Magellan is also one of only five independent, secular schools in the country authorized to offer all three IB programs

AUSTIN, Texas, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Effective April 20, Magellan International School officially received authorization to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), thus cementing its designation as a full IB Continuum School.

Magellan now holds the distinction of being the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum, including Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP), in a bilingual setting. Learn more about Magellan’s International Baccalaureate programs and High School pathways at www.magellanschool.org.

In Middle School and High School, Magellan also welcomes students who are new to bilingual education, combining rigorous academics with advanced Spanish language learning.

“Offering the full IB continuum has been part of our vision since day one. Today, that vision is realized — creating a connected, inquiry-based experience from the Primary Years Program through the Diploma Program,” said Scott Hibbard, Head of School, Magellan International School. “We are truly preparing Magellan students to take action in our rapidly changing world.”

With the addition of the Diploma Program, Magellan now offers a fully aligned educational experience from Preschool through grade 12, grounded in inquiry-based learning that builds critical thinking, global awareness, and academic depth.

In an increasingly interconnected world, families are seeking educational models that prepare students not only for college, but for global citizenship, cross-cultural collaboration, and meaningful real-world impact.

The IB Diploma Program is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous and respected academic programs in the world. Through advanced coursework, independent research, and interdisciplinary learning, students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Key Facts About Magellan International School

  • Only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum in a bilingual setting
  • One of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs
  • Serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School
  • Bilingual Spanish-English education model
  • Approximately 70% international faculty
  • Students may join in Middle School and High School without prior bilingual education experience

“We do more than prepare students for a high school diploma; we forge global pioneers,” said Amaris Salazar, Director of Teaching and Learning, Magellan International School. “Our IB program pushes learning beyond classroom walls — preparing students not just for college admissions, but to speak the world’s languages, solve its most intricate puzzles, and make a lasting impact.”

Schools seeking to offer the IB DP must go through a formal candidacy and authorization process that includes submitting applications, training staff, and receiving a final authorization decision from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO.)

About Magellan International School

Magellan International School is a secular, independent school in Austin serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School across two campuses. Founded in 2009, Magellan offers a bilingual Spanish-English education grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and design-centered learning. The school is the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum — Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP) — in a bilingual setting, and one of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs. Approximately 70% of Magellan’s faculty are international educators, and the school community reflects a broad range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Magellan’s mission is to prepare innovative, globally minded, and culturally curious students who thrive with purpose and contribute to a better future.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magellan-only-us-secular-school-independent-full-ib-bilingual-prek-12-302771231.html

SOURCE Magellan International School

Magellan is also one of only five independent, secular schools in the country authorized to offer all three IB programs

AUSTIN, Texas, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Effective April 20, Magellan International School officially received authorization to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), thus cementing its designation as a full IB Continuum School.

Magellan now holds the distinction of being the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum, including Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP), in a bilingual setting. Learn more about Magellan’s International Baccalaureate programs and High School pathways at www.magellanschool.org.

In Middle School and High School, Magellan also welcomes students who are new to bilingual education, combining rigorous academics with advanced Spanish language learning.

“Offering the full IB continuum has been part of our vision since day one. Today, that vision is realized — creating a connected, inquiry-based experience from the Primary Years Program through the Diploma Program,” said Scott Hibbard, Head of School, Magellan International School. “We are truly preparing Magellan students to take action in our rapidly changing world.”

With the addition of the Diploma Program, Magellan now offers a fully aligned educational experience from Preschool through grade 12, grounded in inquiry-based learning that builds critical thinking, global awareness, and academic depth.

In an increasingly interconnected world, families are seeking educational models that prepare students not only for college, but for global citizenship, cross-cultural collaboration, and meaningful real-world impact.

The IB Diploma Program is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous and respected academic programs in the world. Through advanced coursework, independent research, and interdisciplinary learning, students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Key Facts About Magellan International School

  • Only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum in a bilingual setting
  • One of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs
  • Serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School
  • Bilingual Spanish-English education model
  • Approximately 70% international faculty
  • Students may join in Middle School and High School without prior bilingual education experience

“We do more than prepare students for a high school diploma; we forge global pioneers,” said Amaris Salazar, Director of Teaching and Learning, Magellan International School. “Our IB program pushes learning beyond classroom walls — preparing students not just for college admissions, but to speak the world’s languages, solve its most intricate puzzles, and make a lasting impact.”

Schools seeking to offer the IB DP must go through a formal candidacy and authorization process that includes submitting applications, training staff, and receiving a final authorization decision from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO.)

