Fall 2019 USF Sarasota-Manatee Commencement Program

COMMENCEMENT FALL 2019

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE

Dear Graduates, The faculty, staff, trustees and USF’s hundreds of thousands of alumni join me in congratulating you on earning your degree.

Today marks an important milestone in your life. With your degree from USF, you join a community of scholars that is driven to discover, to make an impact, to make life better for others. The investment you have made in your education opens up a future without limits.

Today you graduate from a Preeminent Research University, one of the most prestigious universities in the state of Florida.

We are ranked among the top 25 research universities in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation. And we are widely recognized for our record-setting gains in student success. As we continue to lead in research, scholarship and innovation, your degree from USF becomes even more valuable. We know that as alumni, USF will always make you proud – just as you will, for us.

You can be confident that your degree from USF will equip you to embrace any opportunity or challenge ahead.

We hope that your life journey takes you around the world and that you will always find your way back to USF. Congratulations, and GO BULLS!

Steven C. Currall, President University of South Florida

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION FALL COMMENCEMENT | MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 3

To the graduates of USF Sarasota-Manatee, Congratulations on your great achievement! Receiving a college diploma is a significant milestone in life. We know that you will apply the knowledge gained from your USF experience. Please come back and see us, as a graduate student or an active member of the USF Alumni Association.

Thank you for choosing the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee—your public university—to further your education and your career.

Byron Shinn Chair, Campus Board

K aren A. Holbrook, PhD R egional Chancellor

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UNIVERSIT Y OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE

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he University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s (USFSM) mission is to provide high quality bachelor’s and graduate-level education and scholarly activity in a personalized learning community. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will be nationally recognized as a student-centered, research-focused, community engaged university with significant economic and cultural impact to the region.

The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is conveniently located on U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) near Sarasota Bay, the Powel Crosley Estate, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Established in 1975, USF Sarasota-Manatee is a separately accredited institution of the USF System and has served the Sarasota-Manatee community for over 40 years.

In response to community needs, USFSM became separately accredited in 2011 and welcomed its first

freshman class in 2013. In addition to continuously building its student life, USFSM is also growing its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offerings along with a robust core curriculum of general education courses.

USFSM continues to emphasize excellence, convenience and affordability with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and more than 85 percent of faculty with terminal degrees in their fields.

USFSM offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree, 12 master’s degree and certificate programs, an honors program, an arts-infused teacher preparation program, a hospitality management program, pre-engineering, pre-nursing, a biology program in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory and a nationally accredited business college.

USF Sarasota-Manatee graduates immediately enter a network of more than 17,000 alumni who live and work in the area.

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP

Casey Welch, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs and Government Relations Lee Williams, Regional Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Steven C. Currall, President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Hice, Vice President for Communications and Marketing Karen A. Holbrook, Regional Chancellor, USF Sarasota-Manatee Michael Kelly, Vice President for Athletics David Lechner, Senior Vice President for Business and Financial Strategy Charles J. Lockwood, Senior Vice President for USF Health Paul R. Sanberg, Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Enterprise Noreen Segrest, Interim Senior Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni Relations Gerard Solis, General Counsel Martin Tadlock, Regional Chancellor, USF St. Petersburg Ralph C. Wilcox, Provost and Executive Vice President

USF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jordan B. Zimmerman, Chair Leslie Muma, Vice Chair Michael L. Carrere Britney Deas Stephanie E. Goforth Michael E. Griffin Oscar Horton Deanna Michael, Ph.D. Harold Mullis, Esq. John B. Ramil Byron E. Shinn Charles Tokarz Nancy H. Watkins

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE LEADERSHIP

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE CAMPUS BOARD

Eddie Beauchamp, Regional Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs Thomas Becker, Interim Dean, College of Business Karen A. Holbrook, Regional Chancellor Bonnie Jones, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research & Effectiveness Brett Kemker, Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Success Paul Kirchman, Dean and Associate Professor, College of Science & Mathematics Patrick Moreo, Dean and Professor, College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership Jane Rose, Dean and Associate Professor, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Greg Smogard, Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Business Development

Byron Shinn, Chair, Bradenton Dr. Anila Jain, Bradenton William Mariotti, Bradenton Fredrick Piccolo, Sarasota

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Events, activities, programs, and facilities of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee are available to all without regard to race, color, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, Vietnam or disabled veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University’s respect for personal dignity.

