UCF Homecoming celebrates how far the university has come and where it is going next, and at the center of that tradition is the 2026 Shining Knights Alumni Awards, described as UCF's premier alumni recognition event. Each year the awards honor alumni and friends of the university whose accomplishments, leadership and service embody the best of UCF.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the DeVos Family Room at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando will host the recognition of six individuals. The Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed annually upon a UCF graduate, goes to Brandi Bryan, Carrie Daanen and Ronald C. Thow.
The John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award, the highest honor for a friend of UCF, goes to Jogi Pattisapu, M.D. The Young Alumni Award, the highest annual honor for a recent 30 Under 30 honoree, goes to Shaina Ruth, and the Distinguished Student Award, the highest honor for a current UCF student, goes to Ornella Vintimilla.
Press release issued by UCF Today:
https://www.ucf.edu/news/homecoming-highlights-celebrating-ucfs-2026-shining-knights/
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