FIT Notable Alumni

Florida Institute of Technology, located in Melbourne, Florida, is a prestigious institution renowned for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Since its founding in 1958, the university has cultivated a legacy of innovation and excellence, producing alumni who have made significant contributions across diverse fields such as aerospace, politics, academia, business, and scientific research. These graduates have not only advanced technological frontiers but also influenced global policies and inspired future generations with their groundbreaking work.

Notable Alumni:

• Ann Dunwoody - First woman in U.S. military history to achieve four-star general rank.
• George D. Zamka - NASA astronaut who piloted Space Shuttle missions and logged over 692 hours in space.
• Winston E. Scott - Retired U.S. Navy Captain and astronaut with multiple spacewalks during shuttle missions.
• Joan Higginbotham - NASA astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery mission in 2006.
• Kathryn C. Thornton - Former astronaut who performed spacewalks and contributed to Hubble Space Telescope repairs.
• Terry W. Virts - NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander with over 200 days in space.
• David A. King - Former director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, overseeing critical space programs.
• John W. Young - Legendary astronaut who walked on the moon during the Apollo 16 mission.
• Frederick D. Gregory - First African American to pilot a Space Shuttle and former NASA administrator.
• Alan L. Bean - Apollo 12 astronaut and fourth person to walk on the moon.
• Richard O. Covey - Astronaut and commander of the first Hubble Space Telescope repair mission.
• William F. Readdy - NASA astronaut and leader in space shuttle operations and safety programs.

Famous People Who Attended Florida Institute of Technology:

• Tim Wakefield - Former MLB pitcher known for his knuckleball with the Boston Red Sox.
• Darrell Hammond - Comedian and longest-serving cast member of Saturday Night Live.
• Jim Rassol - Award-winning photojournalist capturing iconic moments in sports and news.
• Chris Nabholz - Former MLB pitcher who played for multiple teams in the 1990s.
• Brian Kelley - Country music star and member of the duo Florida Georgia Line.

The alumni of Florida Institute of Technology have left an indelible mark on both local and global stages. From pioneering space exploration to breaking barriers in military leadership and entertaining millions through sports and media, their achievements reflect the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. Many of these individuals continue to inspire through mentorship and philanthropy, contributing to advancements in STEM and cultural landscapes worldwide. Note: While extensive records of alumni achievements are available, some data on lesser-known figures may be limited. For further details, refer to official university archives or trusted sources like Florida Tech’s official website.