Our Students Speak Highly of Us

We believe that our most compelling voice comes from the UCF students, who have participated in the center, learned from the faculty, and interacted with community partners.

"Congrats to Dr. Ford and his interns for running such an awesome place. This is something every school should have for business majors."

– Gregory D'Ambrosio

"Thanks again Dr. Ford for sponsoring our group and giving us the opportunity to participate in the competition. It was definitely a great experience."

– Xi Kwok

"Thanks again for Inventing me as an Entrepreneur, Dr. Ford. It was a great opportunity for students who would otherwise get zero experience in marketing new ideas."

– Paul Setlak

"Thanks Dr. Ford for allowing our group to participate in the CEL Competition. It was a great experience and I hope that this is just the beginning of a incredible collaboration between College of Engineering and Business. God bless."

– Brandon Gilzean

"Thanks, Dr. Ford for giving us the opportunity to showcase our idea. We will keep in contact with you and let you know when the MRC is complete!"

– Hazel Periarce Madolid

"Thank you for allowing 12:51 to partake in the Joust competition. It was a great experience and it has persuaded me to continue with my dream. On the count of three, 1-2-3 Go Joust!"

– Robert Vilchez

"Dr. Ford, thank you for allowing our team to participate in the Joust tournament. Our overall experience was very pleasant and the support and feedback the CEL provided us was exceptional."

– Oscar Santiesteban

"Dr. Ford - Thank you for giving our company, American Automotive Catalyst, the opportunity to compete in the Joust Business Plan Competition!!! The experience and feedback were invaluable to us!!! We look forward to giving back to UCF in the future, odd if it is a small fraction of what you and your staff continuously does for our university!!!"

– R.C. Barcus

"On behalf of Accelerant Learning Group, we thank you for the opportunity to compete in the '10 Joust. It was a fabulous oddt and a great chance to meet the movers and shakers of Central Florida. The Joust motivated us to follow our dreams and do our best (against the very best) and I hope it motivates future generations of UCF students. All in all, a stunning success!"

– Mayaul Kayiim

"My experiences in the CEL have allowed me to interact with its staff, meet aspiring students and established entrepreneurs, host meetings for the CEO Knights as well as seek consultation in the Coaches’ Corner for my business venture. In the CEL you will find the resources and support necessary for advancing a business venture."

– Ricardo Kendrick, 2009-10 President CEO Knights

"The CEL is the biggest hidden resource at UCF! It is in my high hopes that more students begin to take advantage of the many opportunities that can arise from exploring the CEL. From the entrepreneurship contests and courses to the strategic advice and networking opportunities, this program is an asset for entrepreneurial-minded students at UCF. My business wouldn't have went anywhere without the help and direction of the director and the staff."

– Carey Sobel, UCF Alumnus & Entrepreneur

"The CEL helped me more than just providing free consultation services and awesome business competitions; it gave me the opportunity to be a stronger entrepreneur, student, and individual."

– Terri Marcus, 2008-09 President CEO Knights

"The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership is a dynamic and empowering place for students to come together and create innovative ideas. The experience I shared with the faculty and staff is one that dramatically shaped my professional development. I can say with confidence that the Joust competition sponsored through the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership was the most beneficial and rewarding experience throughout my time at UCF."

– Mary Huizenga, Joust Winner 2009

"The CEL is a great resource for students and I am excited to get more involved this coming year. I feel the experiences I have gained by competing in the King of the Court and the Joust will be invaluable to my future in business."

– Erik Halverson, King of the Court Winner 2009

"No class in entrepreneurship can give students the secret of success. But what it can do is give an assertive, enterprising student a realistic glimpse into how real-life business decisions are made and the opportunity to interact with the kinds of people they are likely to encounter once they leave the classroom."

– Blaine Sweatt (’76) – UCF CBA Hall of Fame

"Entrepreneurship and innovation are at the heart of UCF's partnership with Central Florida. Attracting, incubating and nurturing the best and the brightest students and providing a platform to showcase their talents, contributes mightily to a vibrant and robust economic environment benefiting all in our very special community"

– Rick Walsh (’77 & ’83) – President, UCF Board of Trustees

"I spent almost 10 years at UCF, starting my own business while attending night classes. The combination, while tiring, has been priceless for my career. I was able to apply the lessons from my classes to my business - many times the next day – to build a successful venture."

– Richard O. Baldwin, Jr. (’80) – CEO, Celebris Memorial Services, Inc.
UCF CBA Hall of Fame

"Without nurturing, the entrepreneurial spirit of an individual may never fully develop. The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Central Florida has a highly successful way to identify and mature business talent. As one example, in the annual Joust Competition, students present their business plans to a group of business owners in the community. They gain real experience in explaining not only how they will attract customers and obtain financing but also receive coaching in how to do so effectively."

– Charlotte Williams (’78) – President, ERA Williams Real Estate Group

"UCF does not just talk the talk about supporting entrepreneurs; they truly back it up with action, funding, resources, and engagement! The person ultimately responsible for making the CEL a reality is Dr. Cameron Ford. He has been active in researching entrepreneurial trends, building educational offerings, and developing an entrepreneurial culture among the faculty and students at UCF. He is also a willing partner to The National Entrepreneur Center, the UCF Business Incubators, The Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship, The Regional Chamber of Commerce and countless other groups who support our region’s entrepreneurs. Through his creativity, persistence, and passion, the UCF CEL was unveiled."

– Jerry Ross, Executive Director, National Entrepreneur Center

 Back to Top ↑