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THE SYMBOLS OF LEARNING

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odern academic regalia evolved from the kinds of apparel worn by monks and students in the 11th and 12th centuries to keep warm in the medieval castles and halls in which they studied. Academic life as we know it today began in the Middle Ages — first in the church, then in the guilds. The teaching guild was the Guild of the Master of Arts, and the Bachelor was the apprentice of the Master. Their dress was the outward sign of stature and responsibility. Academic regalia was thus a visible manifestation — in color, pattern and design — that unified those of common discipline and like purpose. In later centuries, to preserve the regalia’s dignity and meaning, universities set rules of academic dress. American universities agreed on a definite system in 1895, establishing a code of approved attire. In 1932, the American Council on Education revised this code, which, for the most part, governs the style of academic dress today. The principal features of academic dress are three: the gown, the cap and the hood.

THE GOWN — The gown has become symbolic of the democracy of scholarship, for it completely covers any dress of rank or social standing. The sleeves of the gown indicate the level of the degree held by the wearer. A long, pointed sleeve indicates the bachelor’s degree. The master’s gown has an oblong sleeve cut in an arc, with a slit at either the upper arm or wrist. The USF doctor’s gown has bell-shaped sleeves and three black bars on the sleeve. The doctoral robe also has the seal of the university on the velvet facing.

honors society. International students may choose to wear a special sash honoring their home country. The colors of their sash reflect the colors of their native flags.

THE CAP — The freed slave in ancient Rome won the privilege of wearing a cap, and so the academic cap is a sign of the freedom of scholarship and the responsibility and dignity with which scholarship endows the wearer. Old poetry records the cap of scholarship as a square symbolizing the book, although other authorities claim that it is a mortar board, the symbol of the masons, a privileged guild. The color of the tassel on the cap denotes the discipline. The tassels on the caps (mortar boards) worn by the faculty may be black or a color indicating the degree. Those who hold a doctoral degree may wear a gold tassel. It is traditional for degree candidates to wear their tassels on the right and for those holding degrees to wear them on the left. Graduates transfer their tassels to the left after conferring of the degrees by the President.

THE COLORS — In regalia, academic disciplines are noted by color.

These colors can be found on undergraduate and masters tassels and on master and doctorate hoods on the velvet edging.

THE HOOD — The hoods are lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. They are edged and bound with velvet of the color appropriate for the degree. At USF, the lining of the hood is green with a gold chevron, representing the university’s colors.

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

THE MACE — The USF Mace, used during all Commencement ceremonies, is a ceremonial staff similar to those used by many institutions of higher learning to show the right of academic institutions to grant degrees to graduates.

The USF mace is used during all Commencement ceremonies and is carried by the President of the Faculty Senate. Our mace includes a gold pine cone at its top to represent growth and continuity.

Eight silver semicircles, which support the pine cone, stand for the eight colleges in existence at USF when the mace was commissioned in 1998. When not in use, today’s mace is displayed in the foyer of the President’s office. The original university mace is on display in the Alumni Center.

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THE MEDALLION — The medallion worn by candidates for the bachelor’s degree identify those graduating with honors based upon GPA.

THE SASH — The golden-colored sash is made available to students who are members of university honors societies. The sash is embroidered with the university seal and the student’s

• •

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Apricot — Nursing Blue (dark) — Philosophy (doctorate) Blue (light) — Education Blue (peacock) — Public Administration Blue (Rhodes) — Audiology Brown — Visual and Performing Arts Citron — Social Work, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Crimson — Advertising, Journalism and Mass Communications Copper — Economics Drab — Business Gold — Psychology Green (Kelly) — Medicine Green (olive) — Pharmacy Green (sage) — Political Science (masters) Orange — Engineering Pink — Music Salmon — Public Health Scarlet — Religious Studies Science Gold — Anthropology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminology, Cybercrime, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Gerontology, Health Sciences, Information Technologies, Medical Science (masters), Medical Technology, Mathematics, Marine Science, Physics, Speech Pathology, Statistics Silver — Speech Communications Teal — Physical Therapy Violet — Architecture White — Arts and Letters and Humanities, including African Studies, American Studies, Applied Linguistics, Art and Art History, Classics, English, Foreign Language, General Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Social Science, International Studies, Liberal Studies, Linguistics, Political Science, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies Yellow (lemon) — Library Science Yellow (pineapple) — Hotel and Restaurant Management

