The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony for the Orlando Campus on July 9, 2026, marking a milestone in the institution's 60th anniversary. The graduating class, comprising engineers, business administrators, and technology professionals, embodies the university's strategy to prepare innovative leaders for a technology-driven economy. The event underscored the campus's role as a bridge between academia and industry, transforming knowledge into real opportunities.
The Orlando Campus, established in 2003, has been a key expansion platform for PUPR. The graduation 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 (DDEC) and chambers of commerce, PUPR identified market priorities including STEM talent development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and construction management. The academic offerings and partnerships connect students with industry opportunities from day one.
Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, President of PUPR, stated, "At the Polytechnic University, academia connects with industry to turn knowledge into opportunities. 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 saw the formalization of five strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with organizations such as 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, and employment opportunities through collaborations like BMA Group, replicating the university-industry-government linkage model.
Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus, emphasized, "Each alliance we sign in Central Florida opens a concrete connection for our students and graduates. 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 for the community."
A key differentiator is the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, and 3D printers. This positions Orlando as a node for Florida's aerospace industry. Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of Florida Campuses, noted, "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 support the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 86% working full-time and 72% earning above $45,000 annually. Engineering remains a high-value program, while the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM) offers flexibility under the concept "Engineering + Entrepreneurship = Venture Creation." The campus leverages a bilingual faculty and a trimester calendar with in-person, hybrid, and online modalities, supported by over 50 years of accreditations, including a 4-star QS Stars rating and NSA/DHS designation as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
This graduation is part of PUPR's transition toward the University of the New Century, a scalable platform where academia connects with industry to prepare leaders for the future economy. With each alliance, laboratory, and graduating class, the Orlando Campus advances its goal of becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida and the United States.
