UCF's College of Engineering and Computer Science has been ranked among the top 10 graduate engineering schools for Hispanic students by Hispanic Business magazine.
Hispanic Business magazine, the self-proclaimed authority on the U.S. Hispanic market, delivers news with topics ranging from politics to the economy.
HispanTelligence, the research sector of Hispanic Business Inc., annually reports its top university findings for Hispanics in the fields of medicine, business, law and engineering.
Topping this year's list of graduate engineering schools is the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed closely by Purdue University College of Engineering.
For the fourth consecutive year, UCF has received recognition among other engineering universities within the magazine and for 2008, ranks at No. 10.
Eduardo Divo, a UCF assistant professor for the department of engineering technology and faculty advisor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is, "Delighted and proud to see the continuous recognition."
"As both an alumnus and a faculty member at this institution, I have been part and witness to the encouragement and support that the College provides to its current and prospective Hispanic students through institutional and outreach programs targeted not only to their recruitment and retention, but more importantly, to their success," Divo said.
With a total enrollment of 298 in UCF's College of Engineering, 37 are Hispanic, according to data collected from hispanicbusiness.com. Furthermore, the Web site reported a total of 168 postgraduate degrees from UCF's College of Engineering, with 25 belonging to Hispanic students.
Divo believes that diversity is at the central core of the College of Engineering and Computer Science's values, and that with the help of outreach programs, diversifying the college is made better.
"Diversity is important to our college not only because the Engineering and Computer Science fields are global in scope, but more importantly because it promotes creativity and innovation, the two key ingredients in our profession," Divo said.
With high hopes, Divo believes UCF's recognition in the magazine will translate into UCF being the best engineering school for not only Hispanic students, but also for everyone.
Lizette Castro, a recent graduate and former club adviser for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, agrees with Divo that outreach programs are important in setting UCF apart from other universities that are ranked.
Castro said SHPE provides great opportunities in preparing not only Hispanic engineers, but engineering students in general.
SHPE works to mentor, tutor and provide career resources through workshops, job/internship conferences and competitions for its members.
Castro said it is great for UCF to receive such recognition. Furthermore, that diversity has contributed to UCF's prestigious accomplishments.
"[Diversity] is very important," Castro said. "It's not only about race, but about the ideas."
According to the College of Engineering and Computer Science Office of Diversity Web site, the department was "created with the purpose of recruiting and retaining minorities, women and under represented groups into the fields of engineering and computer science at undergraduate and graduate levels."
The CECS Office of Diversity sponsors organizations such as SHPE, the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers.
"We believe that the unique contributions of ideas and talents from a diverse student body will strengthen the education pillars of CECS and benefit our institution and community," the CECS office of Diversity Web site stated.
Hispanic Business magazine ranked UCF at No. 10 because of its close proximity to the fifth largest research park in the nation as well as the metro Orlando area, where students have access to high-tech companies such as Lockheed Martin, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Harris Corporation and Siemens.
The Central Florida Research Park, adjacent to UCF's main campus, consists of more than 1,000 acres of land dedicated to housing the partnership between UCF and numerous industries.
This academic and industrial community creates a symbiotic relationship where sponsored research is developed, while aiding in the learning process of students who use the facility.
According to the Hispanic Business Web site, "Supportive faculty, real-world application and powerhouse industry connections - as well as a diverse environment, culture and the perfect location -make UCF's College of Engineering and Computer Science the ideal place to study."
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