The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) celebrated the commencement ceremony of its Orlando Campus on July 8, 2026, marking a milestone as the institution commemorates its 60th Anniversary. The graduating class, composed of new professionals in engineering, business administration, and technology, exemplifies the university's strategy to prepare innovative leaders for a technology-driven economy, strengthening competitiveness in Florida and Puerto Rico.
The Orlando Campus, established in 2003, aligns with PUPR's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, specifically Goal #4 focusing on expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and chambers of commerce, the university identified market priorities including STEM talent development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and construction management. Its academic offerings and alliances connect students with real-world opportunities from day one.
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."
Recent months saw the Orlando Campus formalize five 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, and employment opportunities through BMA Group, replicating the University-Industry-Government linkage model that distinguishes PUPR.
Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus, emphasized, "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."
A key differentiator is the Aerospace Engineering Laboratory, inaugurated in April 2025 with a $2.9 million investment. The lab features a jet engine, autonomous vehicle research lab, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, flight simulators, and 3D printers, positioning Orlando as a node for Florida's aerospace industry. Dr. Adriano Parisi, then Director of the Florida Campuses, called it "a center of discovery, a platform for developing ideas and a compelling testament to our commitment to education, research and progress."
Graduate outcomes support the value proposition: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 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 campus offers a flexible model with bilingual support, trimester calendar, and modalities including in-person, hybrid, and online, backed by accreditations such as a 4-star QS Stars rating and designation as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and DHS.
This graduation is part of PUPR's transition toward the "University of the New Century," a scalable platform where academia connects with industry to prepare future leaders. With each new alliance and laboratory, the Orlando Campus advances its goal of becoming a recognized STEM benchmark in Central Florida and the United States.