UNIVERSIT Y OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE FACULT Y Faizan Ali, Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management Katerina Annaraud, Associate Professor, Hospitality Management Michelle Arnold, Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders Joe Askren, Instructor II, Hospitality Management Karen Atwood, Instructor I, Biology Kimberly Badanich, Instructor II, Psychology Edie Banner, Instructor II, Chemistry, and Lab Coordinator Linda Barbetto, Visiting Professor, Chemistry Keith Barron, Instructor II, Hospitality Management Kathy Black, Professor, Social Work, Gerontology Brett Blackburn, Instructor I, Biology Silvia Blanco, Instructor II, Social Work Richard Borghesi, Professor, Finance Christelle Bouchard, Assistant Professor, Biology Marie Byrd, Associate Professor, Elementary Education, and Director, School of Education Elizabeth Carlson, Instructor I, Accounting Adam Carmer, Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management Ken Caswell, Instructor II, Chemistry Kiyoung Chang, Professor, Finance Cihan Cobanoglu, Professor, Hospitality and Management, and McKibbon Endowed Chair and Director of M3 Center Kelly Cowart, Assistant Professor, Marketing Anthony Coy, Assistant Professor, Psychology James Curran, Professor, Marketing Joy D’Andrea, Instructor I, Mathematics Wilma Davidson, Instructor III, English, Professional and Technical Communication Rustu Deryol, Instructor I, Criminology Madeline Domino, Associate Professor, Accounting Michael Gillespie, Associate Professor, Psychology, and Faculty Senate President Ramakrishna Govindu, Instructor I, Information Systems and Decision Sciences Jane Govoni, Instructor I, TESOL Jessica Grosholz, Assistant Professor, Criminology Cheryl Hamlin, Visiting Professor Murat Haner, Instructor I, Criminology Feng Hao, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Giti Javidi, Associate Professor, Information Technology Carlos Jimenez-Angueira, Assistant Professor, Accounting Roberto Jimenez-Arroyo, Instructor II, Spanish Jean Kabongo, Associate Professor, Management Matthew Karlesky, Instructor I, Management Deborah Kochman, Instructor I, English Composition/Theatre Ranjith Korala-Gamage, Instructor I, Chemistry Lora Kosten, Instructor III, Elementary Education Garret LaForge, Instructor I, Mathematics Ann Lawrence, Instructor I, English Valerie Lipscomb, Associate Professor, English, and Department Chair for Liberal Arts Sunita Lodwig, Instructor II, Information Technology Jenna Luque, Instructor I, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Jennifer Mariano, Associate Professor, Literacies Education Nicholas Mastracchio, Associate Professor, Accounting Jody Lynn McBrien, Professor, Literacies Education Jay Michaels, Assistant Professor, Psychology Steven Miller, Associate Professor, Finance and Risk Management Trishna Mistry, Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management Fawn Ngo, Associate Professor, Criminology Noel Mark NoĂŤl, Instructor II, Accounting Kip Ortiz, Instructor I, Mathematics Terry Osborn, Professor, Educational Leadership Thomas Pencek, Instructor II, Finance Lisa Penney, Associate Professor, Management Jonathan Scott Perry, Associate Professor, History Zacharias Pieri, Assistant Professor, Government and Globalization, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Donna Polelle, Instructor II, Communication Sciences and Disorders Brianne Reck, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership Jane Roberts, Instructor II, Social Work, Interdisciplinary Social Studies Thorold (Tod) Roberts, Instructor II, English, Professional and Technical Communication David Robertson, Visiting Instructor I, Psychology Stephen Rushton, Associate Professor, Elementary Education Christine Ruva, Professor, Psychology Carlos Santamaria, Assistant Professor, Biology Sukanya Senapati, Instructor II, English, and Faculty Coordinator, Learning Support Services Ehsan Sheybani, Associate Professor, Information Systems and Decision Sciences Melissa Sloan, Associate Professor, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Michael Snipes, Instructor II, Economics John Stewart, Instructor I, Professional and Technical Communications Sandra Stone, Professor, Criminology, and Department Chair for Social Sciences Jessica Szempruch, Instructor Librarian Sarah Szynkiewicz, Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders Aparna Telang, Assistant Professor, Biology Steven Teppler, Visiting Instructor I, Information Technology Ildiko Toth, Instructor II, Accounting Timothy Turner, Assistant Professor, English Bhuvanesh Unhelkar, Professor, Information Technology James Unnever, Professor, Criminology Carol Vance, Instructor II, Accounting Phillip Wagner, Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Communications, and Core Curriculum Coordinator Richard Warner, Instructor I, Mathematics Donald Wood, Instructor I, Hospitality Management Cassandra Yacovazzi, Assistant Professor, History

