The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony for the Orlando Campus on July 8, 2026, conferring degrees to a select group of new professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology. The event, part of the institution's 60th anniversary celebrations, underscores the campus's mission to bridge academia and industry, turning knowledge into real-world opportunities. Located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, the Orlando Campus has been a presence in Central Florida since 2003.
The graduating class exemplifies PUPR's deliberate growth strategy: preparing innovative, competitive engineers and business professionals ready to lead in a technology-driven environment, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation. These graduates are poised to strengthen company competitiveness and contribute to the economic development of both Florida and Puerto Rico.
The Orlando Campus directly supports Goal #4 of the University's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and chambers of commerce in Puerto Rico and Florida, PUPR identified market priorities such as specialized continuing education, STEM talent development, advanced entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, construction management, and talent recruitment. Its academic offerings and alliances connect students from day one with opportunities in the business and industrial world.
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."
In recent months, the Orlando Campus formalized five strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that anchor its growth in Central Florida: with 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, employment opportunities in collaboration with BMA Group, and joint development of solutions for industry and government.
Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus, commented: "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."
The graduation comes just one year after the inauguration of the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory at the Orlando Campus, a state-of-the-art facility built with a $2.9 million investment. The lab includes a jet engine for testing, an autonomous vehicle research laboratory, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, 3D printers for aerospace prototypes, aeronautical modeling and simulation software, and facilities for materials and aerodynamics testing. This positions Orlando as a key node for Florida's aerospace industry.
At the laboratory's inauguration in April 2025, Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of the Florida Campuses, stated: "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. It demonstrates that when vision meets determination, great things happen."
Outcome data reinforces the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni are already employed, 79% of graduate alumni are employed, 86% work full time, 72% earn salaries above $45,000 annually, and 71% work in the U.S. private sector.
The Orlando Campus offers a flexible and innovative educational model, including the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM), under the concept "Engineering + Entrepreneurship = Venture Creation." The campus leverages its bilingual profile and academic flexibility with trimester calendars, in-person, hybrid, and 100% online modalities, and continuous progression from bachelor's to master's degrees. This is supported by over 50 years of accreditations, including a 4-star rating in the international QS Stars system and designation as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This graduation marks a step toward what PUPR calls the University of the New Century: a scalable educational platform in Puerto Rico and Florida where academia connects with industry, knowledge transforms into opportunities, and leaders for the future economy are prepared.
