UCF Opera's community outreach performance of Carmenella.

Powerful. Well-trained. Focused. Ron Thow, ’93, is used to hearing those words. They chased around inside his head every time he took the field as a UCF fullback from 1989-92. Now, however, he uses those adjectives to describe something a little different.

“Opera parallels athletics in that it demands hard work and dedication,” said Ron. “Athletes may be more physical, but you still have to prepare and commit a great deal of time and effort. You can see it at a performance or at a game. If you’re not prepared, it shows.”

The New York native moved back home shortly after graduating and hadn’t been back on campus until 2006 when he was contacted about bringing the Knights home. Lending his support to Bright House Networks Stadium was the first of many generous gifts Ron and his wife, Carolyn, have given. Since then, they’ve donated to the Jay Bergman Field expansion project and, of course, the opera program.

“When you look at what UCF has built from a sports standpoint, baseball is so far behind,” Ron said. “It’s the appropriate time to call people into action and get the stadium to a place where these kids can be proud. They’re good kids and they deserve it.”

Supporting athletics is a natural fit for Ron, but opera? “La traviata was the first performance I saw,” he said. “I was told I’d love it or hate it, but to keep an open mind. I loved it and have been a fan since.”

“My wife and I wanted to find a common philanthropic interest,” said Ron. “She taught me the value of supporting charities, especially those that directly impact less fortunate children.” They found that common interest when they established the Thow Family Opera for Young Audiences Endowment. This endowment will benefit UCF’s Opera outreach program, which takes the opera to schools in the community.

“UCF has a great story to tell and, as alumni, we should all know and own it,” he said. “In doing so, we should feel a certain responsibility to give back to the university that gave us the opportunity to become successful in life.”