Book of Bull

We Are the University of South Florida

The story of a university is not defined by a single person, but rather by countless individuals working diligently toward a common goal. The University of South Florida, founded in 1956, has already established a strong national reputation after becoming the first independent state university conceived, planned and built in the 20th century. In 2018, it was designated a state of Florida Preeminent Research University.

This recognition is owed to the students and faculty who came before us, whose traditions created a foundation for success that we can all build upon. So much of our course is still uncharted, which offers you the unique opportunity to make your mark. The spirit of USF lives within every student – past, present and future – and with these traditions as a guide, the University and its graduates will enjoy growth and prosperity for generations to come. Now, it’s your turn to make history.

A message

from President Rhea F. Law

Welcome to our newest University of South Florida Bulls!

Whether you are a USF student on the Tampa, St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee campus, you are now part of a university in motion. USF attracts the courageous, the bold, the dreamers – those who believe that the future holds opportunities yet to be realized.

Our students contribute energy, curiosity and enthusiasm, and I encourage you to use your talents to tackle society’s toughest challenges and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you.

USF is composed of a fascinating fabric of individuals whose many perspectives and cultures broaden our horizons. USF offers a safe and welcoming community for all students, including those who are first in their families to attend college, those from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds and those with the resilience to overcome adversity.

You have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to make a difference for your fellow students and our communities. There are a variety of ways to get involved, including great events such as the Stampede of Service, by serving in Student Government and on college committees, and of course, by cheering on the USF Bulls at athletic events. I hope you will be part of our many proud traditions!

I am delighted that you have joined the USF family, and I look forward to learning of your future contributions and accomplishments.

Why Read the Book of Bull?

The Official Guide for USF Bulls contains everything you need to know about the traditions of the University of South Florida. Arriving at USF for the first time as a student can be overwhelming. Every Bull’s journey is unique. This guide is your starting point.

It’s the beginning of a life-changing experience. It’s where you first learn what it means to be a Bull. Within these pages, you’ll learn about USF’s history, campuses, spirit, academics, student life, annual events and its elite group of more than 393,000 alumni who are eager to welcome you. Your college years will be one of the most exciting times in your life and this is only the beginning.

The UNIVERSITY of South Florida

The University of South Florida’s students, faculty and staff are united in their mission to constantly reach new heights – whether on the campus in Tampa, St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee.

USF is a boundless community, with a diverse population and extensive student resources. Our belief that every student will succeed if given the opportunity informs everything we do. In fact, USF is considered America’s fastest rising university over the past seven years and rose to #42 among public universities and #97 among all public and private universities in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings.

Our 50,000 students come from across the United States and more than 150 countries to pursue their academic and career dreams. We offer 244 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels. From the arts to marine science, engineering and business, each of our 13 colleges offers an extensive range of degree and specialty programs, many allowing students to focus on a particular discipline while exploring other areas of interest across the university.

High-impact, global research is a key priority at USF. In 2018, our university skyrocketed into the top 25 public universities for research expenditures. USF is at the forefront of cutting-edge research in medicine, science, engineering and the arts, and undergraduates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of research opportunities.

Across USF campuses, excellence and opportunity converge.

Tampa campus

USF Tampa is considered the main campus of the University, serving more than 42,000 students from across the globe. This campus is also home to USF Health, which includes the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy and the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. Conveniently located in the third largest city in Florida and the 13th largest media market in the United States, the Tampa campus provides exceptional access to valuable arts, cultural, professional, educational and recreational opportunities in a postcard setting.

St. Petersburg Campus

The USF St. Petersburg campus is located on the beautiful waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg, a world-famous destination featuring parks, shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and performing arts and sports venues. Established in 1965, this campus serves more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The waterfront on Bayboro Harbor makes campus life at USF St. Petersburg campus a truly Floridian experience with class offerings like scuba, sailing, swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Established in 1975, the USF SarasotaManatee campus is located on the border of Sarasota and Manatee counties, a vibrant locale featuring notable educational and cultural institutions, such as the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The campus offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and certificate programs.

In 2023, construction began on the campus’s first student center and resident hall, accommodating up to 200 students.

Limitless Opportunities

No matter what career path you choose, you can build a solid foundation for success at USF. With more than 240 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the Doctor of Medicine, USF has something for everyone. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of undergraduate research opportunities and study abroad programs.

The University has 13 colleges operating under the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. From Medicine and the Arts to Marine Science and Business, each college offers an extensive range of degree and specialty programs, allowing students to focus on a particular discipline while exploring other interests across the University.

In the region, state, nation and across the globe, USF is making a significant impact. Here are just a few of the distinctive attributes that make our young, vibrant and dynamic university a leading institution of higher education.

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute Downtown Tampa

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute Downtown Tampa

Points of Pride

• USF is now a “Preeminent State Research University,” as designated by the Florida Board of Governors in June of 2018.

• USF is recognized as the fastest rising American university over the past seven years and rose to #42 among public universities and #97 among all public and private universities in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) National University Rankings.

• USF ranks 29th among U.S. public institutions (marking the ninth consecutive year ranked in the top 50) and in the top 250 best universities in the world according to the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

• USF Tampa is recognized by The Education Trust as being #6 in the nation for eliminating the completion gap between black and white students, #4 in the nation for Latino student success, and #1 in the state of Florida for both (2017).

• USF ranks 8th in the nation among public universities, and 15th worldwide for granted U.S. patents among all universities according to the Intellectual Property Owners Association/NAI (2020). USF has ranked in the top 10 among public universities for U.S. patents granted for the ninth consecutive year.

• The Morsani College of Medicine 2025 Class represents the most diverse and strongest academic class with an average MCAT score of 517 placing it among the 94th percentile nationally and a GPA of 3.83 (2021).

• The Princeton Review listed USF as a Best Value College in 2021 for providing students with high-quality education and career readiness at an affordable cost.

• USF Tampa was named one of the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges (#34 in-state, #15 out-of-state) by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance for 2019.

• The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked USF #7 in the nation for Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 9 faculty

scholars for the 2020-2021 academic year. USF was home to 52 national scholarship and fellowship student awardees during the 2020-2021 academic year including Boren, Fulbright, Gilman, and Goldwater.

• USF ranks as the top university in Florida and eighth-best in the nation according to the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

• USF ranks first in Florida and 8th in the nation for reducing inequalities by Times Higher Education (2021). The rankings measure universities by several categories, including the number of first-generation students, the number of students from developing countries, the proportion of students and staff with disabilities, discrimination policies, and the amount of research a university conducted on reduced inequalities.

• USF is one of only 15 universities in the nation selected as a Tillman Partnership University of the Pat Tillman Foundation, a selection based on innovative veteran-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

• USF ranks #2 for top-volunteer producing graduate schools and #25 among top-volunteer producing large colleges and universities serving in the Peace Corps (2020).

• U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) ranks USF 18th among U.S. public universities as a top performer in Social Mobility, which assesses an institution’s success enrolling, retaining and graduating students who come from families with lower incomes and receive federal Pell Grants (2022).

• USF Athletics has posted a Graduation Success Rate of 80 percent or better for seven straight years.

• In 2018, USF was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest and most prestigious national honor organization in America.

Our Journey

“None of us ever dreamed we’d have a university this large or this successful. I think our goal now should be to serve the world.”

