UPDATE! See the news story in UCF Today.
For twelve UCF students at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) in Lima, Peru who dreamed, not only of having a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, but of a degree from the University of Central Florida, their lofty visions are soon to become a reality.
Under a joint academic agreement, faculty from the Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Systems at UCF deliver courses via distance learning and on the USIL campus in Lima. With courses taught entirely in English, this program allows participating students to pursue both UCF’s BSIE degree, as well as a baccalaureate degree in engineering from USIL. This is UCF’s first international degree program at the baccalaureate level, and IEMS is pleased to be involved in this partnership.
On June 7th the first cohort enrolled in UCF’s bachelor’s degree program at USIL’s Center for Global Education (CGE) celebrated their success with an early graduation ceremony in Lima, Peru to allow local family and friends to attend. With only two courses remaining to complete their bachelor’s degrees, twelve students celebrated their hard work and perseverance in Peru before traveling to the U.S. to attend the official ceremony at the University of Central Florida in August, where they will join the prestigious ranks of UCF alumni.
Dr. Charles Reilly, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Dr. Waldemar Karwowski, Chair, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems officiated the multi-institution ceremony for the University of Central Florida in Lima. Other distinguished officials attending the event included USIL’s founder, senior leadership, CGE director, deans, and faculty; Mr. Brian A. Nichols, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Peru; and representatives from the University of Houston, University of South Florida and Broward College who also had graduates from CGE programs in USIL.
For these twelve scholars a degree from the United States will open doors that would not have been possible otherwise. Two of the students will be continuing their studies at the UCF main campus in Orlando this fall to pursue a master’s in Industrial Engineering, while another will begin his professional career with an international company located in Germany.
The UCF/USIL degree program is a blossoming partnership that will continue to offer opportunities for a bright future to young men and women in Peru. Viva UCF and USIL!
