ABOVE: This print version of a watercolor original by artist Richard Lewis is Florida Technological University as it appeared around 1972. There were just a couple of buildings around the reflection pond – affectionately referred to by students who grew up with the television show “The Beverly Hillbillies” as the cement pond.
The pond was drained and used as an amphitheater for graduations as in the one where President Richard Nixon spoke in June 1973.
Everyone is familiar with University of Central Florida and its sprawling campus that extends for what seems like miles at the intersection of Alafaya and University Blvd. Did you know that when the first students (around 1,950 of them) took their seats in October 1968 the school was known as Florida Technological University?
Students and residents referred to the school as Florida Tech or FTU until the school was renamed in December 1978 to its current moniker.
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President Nixon at FTU / UCF 5
President Nixon addressing graduates on 8 June 1973 at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida (UCF).
President Ford at UCF / FTU 2
Sometime between 1974 and 1975, President Gerald R. Ford visited the campus of University of Central Florida (UCF). If you can identify...
President Ford at UCF / FTU 1
Sometime between 1974 and 1975, President Gerald R. Ford visited the campus of University of Central Florida (UCF). If you can identify...
President Ford - Society of Professional Journalists 1
President Gerald R. Ford spoke to the Society of Professional Journalists at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida ...
President Ford - Society of Professional Journalists 2
President Gerald R. Ford spoke to the Society of Professional Journalists at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida ...
President Ford - Society of Professional Journalists 3
President Gerald R. Ford spoke to the Society of Professional Journalists at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida ...
President Nixon at FTU / UCF 1
President Nixon addressed graduates on 8 June 1973 at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida (UCF). Mrs. Nixon, who...
President Nixon at FTU / UCF 2
President Nixon addressed graduates on 8 June 1973 at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida (UCF). Mrs. Nixon accom...
President Nixon at FTU / UCF 3
President Nixon addressed graduates on 8 June 1973 at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida (UCF).
President Nixon at FTU / UCF 4
President Nixon addressed graduates on 8 June 1973 at Florida Technological University (FTU) now University of Central Florida (UCF). It was very exci...
Florida Technological University circa 1972
This print version of a watercolor original by artist Richard Lewis is Florida Technological University as it appeared around 1972. There were...
I am the First Graduate of FTU as a true Freshman in Fall of 1968…graduated in 3 years August 1971. BA in Education, minors in Economics and Theatre. started the Theatre program with first productions in our Tent on east side of campus, First Governor College of Education Student Government, Golf Team- 8 guys and me practicing at Rocket City, and much more.
Greetings Linda! What amazing memories! Its unbelievable to think that was 55 years ago but even more unbelievable at the growth from the tiny FTU to UCF of today. We hope you will find other posts that bring back good memories and continue sharing with us all! THE ORLANDO MEMORY TEAM