— Sam Gibbons, “Father of USF”

A Brief History of USF

Founded in 1956, the University of South Florida was the first independent state university conceived, planned and built in the 20th century. The University has made incredible strides since then, developing into one of the nation’s leading research institutions, but it didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it all started as most great ideas do – with a problem in need of a solution.

A Big Problem for the “Big 3”

In 1954, there were three state universities in Florida: the University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. The “Big 3” were expected to serve the educational needs of all 36,000 students in the state, from Pensacola to Key West.

At the time, enrollment over the next 20 years was projected to rise 350 percent due to desegregation and returning veterans taking advantage of the G.I. Bill after World War II. This posed a sizeable problem for the state and it was a Hillsborough County legislator named Sam Gibbons who devised a solution. He was a WWII veteran and D-Day paratrooper, but also a recent law school graduate and young father. After consulting with colleagues, including close friend John Germany, Gibbons penned one of Tallahassee’s shortest pieces of legislation while sitting at his kitchen table one evening in 1955. This 80-word bill, signed into law later that year by then-Gov. LeRoy Collins, created a state university in Hillsborough County that would change Florida forever.

It’s All About Location

The new university’s location was hotly debated and over the next two years, the options were narrowed to Tampa and St. Petersburg. When surveyors visited St. Petersburg in October 1956 to assess the proposed site, terrible flooding from a storm the night before made it look very unappealing.

As a result, Gibbons ultimately secured the Tampa location. The site chosen was the Henderson Air Field, an auxiliary base on 46th Street that was used as a practice bombing range during WWII. From 1942-1946, bombardiers dropped sand-filled metal casings next to what is now the USF Library, JuniperPoplar Hall and Campus Recreation. If not for an abandoned bombing range and a well-timed Florida storm, you might be visiting USF’s main campus in St. Petersburg.

USF Riverfront Park

The Birth of USF

With the location decided, the next step was choosing a name. Several ministers dubbed the school “Bottleneck U” due to the nearby brewery. Other suggestions were Citrus State University, University of the Western Hemisphere, Flamerica University, and College of the Sunshine State. The University of South Florida was proposed by a newspaper, the now defunct The Tampa Tribune, because at the time, it was the southernmost public university in the state.

A great university needs a great leader and USF found one in its first president, John S. Allen, who had been serving as the interim president of the University of Florida. Allen was an astronomer by trade and had a clear vision for an innovative university. Accompanied by his wife, Grace, USF’s first president went to work planning the University’s campus, programs and personnel on the 1,700 acres of donated scrubland. Then-Gov. LeRoy Collins, presided over turbulent times and made some tough decisions. His reaction to the 1954 Brown v. the Board of Education decision mandating integration of public schools was among the most moderate in the South. For him, racial integration was simply “the Christian thing to do,” an attitude that helped make USF the first desegregated university in Florida.

A Taste of Student Life in 1960

USF opened with only three buildings: The Administration Building (currently the John and Grace Allen Building), the Chemistry Building and the University Center (where the Marshall Student Center now stands). The Life Science Building and the Auditorium didn’t arrive until the next semester in spring 1961.

Allen was a careful steward of the University’s limited financial resources and was opposed to spending money on athletics, fraternities and sororities or other aspects unrelated to academics. His philosophy was summed up in the slogan, “Accent on Learning.” Using his contacts in academia, Allen recruited a superior team of charter faculty eager to build a new institution from the ground up.

In 1960, 98 percent of students were commuters. Before Alpha Hall was completed in 1961 as the first residence hall, USF’s inaugural residents were 45 women living on the fourth floor of the University Center. Alpha Hall was co-ed, but men and women were completely separated and visitation was prohibited. Students used a metal card slot and punch cards to clock in and out. Females were required to return to their rooms by 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Students needed written permission from a parent to spend the night anywhere other than the dorm. We’ve certainly come a long way since those rules, which began to phase out in 1967.

Florida Rep. Sam Gibbons writes a bill establishing a new university in Hillsborough County

John Allen becomes USF’s first president

The name “University of South Florida” is chosen for the new university

Green and gold are approved as the University’s official colors

The official seal is created, along with the motto, “Truth and Wisdom”

Students choose the Golden Brahman as the University mascot

The first edition of our student newspaper, The Oracle, is printed

The first USF basketball game is played against the University of Florida; USF wins 85-78

USF Ft. Myers is officially dedicated (in 2007, it will become Florida Gulf Coast University) John Lott Brown becomes USF’s third president

The Florida Legislature approves a new university to be built on Fowler Avenue

Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins uses a golden shovel for the groundbreaking ceremony

USF becomes the first desegregated public university in Florida on its first official day of classes

USF’s first intercollegiate game is played and won by our men’s soccer team

The first fraternities and sororities are formed on campus

USF establishes the St. Petersburg campus on Bayboro Harbor

USF is admitted to the NCAA

Cecil Mackey becomes USF’s second president, bringing a new focus on research and funding to the University

The USF medical school opens to students

USF SarasotaManatee campus founded

The Sun Dome is formally dedicated prior to USF’s basketball game against Duke

The USF basketball team competes in the NCAA tournament for the first time

USF football is established, kicking off its first NCAA season against Kentucky Wesleyan at Raymond James Stadium; USF wins 80-3

MLK Plaza is completed with a bust, reflection pool and a granite “I Have a Dream” wall

Judy Genshaft becomes the sixth president of USF

The USF men’s soccer team wins the first Big East championship in program history

The new Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center opens to the public

USF confers 100,000th degree

Francis T. Borkowski becomes the fourth president of USF

USF Lakeland opens (in 2012, it will become Florida Polytechnic University)

The University Center is rededicated to Phyllis P. Marshall, who spent 34 years promoting student life on campus

Betty Castor becomes the fifth president of USF

USF’s Marching Band, the Herd of Thunder, performs for the first time

USF football wins its first bowl game against East Carolina in the Papa John’s Bowl after just 10 seasons in existence USF SarasotaManatee holds its first day of classes on its new campus

USF’s new School of Music Building is unveiled as USF is named an All-Steinway Institution

Research grants and contracts top $400 million, making USF the 43rd largest public or private research university in the United States Enrollment tops 47,000 students; living alumni exceed 300,000

Generous gifts establish the Muma College of Business (Tampa) and Kate Tiedemann College of Business (St. Petersburg)

Gifts from Barry Collier, ’80, and his wife, Dana, establish the Collier Student Success Center; from Lynn Pippenger, MBA ’88, the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy; and from Jordan Zimmerman, ’80, the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications

Keysight Technologies Lab in the College of Engineering is named for the corporate donor

In recognition of Jeff and Penny Vinik’s support, the Muma College of Business Sport & Entertainment Management Program is renamed the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program

Steven Currall becomes USF’s seventh president.

A gift from Taneja Family Foundation names the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, the donation is the largest philanthropic gift to a pharmacy school in the state of Florida

Global pandemic causes shift in delivery of education

USF provides $6.02 billion annual economic impact across Florida. Plans announced for on-campus football stadium to open in 2026

USF hits all-time high in U.S. News & World Report ranking. Morsani College of Medicine is fastest rising in nation.