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ORDER OF EXERCISES

STEVEN C. CURRALL, PH.D., PRESIDING MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 6:30 P.M. COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER PROCESSIONAL (please stand) CEREMONY OPENING Michael Gillespie

President, Faculty Senate NATIONAL ANTHEM Celeste Ouwendijk-Thom PLATFORM INTRODUCTIONS Karen A. Holbrook AND WELCOME Regional Chancellor PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Steven C. Currall

President and Chief Executive Officer STUDENT WELCOME AND Isabelle Starner, President PRESENTATION OF CAMPUS AWARDS Student Government Association PRESENTATION OF USF ALUMNI Merritt Martin, USF Alumni Association Chair ASSOCIATION AWARDS USF Alumni Association Board of Directors member

PRESENTATION OF MASTER’S DEGREES Brett Kemker, Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic (Listed in college alphabetical order) Affairs and Student Success Thomas Becker, Interim Dean, College of Business

Patrick Moreo, Dean, College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership Jane Rose, Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

CONFERRING OF MASTER’S DEGREES President Currall

PRESENTATION OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Thomas Becker, Interim Dean, College of Business (Listed in college alphabetical order) Patrick Moreo, Dean, College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership Jane Rose, Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Paul Kirchman, Dean, College of Science & Mathematics CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES President Currall CLOSING REMARKS Regional Chancellor Holbrook ALMA MATER CLOSING/RECESSIONAL Michael Gillespie

PARTICIPANTS Ceremony Reader Phillip Wagner Ceremony Announcer Jay Riley Interpreter VisCom Sign Language Interpreter Please remain at your seats until recessional has cleared the auditorium.

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FALL 2019 USF SARASOTA-MANATEE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR AWARD Honorees for the Outstanding Professor Award at USF Sarasota-Manatee share a sincere involvement with their students for the university and its mission and a commitment to excellence through education.

Presented by the Student Government Association on behalf of the graduating seniors, the award is the highest campus-level honor for USF Sarasota-Manatee faculty members. It recognizes exceptional accomplishments, leadership and service to the campus and community.

JAY MICHAELS, PhD Jay Michaels is an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Science & Mathematics at USF Sarasota-Manatee, with expertise in experimental social psychology and quantitative psychology. Some of his recent research has included the psychology of religion, differences in cognitive processing styles, self-control, self-esteem and the dynamics of human conflict.

“I think I am most proud of seeing my students succeed, whether in a challenging psychology course or when completing an advanced research project, to their ultimately going on to graduate and pursue their life goals and dreams.”

This is the first time Michaels has received the Outstanding Professor Award. In 2014, he was presented with the Faculty Mentor Award from the director of research at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.

He came to USF Sarasota-Manatee in 2016 after serving as an assistant professor of psychology at Presbyterian College.

Michaels is a first-generation college graduate. He received a doctorate in experimental psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2012 and a master’s degree in psychology from the same institution in 2009. He earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and history from the University of Central Florida in 2007.

“To me, you can’t have outstanding professors without outstanding colleagues and students,” Michaels said. “I’m grateful to be selected for this award as there are so many outstanding educators who are part of the USFSM community. It’s an honor to teach and work here.”

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FALL 2019 USF SARASOTA-MANATEE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE AWARD The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Outstanding Graduate Award is presented each commencement by the USF Alumni Association. This prestigious award recognizes the graduating senior who exemplifies scholarly commitment, leadership, character, school spirit and dedication to community service.

And

KING O’NEAL SCHOLAR A tradition since 1988, King O’Neal scholars are recognized each semester by the Alumni Association in honor of graduates Lucas King and Evelyn O’Neal. Graduating seniors with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average, 4.0, are identified as King O’Neal Scholars. This semester, three students have earned the distinction to be called a King O’Neal Scholar.

BASHAR ROUMIA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS Bashar Roumia is dedicated to academics and the ideals of hard work and serving others. A biology student, Roumia has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his time at USF Sarasota-Manatee and before that at State College of Florida.

He is a member of Biology Club, the Pre-Health Professions Club, the Student Research Society, the student chapter of the American Chemical Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, among others. He also volunteers in the patient support area at Florida Cancer Specialists in Lakewood Ranch.

“I have always believed that there is no substitution for hard work,” he said.

