The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony for the Orlando Campus yesterday, marking a milestone as the institution celebrates its 60th anniversary. The graduating class, composed of professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology, underscores the campus's mission to bridge academia and industry, transforming knowledge into real-world opportunities. The event took place at the Orlando Campus facilities, located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, and represents a key moment in PUPR's strategic growth plan.
The Orlando Campus, established in 2003, has been expanding its footprint through strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with organizations such as 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 with BMA Group, and joint industry-government solutions, replicating PUPR's successful University-Industry-Government linkage model.
According to PUPR President Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, "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." Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus, added, "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."
A key differentiator is the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research facilities, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, and 3D printers for aerospace prototypes. This positions Orlando as a critical node for Florida's aerospace industry, identified as a strategic priority. The lab's inauguration was marked by Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of the Florida Campuses, stating, "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."
The campus's academic offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM), emphasizing "Engineering + Entrepreneurship = Venture Creation." This flexible model combines academic rigor with applied technology and practical learning, catering to professional students. Bilingual faculty and a trimester calendar with in-person, hybrid, and online modalities allow active professionals to continue their education without leaving the workforce. PUPR holds a 4-star QS Stars rating and is designated a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Graduate outcomes reflect the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 86% working full-time and 72% earning above $45,000 annually. The graduation aligns with PUPR's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances to meet market priorities in specialized continuing education, STEM talent, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, construction management, and talent recruitment.
As PUPR celebrates 60 years under the theme "Imagine, Build and Lead," the Orlando Campus advances toward becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida and the United States, preparing leaders for the economy of the future.