About Magellan International School

Magellan International School is a secular, independent school in Austin serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School across two campuses. Founded in 2009, Magellan offers a bilingual Spanish-English education grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and design-centered learning. The school is the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum — Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP) — in a bilingual setting, and one of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs. Approximately 70% of Magellan’s faculty are international educators, and the school community reflects a broad range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Magellan’s mission is to prepare innovative, globally minded, and culturally curious students who thrive with purpose and contribute to a better future.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magellan-only-us-secular-school-independent-full-ib-bilingual-prek-12-302771231.html

SOURCE Magellan International School

Magellan is also one of only five independent, secular schools in the country authorized to offer all three IB programs

AUSTIN, Texas, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Effective April 20, Magellan International School officially received authorization to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP), thus cementing its designation as a full IB Continuum School.

Magellan now holds the distinction of being the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum, including Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP), in a bilingual setting. Learn more about Magellan’s International Baccalaureate programs and High School pathways at www.magellanschool.org.

In Middle School and High School, Magellan also welcomes students who are new to bilingual education, combining rigorous academics with advanced Spanish language learning.

“Offering the full IB continuum has been part of our vision since day one. Today, that vision is realized — creating a connected, inquiry-based experience from the Primary Years Program through the Diploma Program,” said Scott Hibbard, Head of School, Magellan International School. “We are truly preparing Magellan students to take action in our rapidly changing world.”

With the addition of the Diploma Program, Magellan now offers a fully aligned educational experience from Preschool through grade 12, grounded in inquiry-based learning that builds critical thinking, global awareness, and academic depth.

In an increasingly interconnected world, families are seeking educational models that prepare students not only for college, but for global citizenship, cross-cultural collaboration, and meaningful real-world impact.

The IB Diploma Program is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous and respected academic programs in the world. Through advanced coursework, independent research, and interdisciplinary learning, students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Key Facts About Magellan International School

  • Only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum in a bilingual setting
  • One of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs
  • Serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School
  • Bilingual Spanish-English education model
  • Approximately 70% international faculty
  • Students may join in Middle School and High School without prior bilingual education experience

“We do more than prepare students for a high school diploma; we forge global pioneers,” said Amaris Salazar, Director of Teaching and Learning, Magellan International School. “Our IB program pushes learning beyond classroom walls — preparing students not just for college admissions, but to speak the world’s languages, solve its most intricate puzzles, and make a lasting impact.”

Schools seeking to offer the IB DP must go through a formal candidacy and authorization process that includes submitting applications, training staff, and receiving a final authorization decision from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO.)

About Magellan International School

Magellan International School is a secular, independent school in Austin serving more than 600 students from Preschool through High School across two campuses. Founded in 2009, Magellan offers a bilingual Spanish-English education grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and design-centered learning. The school is the only secular, independent school in the United States offering the full IB continuum — Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP) — in a bilingual setting, and one of only five independent, secular schools nationwide authorized to offer all three IB programs. Approximately 70% of Magellan’s faculty are international educators, and the school community reflects a broad range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Magellan’s mission is to prepare innovative, globally minded, and culturally curious students who thrive with purpose and contribute to a better future.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magellan-only-us-secular-school-independent-full-ib-bilingual-prek-12-302771231.html

SOURCE Magellan International School

ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 globally. With the addition of Universal’s new school and the college’s School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

Logos for UCF and Universal side by side on building

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.”
Mark Woodbury
Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

“UCF was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.”

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school’s research will build on UCF’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

  • Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
  • AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
  • AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between UCF and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent – and the next chapter will be even better,” said John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been the global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” said Cynthia Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “By strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.”

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As UCF’s first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with UCF, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at UCF.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of Go For Launch, UCF’s $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal’s commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.  

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 globally. With the addition of Universal’s new school and the college’s School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

Logos for UCF and Universal side by side on building

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.”
Mark Woodbury
Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

“UCF was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.”

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school’s research will build on UCF’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

  • Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
  • AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
  • AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between UCF and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent – and the next chapter will be even better,” said John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been the global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” said Cynthia Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “By strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.”

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As UCF’s first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with UCF, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at UCF.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of Go For Launch, UCF’s $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal’s commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.  

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 globally. With the addition of Universal’s new school and the college’s School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

Logos for UCF and Universal side by side on building

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.”
Mark Woodbury
Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

“UCF was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.”

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school’s research will build on UCF’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

  • Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
  • AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
  • AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between UCF and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent – and the next chapter will be even better,” said John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been the global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” said Cynthia Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “By strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.”