“Each of us has potential and that through hard work and perseverance, one can discover his or her inner talents. I also believe in the importance of trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Roumia enrolled at USFSM in Fall 2018 after transferring from SCF. He and his mother, Amal, and brother, Ahed, emigrated from Syria in 2014 to escape the conflict that continues to engulf their homeland. The violence and disruption to their lives inspired Roumia’s parents to seek a brighter future in the United States for their two sons.

A Lakewood Ranch resident, Roumia plans to take the Medical College Admission Test in May 2020 and hopes to attend medical school in 2021. Many of Roumia’s family members are physicians, and he aspires to follow them into the profession and serve the community.

“I am so honored and humbled to have been chosen to receive these two prestigious awards, the Outstanding Graduate Award and the King O’Neal Award,” he said. “To be here today, after living through tremendous difficulties and burdens in my homeland and in the lives of my family, I cannot express how grateful I am to be recognized in this way. I am here only because I stand on the shoulders of my supportive and loving mother and father. They are my rock and my inspiration.”

Roumia graduates today with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

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FALL 2019 USF SARASOTA-MANATEE AWARDS

GOLDEN BULL SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD The Golden Bull Service and Outstanding Leadership Award is sponsored by the USF Sarasota-Manatee Student Government Association and given to the student who has excelled in leadership, academics, and community and university involvement.

JENNIFER SERAFINO Jennifer Serafino is an active and engaged student dedicated to serving USFSM and her hometown of Bradenton.

She is a senator in Student Government, a student liaison for the Office of Student Engagement and chair of University Committee Affairs, which oversees a program in which students, staff and faculty receive discounts at local businesses. She also is a Student Ambassador, representing the university at official functions.

Serafino frequently assists at Student Engagement events, including at the recent TEDxUSFSM and annual Student Government Open House.

Serafino will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical communication. This past fall, she received a Brunch on the Bay scholarship and was named a Homecoming Royal.

She is active in her community, volunteering at her church and participating in a monthly food drive. She works three jobs, including in Student Government, the USF Sarasota-Manatee Communications & Marketing Office and at Publix.

Serafino credits her parents for her success and says she was strongly influenced by her faith. She is grateful for the support of fellow students, faculty members and USFSM’s Office of Career Services.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Golden Bull Award,” Serafino said. “As a high school student I never imagined that I would be here, graduating from college, much less receiving this prestigious award. I owe everything to my parents – their love and support means so much to me – and I am proud to say that I will be the first in my family to graduate from a university, and for that I feel so blessed.”

As for the future, Serafino plans to pursue a career within the communications field in the Sarasota and Manatee region. She may also pursue a master’s degree at some point.

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FALL 2019 USF SARASOTA-MANATEE AWARDS

KING O’NEAL SCHOLAR A tradition since 1988, King O’Neal scholars are recognized each semester by the Alumni Association in honor of graduates Lucas King and Evelyn O’Neal. Graduating seniors with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average, 4.0, are identified as King O’Neal Scholars. This semester, three students have earned the distinction to be called a King O’Neal Scholar.

ISABELLA HETHERINGTON COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS Isabella Hetherington has a long history of academic success. As a student at Bradenton Christian School she excelled in her studies, and she continued her winning ways as a freshman at State College of Florida and also during her time at USF Sarasota-Manatee.

“I’ve always been determined to be perfect in my studies, and when I got to college people told me that no one gets straight A’s, but I knew it must be possible, and I just pushed myself,” said Hetherington, who enrolled in USFSM in Fall 2017.

Hetherington is a member of the Pre-Health Professions Club and performs research for Aparna Telang, PhD, a biology professor in the College of Science & Mathematics.

She belongs to Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization, as well as the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She also volunteers with Underdog Rescue of Florida and Meals on Wheels.

Hetherington was awarded third place this past spring at the USFSM Student Showcase for Projects, Innovation and Research for her poster, which focused on the effects of larval nutritional ecology on selected life history of West Nile virus vector Culex quinquefasciatus.

“During my freshman year of high school I took a biology class and I was just intrinsically motivated by the subject. I was just amazed by the complexity of life,” said Hetherington, who lives in Bradenton and aspires to become a medical researcher.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” she said. “It has been a hard four years, staying up late and putting in the extra hours to do my best. Receiving this award means that all of that hard work and effort really made a difference.

“I am so thankful to my family for their support throughout my life and my academic career,” she said. “I could never have done all that I have without their love and support. I want to give all glory to God because he enabled me to do well in my studies.”

