LAKELAND, Fla. (September 9, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent has appointed 16 outstanding Inaugural Class students to serve as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2015-16 school year. Presidential Ambassadors will represent the President and Florida Poly as formal hosts at designated University events, promote the successes and vision of the University, and will work to create new traditions that enhance school pride.
President Avent recognized the students for this prestigious honor in a recent campus ceremony and awarded each a silver ambassador’s pin.
“Being a Presidential Ambassador is challenging and exciting, and a great way to gain valuable skills,” Dr. Avent said. “This honor gives student members a chance to network with important University constituents and enhance their leadership and professional etiquette skills while engaging in service to the University community.”
The 2015-16 Presidential Ambassadors are the first students to be appointed to the brand-new program, which was launched in the spring of 2015 with an application process. Students who applied were evaluated and selected based on academic standing, leadership skills, citizenship and service activities.
“I love this University and to be the face of Florida Poly is a special opportunity,” said sophomore Ethan Puerto. “We will represent all students at special events, so when people think about Florida Poly, they will remember us.”
Sophomore Shelby Sims, another ambassador, said: “I am so excited to be part of this program and to have the opportunity to meet so many people who are important to this University. It is a special chance to connect with industry leaders and others who may have an impact on our futures.”
Presidential Ambassadors serve for one academic year, and program applications will be available each January for the following academic year. The Presidential Ambassadors Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the Offices of President, Student Affairs, External Affairs and Advancement, review the applications, conduct initial interviews and make recommendations to the President, who then makes the final selection of students to serve as Ambassadors.
The 2015-16 Presidential Ambassadors are:
- Ariel Brown, Computer Engineering – Machine Intelligence
- Aubury Erickson, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Nanotechnology
- Calvin Ingram, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Motion Intelligence
- Camille Jalbert, Electrical Engineering – Electrodynamics
- Chris Dowdy, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Nanotechnology
- Cynthia Wooldridge, Computer Science – Cyber Gaming
- Eric Vickers, Electrical Engineering – Magnetics
- Ethan Puerto, Electrical Engineering – Digital and Hybrid Systems
- Henrique Bolivar, Computer Science – Cyber Security
- Isabel Gutierrez, Computer Science – Cyber Gaming
- Jacob Livingston, Advanced Technology – Health Informatics
- Joseph Zarth, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Nanotechnology
- Kylee White, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Nanotechnology
- Makala Quinn, Advanced Technology – Health Informatics
- Riley Schill, Computer Science – Cyber Security
- Shelby Sims, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering – Nanotechnology
Area companies and organizations may request Presidential Ambassadors to attend their function as a representative of the University. To make a request, please contact Kris Wharton at kwharton@floridapoly.edu or 863-874-8614.