Orlando, Fla. – Wharton-Smith, Inc., one of Central Florida’s largest general contractor and construction management firms, has pledged $1.5 million in support of the Hagle Football Gateway project, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to UCF and its athletic programs.
Tim Smith, president and CEO of Wharton-Smith, earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UCF in 1998. He is an active member of the UCF community and serves on the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean’s Advisory Board.
Smith’s UCF education provided him with a strong technical foundation and the problem-solving skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the construction industry. The hands-on learning and mentorship he received studying at UCF were instrumental in shaping his approach to leadership and business strategy.
Sanford-based Wharton-Smith, Inc. specializes in building communities by building schools, municipal buildings, parks, water and wastewater treatment plants, recreation, and sports facilities and more. The company, celebrating its 40th anniversary, strives to “build communities with our hands and our hearts” and enrich the communities it serves.
“My family and I, along with our team at Wharton-Smith, are honored to support the Hagle Football Gateway and invest in the future of UCF Athletics,” Smith said. “At Wharton-Smith, we believe in building strong foundations—both in our communities and in the institutions that shape future leaders. UCF played a pivotal role in my career, and this commitment reflects our belief in the power of sports to unite, inspire, and provide student-athletes with the facilities they need to compete at the highest level. We are proud to support the enduring impact UCF will have on student-athletes and our community for years to come.”
Wharton-Smith has played a key role in transforming UCF’s Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village, contributing to major projects such as FBC Mortgage Stadium, the Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership and Roth Athletic Center. The company is recognized in the Shareholders Society as a Legacy Knight, reflecting decades of support for UCF and the Knights. Additionally, Wharton-Smith regularly hires UCF graduates – approximately 20 each year, further strengthening the bond between the university and the company.
“We are deeply grateful to Wharton-Smith for their generous support of the Hagle Football Gateway and their unwavering belief in UCF’s mission,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Partnerships like this are helping to shape the future of what we are building at UCF, enhancing the experience of our student-athletes and strengthening the impact of UCF Athletics.”
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir expressed his gratitude, stating, “We appreciate Wharton-Smith’s continued leadership and strong commitment to our university and our student-athletes. Their generous commitment will help provide power conference-caliber facilities for UCF football in our Mission XII initiative.”
The Hagle Football Gateway project is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing UCF’s football facilities. It includes the construction of the Taylor A. Gerring Football Center, Wayne Densch Practice Complex, Nicholson Plaza, and McNamara Cove, which will feature a recovery river and hydrotherapy amenities.