Hetherington has been a member of the Dean’s List every semester and a member of the Chancellor’s List since Spring 2019. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

She plans to apply to the medical science program at the USF Morsani College of Medicine with the goal of earning a PhD in medical science.

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FALL 2019 USF SARASOTA-MANATEE AWARDS

KING O’NEAL SCHOLAR A tradition since 1988, King O’Neal scholars are recognized each semester by the Alumni Association in honor of graduates Lucas King and Evelyn O’Neal. Graduating seniors with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average, 4.0, are identified as King O’Neal Scholars. This semester, three students have earned the distinction to be called a King O’Neal Scholar.

MADISON TOUCHTON COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES Madison Touchton’s track record of academic excellence dates back to before college. She achieved straight A’s as a high school student, enabling her to graduate fourth in her class, and has been on a roll ever since.

“I haven’t gotten a ‘B’ in a class since eighth grade,” said Touchton, who entered USFSM as a freshman in Fall 2016. “I just have always wanted to be the best that I can be and to prove to myself that I can succeed.”

Touchton is vice president of the USFSM English Society, president of the campus chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society, and was a researcher in the USFSM Honors Program. She also serves as a writing tutor at the campus’ Learning Support Services office.

Before enrolling at USFSM, Touchton graduated from the MaST (Mathematics, Science and Technology) program and AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program, both at Sarasota High School.

She said she was inspired by a high school English teacher, who encouraged her to pursue her interest in literature and helped Touchton better connect with the course material. After enrolling at USFSM, Touchton discovered her passion for writing and literary analysis, and since then she has focused her studies on British and American literature.

In 2018, Touchton was a third place winner of the USFSM Erik Miller Prize for Literary Criticism and received an honorable mention for the same award earlier this year. In April, she placed first in the liberal arts category for her poster presentation at the USFSM Student Showcase for Projects, Innovation and Research. Also that month, she was recognized by her professors as the Outstanding Student (English Major).

“I am so humbled to be honored in this way,” Touchton said. “I was not expecting to receive this kind of recognition. I simply worked hard and challenged myself to do as well as possible in my studies. In a way, this award is a tangible sign of how much I’ve learned and grown during my time here at USFSM.” “I also want to thank my mom and dad, who have been beyond supportive,” she said. “They are my biggest cheerleaders and I would not be here receiving this honor without them. I love them more than anything, and I am forever grateful to them for encouraging me to go outside my comfort zone and grow as a student, scholar and person.”

Touchton has been a member of the Dean’s List every semester as well as a member of the Chancellor’s List. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She plans to pursue graduate school with the goal of becoming an English professor.

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MERRITT MARTIN USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAIR Congratulations! Today is your first day as a USF alumnus, a distinction you have earned and will proudly hold for the rest of your life. It is a special day for you and the friends and family who supported you.

Since the first graduating class in 1963, USF alumni have brought honor and distinction to the university in many areas, including medicine, business, law, the arts, public service, technology, engineering and education. With each passing year — and graduating class — the university’s stature grows as its alumni are recognized across the state and nation, and around the world.

From this day forward, you will carry on that tradition.

Wherever your future takes you, you’ll carry with you the distinguished reputation of a world-class university. I personally invite and encourage you to stay connected to your Alma Mater through the USF Alumni Association. Your membership connects you with your fellow Bulls and creates meaningful ways for all of us to: promote and protect USF, share your USF pride, stay connected and make an impact, and help USF succeed.

Take full advantage of your first year complimentary USF Alumni Association membership by getting involved in your local chapter and your college alumni society.

We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments you and your family celebrate today. With your degree and educational experiences to reflect on, you are now truly Unstoppable!

In Bull Pride,

Merritt Martin, ’04, MPA ’06 Chair, USF Alumni Association

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CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Thomas Becker, Interim Dean

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Jane Rose, Dean

Business Administration

MASTER OF ARTS

Elizabeth Aberra Joshua K. Baker Richard M. Baker Renata Berg Kristina Marie Calvin Anne Dufresne Joseph A. Dunn, Jr. Sheenam Ghay Steve Hyatt James Lawrence McClure Carlos J. Moreira Bryan Mitchell Wallace James Smith Wendland, Jr. Joshua Michael Wood Bledar Yzeiri Cara Zambella

Criminal Justice Amber Paije Cooks Alexis Davis Ruth Ann Dorch Alexandra Nichole Emrich Alexandra Michelle Fleck Krystina Mastrarrigo Natalie Nicole Steiner

