Communication Alumnus Serves Thousands of Orlando’s Working Poor

Scott George, ’84, says communication is one of the keys to life. He explained that he uses the lessons from his degree in communication every hour of every day.

“Whether it’s in business, relationships, family or marriages, learning to listen and communicate properly is essential,” said George.

George has been a visionary and innovator in the church and non-profit world for over 25 years. After graduating from UCF, he earned his master’s in theology from Faith Christian University.

Today, George is senior pastor of Pinecastle United Methodist Church in Orlando and also co-founder of Community Food & Outreach Center in Downtown Orlando.

Community Food & Outreach Center is a non-profit that serves thousands of families each month with food, medical care, crisis intervention and education. They help struggling families get their basic needs met, connect those in crisis with the resources and tools needed to get back on their feet, and provide the training and skills necessary to help people get employment opportunities.

George recently authored a new book, “Living Beyond Ordinary,” the story of how Community Food & Outreach was started.

“We have calculated that over the 14 years we have had over a million visits to our campus. The book is full of stories about how churches, companies, individuals and friends have generously helped to make our community a bit easier for those who struggle in life,” shared George.

George shared more on his time at UCF, his outreach, and his advice to students and alumni.

Why did you choose to attend UCF?

I love Orlando and after graduating from Edgewater High School and Valencia it was the best move for me to stay in the town I grew up in and love.

Have you stayed involved with UCF since graduation? If so, how?

UCF has served as a great resource to identify student interns to assist with the non-profit I founded, Community Food & Outreach. I also guest lecture at UCF every quarter for a MBA class. That gives me great joy and fulfillment.

What is your best UCF memory?

The friends who I met and still maintain friendships with. The professors who invested in me and motivated me to reach for the impossible and pursue excellence. Also seeing the university develop, grow and mature into one of the leading schools in the nation has given me much joy and satisfaction.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Helping so many families with a hand up. Each day our charity serves 525 families who need a hand up in life. It is a joy and honor to serve them and offer a little hope. Our community has hundreds of thousands of workers that are barely making it each month, due to our low wage economy they struggle getting ahead and providing for their families.

What piece of advice would you give to current students as well as UCF alumni?

For students I would encourage them to be guided by the inspiring words of Martin Luther King, “Life’s most persistent question is: what are you doing for others?”

For alumni I would challenge them with the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”

George answered the following questions in our 30 second lighting round of get-to-know-you questions.

Do you have any special/hidden talents?

I enjoy writing. ‘Living Beyond Ordinary’ was the first book I authored. ‘GPS: Guiding Principles for Success’ will be out in summer of 2015 and ‘Doing Good GREAT’ will be out fall of 2015.

What do you do for fun?

I love to play racquetball and I love fishing, especially during my annual trip to Montana.

What is your best birthday memory?

My best birthday memory was a three day fishing trip with my brother Kris, a UCF business grad, and my two sons Austen and Aaren and nephew Nick George, a UCF engineering student.