The University of Central Florida (UCF) will honor nine distinguished alumni during the 2025 Shining Knights Alumni Awards, taking place on October 16, 2025, in the Pegasus Grand Ballroom at the UCF Student Union. This annual event, part of Homecoming Week, recognizes individuals whose contributions exemplify the university’s values of visionary leadership, transformative service, and unwavering devotion to their alma mater.
Since its inception in 2017, the Shining Knights Alumni Awards have celebrated the impactful achievements of UCF graduates. The inaugural awards honored former UCF President John C. Hitt and his wife, Martha Hitt, as the university’s first Honorary Alumni. Among the most prestigious accolades is the Michelle Akers Award, named after the legendary UCF graduate and Olympic gold medalist, which honors alumni whose accomplishments have garnered global recognition for the university.
“This year’s honorees are nothing short of inspiring,” said Heather Junod, Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. “Each has illuminated their field with brilliance, carried UCF’s values into the world, and uplifted the lives of others in ways that make our entire Knight Nation proud. They are proof that when Knights charge on, the world takes notice.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards
The highest honor presented annually to a UCF graduate, the Distinguished Alumni Award, will be given to several notable individuals.
Kenneth Dixon, a graduate of the class of 1975, is recognized for his contributions spanning over five decades. Dixon founded the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting and has significantly advanced UCF Athletics and student career development. His dedication has not only elevated UCF’s reputation but also inspired generations of students to strive for excellence.
Alumni couple Kevin ’92 and Christine Wydra ’93 have enriched UCF through leadership and philanthropy for over 30 years. Their commitment has fostered a culture of giving that encourages students and alumni alike to contribute to innovative programs and scholarships that benefit the UCF community.
Jason Eichenholz, a graduate from 1995, is an entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his pioneering work in laser and optics. With a career that includes founding companies that have collectively raised over $1 billion in funding, Eichenholz currently serves as the CEO of Relativity Networks. He also dedicates his time to community service as a volunteer firefighter and through the Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, which supports adults on the autism spectrum.
Another recipient, Cathleen Wheatley, who graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2017, is currently the President of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Davie Medical Centers. Her leadership has positively impacted thousands in North Carolina and beyond, particularly in enhancing nursing education through the Knightingale Society.
Honoring Community Contributions
The John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award recognizes individuals who are not UCF graduates but have significantly contributed to the university’s mission. This year’s honorees include Mary Palmer, a global educator and founder of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education. Her efforts in arts education have benefited countless students and fostered a community that values creativity and innovation.
Also receiving this award is N. Donald Diebel Sr., a retired physician dedicated to sustaining the UCF College of Medicine’s KNIGHTS Clinic. His leadership has provided vital healthcare services to underserved communities, while also training future physicians to embrace empathy in their practice.
The Young Alumni Award, aimed at recognizing recent graduates, will be awarded to Padmavathi Ganduri, who graduated in 2021. From being a first-generation college student to a role in the Department of Homeland Security, Ganduri is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at George Washington University, aspiring to return to public service.
Additionally, the Distinguished Student Award will be presented to Ossyris Bury, an aerospace engineering major and Burnett Honors College Scholar. Bury has made significant contributions to the STEM field, mentoring hundreds of students and gaining national recognition for her research in structural dynamics.
The 2025 Shining Knights Alumni Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the spirit of UCF as a nurturing ground for future leaders and change-makers. The event promises to illuminate the ongoing impact of UCF graduates in their respective fields and communities, reinforcing the university’s mission to inspire excellence and service.
