The largest alumni gift by given to UCF came at the hands of Wince and Joyce Virga on Friday.
The pair have committed to $10.25 million to university athletics and College of Business. A blend of estate and current-use resources make up the historic gift.
“For public institutions like UCF, philanthropy is the margin of success and a reflection of our excellence,” said UCF President Dale Whittaker.
“We are grateful for the Virgas’ generosity and pride in their alma mater because their gift will help grow our academic and athletic excellence, impacting students for many years to come.”
College of Business Dean Paul Jarley praised the charitable commitment: “We were thrilled he was able to spend the day with us, share his experiences with our students and see entrepreneurs in action. Vince and Joyce are great role models not only for our students but for our alums, and we look forward to partnering with them.”
Vince and Joyce attribute their success in the high-end information technology staffing field to UCF, their alma mater. They’ve directed a portion of the $10.25M to the UCF Athletic Director’s Fund as longtime Knights fans.
“UCF has been so gracious in working with us over the years to allow us to support and encourage our passions within the university, specifically entrepreneurship, business and, of course, UCF football,” said Vince.
“The culture of innovation and the national accomplishments of the Professional Selling Program truly inspired us. We are so excited to add fuel to this unique program that is providing amazing opportunities for students while impacting businesses around the world.”
The Virgas are honored to be in a position to commit to such a gift.
“As ardent UCF Knight football fans, nothing is more satisfying than being able to support a program that has come so far but still has so much potential. Our championship ways are just beginning,” says Vince. The Virgas hope that their giving, part of which is a planned gift from their estate, inspires other alumni to realize that “it’s never too early to make supporting UCF part of their family’s legacy,” Vince said.
The gift moves UCF closer to the $500 million goal of the IGNITE Campaign, a multiyear fundraising effort set to wrap up in 2019, according to UCF. Alumni, friends, and partners of the university have already contributed more than $405 million to the campaign.
