The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) celebrated the commencement of its Orlando Campus yesterday, graduating a cohort of new professionals in engineering, business administration and technology. The ceremony, held at the campus located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, marks a milestone in the institution's 60th anniversary and reinforces its strategy to bridge academia with industry in Central Florida.
The graduating class exemplifies PUPR's deliberate growth strategy: preparing innovative engineers and business professionals ready to lead in an environment driven by technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. These graduates are expected to strengthen company competitiveness and contribute to economic development in both Florida and Puerto Rico.
The Orlando Campus aligns with Goal #4 of the university's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on expansion, positioning and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce and regional chambers of commerce, PUPR identified market priorities including specialized continuing education, STEM talent development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, construction management and talent recruitment.
"At the Polytechnic University, academia connects with industry to turn knowledge into opportunities," said Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, President of PUPR. "On our 60th Anniversary, the Orlando Campus demonstrates that our educational model transcends borders and prepares leaders ready to compete, drive digital transformation and move the economy of the future."
Recent months have seen the Orlando Campus formalize five strategic memoranda of understanding with organizations including the Hispanic Metro Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (Florida Chapter), the Office of Senator Rick Scott, the Central Florida Contractors Association, and SVG Institute. These alliances facilitate continuing education, internships, employment opportunities through BMA Group, and joint development of solutions for industry and government.
"Each alliance we sign in Central Florida opens a concrete connection for our students and graduates," said Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus. "Our objective is to consolidate the Orlando Campus as a benchmark for STEM and business education, with real opportunities for employment, internships, applied innovation and professional development."
The graduation comes one year after the inauguration of the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory at the Orlando Campus, a $2.9 million facility featuring a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research laboratory, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, and 3D printers for aerospace prototypes. This lab positions Orlando as a key node for Florida's aerospace industry, identified as a strategic priority.
Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of the Florida Campuses, stated at the lab's inauguration: "This state-of-the-art laboratory is a center of discovery, a platform for developing ideas and a compelling testament to our commitment to education, research and progress."
Graduate outcomes underscore the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are already employed, with 86% working full time and 72% earning salaries above $45,000 annually. The campus continues to strengthen its engineering programs while expanding business administration offerings, including the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management under the concept "Engineering + Entrepreneurship = Venture Creation."
The Orlando Campus leverages a bilingual profile and academic flexibility with trimester calendar, in-person, hybrid and online modalities, allowing active professionals to continue developing without disconnecting from the labor market. The institution holds a 4-star rating in the international QS Stars system and is designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
