and has since traded his steed for a custom go-kart dubbed "Pegasus 1," crafted by none other than UCF's own engineering wizards. Today, he is brought to life by a discreet cabal of costumed students known as the Team Knightro Mascot Squad, who ensure the merriment of their kingdom's athletic events and celebrations.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. UCF Grad in Outer Space

Houston, we have a UCF grad: UCF boasts research collaborations with space heavies like Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, manages the U.S. National Science Foundation Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, and has alumni like Nicole Stott ‘92MS, who completed two space shuttle missions and spent three months on the International Space Station, shattering glass ceilings while floating through the cosmos.
Source => ucf.edu

4. Mascot Showdown: Vincent vs. Citronaut

In a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, the University of Central Florida’s mascot saga saw Vincent the Vulture go head-to-head with the otherworldly Citronaut for the title of UCF's official cheerleader: Ultimately, in 1970, the mascot wars ended with UCF settling on Knightro and the majestic Knights of Pegasus, effectively leaving Vincent and the Citronaut to ride off into the Floridian sunset.
Source => ucf.edu

UCF's Pondservation Heroes

5. UCF's Pondservation Heroes

As the Pondservation Corps, UCF's students and staff are on a fin-tastic mission to keep their watery realms healthy and thriving: They monitor and maintain over 10 artificial and natural pond systems on campus through the "Adopt-a-Pond" program, using stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent pollution and protect local watersheds—all while making sure Nemo and Dory's relatives have a splashin' good time in their habitats.
Source => energy.ucf.edu

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