85,000 square-foot Judy Genshaft Honors College facility opens

A gift from Lynn Pippenger, MBA ’88, establishes Lynn Pippenger Hall at USFSP and helps push the Unstoppable Campaign to more than $950 million

Unstoppable campaign exceeds $1 billion goal

USF is No. 1 in the USA for Latino student success; No. 6 for AfricanAmerican USF is named the No.1 best college for military veterans

USF is now a Preeminent State Research University as designated by the Florida Board of Governors

USF is awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society

A transformational gift from President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steven Greenbaum, establishes the Judy Genshaft Honors College

A gift from Monica Wooden establishes the Monica Wooden Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability in the Muma College of Business

USF is consolidated under a single accreditation with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and SarasotaManatee

Rhea Law confirmed as USF’s eighth president.

Forbes names USF as a top employer

STATE OF FLORIDA Preeminent Research UniversiTY

In June 2018, the Florida Board of Governors formally designated USF as a Preeminent State Research University, recognizing the institution’s high performance and strong trajectory toward national excellence. Preeminence represents the culmination of USF’s many years of careful strategic planning, focused allocation of resources and determination of thousands of students, faculty and staff. The designation comes with millions of dollars in additional funding, carries prestige that benefits USF in many key areas, including new student and faculty recruitment, and enhances the economic development of the Tampa Bay region.

Birth of the Bull

Every great university also needs a mascot and even without football, USF requested one in 1962. Among the proposed ideas were the fighting desert rats, the fighting desert camels and the sting rays. Students voted and the winning name was the Buccaneers, but a junior college with an identical mascot led to its disqualification.

The Golden Brahma was the runnerup. Unfortunately, it was later pointed out that a Brahma was a type of Asian chicken, not the intended reference to Florida’s flourishing cattle industry, so administrators quickly added an “n” to make it Golden Brahman. The name stuck until the early 1980s, when students officially changed it to the USF Bulls. Today, Rocky D. Bull is the beloved mascot of the University of South Florida.

2013 Mascot Champion

USF BULLS Are We

Autar Kaw, 2012 Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year

2013 USF Phi Kappa Phi Artist-Scholar Award

What It Means to Be a Bull

Like the University itself, USF Bulls are strong, diverse and vibrant individuals. Students share a common experience that bonds them forever and alumni apply that experience in their personal journeys through life.

What does it mean to be a USF Bull? The simple answer is it means everything. No matter where destiny leads, for thousands of Bulls, it all began at USF. As a relatively young University and emerging alumni nation, USF has made tremendous strides and competes with many of the country’s most respected institutions. This energy, tenacity and ambition define the spirit of a USF Bull, which grows and lives within every graduate of USF.

School Colors

USF’s official primary colors are green and gold, suggested by founding President Allen’s wife, Grace. Green represents life on Earth and gold symbolizes the life-giving heat and light of the sun.

The USF Seal

In 1958, Dr. John Allen, USF’s first president, commissioned Henry Gardner of Industrial Supply Corporation to design and create the official seal for the University. President Allen wanted a symbol that would represent education on a global scale. Each element of the seal has a special meaning:

The SUN represents life to all living things.

The LAMP symbolizes learning.

The GLOBE signifies the broadened perspective and opportunities provided by higher education.

The seal has been used since the first USF course catalog in 1960.

Horns Up! Hand Signal

The Horns Up hand signal is an instantly recognizable symbol of USF. To put your Horns Up!, fold your two middle fingers into your palm and place your thumb over them. The palm of your hand should be facing forward with your pinkie and index fingers extended like bull horns. The hand signal originated as a good luck ritual for free-throw shots during basketball games, but has evolved into a familiar greeting among Bulls and an allpurpose symbol of Bull pride.

The USF Alma Mater

Composed by Wayne Hugoboom, a professor of music at USF in 1960, the USF Alma Mater was first used in 1961. Hugoboom won a USF song competition and received $250 for his composition. It’s typically played at special events like Commencement, orientation and athletic events.

The USF Alma Mater

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater

May thy name be told,

Where above thy gleaming splendor, Waves the green and gold

Thou our guide in quest for knowledge

Where we all are free

University of South Florida

Alma Mater, Hail to Thee!

Be our guide in truth and wisdom

As we onward go,

May thy glory, fame and honor

Never cease to grow

May our thoughts and prayers

Be with thee through eternity, University of South Florida

Alma Mater, Hail to Thee!

The USF Fight Song

The USF Fight Song, The Golden Brahman March, is the rallying cry at athletic and student events. Fans are encouraged to put their Horns Up! during the final part of the song.

The Golden Brahman March

USF Bulls are we, We hold our standard upright and free. For Green and Gold we stand united.

Our beacon lighted and noble to see.

USF Bulls are we, For USF we’ll always be.

With all our might we fight the battle

Here and now, and we will win the Victory...

(shout) S-O-U-T-H F-L-O-R-I-D-A

South Florida, South Florida

Go Bulls!

Herd of Thunder

The marching band performs at pregame shows, halftime, and in the stands at all USF home football games, as well as select away games. In addition, it plays at area and regional competitions, USF bowl games and other events. USF student musicians can also serve on the Rumble Pep Band and Ceremonial Band, making it possible for the entire Tampa Bay community to enjoy the sounds of the Bulls!

The Beef Studs

The idea of painting your entire body green and gold in support of USF athletics wasn’t a new idea when the Beef Studs came along, but they certainly took it to a whole new level of exposure. In 1999, Brian Hope, ’03 and Walter Price, ’04 decided to add some more excitement to USF football and basketball games, transforming into the Green and Gold Guys. A little body paint went a long way – with their bodies painted half green and half gold, the two freshmen became unofficial hype men, pumping up USF fans at home games.

Their idea caught on and in 2002, a second group of painted students called The Beef Studs emerged. Founded by Dr. Brandon Faza, ’05, the Beef Studs and Beef Babes are now a staple at all home football and basketball games. It’s hard to miss their signature grass skirts, bull horn hats and skillfully applied green and gold body paint. Their unique look and unrivaled enthusiasm have even caught the attention of national media.

USF SPIRIT SQUADS

The USF spirit program consists of three teams - a coed cheer team, an all-girl cheer team and the SunDolls. The squads cheer for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and home conference volleyball matches. Select squad members have the opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments.

After claiming the program’s first-ever national championship in 2021, USF’s Coed Cheer Team win again in 2022 AND 2023, bringing home the program’s third UCA championship. USF All-Girl Cheer also won a national championship in 2023.

SunDolls

The SunDolls are the premier dance team for USF and they perform on the sidelines at every home football game at Raymond James Stadium and during men’s and women’s basketball games in the Yuengling Center. All members are full-time students with an interest in supporting USF athletics. They also participate in community events, such as local hospital visits, charity events and campus activities.

USF Athletics

USF’s first intercollegiate sports were swimming, cross country and soccer, which began in 1965. In 1968, USF’s existing athletic teams were invited to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Men’s basketball was added in 1970 and women’s basketball followed in 1972. The football team began play in 1997 and was only nine years old when invited to join the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 2005.

Over the years, various USF athletic teams have dominated the competition in the Sun Belt and Metro Conferences, Conference USA and the Big East Conference. In 2013, USF joined the newly formed American Athletic Conference. In addition to football and basketball, USF competes in a variety of sports including tennis, golf, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, and sailing.

Major Milestones in USF Athletics

1965: USF plays its first intercollegiate sports event, defeating Florida Southern’s men’s soccer team.

1968: USF is admitted to the NCAA.