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As UCF’s first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with UCF, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at UCF.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of Go For Launch, UCF’s $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal’s commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.  

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Universal Destinations & Experiences, the company behind some of the world’s most immersive entertainment experiences across global theme park and resort destinations and other new ventures, and the University of Central Florida, one of the most innovative universities in the country, introduce the Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation. Through a $10 million investment, the school is a catalyst to help develop future industry leaders, ushering in the next era of themed entertainment.

The first-of-its-kind Universal School of Experience Leadership is housed within the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, ranked No. 1 globally. With the addition of Universal’s new school and the college’s School of Hospitality Leadership, students now have access to a dual-school model that brings together experience-focused education with business strategy, operations, and service leadership.

Logos for UCF and Universal side by side on building

“The Universal School of Experience Leadership and Innovation unites creativity, technology and the practical application of business, marketing, and guest service to develop tomorrow’s leaders in themed entertainment and immersive experiences.”
Mark Woodbury
Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences

“UCF was built to power what’s next for our students, for industry, and for the State of Florida,” said UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences represents our mission at its best, creating an environment where students are learning in direct connection with the people and ideas shaping the future of immersive experiences.”

A First-of-its-Kind Model for Experience Education

The Universal and UCF partnership will also support research through a new Hospitality Technology Lab, designed to be a creative sandbox for students to collaborate, test ideas, and gain practical hands-on experience working alongside UCF faculty, Universal professionals, and industry stakeholders. Students will gain timely insight that reflects industry needs as part of their education. Built around innovation and interdisciplinary teaming, the lab embeds coursework, student projects, and faculty research in a shared space, equipping graduates with both current skills and the adaptability to lead in a constantly evolving technology ecosystem.

The new school’s research will build on UCF’s existing strengths, applying university expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Focus areas for teaching, learning, and research will include:

  • Service robotics and human-centered approaches to shape guest and employee interactions
  • AR and VR simulation technologies for training, operations, and immersive environments
  • AI and digital twins for optimizing and personalizing the guest experience

This work extends a decades-long partnership between UCF and Universal rooted in collaboration and shared success. For more than 20 years, Rosen College has served as a key talent pipeline for Universal, with thousands of graduates contributing across its parks, experiences, and operations, alongside hands-on learning opportunities like the UCF/Universal Creative Lab.

“Together with UCF we have opened doors for students and helped strengthen our industry with valued talent – and the next chapter will be even better,” said John Sprouls, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We’re creating a distinctive academic home that will expand pathways into fulfilling and dynamic careers.”

“Rosen College has long been the global leader in hospitality education, and this next step reflects how our industry is evolving,” said Cynthia Mejia, dean of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “By strengthening our relationship with our longtime partners at Universal Destinations & Experiences, we are creating a first-of-its-kind two-school model that blends creativity, technology and leadership, preparing students to lead the future of guest experiences.”

Pegasus Partners: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration

As UCF’s first entertainment-sector Pegasus Partner, Universal Destinations & Experiences joins a group of industry leaders working with the university to solve real-world challenges, accelerate discovery, and strengthen the workforce talent pipeline. Universal is also the first Pegasus Partner to enter into a master research agreement with UCF, enabling collaboration at scale and unlocking new opportunities for applied research.

The Pegasus Partners program offers opportunities for select partners to engage across the university in ways that create meaningful value for both organizations. That engagement includes talent development and recruitment, shared research projects, joint ventures and collaborations, strategic philanthropy, and co-location at UCF.

As the first Pegasus Partner since the start of Go For Launch, UCF’s $3.5 billion campaign to accelerate its next era of impact, Universal’s commitment is a powerful model that combines philanthropy and strategic industry investment to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and fuel shared success.  

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

A new industry study released today and developed by a technical working group co-led by The Chemours Company (Chemours) and Solstice Advanced Materials Inc., finds that refrigerant emissions from automotive air conditioning systems in Europe could be reduced by up to 60%+ annually by 2050, with an average of half of cumulative emissions avoided between 2030 and 2050, through coordinated measures implemented across the full automotive value chain.

The comprehensive research, conducted by a technical working group and informed by stakeholders involving the whole vehicle lifecycle, including leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and refrigerant experts, shows that significant reductions can be achieved. For the European market, the study provides detailed lifecycle-based assessments of refrigerant emissions.

The findings highlight the critical role of collaborative industry action and circular economy solutions, including reclamation and recycling, in accelerating Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.

