The average UCF student probably doesn’t know the history behind every building, plaza, or parking lot on campus. But, being a school with a legacy of more than 50 years behind it, there is so much to learn from; between the spaces students hang out, go to class in, and the dorms we might live our day-to-day lives in, there’s a story behind every corner here at UCF.
John C. Hitt Library
Let’s start with a building that almost every UCF resident has visited. Located in the heart of campus and a short walk between the Student Union, Memory Mall, and the John T. Washington Breezeway, John C. Hitt Library is named after the fourth president of the university. Back when UCF was still Florida Technical University, the library was the first building built on campus and housed everything from radio stations and weightlifting rooms, to administrative offices and the study rooms that we know and love today.
In 2012, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of President John C. Hitt’s commitment to the university and campus, the library’s name was officially changed to the John C. Hitt Library. Today, it continues to foster UCF’s spirit of innovation and change as it undergoes renovations to become a “21st Century Library,” including the recent remodeling and reopening of the third floor.
Ferrell Commons
Before there was the Student Union, there was the Ferrell Commons, or as alumni of the 1980s called it, the Student Center.
Built in 1968, the Student Center alongside the original library was the first and most central building on the Florida Technical University campus. While it still holds one of the main dining hall options for students, the Student Center housed multiple student organizations and the original health center. Since then, it has evolved to include the LEAD Scholars Academy, Knights Pantry, the Live Oak Event Center, and even a gym.
It became Ferrell Commons to honor the legacy of one Jimmie Alton Ferrell, the director of student affairs for the university and the man who ran the Student Center that now carries his namesake. Ferrell’s greatest achievement was the creation of the still-used orientation program where upperclassmen guided freshmen on campus and in adjusting to university, called the “O Team.”
Millican Hall
There’s a statue outside the university administration building, Millican Hall, that students can easily gloss over as they rush to get to classes or meetings. That statute commemorates the “Father of UCF”, Charles Millican. As the first president of the university, Millican turned a vast acreage of Orlando landscaping into the large, bustling, mini-city that makes up UCF today. Millican led UCF as the first school to teach a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and under his guidance, the school developed to become one of the nation’s best in not only computer science, but in aerospace, engineering, and programming.
Howard Phillips Hall
Not to be confused with today’s Classroom Buildings I and II, upon opening its doors in 1969, the Howard Phillips Hall was originally known as the General Classroom Building. In December of 1981, the university dedicated the General Classroom Building to Howard Philip, a local businessman and entrepreneur who had donated a considerable amount to the university while it was still growing.
Orlando residents will also notice the Phillips family name across the city, such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Philip Phillips, the father of Howard Phillip, is the citrus baron who made Florida and oranges practically synonymous.
Trevor Colbourn Hall
The original Humanities Department Building has experienced a lot of change since it first opened in 1972, first being renamed to Colbourn Hall, and then remodeled as the 21st Century Building UCF has today: Trevor Colbourn Hall.
The building honors the second president of the university, Trevor Colbourne, who is responsible for changing its name from the Florida Technological University to the University of Central Florida, the original university honors program, and our now Big 12 Conference football team.
John T. Washington Center
In the late 1970s, as UCF transitioned out of its place as Florida Technical, expansions were planned to accommodate the growing campus and growing student population. As mentioned before, the Ferrell Commons/Student Center housed limited student organizations, hang-out spots, and dining options.
After his death in 1983, the breezeway we know today was changed from the Student Center to the John T. Washington center in order to commemorate the legacy he left behind. More than a sociology professor, John T. Washington was one of the first African-American residents on UCF’s campus and a great contributor to the community, founding both the First Church of Peace and UCF’s Black Student Union as well as volunteering for countless organizations.
Wayne Densch Sports Center
The state-of-the-art sports medicine facility and home to the UCF football program honors the legacy of Orlando philanthropist and businessman, Wayne Densch. In 1985, Wayne Densh pledged 1 million dollars to UCF for use in athletic scholarships. Today, those 1 million have helped form over 140 full-ride scholarships, endowments, and financial aid for student-athletes.
The Densch family continues to impact the Orlando community, supporting charitable causes like the American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, and continued support of UCF Athletics.
Barbara Ying Center
The Barbara Ying Center, which houses the Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies’ Conversation hour (say that 5 times in a row) as well as other events focusing on social, cultural, and intellectual activities on campus, was dedicated by Dr. Nelson Ying in 1996 in honor of his wife. Dr. Ying is an avid philanthropist who works alongside the Orlando community to uplift its students and connect the international world, including running the Ying Expo, which provides generous scholarships to future scientists and engineers.
Burnett House & Honor College
Built in 1997, the Burnett House is called home by the presidents of the university. It gets its name from two of its main donors, Al and Nancy Burnett, who alongside the construction of the President’s House have contributed funds that started the College of Medicine. Over the years, Al and Nancy Burnett raised 12.5 million dollars for the university.
That’s why the Burnett Honors College also bears their name. One of their last philanthropic projects was in 2001, when the Burnetts sold their dealership and donated the proceeds to the university in order to create its sixth college. In 2002, the Burnett Honors College was built and commemorates the couple.