1969: Jeff Lewkowicz brings home USF’s first-ever national championship, a 200-yard butterfly swimming title.

1970: The first USF basketball game is played against the University of Florida at Curtis Hixon Hall. USF wins 85-78.

1980: The USF Sun Dome Arena is inflated and booked for concerts, sporting events and commencement ceremonies. The first event is November 29, a basketball game against Florida A&M University.

1997: USF begins its first-ever season of NCAA football. The Bulls, playing in Division I-AA, open with an 80-3 win at Raymond James Stadium over Kentucky Wesleyan before 49,000 fans.

2000: USF enters NCAA Division I-A football.

2006: In only its 10th season, USF football earns its first bowl game title, defeating East Carolina at the Papa John’s Bowl.

2009: The USF women’s basketball team makes program history with a WNIT Championship win.

2011: Lee Roy Selmon, USF’s first athletic director and a driving force behind the introduction of football at USF, passes away. USF President Judy Genshaft announces the University’s athletics center will be renamed in his honor.

2013: The USF women’s softball team wins the first Big East Championship in program history.

2013: Men’s soccer team wins USF’s first American Athletic Conference championship.

2015: Men’s golf and men’s tennis teams post the program’s best-ever NCAA Championship finishes, reaching the final eight and Sweet 16, respectively.

2017: Top 25: Six teams rank in the Top 25 nationally at some point in the season – football, women’s basketball, baseball, men’s golf, women’s soccer and sailing.

2018: Football: USF becomes the fastest Florida FBS team to reach 150 program wins. Men’s Tennis: USF captures its fifth conference tournament title in six seasons.

2021: USF baseball wins the AAC Championship and goes on to advance to the program’s first-ever NCAA Super Regional.

2021: USF collected seven conference championships and sent nine programs to national postseason competition.

2022: USF has produced 16 Olympic athletes, including 2020 soccer gold medalist Evelyne Viens (Canada), and one Olympic Head Coach (Ken Eriksen, Softball).

The Bulls have posted a combined annual grade-point average over 3.0 for seven straight years and have posted a program-record 15 straight semesters with a combined GPA over 3.0.

Completed a $3 million renovation to the football locker room and office and opened the $22 million Porter Family Indoor Performance Facility.

2023: Athletics will expand to 21 teams with the additions of women’s lacrosse (2023-24) and women’s beach volleyball (2024-25).

A Bull’s Life

“The best thing that ever happened to me was having the opportunity to be here. The people have just been unbelievable in helping me to move forward.”

— Phyllis P. Marshall, former director of USF’s University Center

Marshall Student Center

The Marshall Student Center (MSC) is the heart and soul of student life on USF’s Tampa campus. Its doors opened August 20, 2008 and quickly became the place to be — offering study resources, activities, meeting space, dining, outdoor venues and retail services.

Students can work on class assignments in the Student Governmentfunded computer lab or find a spot to study in various lounges and quiet areas. Many like to take study breaks in the Sky Pad on the fourth floor and connect their laptops to television screens or challenge friends to video games in the specially equipped gaming room.

Outside, the MSC is always busy with activities like Bull Market, Patio Tuesday, Movies on the Lawn, and plenty of student organization and department programs.

• BULL MARKET has been one of the most recognizable traditions on campus for the past 50 years. Every Wednesday afternoon, the MSC Plaza is filled with people looking to bargain, shop with vendors, speak with nonprofit organizations and student organizations, as well as eat lunch and socialize with the USF community. This is a great weekly event for many USF organizations and programs to promote their cause and increase awareness.

University Student Center

Open since 2012, the University Student Center is the living room of the USF St. Petersburg campus. With a 7,500 sq ft Ballroom, all major campus events and activities happen here. It’s home to many lounge spaces and nooks for students to be able to eat, study, and relax making it a great place for commuters and residents to come together. The International & Gender Identity flags hanging in the main atrium were installed as a student-led initiative and are cycled to display the nationalities represented by the current student body.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Plaza

Perhaps the most popular gathering spot on USF’s Tampa campus is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. This picturesque stretch between the Marshall Student Center and the John and Grace Allen Building used to be a treeless maze of sidewalks marked by a small bust of the legendary civil rights activist. Beneath the bust are five lines of granite that lead off in the direction of five cities significant to Dr. King’s legacy: Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Montgomery, and Memphis.

On November 13, 1996, after extensive renovations, the MLK, Jr. Plaza was rededicated and featured a trellised colonnade, benches and serene reflecting pool with stone tablets engraved with a portion of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The Plaza is now a popular destination for sidewalk fairs, small concerts, showcases and even relaxing breaks between classes.

USF LIBRARIES

The USF Libraries serve the University and its thousands of students every day. The Tampa Library, located on USF’s Tampa campus, has been driving student and faculty success since its doors opened in 1960 – doors that continue to open to high-quality research materials, secure and comfortable study spaces, and expertise in subjects ranging from archival research to copyright and intellectual property to data management.

The Tampa Library is an educational haven on campus, open daily during the fall and spring semesters. There is an extensive selection of print and electronic books, maps, journals, databases, and audio/video content – and the Digital Collections house nearly 63,000 objects.

The first floor hosts the Digital Media Commons (DMC), a state-of-the-art technology and learning center, and offers access to high-end PCs, specialized software, 3D printing, KIC scanners, virtual/augmented reality applications, and equipment and digital production tools that can be checked out.

The Learning Commons on the first floor hosts the largest computer lab on campus with over 160 computers. The Librarians for Student Success are available for general and subject-

“The society is changing so much from year to year that any medium, whether printed or electronic, must keep up with these changing interests of the people in communicating with each other, or that medium will die.” Nelson Poynter, the namesake of the beautiful library on the St. Petersburg campus, the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.

specific research assistance, and the Ask-ALibrarian service provides immediate virtual help through live chat or text, and can also be used to email, call, or schedule an in-person consultation.

The second floor of the Tampa Library is about collaboration, and hosts academic success partners that offer tutoring, the Writing Studio, the SMART lab, instructional classrooms, and additional study space. Special Collections is on the fourth floor, and houses rare and interesting books, photographs, sheet music, and online collections and exhibitions as well.

The Tampa Library’s recent renovations demonstrate the commitment to student needs and success. The newly renovated fifth floor was completed in 2017 and is for quiet study. It features over 400 seats each with its own power outlet and individual task lighting. The floor is also LEED Silver certified and has a Graduate Reading Room specifically for USF graduate students.

The USF Libraries are proud to be “the heart of the University,” as referred to by USF’s founding president, John S. Allen, and are excited to be at the center of a Preeminent Research University.

Residential EXPERIENCE

USF provides a safe, convenient and supportive environment for students living on campus. Not only are students who live on campus more likely to graduate in less time but living on campus is also how some of the best college memories are made. On-campus residents have countless opportunities to become connected, academically engaged, and set for success through the residential experience.

USF’s Residence Hall Association provides leadership positions and a voice for on-campus residents. The National Residence Hall Honorary is a nationally recognized and award-winning student organization composed of the top 1% of student leaders living on campus. Living Learning Communities allow students to live with people with similar majors or interests. Additionally, approximately 200 Resident Assistants and Community Managers are available to residents across USF’s 12 residential communities.

