LAKELAND, Fla- Ethan Puerto, Weeki Wachee High graduate, currently attends Florida Polytechnic University. He was among 20 outstanding Florida Polytechnic students selected to serve as a Presidential Ambassador for the 2016-17 academic school year. Presidential Ambassadors serve as formal hosts at official events, champion the institution’s values and are official representatives of the University and President Dr. Randy K. Avent. The program launched at Florida Poly in 2015 and is entering its second year with eight returning Ambassadors and 12 new participants. Puerto is one of the returning ambassadors.
“We are excited to welcome a new delegation of Presidential Ambassadors to represent Florida Poly,” said Avent. “Our inaugural delegation was a great success, helping to build relationships with key stakeholders and helping to communicate the University’s mission, vision and progress. This year’s delegation is impressive as well, and I can’t wait to see everything they accomplish.”
Florida Poly’s Presidential Ambassadors are chosen based on their community service, academic standing and involvement in campus activities. The program gives members more advanced opportunities to develop their communications, event planning and professional networking abilities.
Applications are reviewed and interviews are conducted by Florida Poly’s Presidential Ambassador Committee, which includes representatives from the Offices of the President, External Affairs, Student Affairs and Advancement. The Committee makes a recommendation to the President who officially appoints new members.
“This is a unique opportunity for these students to work in tandem with the University’s leadership, and it also gives our senior leadership team and stakeholders another chance to learn about Florida Poly from the student perspective,” said Avent.
Florida Poly’s Presidential Ambassadors have the distinct opportunity to interact with business executives and legislative leaders. Last year, during the school’s annual Florida Poly Day in Tallahassee, Ambassadors accompanied Florida Poly’s Office of Government Affairs in meetings with state legislators and other elected officials. During special events, they also served as hosts and guides to visitors, donors, community stakeholders and industry partners. As the newest member of the State University System of Florida, and the only one dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Florida Poly enjoys strong partnerships with industry-leading companies like Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Harris Corporation and more.
Puerto stated, “The Presidential Ambassador program is like a real life LinkedIn where I get to meet influential leaders, learn from their experience and stories and represent the University. It was amazing to experience the program in its first year and I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning for its second.” Puerto’s Major is Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Digital and Hybrid Systems.
The application process begins each January, and Ambassadors represent Florida Poly for one academic year.