Criminal Justice Administration Mariel L. Snouffer

Education, Online Teaching and Learning Felicia Kristina Hendricks Mindy Ann Marchbank-Anderson

English Education Michele L. Marcin

COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM LEADERSHIP

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Elementary Education

Patrick Moreo, Dean

Sydney Starcher

MASTER OF SCIENCE Hospitality Management Susan Copstead Yuan Zhou

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CANDIDATES FOR THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE HONORS AT GRADUATION To be considered for honors at graduation, a baccalaureate candidate must have completed at least 40 credits of graded coursework at USF and have earned a grade point average of 3.50 or higher for all graded coursework attempted at USF. In addition, to be eligible for honors, transfer students and USF students who have postsecondary work elsewhere must have an overall GPA of 3.50 or higher counting all USF courses as well as all transferable work attempted at other institutions. * Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.50 but below 3.70 shall receive a diploma designation of cum Laude (with honor). ** Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.70 but below 3.90 shall receive a diploma designation of Magna cum Laude (with high honor). *** Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.90 or above shall receive a diploma designation of Summa cum Laude (with highest honor).

In addition, each dean has the option to select on the basis of exceptional achievement 1% of the college’s graduates or one student per semester for graduating with distinction.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Brian J. Wilson Logan Brian Zoller

Thomas Becker, Interim Dean

Finance; Risk Management and Insurance

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Jake Anthony Dickson Tyler Aaron Rosenhaus

Accounting Pedro Calvillo, Jr. Rosa N. Castro*** Ashley Krecker Sara Jessica Kurutz Courtney Marie Miller Nicholas Steven Powenski Evelyn J. Saenz Devon Dakota Sandoval Kyrstin Brooke Sargable** Michelle Yvonne Stockdill

Cybersecurity and Information Technology Mathew Reynolds

Finance Ashley Marie Choiniere Kristina Rumenova Doncheva Deividas Gizys Yolanda Miller Grijalva Sarah Elisabeth Jongsma** Kyle Steven Josephson Shelby Kirkpatrick Tech Van Le** Noah Jacob Macfarlane Maxwell Joseph Miller Kody Charles Taylor

General Business Administration, Applied Business Danielle Despreaux Miriam Louise Dougherty** Taylor Loveless Caitlyn Renee Ralston Qiufeng Shi Dean Michael Visaggio Richard Worrell Pang Kou Xiong**

General Business Administration, Applied Business and Management Summer C. Hunter

Management Katelyn Christine Boone Aylin Canales Matthew Aaron Christy** Gina Gaston Allen Kovach Christian Aaron Maschino Cole Burbank Milliken Jamar Markeith Murphy Jason Palmer

Krisi Sue Perez Taylor James Stamp Ilya Vikulin

Applied Science, Information Security/ Systems Administration Joshua R. Waun

Marketing Naomi Summer Capodice Fredlain Denord Shantele Marcum Jack Girard Moore Taylor Gregory Rahn

Marketing and Management Holton Ray Irwin*

Risk Management and Insurance

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology, Applications and Mobile Development Jose Lara-Flores

Information Technology, Big Data for IT

Sophia Renee Albritton Andrea Boyd Information Technology, Michelle Lynn Jackson Cyber Security/Systems

Risk Management and Insurance; Finance

Hermann Ansel Carcamo** Avery Irwin Geri Pauline Salomon*** Roxana Santoyo*

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED SCIENCE Applied Science, Cyber Security/Systems Administration Eren Cagliergin

Administration

Oscar Arnoldo Berrios Leidy J, Caicedo Victor Gutierrez, Jr. Brendan Harlan Itzel Monserrat Lopez Vraj Yogesh Patel Luis Antonio SantiagoCamargo Chris Schubring Lucas Yanshan Winstead

Information Technology, Information Security/ Systems Administration Shawn T. Clark Mark John Conquest

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COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM LEADERSHIP Patrick Moreo, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Hospitality Management Sydney Burnett James Louis Deaver Emily Rose Fernands* Kellie Fredrickson Megan Freeman Diana Patricia Garduno Gonzalez Larenz Reginald Green* Autumn Howard** Maikel Ibrahim James Edward McKenzie Toan Vinh Nguyen** Charles Colton Owens Sarah Paul Katherine Rose Piehl Kyle Andrew Primrose Elizabeth Ramsey Jocelyn E. Riley** Liz Marie Rodriguez Brianna Carrie Rowland Mark Syperda Michael J. Zaccari

