Meet the UCF College of Nursing faculty, staff, and student Knights who will be recognized for excellence and service in the April 1 ceremonies.

Every year on the first Wednesday of April, UCF honors the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our people on Founders’ Day, our annual celebration of the employees, faculty and students who keep reaching for the stars.
The special events, held April 1 in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union, will recognize fellow Knights — many from the College of Nursing — for their pursuit of excellence and impact.
Among the honorees are Carmen Giurgescu who received the university’s most prestigious faculty honor of Pegasus Professor, as well as numerous College of Nursing faculty and staff (see below) and three students. Meet those top achievers here.

2026 Faculty Honorees
Awards
Service
- Donna Breit, Retiree
- Vicki Montoya, Retiree
- Donna Neff, Retiree
- Patti Thielemann, Retiree

2026 Staff Honorees
Award
Service
- Jessica Fasano, 10-years Service
- Deanna Williams, 20-years Service
Article by Julie Harper ’01
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