Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day.
Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student.
Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined her son, Nicolas Diaz, a junior majoring in computer science with a concentration in game development and simulation.
“We love that this is a chance to be together as a family and learn more about what’s available,” Gladys Diaz said. “It’s really great to see all the things the students actually get to do because that’s what they dream of doing when they get out of college.”
For freshman mechanical engineering major Camden Hubbard, Family Day was a chance for his family to see how well he is doing at Florida Poly. His mother, Paula Hubbard, was excited to see him in his new home away from home in Cape Coral, Florida.
“When we dropped him off, it was the first time he’d been away and I wasn’t sure how he was going to get acclimated,” Paula Hubbard said. “But then he came home a couple of weeks later and was happy and excited, and I could tell the transition was going well for him. Students don’t really get a lot of breaks to come home, so I’m just appreciative that we get to come here and experience college life to a certain extent.”
Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, welcomed everyone with a special address that underscored the University’s commitment to students and shared his vision for continued growth, creating even greater opportunities for academic and professional success.
“Our mission here is to prepare your students to think critically, to lead boldly, and to spark positive changes wherever their path may take them,” Stephenson said. “College is not only about earning a degree. It’s about discovering who you are, what you’re capable of doing, and how you will make a mark on this world.”
After highlighting the University’s foundation for their success, Stephenson challenged students to look beyond their comfort zones.
“What I want you to do with me is dream big. I want you to take risks because great leaders take adventurous steps,” he said. “Oftentimes, we take steps until they become something. I do want you to take those risks and to address them and stretch yourself far, far beyond what you ever thought possible.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
