Florida Tech’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program is officially on the map.
The Panther AUP received its national charter April 24 during a ceremony at Mertens Marine Center, formally establishing it as a sanctioned U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program unit. The program is the first of its kind in Florida, one of only 18 nationwide and the largest in the Coast Guard’s Southeast District.
Capt. Jason Aleksak, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville commander, presented the charter certificate to Bill Cox, auxiliary unit liaison, and Richard Aronson, head of Florida Tech’s Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences (OEMS). The ceremony featured the Auxiliary Division Color Guard and Auxiliary Division Band and was attended by Coast Guard Auxiliary members, Florida Tech staff and Panther AUP students. Aleksak, Cox, Aronson, John Kachenmeister, who is commander of South Brevard Flotilla 17-2, and Martin Goodwin, commodore of the Southeast District Auxiliary, all delivered remarks during the ceremony.
Aeronautical science senior and unit leader Mitchell Rivers was also recognized at the ceremony, receiving the Auxiliary Letter of Commendation and authorization to wear the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar.
“I have found opportunities, made friends and had experiences and chances to learn things I would’ve never thought I’d ever do,” Rivers said.
Rivers has helped build the program into a unit with specializations spanning sea, air and cyberspace operations.
“This program has something for absolutely everyone on this campus,” Rivers said. “Whether you want to volunteer, build a résumé, enter military or civilian service, or just have fun while doing something truly worthwhile, the opportunities are endless—all you need to do is make them yours.”
Established in partnership with OEMS, Panther AUP provides students a structured pathway to commissioned service with the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps and other federal agencies. The program launched at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year with an inaugural class of 12 students.
The charter comes as the Coast Guard is undergoing a significant expansion—adding 15,000 new personnel—creating growing demand for qualified candidates across its maritime, aviation and cyberspace missions.
“Florida Tech’s nationally ranked science, engineering, aviation, medical and other academic programs are graduating exactly the talent our service needs,” Cox said. “We’re extremely proud to host the first USCG Auxiliary University Program in Florida.”