Key Findings:

  • 60%+ reduction in annual refrigerant emissions by 2050 compared with current baseline projections
  • ≈ 50% cumulative emissions reduction between 2030 and 2050, supporting long term sustainability goals.
  • Costneutral outcomes for consumers, as investments are offset by longer component lifetimes and avoided repair costs
  • Comparable effectiveness across internal combustion, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, underscoring system relevance during the EV transition

“This analysis shows that a large share of automotive refrigerant emissions can potentially be avoided using technologies and practices that already exist across today’s value chain,” said Joseph Martinko, President, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. “The data reinforces the importance of lifecycle‑based policy approaches that reduce emissions while preserving vehicle performance, affordability, serviceability and supporting the circularity of refrigerants.”

The study’s recommendations are ready for rapid adoption across both conventional combustion engine and electric vehicles, supporting the shift toward a circular economy including end-of-life management through reclamation and recycling programs. These actions are underpinned by broad collaboration across the automotive value chain, paving the way for measurable progress in environmental sustainability and industry best practices. Read the full study here.

This story originally appeared on Chemours.com.

A new industry study released today and developed by a technical working group co-led by The Chemours Company (Chemours) and Solstice Advanced Materials Inc., finds that refrigerant emissions from automotive air conditioning systems in Europe could be reduced by up to 60%+ annually by 2050, with an average of half of cumulative emissions avoided between 2030 and 2050, through coordinated measures implemented across the full automotive value chain.

The comprehensive research, conducted by a technical working group and informed by stakeholders involving the whole vehicle lifecycle, including leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and refrigerant experts, shows that significant reductions can be achieved. For the European market, the study provides detailed lifecycle-based assessments of refrigerant emissions.

The findings highlight the critical role of collaborative industry action and circular economy solutions, including reclamation and recycling, in accelerating Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.

Key Findings:

  • 60%+ reduction in annual refrigerant emissions by 2050 compared with current baseline projections
  • ≈ 50% cumulative emissions reduction between 2030 and 2050, supporting long term sustainability goals.
  • Costneutral outcomes for consumers, as investments are offset by longer component lifetimes and avoided repair costs
  • Comparable effectiveness across internal combustion, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, underscoring system relevance during the EV transition

“This analysis shows that a large share of automotive refrigerant emissions can potentially be avoided using technologies and practices that already exist across today’s value chain,” said Joseph Martinko, President, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. “The data reinforces the importance of lifecycle‑based policy approaches that reduce emissions while preserving vehicle performance, affordability, serviceability and supporting the circularity of refrigerants.”

The study’s recommendations are ready for rapid adoption across both conventional combustion engine and electric vehicles, supporting the shift toward a circular economy including end-of-life management through reclamation and recycling programs. These actions are underpinned by broad collaboration across the automotive value chain, paving the way for measurable progress in environmental sustainability and industry best practices. Read the full study here.

This story originally appeared on Chemours.com.

A new industry study released today and developed by a technical working group co-led by The Chemours Company (Chemours) and Solstice Advanced Materials Inc., finds that refrigerant emissions from automotive air conditioning systems in Europe could be reduced by up to 60%+ annually by 2050, with an average of half of cumulative emissions avoided between 2030 and 2050, through coordinated measures implemented across the full automotive value chain.

The comprehensive research, conducted by a technical working group and informed by stakeholders involving the whole vehicle lifecycle, including leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and refrigerant experts, shows that significant reductions can be achieved. For the European market, the study provides detailed lifecycle-based assessments of refrigerant emissions.

The findings highlight the critical role of collaborative industry action and circular economy solutions, including reclamation and recycling, in accelerating Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.

Key Findings:

  • 60%+ reduction in annual refrigerant emissions by 2050 compared with current baseline projections
  • ≈ 50% cumulative emissions reduction between 2030 and 2050, supporting long term sustainability goals.
  • Costneutral outcomes for consumers, as investments are offset by longer component lifetimes and avoided repair costs
  • Comparable effectiveness across internal combustion, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, underscoring system relevance during the EV transition

“This analysis shows that a large share of automotive refrigerant emissions can potentially be avoided using technologies and practices that already exist across today’s value chain,” said Joseph Martinko, President, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. “The data reinforces the importance of lifecycle‑based policy approaches that reduce emissions while preserving vehicle performance, affordability, serviceability and supporting the circularity of refrigerants.”

The study’s recommendations are ready for rapid adoption across both conventional combustion engine and electric vehicles, supporting the shift toward a circular economy including end-of-life management through reclamation and recycling programs. These actions are underpinned by broad collaboration across the automotive value chain, paving the way for measurable progress in environmental sustainability and industry best practices. Read the full study here.

This story originally appeared on Chemours.com.

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