A USF Resident Assistant (RA) is the starting place for residents to get answers about USF Housing and beyond. All residents have a RA who is knowledgeable in campus resources, and trained in conflict resolution, multicultural awareness, community building, crisis response, and more. RAs help students discover opportunities that meet their needs and help navigate any bumps in the road during transition to college. It’s what they do!

Whether you choose a traditional, suite or apartment style room, every option is furnished with utilities and high-speed internet included in the rent. Get ready to Live the Bull’s Life at USF! Visit usf.edu/housing for more information or schedule a tour today!

With more than 25 locations, the choices are endless to meet all of your dining needs. Visit www.USFDining.com for more information.

USF St. Petersburg campus has dining options to fuel students throughout the day and evening.

Dining Services

USF Dining Services offers over 25 different dining locations, including four all-youcare-to-eat style dining halls, cafes and convenience stores. Enjoying a delicious meal on campus will be the least of any student’s worries. USF Dining offers a variety of convenient meal plans designed to fit any lifestyle. All plans include Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars. Meal Swipes can be used at any dining hall or at Argos Exchange. Students also have the option to take their meal to-go with USF Dining’s sustainable to-go box program. Dining Dollars can be used at any USF Dining location.

Having a meal plan provides access to a number of benefits including: one-on-one nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian, themed events, cooking demonstrations and specials. Mobile ordering is also available for most brands so students, staff and faculty can enjoy their favorite foods without the wait. Whether you’re looking for a full meal, a quick bite to eat, or just to hang out with friends, USF Dining has you covered!

Botanical Gardens

The USF Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem on the USF Tampa campus. When the gardens were established in 1969, much of the campus was covered with scrub palm and ant hills. In the 1990s, it blossomed with new buildings and demonstration gardens in its existing location on the southwest corner of campus. It now serves as a teaching and research facility for the biology department. With approximately seven acres of land and an additional greenbelt area, the Botanical Gardens is home to a living collection of more than 3,000 plants and natural habitats. An estimated 35,000 visitors enjoy the Botanical Gardens every year through a variety of festivals and events held in its lush surroundings.

Home to the Judy Genshaft Honors College

Community Garden, here students have a hands-on approach to learning how to cultivate the land from seed to plate. Food grown is donated to the USF Feed-A-Bull Food Pantry and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation is so much more than a gym, with first-class programs and facilities, including a 28,000-square-foot, fully-wired fitness center, group fitness classes, aquatics, intramural sports, club sports and outdoor recreation opportunities. The state-of-the-art Tampa facility is equipped with a variety of exciting features:

• Free-weight equipment

• Cardio machines with internet access and games while you work out

• Indoor racquetball courts, indoor basketball or eight volleyball courts

• Indoor, heated swimming pool (10 feet deep)

• Over 40 group fitness classes a week (yoga, Pilates, spin, Zumba, Jujitsu, Muscle Madness, etc.)

Riverfront Park is USF’s own private park on the Hillsborough River, offering canoeing, kayaking, a ropes course, disc golf, volleyball and picnicking.

Campus Recreation—St. Petersburg provides members of the campus community the opportunity to engage in physical and leisure activities on the level they desire. Whether you are looking to join a team sport, de-stress with a yoga class or explore the great outdoors, we have it all for you! Sail the bay from St. Petersburg’s Boathouse—only in Florida!

Yuengling Center

Opened in December 1980, the Yuengling Center serves as the home venue and facility for the USF men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the volleyball program. In 2018, an agreement was announced with D. G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. for the naming rights of what was formerly called the Sun Dome to become the Yuengling Center.

Home of USF commencement ceremonies, concerts and celebrations throughout the year.

USF Traditions & Annual Events

Week of Welcome KICKOFF

Week of Welcome (WOW), held every fall and spring, is the official kickoff to the semester and prepares new students for life across all three USF campuses. This weeklong celebration features more than 100 events that encourage students to socialize and get involved:

• Kickoff: Join hundreds of Bulls to kick off your USF experience.

• Bulls Nite Out - Round Up Comedy Show: The Round Up Comedy show is one of the largest comedy shows of the fall semester. Past events have featured cast members from Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central.

• USF Class Photo: Join other new students to spell out U-S-F for a unique class photo. New Student Connections, Athletics, the Herd of Thunder Marching Band, Alumni Association, Campus Recreation, Student Government and Fraternity and Sorority Life will be on hand.

• Launch Yourself: Interested in finding out how to get involved on campus right now? Curious about how to buy tickets to a USF football game or want to study abroad? Different campus offices host how-to sessions to help students learn more about getting involved at USF right away.

• CHARGE: Grab Service By The Horns: Experience how Bulls serve their community. This is a chance to give back to the Tampa Bay area while meeting new friends, connecting with student leaders and staff and participating in a USF tradition.

• Welcome Back Jam: Get ready to help build community and promote unity among all USF students with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Greek Programming Board. Enjoy an afternoon with friends, burgers, music, games, step shows and live bands!

• Huddle: Meet with USF coaches for this annual preseason pep talk for ALL Bulls.

Dance Marathon

Bulls For Kids is the University of South Florida’s Dance Marathon program, a movement of studentrun philanthropies benefiting children’s hospitals around the country. Bulls For Kids is the largest student-run philanthropy on campus and benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Bulls For Kids is a yearlong movement of events with patient families and fundraisers For The Kids. All fundraising and relationship development efforts are celebrated with an end-of-theyear, 12-hour celebration each spring, which takes over much of the Marshall Student Center and includes games, food, live performances, prizes and quality time with families from Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Bulls Service Breaks

Since 2001, the Bulls Service Breaks (BSB) program has provided opportunities for students to engage in immersive service experiences addressing a variety of social issues in communities both domestic and abroad. Housed in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, BSB is a part of a national movement of Active Citizenship whose purpose is to raise awareness of root causes of social issues and injustices through education, direct service and cultural exchange. Projects range from working on solutions to human trafficking to serving in the rainforest of Puerto Rico. These programs are held every year. Past trips include working with communities in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Belize and Ghana with international trips during the summer.

The USF St. Petersburg campus provides an opportunity for students to travel across the country to different service sites during their spring breaks and give back to diverse communities through Un-Bull-ievable Service Break trips.

International Festival

USF celebrates its diversity in many ways and the International Festival (or iFest) is a fun one! Over 50 multicultural and other student groups and organizations transform the MLK Plaza into four different regions of the world, providing knowledge and cultural experiences found in these regions. Attending USF students get to interact with each other and, through engaging activities, experience the sounds, tastes and voices of a global community.

The St. Petersburg campus also holds an annual festival, where the campus community can meet students, faculty and staff from all around the world, partake in some cultural food snacking, and learn more information about upcoming studying abroad opportunities.

Engineering Expo

The annual Engineering Expo is proof that engineers know how to have fun! This two-day event draws thousands of K-12 students from around the state to our campus. Here they learn the importance of math and science from professional engineers and USF students in celebration of National Engineers Week in February. Engineering firms and companies from all over the country set up displays and demonstrations. Popular activities include Fun with Physics, the Chemical Magic Show, a laser light show and a very competitive Electrathon Car race.

CAREER SERVICES

From choosing your major to gaining relevant experience, and from navigating job offers to exploring graduate programs, Community Engagement & Career Readiness helps you every step of your career pathway!

Visit Community Engagement & Career Readiness on the second floor of the Student Services (SVC) building.

