Ravago Holdings America, the world's largest distributor and compounder of plastic resins, has committed to a multi-year gift to the University of Central Florida.

Their donation will benefit the College of Medicine and the College of Business Administration. Primarily, the gift will be used to renovate the College of Business Administration's Entrepreneurship Hub, and to support areas of greatest need for the College of Medicine through its Dean's Excellence Fund. The gift will also support a specialized medical education classroom in the College of Medicine's medical education builing, recently renamed the Ravago Lecture Hall.  

Dr. Hitt, Dean German and Jim Duffy

Although the company had never donated to UCF, Ravago has given regularly to health-focused charitable organizations. And, as they learned more about UCF, their desire to build a stronger relationship grew. "Orlando is our home and so UCF was a natural draw when we were deliberating our philanthropic efforts," says Jim Duffy, president and CEO of Ravago Holdings America.

"The College of Medicine is delighted to partner with Ravago in continuing to grow and build our 21st century medical school for the benefit of our community and with the purpose of transforming health care," says Deborah C. German, M.D., dean, College of Medicine and vice president for Medical Affairs. "I am especially gratified that Ravago has given us the flexibility to use this gift where we find the greatest opportunity. We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with our friends at Ravago."

Ravago Holdings America is headquartered in Orlando and has grown to become the company's largest subsidiary, with estimated annual sales of $2.1 billion in 2016. The local office was selected last year as one of the Orlando Sentinel Top 100 Companies for the fourth year in a row.

Ravago believes this donation will begin a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with the College of Business. The company employs a handful of UCF graduates currently, and strives to be a top employer of choice for UCF College of Business graduates looking for a collaborative and nurturing work environment in an entrepreneurial company that is interested in growing new talent. 

"Ravago's transformational gift is helping us build the inspiring, high-tech, creative spaces necessary to encourage students to get out of their comfort zones, collaborate and invent their futures," says Paul Jarley, dean, college of Business Administration. "Our goal is to provide students with more than just the knowledge and perspective necessary to make good business decision. We look to create student experieces that instill the mindsets, habits and behaviors necessary to succeed in today's marketplace."

Ravago is the number one service provider in the global market of plastics, rubber and chemicals. They operate more than 20 manufacturing, recycling and compounding plants that serve more than 40,000 commercial customers worldwide. They are a family-owned Belgian company, founded in 1961.