The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) held its commencement ceremony at its Orlando Campus on July 9, 2026, marking a milestone in the institution’s 60th anniversary. The graduating class, composed of professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology, exemplifies the university’s strategy of linking academia with industry to foster innovation and economic growth in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Located at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, the Orlando Campus has been a key expansion platform since 2003. The graduation underscores the university’s commitment to preparing competitive engineers and business leaders for a technology-driven economy. According to PUPR President Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, “At the Polytechnic University, academia connects with industry to turn knowledge into opportunities.” The campus directly supports Goal #4 of the university’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances.
Recent months have seen the formalization of five strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with entities 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, and employment opportunities through collaborations like BMA Group, replicating the university-industry-government linkage model that has distinguished PUPR since its founding.
A key differentiator for the Orlando Campus is its Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine for testing, autonomous vehicle research, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, flight simulators, and 3D printers, positioning Orlando as a vital node for Florida’s aerospace industry. Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of the Florida Campuses, stated at the inauguration, “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.”
Graduate outcomes underscore the university’s value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 86% working full time and 72% earning salaries above $45,000 annually. The campus offers flexible academic programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (BSOM), designed for working professionals. Its bilingual faculty and trimester calendar with in-person, hybrid, and online modalities allow students to balance education with career demands.
The university’s accreditations include 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As PUPR celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Orlando Campus continues to advance toward becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida, preparing leaders for the economy of the future.
