Can a statue inspire? Look around you. We are standing before the “Reach For the Stars” – Charles Millican Statue. It’s not just a monument but a tribute to the man who dared to dream big and, in doing so, shaped the University of Central Florida we know today. Charles Millican, often called the “Father of UCF,” had a vision. This statue, nestled in front of the administration building that also bears his name, Millican Hall, stands as a testament to his legacy. In 1965, Millican was tasked with founding a university. His budget was a meager $75,000, and his office was a humble space above a drugstore. Imagine the weight of building a university from scratch with such limited resources. But Millican, a man of deep faith and even deeper determination, was not deterred. He poured his heart and soul into the project, transforming 1,227 acres of undeveloped land into a bustling campus. He championed innovative programs like UCF’s first-in-the-state bachelor’s degree in computer science, a testament to his forward-thinking approach. Millican firmly believed in the potential of UCF and its students, instilling in them the motto “Reach for the Stars.” That very phrase now graces the bronze statue of Millican, forever reminding us to aim high and strive for greatness. His legacy extends beyond the buildings and programs. He established traditions, like the multiple commencement ceremonies ensuring every graduate’s name is announced, a testament to his profound respect for individual achievement. So, as we stand before this statue, let us remember Charles Millican. He was a man who dared to dream and, in doing so, built a university that continues to inspire generations to reach for the stars.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
What if I told you that the very heart of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church beats with the rhythm