About Us
The Lou Frey Institute of Politics & Government

The University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Sciences is pleased to be the official repository for the Congressional Papers of The Honorable Lou Frey, Jr. Elected in 1969, Congressman Frey was elected one of five Republican leaders in the House of Representatives during the 93rd and 94th Congress. During his tenure, Congressman Frey served on the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, the Science and Technology Committee, and the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. The Congressional Papers reflect Congressman Frey's service on these committees and the operation of his offices. Perhaps most importantly, these papers signify the beginnings of the Lou Frey Institute for Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida, an initiative of UCF's Department of Political Science that has been named in recognition of Congressman Frey's gift and created to study, inform, and assist in the development of civic service nationwide.

The Mission
The Lou Frey Institute of Politics & Government at the University of Central Florida is a nonpartisan foundation that engages in civic education for college and high school students, members of the Central Florida community, and the general public. The Institute promotes informed discussion of issues from diverse viewpoints, encourages participation in the political process, and supports research on politics and policy.

Why UCF?
In 1968 about 1,900 students were enrolled at Florida's newest public university--the University of Central Florida. Today, less than 40 years later, the UCF is one of the nation's most dynamic institutions, with nearly 50,000 students enrolled and more than 2,000 faculty members carrying out two key points of President John Hitt's vision for the University, "offer the best undergraduate education available in Florida" and "be America's leading partnership university." The university now offers 161 undergraduate and advanced degree programs within its six colleges: Arts and Sciences; Business Administration; Engineering and Computer Science; Health and Public Affairs; Education; and the Burnett Honors College. Together, these colleges have moved UCF to a position of prominence. Each year, the caliber of UCF students is rising, and the University is climbing the list of the top 100 institutions for National Merit Scholars. UCF is the only state institution to rank as one of America's most wired colleges four years in a row, as designated by Yahoo.

Who does the Institute serve?
Through its programs and Congressional Papers, the Lou Frey Institute hopes to engage students, faculty members, university staff, and community partners in a process that combines community service and academic learning while promoting civic participation, building community capacity, and enhancing the educational process.