The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) celebrated the commencement ceremony of its Orlando Campus yesterday, marking a milestone in its 60th anniversary and reaffirming its role as a bridge between academia and industry. The graduating class, comprising 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 graduation, held at the Orlando Campus facilities at 550 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, aligns with Goal #4 of the university's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: expansion, positioning, and strategic alliances. Through meetings with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce and chambers of commerce, PUPR 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.
"At the Polytechnic University, academia connects with industry to turn knowledge into opportunities," said Ernesto Vázquez Martínez, President of PUPR. "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."
The Orlando Campus recently formalized 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 open pathways to continuing education, internships, employment opportunities with BMA Group, and joint development of solutions for industry and government.
"Each alliance we sign in Central Florida opens a concrete connection for our students and graduates," said Dr. Lilliam Román, Director of the Orlando Campus. "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."
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, an autonomous vehicle research laboratory, supersonic and subsonic wind tunnels, advanced flight simulators, 3D printers for aerospace prototypes, and aeronautical modeling software. This positions Orlando as a key node for Florida's aerospace industry, a strategic priority for PUPR.
The university's value proposition is supported by outcomes: 74% of undergraduate alumni and 79% of graduate alumni are employed, with 72% earning salaries above $45,000 annually and 71% working in the U.S. private sector. The Orlando Campus offers a flexible educational model with bilingual instruction, a trimester calendar, and in-person, hybrid, and online modalities, allowing active professionals to continue their education without leaving the workforce.
PUPR holds a 4-star rating in the international QS Stars system and is designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As the university commemorates 60 years, it advances toward becoming the University of the New Century: a scalable platform where academia connects with industry, knowledge becomes opportunity, and leaders for the future economy are prepared.