• Get walk-in resume and cover letter help at Career Express.

• Make an appointment with your Career Consultant to choose a major, explore career options, and find jobs and internships.

• Stop by Suit-A-Bull to dress for success and rent professional attire for free.

When you are ready to connect with employers, access your Handshake account online to search for jobs and internships, or to view upcoming events where you can meet with recruiters in person.

Career Services office, USF St. Petersburg campus is located in the Student Life Center building, SLC, office suite number 2300.

Homecoming

Homecoming is the most popular annual celebration for USF students, alumni and the campus communities. The University comes alive during a week of exciting events, including a kickoff, carnival, comedy show, student competitions, night parade, after party and Homecoming Ball, where a Homecoming Court representing each of USF’s three campuses is crowned. The festivities culminate with the annual Homecoming football game at Raymond James Stadium. Homecoming is one of USF’s longest traditions, dating back to 1964, the year after USF’s first commencement.

For Homecoming, the USF St. Petersburg campus’s traditions for the week include, among others, the annual cardboard boat race in the harbor, as well as the Homecoming dance!

Stampede of Service

This USF tradition has evolved since being founded in 2006 by former Student Government President Maxon Victor. However, Stampede of Service (SOS) remains a focused opportunity for hundreds of students to explore and develop as community leaders while giving back to the Tampa Bay area. This program provides community service opportunities each month that help students assess and progress along the Active Citizen Continuum while focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as their career goals. More details can be found at usf.edu/stampede-of-service.

University Lecture Series

The University Lecture Series (ULS) began around 1986 and featured faculty and staff lectures on topics relevant to the campus community. Today, the ULS is stronger than ever, attracting international speakers like John Legend, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Maya Angelou, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bill Nye, Jeff Corwin, Viola Davis, Josh Peck and Diane Guerrero.

This program previously earned the Drew Pearson Award for the top lecture program in the country. This student-supported program has created a safe and engaging environment on the USF Tampa campus, where students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members can explore important issues affecting the world.

USF Week

In 2009, former Mayor Pam Iorio officially declared April 9 as USF Day Tampa. Since then, USF students, employees, alumni and friends have come together to participate in USF Week, a weeklong celebration of Bull pride and tradition with special events on all USF campuses.

USF Week events usually include a pep rally, The Ultimate Bull Talent Show, Rocky’s B-Day Bash and Bullstock.

Bullstock

The Campus Activities Board organizes Bullstock, a springtime live outdoor music festival. In its early days, Bullstock was held on Crescent Hill and featured local artists and other attractions, such as a petting zoo. As it grew in popularity, the event was moved to a larger venue and now features the winner of the USF Battle of the Bands. Past acts have included Panic! at the Disco, The All American Rejects, Andy Grammer and Young the Giant.

Student Life & Engagement

Sarasota-Manatee campus

At the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, you’ll find a personalized approach to learning and the student experience that makes a difference. With more than 30 campus clubs and student organizations, an active student government, and a caring student success team, the Sarasota-Manatee campus truly has something for everyone. You can participate in many USF events, such as Week of Welcome and Homecoming, visit the campus fitness center, or grab a bite to eat at the Campus Café.

Student Life & Engagement

ST PETErsburg CAMPUS

The department of Student Life and Engagement is here to facilitate the educational process by providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to interact in a variety of experiences and environments. Our department includes the following offices to help us do just that, and every student is encouraged to Get Involved through one or more of our offices:

• Harborside Activities Board (HAB): HAB provides campus-wide activities to campus via a student leadership board.

• Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA): OMA creates a safe and inclusive environment for all underrepresented identities that promotes authenticity and self-liberation… through mentorship opportunities, educational trainings, and advocacy.

• Student Government (SG): SG, through student employment opportunities on its executive, legislative and judicial branches, empower student leaders through funding allocation, university initiatives and judicial overview opportunities.

• Leadership and Student Organizations: See page 86 to learn more about this vital Student Life & Engagement program.

Commencement

USF Commencement is an event that all students look forward to from their first day of class. The inaugural Commencement was held in December 1963 for 325 graduates. Today, USF Commencement exercises include up to 12 ceremonies celebrating students from all three campuses. It’s a long-standing tradition for every USF graduate to cross the stage, be recognized by name and shake the hand of the University president.

earning Your Horns

“The educational foundation I earned at USF has served me well both personally and professionally since my graduation and I anticipate a lifetime of benefits thanks to our great University.”

— Manley Jaquiss, ’86, MA’15

Student Organizations

Some of the most rewarding experiences as a student happen outside the classroom. With a diverse, vibrant campus community representing a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there truly is something for everyone.

From academic and professional organizations to special interest groups, fraternities, sororities and multicultural student organizations, there are so many ways to get involved. Students can choose from more than 750 registered student organizations at USF.

Student Government

The mission of USF Student Government (SG) is to ensure an optimal student experience by advocating on behalf of the student body, shaping University policy, and fostering school pride. SG is run by more than 250 students, employees and volunteers throughout the USF community. They are here for the students of USF to serve your needs and be your voice. They welcome your involvement, either directly as an employee or volunteer, or indirectly by attending SG events or using the services and resources that they provide across all three USF campuses.

Modeled after the federal government, there are three branches of SG with student leaders who advocate for their peers: executive, legislative and judicial. SG is responsible for ensuring students at USF form lasting memories through programs and initiatives from the utilization of the Activity and Service Fee. This fee is used to provide services such as SAFE Team, Bulls Media, Computer Services, Bulls Blitz, Day at the Capitol and Legal Aid.

Three branches of student government

The EXECUTIVE Branch is home to the three SG agencies and is responsible for executing its initiatives and programs. This branch supports programs and services such as the yearly OUR Shirt, Apartment Business Expo, Bulls Blitz, Day at the Capitol, free Legal Aid and many other programs.

The Student Body President and Vice President are elected USFwide in the spring general elections along with three Campus Governors and Lt. Governors from the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Together, these students comprise both the Federal and Local Executive branches and are responsible for appointing student leaders to various positions within their cabinets.

The LEGISLATIVE Branch is made up of both the Senate and Campus Councils. The Senate has 40 seats with Senators from all three USF campuses and oversees business pertinent to the entire USF community. The Senate is responsible for the allocation of all Activity and Service Fee appropriations, including student organizations, departments and programs. Each campus also has a Campus Council with students who oversee business impacting their campus.

The USF Student Government JUDICIAL BRANCH, through the Supreme Court serves to administer proper action when Student Government Law is misinterpreted or violated.

Agencies & Services Just for STUDENTS

Student Government Computer Services provides a variety of technology-related services to students at the Tampa campus. Students with a valid USF ID may take advantage of free printing and use of our computer lab (Marshall Student Center Rooms 1308 & 2308).

Bulls MEDIA offers students the opportunity to host a live weekly radio show, learn how to mix and DJ, acquire audio production and recording techniques, call USF sports games live on air, write sports or music articles for publishing on the Bulls Media website and much more.

S.A.F.E. Team is dedicated to providing a heightened level of safety at USF. They provide this service by constantly patrolling sectors of campus in order to deter crime, offering safe escorts to students and to provide Alert Cab service to students.

The Election Rules Commission is here to support and conduct elections. Senators are elected once a semester - during the general election (February) and midterm election (October). The Student Body President and Vice President are elected during the general elections and serve a one-year term beginning in late spring.

