Saturday, March 21. 2009
Congratulations to Dr. Cameron Ford!
Last night I attended the Grand Opening of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. (CEI) This facility, which is dedicated to assisting students, faculty and staff of UCF, is another example of the vision, support, and dedication, that our hometown university has shown toward building economic development, and entrepreneurial growth for Central Florida.
UCF does not just talk the talk about supporting entrepreneurs; they truly back it up with action, funding, resources, and engagement! Attending the event were folks who were responsible for building the entrepreneurial eco-system that our region is known for, as well as those who are involved daily in the delivery of that system. I was truly honored to be in attendance. Dr. John Hitt, Dr. Tom Keon, Mr. Randy Berridge, Dr. M.J. Soileau, Dr. Lloyd Fernald, Carol Ann Dykes, Kathy Holland, Eunice Choi, and Leslie Heilema were just a few who were there to support UCF’s newest effort to support entrepreneurship on campus.
The person ultimately responsible for making the CEI a reality is Dr. Cameron Ford. Dr. Ford has been instrumental in building the Entrepreneurship educational programs at UCF for over 10 years. He has been active in researching entrepreneurial trends, building educational offerings, and developing an entrepreneurial culture among the faculty and students at UCF. He is a willing partner to The Disney Entrepreneur Center, the UCF Business Incubators The Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship, The Regional Chamber of Commerce and countless other groups who support our region’s entrepreneurs. I know how hard it is to create, and bring an idea to fruition, but when you consider the hurdles of today’s budget pressures, and navigating a huge university, Dr. Ford proved that the impossible can come true. Through his creativity, persistence, and passion, the UCF CEI was unveiled. While I am sure that students and faculty members will benefit from Dr. Ford’s tireless work, vision and persistence well into the future, from the students I mingled with last night, it is quite clear that there are already quite a few who are well on their way!
On behalf of our community, and entrepreneurs everywhere, thank you Dr. Ford!