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED SCIENCE Applied Science, Hospitality Management Destynee Faith Pomales

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES Jane Rose, Dean

BACHELOR OF ARTS Criminology Jonathan Bhatia Heather Marie Hanson Amanda Rachelle Jordan Caitlyn Kingsland Kelly Maradiaga Reyes Linda M. Pluta Nikita Nichole Rawls Demetri Strates Jeron Ledarius Thomas Christopher Wieczorek*

English Erica Aman Bacon Aleah Chambers Brittany Autumn-Caylene Chesnut** Amanda Moon Madison Taylor Touchton*** Kaylin Janae Valade

General Studies, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Business, Hospitality Courtney Kim Sanders

General Studies, Social Work, Sociology, Leadership Hardrick Riddle, Jr.

History Michael Cody Frattallone Chondra Tootle Kaklis Abbigeal Kiepke Alexandria Louise Turner

Interdisciplinary Education, Education Thomas Ross Grimes

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Crime, Law and Justice Stefan E. Coutoulakis Alana Lee Fleischer

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Environmental Science Policy, Social Work Sarah Marie Moore

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Environmental Studies Taylor Leigh King

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Government and Global Affairs Serena Marie Hitt Susannah Paige Morrison

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Political Science, Criminology

Sydney Elizabeth Graham* Kristina Claudia Grinchuk** Amanda Jeanne Houston* Tracey L. Hubert* Karen Lopez** Megan Mimbs Matthew C. Murphy, Jr.** Alison Noelle Mynatt** Brittany Lynn Pacifico Justin M. Pelletier Madison Eliabeth Petrone* Tonya Marie Roes Nicole Rose See*** Ashlyn Seiverd* Lennon Spoonmore* Kati Leah Steiner Cynthia Velasquez-Estrada*

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED SCIENCE Applied Science, Leadership Studies Douglas B. Hollis, Jr.

Brynn Marie Goldate

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Social Relations and Policy Daniel Gregory Hinkle** Altagracia Lajara-Paredes Laura Marie Serbin Jenna Nicole Tippy*

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Social Work, Gerontology Melinda Amos**

Professional and Technical Communication Tiffany B. Brown Jesse Marie Collins Dominique Hall*** Dafina Hidri** Jennifer Elizabeth Serafino

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Elementary Education Jamie Burns** Trista Lynn Campbell** Thisha Elizabeth Davidson Krista Davis Ashleigh Brooke Downey Camye Dudovitz** Jenna Rebekah Durst* William Henry Fortner, Jr.** Alexandria Nicole Gordon

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS Paul Kirchman, Dean

BACHELOR OF ARTS Psychology Gerald Antonio Baskin, Jr. Joshua Beck Christina Champ Gary Clarke Amanda Rose Coviello Jillian Cucci Melanie Anne Derosa Marti Marie Domerese** Donna Drymon Etter** Jessica Fluehmann Santiago Andres Garafalo** Britany Gill Brianna Celeste Griffin Carly A. Karp Lidia Licona Victoria Marie Marsh*** John Petrino* Ryoko Sadoshima Vanessa Sanchez** Madison Renee Taylor Brent Francis Tennyson Jamie Christa Tremps Briana N. Walker Lauren Wangenstein

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biology Emmanuellie Arce Jessica Alexandra Barrero Bustamante Joanna Alicja Chmiel Sarah Boechat Dornas Lauren Lindsey Frieler Gabriel Gedeon Garcia Tara Danae Haskins Averi Hellrung* Isabella Joy Hetherington*** Christella Jasmin Ishan Yogesh Kulkarni Melody Tiana Mullet* Moriah O’Connor Claudia Nicole Ramirez Bashar Roumia Charles Frank Stach III Katherine Swinkels Megan Thomas Sydney Gael Whitlock

Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Sciences Madison Arnish Suzanne Castellanos Brianna Daly Lorena Fragoso* Victoria Logan Morris Naomi Retter Rachel Elizabeth Stokes Jennifer Thomas Krystal Melody Trump

Names published in this Commencement program are a list of candidates who have applied to graduate for this term or who have elected to participate in this ceremony. Names may not appear if the application was not submitted by the application deadline or for those who applied to graduate in an earlier term or who plan to apply in a later term. Names are also not printed for those who elected total privacy on their university record. The list of candidates in this program is not a certified list of graduates.

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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!