WATCH: Florida Tech Spotlighted in New Amazon Prime Video Series ‘The College Tour’
‘THE COLLEGE TOUR’ BRINGS UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE TO LIFE THROUGH STUDENT STORIES“
Adam Lowenstein, Space Coast Daily | January 12, 2021
WATCH: Founded by a Cape Canaveral rocket scientist in 1958, Florida Tech is proud to share a rich history and deep connections with the U.S. space program, commercial space initiatives and partner agencies. Astrobiology student Alyssa Carson, (who is an aspiring astronaut), talks about Florida Tech’s founding, and how it makes this university the ideal place to launch her career.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Florida Tech’s academics and research, hands-on experiences, campus diversity and Sunshine State benefits are the focus of episode two of The College Tour, a new series now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The College Tour’s Florida Tech episode features authentic stories from 10 Florida Tech students: Alyssa Carson, Maria Sagastume, Giulio Cristello, Gennaro Zappariello, Tanner Crampton, Tij Vishwakarma, Delaney Lisco, Emily Almodovar Warner, Greg Dunn and Loghan Ashline.
Guided by host Alex Boylan, the 30-minute episode tells the story of what life is truly like on and around Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus, from academics to the campus community to athletics. There’s even a trip to the beach.
“The idea for The College Tour TV series came to me from my 16-year-old niece. Because of the pandemic and finances, she wasn’t able to travel to tour colleges,” said Boylan, who won CBS’s The Amazing Race in 2002 and went on to produce and host leading shows on PBS, CBS, the Travel Channel and more.
“So using our skills as executive producers we created a series inspired by her and millions of other young people who are interested in attending college.”
Carson leads off the program, which was filmed over one week in late October, with a discussion of Florida Tech’s founding and ties to the U.S. space program.
“I was very excited to hear that Florida Tech was chosen to be showcased and that I was able to speak about all the aspects I love about Florida Tech,” she said later.
Sagastume takes viewers to Melbourne Beach for a walk along the beach and some inline skating.
“I am so happy they allowed me to bring in those components since that is what I truly love about Melbourne and studying at Florida Tech – the proximity to the beach and being able to do all those cool outdoor activities,” Sagastume said after the taping.
WATCH: Florida Tech Ph.D. student Maria Sagastume talks about the campus in Melbourne, Florida, which is a short drive from the beach, Kennedy Space Center and big opportunities.
As the episode progresses, several students talk about the unique educational environment at Florida Tech, including undergraduate research opportunities, small classes and senior design projects, and nurturing mentorships with faculty. Florida Tech’s athletics programs, flight training and diverse cultural community are also featured.
“It was so much fun producing Florida Tech’s episode,” Boylan said. “What a special school in an amazing location on the Space Coast. The students are rock stars and it was an absolute pleasure to work with the school’s staff to bring their story to life.”
Marco Carvalho, Florida Tech’s executive vice president and provost, agreed with Boylan.
“The show highlights many great features of Florida Tech as a university, but what we really love is how it puts our amazing students front-and-center,” he said.
“We’re so proud of their passion, determination and enthusiasm—and the Florida Tech episode of The College Tour gives us the opportunity to share their stories with the world.”
The College Tour was created by Boylan, Lisa Hennessy and Burton Roberts, a team of successful entrepreneurs in the TV, social media and technology space.
The Florida Tech episode is available at www.thecollegetour.com or by searching for “The College Tour” on Amazon Prime Video.