University of Central Florida
02/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/09/2026 10:22
UCF Alumni Announces 2026 Class of 30 Under 30 Honorees
UCF Alumni is proud to unveil the exceptional members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30. These accomplished young alumni represent the very best of Knight Nation - innovators, leaders and change-makers whose talent, drive and purpose are shaping industries, strengthening communities and redefining what is possible.
With its 12th class in 11 years, the 30 Under 30 program recognizes alumni under the age of 30 whose professional achievements, leadership and service reflect the bold spirit, values and impact of the University of Central Florida. The program also underscores UCF's role in developing highly skilled graduates who fuel innovation, service and economic impact in Florida and beyond.
"These alumni embody the spirit of UCF in every sense," says Heather Junod '98, associate vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving. "Each year, my pride grows as we recognize a new class of 30 Under 30 honorees who are leading with integrity, creativity and courage. Their achievements are extraordinary, but what inspires me most is their commitment to service - to their communities, their professions and their alma mater. They remind us all of the power of a UCF education and the impact Knights can make when they dare to lead."
Hundreds of nominations were submitted online between Oct. 3-Nov. 12, 2025. Applications were reviewed and scored by previous award recipients, UCF Young Alumni ambassadors and UCF staff. Finalists were then confirmed by the UCF Alumni Board of Directors based on the following criteria:
- Must be a graduate of UCF (undergraduate or graduate degree)
- Must be 29 or younger as of June 1, 2026
- Must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with UCF and upholding UCF Young Alumni values
"On behalf of the UCF Young Alumni Community, congratulations to the remarkable members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30," says Austin Wilson '22, chair of the UCF Alumni Community. "These honorees represent the future of Knight Nation. Their ambition, leadership and dedication to making a difference reflect the values that connect us as alumni. We are proud to celebrate not only what they have already accomplished, but the incredible impact they will continue to make as leaders, mentors and advocates for UCF."
UCF Alumni will celebrate the 2026 award recipients at a special event on Saturday, May 16, at the Addition Financial Arena. A complete slate of the honorees, listed alphabetically by last name, appears below. Past recipients can be found on the UCF Alumni website.
Cassandra Allen
Cassandra Allen '18
Bachelor's in health sciences
Samantha Archer Stoltz '24
Bachelor's in biology
Burnett Honors College
Chloe Artrip '19 '23DPT
Bachelor's in health sciences
Doctorate in physical therapy
Coral Barron Patraca '19
Bachelor's in aerospace engineering
Burnett Honors College
Ana Beltran '19 '24MFA
Bachelor's in digital media-game design
Bachelor's in emerging media-animation
Master's in emerging media-animation and visual effects
Mishka Brice '19
Bachelor's in political science
Burnett Honors College
Taya Britten '20
Bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies
Brenden Brown '20 '23MHA
Bachelor's in health sciences
Master's in health administration
Dominic Davis '21
Bachelor's in human communication
Jalynn Edmon '25
Bachelor's in nursing
Olivia Feild '20 '22MS
Bachelor's in forensic science
Master's in forensic science
Burnett Honors College
Marshall Fornataro-Minnig '22MS
Master's in interactive entertainment
Katherine Grand '23 '25MHA
Bachelor's in health services administration
Master's in health administration
Michele Guillard '20
Bachelor's in health sciences
Bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies
Burnett Honors College
Margaret Hall '22
Bachelor's in legal studies
Burnett Honors College
Neda Hamood '22 '24MS
Bachelor's in biomedical sciences
Master's in biomedical sciences
Burnett Honors College
Jaquesha Jefferson '22
Bachelor's in health sciences
Derreasha Jones '21 '24MA
Bachelor's in psychology
Master's in counselor education
Mailuce Louidor '20
Bachelor's in nursing
Faith McFarland '19 '22MA
Bachelor's in psychology
Master's in clinical psychology
Hannah Miner '20
Bachelor's in forensic science
Lawrence Oks '21 '22MS
Bachelor's in computer science
Master's in computer science
Burnett Honors College
Jillian Pirozzi '22 '25MHA
Bachelor's in health sciences
Master's in health administration
Emily Puia '22
Bachelor's in human communication
Matthew Rall '19
Bachelor's in emergency management
Michael Raymond '19
Bachelor's in business economics
Shaina Ruth '18
Bachelor's in criminal justice
Maximillian Seidel '18
Bachelor's in management
Autumn Shackelford '25PhD
Doctorate in physics
Nicholas Vaughn '19
Bachelor's in biology
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