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College of Business Graduates Encouraged to be Lifelong Learners

ORLANDO, Fla. — Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), encouraged University of Central Florida graduates today to be lifelong learners and to stay open to opportunities throughout their careers during a commencement ceremony address.

Thibault spoke to graduates of the UCF College of Business and College of Undergraduate Studies during the ceremony at Addition Financial Arena. He was welcomed and introduced by UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright.

In his address to more than 1,000 graduates, Thibault said: “Things will happen in life that intersect with your educational development, and you will have a light go off in your head and a brief glimmer of gratitude for your professors and peers for preparing you for that moment.

And of course, it’s a cliché but true, the world is changing and evolving rapidly. The more you know, even arcane facts that lead you to think more deeply about topics you’d never seriously considered, the better equipped you will be to adjust.

The rich history of UCF, this incredible thriving university, is testament to the virtue of embracing and accepting change.”

As head of GOAA, Thibault is responsible for the operation and management of both Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport. Orlando International is among the Top 10 busiest airports in the nation with more than 58 million annual passengers.

Prior to joining the Aviation Authority, Thibault served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation. He is a professional engineer and was recently named to the Space Florida Board of Directors by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

UCF awarded about 9,800 degrees this spring, including nearly 3,000 in STEM fields, about 1,400 in engineering and computer science, about 1,400 in business, and about 400 each in nursing, digital and emerging media, and hospitality management.