Record class graduates at Florida Poly, inspired by astronaut Koichi Wakata
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.
Q&A: Mechanical engineering grad turns curiosity into a career path
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.
Student leaders step forward as Florida Poly Presidential Ambassadors
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.
Q&A: Computer science grad steps into leadership and opportunity
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.
Students present industry-driven solutions at Florida Poly Capstone Showcase
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.
Florida Poly names ‘local legend’ as first head softball coach
Florida Polytechnic University has named Mike Settle as its inaugural head softball coach, adding a veteran leader with deep Polk County roots to the University’s new Florida Poly Athletics program.
Florida Poly celebrates record Order of the Engineer induction
Nearly 150 Florida Polytechnic University students pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards of the engineering profession at the University’s fifth annual Order of the Engineer induction ceremony on Monday, April 27.
New Florida Poly research targets root cause of Florida’s algae crisis
Harmful algae blooms in Florida’s rivers, lakes and springs pose a serious threat to public health, drinking water, tourism and the state’s economy. Now, a Florida Poly researcher is advancing a promising new approach to address the problem.
Q&A: Math grad finds his future in cybersecurity
For James Young ’26, a love of math and curiosity about how systems work opened the door to an unexpected passion for cybersecurity. That discovery led to leadership roles, competitive success, and a clear path into the field after he graduates from Florida Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics on May 9.
Florida Poly taps veteran Lakeland coach to lead cross country program
Florida Polytechnic University has named Stephanie Bylander as its inaugural head coach for men’s and women’s cross country as part of the University’s new Florida Poly Athletics program.