Student Government Advising, Training and Operations facilitates the inner workings of USF’s Student Government by providing guidance, training and operational support to the administration and employees.

Student Business Services is a bureau of SG and is a unit of the Student Affairs and Student Success Shared Services Center. SBS manages the Activity & Service Fee on behalf of the student body.

New Student Connections

Guided by the values of community, learning, engagement, inclusiveness and purpose, New Student Connections, located in the MSC, creates and supports shared USF experiences to help new students get connected to the USF community and successfully transition to college. It does this through a series of programs and initiatives:

• Week of Welcome: a week of programs and activities that help new students find an involvement opportunity on campus

• The Network: small community programming that brings together students who share interests, passions or hobbies

• First Fifty Days: a series of programs and activities through a student’s first 50 days on campus to help them meet new friends and find places to connect

Participation in these experiences helps new students feel at home, get connected to their peers, develop a sense of Bull Pride and have fun!

CAMPUS TOUR Guides

Across all three USF campuses you can find teams of students dedicated to showcasing to the community and the world an inside look into what life is like as a USF Bull. The Campus Experience Guides of Sarasota-Manatee campus, Navigators of St. Petersburg campus, and Green and Gold Guides of Tampa campus provide campus tours to prospective students, participate in admissions events, and welcome new student members from a wide variety of backgrounds throughout the year.

Orientation LeaderS

The USF journey begins with Orientation, where new undergraduate students learn firsthand what it means to be a Bull. Orientation Leaders serve not only as campus leaders but also supporters, facilitators and coaches to new students and their families in an effort to provide a seamless transition to USF. Through fun and engaging activities Orientation Leaders prepare new students and families for their future life on campus as a USF Bull.

Leadership and Student Organizations

ST PETE CAMPUS

The Office of Leadership & Student Organizations on the USF St. Petersburg campus seeks to empower students to enhance their aptitude as leaders and understand how they can make a difference, whether as positional leaders or active participants in a group or community process. The office strives to engage all students in purposefully designed leadership programming and experiential learning opportunities that support the mission of USF St. Petersburg, along with being a hub for student organizations. The Office helps students:

• Grow integrity, character, and self-awareness

• Identify core passions

• Foster collaborative relationships

• Set positive examples

• Effectively lead in diverse contexts

• Positively impact the community

Sarasota-Manatee

CAMPUS

Construction is officially underway for the first-ever student center and residence hall on the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. The six-story, 100,000-square-foot building, going up along the south side of the campus courtyard, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024 as the on-campus home for as many as 200 students.

Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE) trains, educates, and develops USF community members to be effective, ethical and positively engaged leaders in the global community. It serves as a content expert and community connector in support of the USF and Tampa Bay communities’ leadership and civic engagement initiatives.

The CLCE believes that every student has a responsibility to ignite their passion and commit to their own personal transformation through lifelong learning. By dreaming, creating and thinking within a community that values them for who they are, everyone’s contribution matters, resulting in positive change.

THE Arts

The arts at USF are an important element of student life and a great way to get involved. Whether you are interested in music, theater, art or dance, USF offers over 300 public performances, concerts, plays and shows every year. These events are powered by the USF School of Music building, two concert halls, three theaters, contemporary art museum and a professional museum.

USF students who want to express their artistic side have access to a variety of exciting opportunities without having to leave campus. So take a dance class, audition for an ensemble or even submit an art proposal to the Centre Gallery, the only fully student-run, nonprofit exhibition space in the state of Florida.

Center for Student INVOLVEMENT

Located in the Student Life Tower of the Marshall Student Center, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) has become the hub of student involvement opportunities on campus. CSI runs many of USF’s signature events, such as Homecoming, Bullstock, University Lecture Series and USF Week. Participating in CSI offers multiple ways for students to get involved with the University outside the classroom. Other events include:

• PATIO TUESDAY: Head outside the MSC the first Tuesday of every month for this fun, themed event with free music, food and activities.

• BULLS NITE OUT: Don’t miss these great Friday events that often feature comedians, hypnotists or other professional acts that are sure to provide a good laugh and some great memories.

• MOVIES ON THE LAWN is one of the most beloved traditions on USF’s Tampa campus, bringing movies currently in the theater to students. Showings are projected onto the side of the Bookstore every other Wednesday with free popcorn and drinks provided.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Since the mid-1960s, Fraternity and Sorority Life at USF has been more than a way to get involved – this community provides a place where you can find your “home.” USF has more than 47 fraternities and sororities across four different councils that represent the diversity found throughout the campuses. These organizations create strong bonds and deep friendships among members and help individuals explore their values through leadership and personal development opportunities. Members also contribute to the community through hands-on service, advocacy, and fundraising for various philanthropic partners.

All students on all campuses are invited to participate in the Fraternity and Sorority life here at USF!

NOTE: All recruitment and member activities and meetings will be held on the USF Tampa campus

Study or travel Abroad

Unlike any other time in your life, college gives you the chance to explore the unknown, try new things and learn about the world around you. One of the best ways to accomplish all of those things is through travel.

There are a variety of resources at USF designed to help you gain experiences abroad. Trips vary from a few days to a few months in over 35 countries on six continents. While abroad, you can take classes for credit or focus solely on enjoying the adventure.

Costs are kept low through USF’s numerous international partnerships, as well as scholarship and fundraising opportunities.

So take an alternative spring break in Italy or travel with your organization to Beijing. Visit the Education Abroad office for more information and start planning your journey abroad.

Dr. Chantale BEgin’s Tropical Ecology Field Course

Every May, Dr. Chantale Bégin takes a group of students, mostly marine biology majors, to a field course in the Caribbean. Past courses have been held in Curaçao, the British Virgin Islands and Saint Lucia. During the intensive field course, students learn to identify common fish, invertebrates and coral, and carry out common reef survey techniques. The group teams up with local organizations focused on marine conservation to collect data needed for management decisions. Through the course, students gain experience scuba diving for scientific monitoring and research and earn scientific diving credentials with the American Academy for Underwater Science.

“My two weeks in Saint Lucia allowed me to immerse myself in the culture of the community as well as learn important underwater research methods that will help me in my future as a marine biologist. It was an experience that shaped the rest of my time at USF and is one I will never forget.”

— Cassidy Hinson ‘20

The Impact of Research & INNOVATION at

USF

USF is a high-impact, global institution ranked by the Carnegie Foundation in the top tier of research universities in the United States. USF faculty are engaged in highly productive and significant projects, providing a distinct opportunity for undergraduate students in all disciplines to participate in a wide variety of cutting-edge research projects. The Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) is committed to providing support to our undergraduate researchers through a variety of services and instruction.

The OUR elevates the research experience by empowering all students to succeed and providing professional development and mentoring workshops, research training, publication and funding opportunities.

Patent Powerhouse

USF continues to be a leader among universities worldwide receiving granted U.S. patents, ranking first in Florida and 15th worldwide in 2021.

This is a stellar example of how USF faculty and students are leading the way in innovated technologies and products brought about by world class research. With the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame on the USF Tampa campus, any student can walk past endless sources of inspiration and innovation at USF Research Park.

“Your love for USF begins during your years as a student and will positively impact your entire life as a USF alum.”

