Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.
Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.
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.
Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.
More than 360 Florida Polytechnic University seniors presented high-tech, industry-sponsored projects at the eighth annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 29, gaining hands-on experience and solving real-world challenges.
Editor’s note: While the COVID-19 situation has caused Florida Polytechnic University to shift to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester and reschedule our commencement ceremony, the hard work of our graduating seniors continues. This story is part of a series of stories highlighting and honoring our 2020 graduates. When Michael Perez transferred to Florida Polytechnic University in 2018,
Students considering Florida Polytechnic University for their educational home this fall are now able to schedule an in-person visit to see its iconic campus up close in a safe way. Beginning on May 4, the Admissions Department will host individual visits to the Lakeland, Florida campus. Tours were among the University activities that were suspended in March due to the
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Students, The Spring 2020 semester will always be remembered, but I hope it is remembered most for all that you have achieved. Graduating Seniors: Congratulations! I look forward to congratulating you in person at the Dec. 18 commencement
Florida Polytechnic University students who have worked all semester developing innovative video games are getting the chance to show them off online at the annual Spring Game Expo. Florida Poly traditionally hosts fall and spring game expos on campus, but ongoing social distancing restrictions and state-mandated closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the spring expo’s cancellation. Dr. Doga Demirel,
A team of Florida Polytechnic University students is using technology to convert the beauty and grace of dance into an innovative, stunning work of art. Junior Jaimie Davis and 2020 master’s graduate Matthew Giallourakis are collaborating with Florida Dance Theatre to transform dancers’ movements into digital art. “We wanted to take the arts and STEM and combine them in this
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. All, When COVID-19 began forcing our country to work from home and many of our favorite businesses temporarily closed their doors, it was only a matter of time before the related financial effects began touching everyone. Sadly, higher
Editor’s note: While the COVID-19 situation has caused Florida Polytechnic University to shift to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester and reschedule our commencement ceremony, the hard work of our graduating seniors continues. This story is part of a series of stories highlighting and honoring our 2020 graduates. Florida Polytechnic University senior Kendon Ricketts lives out a childhood
he health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Dear Florida Poly Community, Summer B In the interest of minimizing disruption and erring on the side of caution, Florida Poly will continue with remote offerings for Summer Session B. As you are wrapping up the spring term
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. All, I hope you’re all staying well and have found a new normal in this challenging time we’re all in. This last month has somehow flown by as we adjusted to our quick shift to remote education and
For Florida Polytechnic University freshman Benjamin Dinal, leadership is rooted in a true desire to serve others. It’s a desire he knows well. “I have always been a leader in my community,” said Dinal, a computer science major. “Whether it was becoming freshman representative for the Student Government Association or volunteering for those less fortunate, I am always involved within
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Students, Happy last day of Spring 2020 classes! As we end this semester, I ask you to please take a minute and reflect on all you have achieved this academic year. It has been a challenging year, full
While many events in the community have been canceled in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one of Florida Polytechnic University’s richest student traditions will continue in a virtual environment. The annual Capstone Design Showcase, which features the hard work of seniors challenged to solve industry problems, has shifted from a one-day event to a three-day virtual presentation. “I
Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
