It is a simulation tool that enables participants to view poverty from different angles in an experiential setting. There were 45 participants and 17 volunteers in attendance, UCF resource tables including the Arboretum, UCF Cares, and Knights Helping Pantry. A reflection session was held with the participants at the end of the program to discuss helpful resources, and ways to increase civic engagement.

Student Care Services received positive feedback from individuals volunteering and participating and hope to re-create the simulation again next year. Individuals who were not able to attend the event but were interested were sent a link to an online simulation with the same goals in.

Thank you to Todd Currie (Student Care Services AmeriCorps VISTA), Judy Head (Northland Church), Aaron Leventhal (Northland Church AmeriCorps VISTA) and all of our volunteers and support staff for the collaboration and successful execution of the event.

Volunteer UCF, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association and various campus partners, is hosting National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week at UCF, November 16-22.

The event will include a week-long donation drive, interactive educational events, powerful speakers, community resources and service projects.

Donated items will benefit the Knights Helping Knights Pantry and the White Linen Project. For lists of the most needed items and locations, visit Facebook pages: and .

The event is to raise awareness of hunger and homeless on the UCF campus and in the Central Florida community, educate individuals on resources available to assist those in need, and encourage people to get involved to help overcome these social issues.

The National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events are worth up to 1,000 LINK Loot points and qualify as LEAD Impact events. For more information, contact Todd at Todd.Currie@ucf.edu.

2015 Order of Pegasus – Todd Currie

The Order of Pegasus recognizes exemplary performance by ��AV undergraduate students in the areas of academic achievement, outstanding university involvement, leadership, and community service. Because of the breadth of accomplishments required for this award, the Order of Pegasus is the most prestigious and significant student award that can be attained at the university.

During his time at UCF, Todd has made an impact on campus and in the community through numerous extracurricular activities and leadership roles, including the LEAD Scholars Program, Volunteer UCF, the President’s Leadership Council and 4EVER Knights Student Alumni Association. Todd plans to pursue a career in community relations and hopes to eventually lead community relations for a sports team.

“Overall I believe that my UCF experience has prepared me to be successful in life,” he said. “As a student, I have been able to grow personally and professionally, and have developed as a leader.”

Founders’ Day Award – Taylor Dudley

The Founders’ Day Awards honor students from each of UCF’s colleges for their dedication to excellence in academics, leadership and community service during the annual Founders’ Day ceremony.

In addition to being an outstanding student, Taylor has been highly involved in the campus community, applying her event management skills to roles with the Campus Activities Board, the Knights Special Events Society and MPI Knights. After graduation, she plans to begin her career in the trade show industry and eventually be a show manager or general service contractor.

“The biggest lessons I have learned have been during my college years at UCF,” said Taylor. “I have learned that the most important values to me are working hard, staying true to myself, and commitment.”

For more information about event management education at Rosen College, please visit hospitality.ucf.edu.

The week will feature educational events, volunteer opportunities and a recognition reception.

“The theme of Civic Engagement Week is ‘Open Your Heart to Volunteering,’ and Volunteer UCF hopes that all guests who attend these events will do just that and better understand the importance of getting involved in their community,” said Todd Currie, assistant student director for Volunteer Ů��AV in the Office of Student Involvement.

The week’s activities are designed to empower students, support community organizations, provide opportunities to volunteer, recognize students who volunteer frequently for their efforts, and reward them for being civically engaged.

The educational events are:

The two volunteer events are:

The Super Hearts Volunteer Recognition Reception, which is open to all Volunteer UCF volunteers, will be Friday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Teaching Academy Room 130.  

To RSVP to these events or for more information, click .  If you have questions, contact Currie at vucf_assistant@ucf.edu.