Hundreds of students, families, faculty and staff gathered at Florida Polytechnic University campus on Saturday, Oct. 17, for Phoenix Family Day, exploring student life through hands-on demonstrations, games and fun.
The annual event gave families an opportunity to experience campus, connect with the University community and see how their students are making Florida Poly their home away from home.
Across campus, activities included yoga, disc golf, giant chess, a cornhole tournament and a birthday party celebrating Solaris, Florida Poly’s Phoenix mascot.
Florida Poly faculty and student organizations hosted hands-on sessions, including a physics demonstration and an engineering exhibition testing how concrete’s strength changes as it cures. Families also explored Phoenix Racing’s award-winning, student-built solar race car.
For parents such as Jon Tryzbiak, the event offered a chance to see how their students were settling into college.
“It’s fun to come in and see what life looks like on a day-to-day basis for my daughter now that she’s moved away from home,” said Tryzbiak, who traveled with his family from their home near Tampa, Florida. “It’s good to come in and get a sense of confidence and just feel good about her experience here.”
Tryzbiak’s daughter, Sydney Tryzbiak, is a freshman majoring in computer science who performed with the Florida Poly Concert Band during the welcome program.
“It’s really nice to have our parents come down and see the school,” she said. “They came down for college tours and stuff, but they really haven’t experienced it.”
Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, welcomed families and highlighted the University’s growth and plans for the future.
“I want to thank you parents for trusting us with your student,” Stephenson said. “I know how important that is, and I know the weight of that decision. I want you to know that your student is in good hands.”
During his remarks, Stephenson highlighted a 35% enrollment increase over the last two years, tying this growth to a 500-plus percent return on investment for graduates. He also shared plans for a Student Achievement Center, fourth residence hall and expanded dining center.
Stephenson also recognized student-athletes from the University’s newly launched athletics program, which welcomed more than 130 players across eight sports this semester.
Baseball player Hugh Cyhowski, a junior business analytics major from Massachusetts, said he was happy to share the day with his family. “It’s exciting to have my family here and cool to be part of a brand-new athletics program,” he said. “It’s great to be able to show my mom the different buildings, my classes, the weight room and where the dining hall is. I’m glad I get to show them everything.”
Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, welcomes families at Phoenix Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
