Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.
The 2026-2027 cohort of ambassadors, which includes six returning members, was formally inducted during a ceremony recognizing their academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service. The ceremony took place on Friday, May 1, at the Barnett Applied Research Center on campus.
“I really like being involved in my community and was excited for the chance to meet new people, improve my speaking skills and help this school that’s helped me so much,” said new ambassador Charlize Gutierrez-Lopez, a sophomore majoring in industrial engineering with a goal of becoming a pilot. “I want to be that person that people can look up to overall.”
Ambassadors are appointed by the University president after a rigorous selection process that evaluates academic standing and leadership potential. They receive specialized training in communication, leadership and professional development, assisting them in their duties in the program as well as their career aspirations.
“True leadership is rooted in service, in the willingness to act for something greater than yourself, and your service supports the Office of the President and furthers the institution’s vision,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president, to the new class of ambassadors. “Your selection to this elite group reflects hard work, character, academic excellence and a passion for Florida Poly. You stand as the face of Florida Polytechnic University, and your presence and actions will influence how others experience this institution.”
In sync with that charge, returning ambassadors highlighted the program’s impact on their personal and professional growth.
“Over the past year that I’ve been in this wonderful program, I’ve learned so much about leadership, service and what it means to be a Florida Poly student,” said Daniel Fellows, a junior majoring in electrical engineering and the group’s incoming chair. “I think part of our responsibility to the program is to shine a light on everything Florida Poly has to offer, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to lead and help shape the perception of this University.”
The Presidential Ambassadors program is sponsored by MidFlorida Credit Union.
2026-2027 Presidential Ambassadors
- Daniel Fellows, chair, electrical engineering
- Madeline Prewett, vice chair, electrical engineering
- Lucas Batista, data science
- Ellie De Berry, cybersecurity engineering
- Charlize Gutierrez-Lopez, industrial engineering
- Erica Kozak, mechanical engineering
- Luke Meler, mechanical engineering
- Stephen Raghunandan, computer science
- Jannice Rivera, computer science
- Alyson Smyth, electrical engineering
- Jaymee Thompson, computer science
- Lucas Weitzman, electrical engineering
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
