ORLANDO – UCF Athletics announced today that Ron and Julie Cartwright have made a new $500,000 pledge commitment in addition to their current pledge of $250,000. Proceeds of their commitment will support the Hagle Football Gateway project.
In recognition of their generosity and longstanding commitment to the university, UCF Athletics will name the Ron and Julie Cartwright Head Coaches Corner, a landscaped gathering space located near IOA Plaza between the north and south entrances of the new Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House. The Head Coaches Corner will serve as a permanent tribute to the legacy of UCF Football by honoring the history of the program's head coaches. The space will also become the new home of the George O'Leary statue, creating a destination that celebrates the leaders who helped shape the Knights' rise on the national stage.
“Ron and Julie have dedicated their lives in helping UCF become one of the nation’s fastest growing universities, and their impact on our athletics program cannot be overstated," said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, Terry Mohajir. “Their generosity reflects everything that makes Knight Nation special: investing in people, honoring those who built our foundation and believing in our future. The Ron and Julie Cartwright Head Coaches Corner will be a place where generations of Knights can celebrate our history while looking ahead to what's next.”
Ron and Julie Cartwright adopted UCF Football forty years ago when they moved to Orlando. The Cartwright's financial support and service to the Knights has been unwavering.
“Our family has been incredibly fortunate to witness UCF's remarkable growth over the past four decades, and we’ve had the privilege of knowing each of the head football coaches who helped build this program,” said Ron Cartwright. “I remember when UCF Football was in its infancy and donors friends like us would “pass the hat” to help cover hotel costs for our team for road trips. To see where this program stands today is truly remarkable. Julie and I are proud to continue supporting UCF Athletics and the outstanding student-athletes who represent this university. We hope the Head Coaches Corner becomes a place that truly honors the coaches who helped build UCF Football while celebrating the bright future still ahead.”
The Ron and Julie Cartwright Head Coaches Corner will be integrated into the enhanced game-day experience surrounding the Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House. Located near IOA Plaza, the space will provide fans with an opportunity to reflect on the history of UCF Football while recognizing the coaches whose leadership established the foundation for the program's continued success.
The additional gift further reflects the Cartwrights’ enduring commitment to advancing UCF and ensuring future generations of Knights continue to benefit from a world-class university and athletics program.