— Bill McCausland, MBA’96, Executive Director, USF Alumni Association

USF Foundation

You know that the USF is a highimpact, global institution with cuttingedge facilities, software and equipment. You know that USF faculty are leaders in their field and are breaking ground with significant research and projects. You may have also noticed the many valuable resources you have access to, such as scholarships, study abroad opportunities and mentoring. Have you wondered who makes all these amazing things possible?

The USF Foundation connects the University with donors who want to make a difference by providing private, philanthropic support to promote student success, academic initiatives, research and other strategic priorities of the University of South Florida.

Philanthropy

Individuals, corporations and organizations make charitable donations to USF through the USF Foundation in pursuit of scholarships, research and common educational and societal goals. As the philanthropic partner to USF, the Foundation is responsible for fostering philanthropy in support of students, faculty, and the mission of this great university.

As you enjoy the many experiences offered to you by USF, remember that someone out there believed in you and your future enough to help make those opportunities possible.

Student Giving

As you “grow into your horns” as a USF Bull, you will come to find that USF students have developed a culture of generosity. Whether through Greek and other student-led organizations, the annual Stampede of Service, or through volunteering in the community, Bulls give back.

The USF Foundation hopes that you will contribute to and carry on this tradition of giving while you are a student and well into the future. When the time comes for you to graduate - and that will happen sooner than you think - remember all those who helped you along your educational journey. Someday you may make it possible for someone else to experience all of the great things USF has to offer.

Your USF Alumni Association

The USF Alumni Association (USFAA) is a nonprofit organization composed of graduates and friends of USF. USFAA helps alumni stay connected and provides meaningful ways for USF Bulls to support, promote and protect the University. With more than 393,000 alumni, every Bull is critical to USF in achieving its goals.

USFAA helps unify and mobilize Bulls worldwide to:

• Make an impact on USF and student success

• Protect USF

• Share their pride

• Stay connected

All graduates of USF are considered general members of the USF Alumni Association. The Association also has a dues-based life membership program for those alumni and friends of USF who want to support the connection and engagement activities of USF through their one-time membership gift. These dues, along with additional sponsorships and donations, make it possible for the USFAA to offer a variety of valuable events, programs and services to our alumni:

• CAREER BUILDING AND NETWORKING: USFAA offers career and networking resources for both students and alumni. In addition to employment opportunities and job search tools online at www.usfalumni.org, USFAA also partners with USF Career Services on bi-annual career fairs and business etiquette dinners.

• Alumni Events: USFAA hosts many significant events during the year, including the USF Alumni Awards, the Fast 56 program recognizing the fastest growing Bull-owned or Bull-led businesses, class reunions, member appreciation events, and the Welcome Home alumni party during Homecoming.

• Alumni Legislative and Public Policy Programs: USFAA partners with USF to offer classes, internships and directed study programs that take students inside the legislative process and introduce them to policy makers, staff, lobbyists and alumni already working in government.

• Alumni Chapters & Societies: It’s easy to stay connected to USF after graduation by joining one of the many alumni chapters or societies. Bulls can be found across the country and even the globe, and many gather to socialize, network and attend events in their communities. Visit www.usfalumni.org to connect with the local USF alumni group in your city.

• Alumni Center: Check out the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center, another home away from home on the Tampa campus.

Bulls specialty plates help fund student scholarships at USF!

Learn more at bullsplate.org

100% of license Plate Proceeds benefit students through scholarships and academic Programming

USF Alumni

Membership Benefits

Get the Latest USF News & Developments:

• AlumNews and Member BULLetin

• Alumni Chapters & Societies

Access to:

• Networking and continuing education opportunities

• Campus Recreation (additional fees apply)

• USF Federal Credit Union

• Life and health insurance

• USF Career Services

• Members-only alumni gear

• USF Library

Unbeatable Discounts on:

• Auto insurance

• USF gear from the USF Bookstore

• Hotels and car rentals

• Travel insurance

• Theme parks and entertainment

• Professional training and test prep

• USF Botanical Gardens memberships

• MOSI memberships

• and much more!

Student Alumni Association

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) was established in 2009. This active, diverse organization is the student chapter of the USF Alumni Association and provides exclusive opportunities for USF students to interact with their peers and USF alumni.

The Top 10 Reasons to Join the SAA

1 Any USF student can join–no attendance or academic requirements.

2 For a nominal fee, get exclusive access to events and free stuff every year while you’re a student until you graduate.

3 Store discounts with your membership card, including the USF Bookstore.

4 Free networking events with USF alumni.

5 SAA t-shirt and lanyard with membership.

6 Be an integral part of creating and championing USF traditions.

7 Have a chance to get free “BEAT” t-shirts before select athletic events.

8 Free admission to programs and events, and discounted pricing for USFAA events.

9 Build a strong network of contacts and friends that share your Bull pride.

10

Did we mention it’s really fun?

The USF Ambassadors Program

The USF Alumni Association sponsors one of the most elite student organizations at the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses –the USF Ambassadors. Founded in 1979, the group promotes leadership, community, involvement and educational achievement among USF’s brightest students while helping strengthen relationships among alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Always impeccably dressed in their signature green blazers, the USF Ambassadors serve as hosts at University-sponsored events, campus volunteer activities and in the local community. If you’re interested in becoming a USF Ambassador, a formal application and interview process is held every spring.

Order of the Golden Brahman

USF’s newest student service and leadership organization, Order of the Golden Brahman, is a powerful network of student and alumni leaders working together to lead the USF community, promote campus engagement and exemplify Bull pride through strong character. Members of this select group are identified as today’s campus leaders who stand poised to be tomorrow’s community leaders.

The Golden Guard Society: The Golden Guard Society is a special USFAA recognition group and honors alumni who have celebrated their 50-year graduation milestone. The society was established in 2013 to recognize the first graduating class of the university from 1963. Biannually, members of the Golden Guard Society are invited to a reunion celebration, during which a new alumni class is formally inducted.

Student Recognition

USF Alumni Association sponsors the Outstanding Graduate Award and the King O’Neal Scholar Award for students graduating with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

The Golden Bull Award

(pictured above left)

The Golden Bull Award is one of USF’s highest honors given annually to students who encompass the spirit of USF by demonstrating exceptional leadership and service to the University and the community.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

Sponsored by USFAA, the MLK Scholarship is awarded annually to a USF student who best represents the ideals and philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This prestigious award recognizes those who have made the strongest and most impactful contributions to civic, volunteer and academic pursuits that embody Dr. King’s teachings and initiatives.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to those who have contributed to the content, the energy, the tradition since 2014 and thank you to the Revision committee in making this 2023 edition full of great traditions.

Brian Siegrist

Michael Maurer Photography

Special & Digital Collections at the USF Libraries

USF Alumni Association

USF Athletics

USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

USF Center for Student Involvement

USF Foundation

USF Housing & Residential Education

USF Libraries

USF New Student Connections

USF Office of Orientation

USF Student Government

USF Student Success

USF University Communications and Marketing

Book of Bull 2023 Revision Committee: Bill McCausland ‘96

Bob Herron, ’05, ‘07

Christopher Miklaszewski, ‘22

Emily Mitchell, ‘23

Jaida Abbas, ‘22

Penny Carnathan ‘82

Design: Maureen Schuster

With heartfelt thanks to RINALDI PRINTING, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA STUDENT GOVERNMENT and USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION as the book you are holding could not be possible without their generous contributions.