From the president

Photo : SANDRA C. ROA | USF N ews

Dear alumni, friends and supporters of USF:

I AM DELIGHTED to have this opportunity to reach out to you through USF Magazine — one of many ways I hope we will connect in the coming weeks and months.

USF has been a part of my life for most of my life, going back to my days as an undergraduate majoring in management. Serving in many different capacities at USF over the years, one of my great joys has been the relationships I’ve developed with so many of you — our loyal alumni and supporters.

Together, we have watched our university grow and evolve into a dynamic powerhouse of knowledge, innovation and impact — the fastest-rising university in the country. And together, we have watched USF shape our region and infuse Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and beyond with energy, talent and possibility.

USF is a university with a history of bold ambitions, one that is driven by an optimistic vision of what’s possible. The cover package for this issue, on the 25th anniversary of our football program, is a wonderful example. The stories that begin on page 26 chronicle the many challenges USF had to overcome and the tremendous progress we have made in a relatively short period of time. That includes ongoing improvements to our facilities, thanks to our very generous donors.

On a related note, you’ll find details about Homecoming 2021, Oct. 31-Nov. 6, on page 48. The USF Alumni Association has plans for a memorable celebration, and I look forward to seeing many of you to reminisce as well as to talk about the future we are building together at USF.

There is another story, beginning on page 40, that also speaks to our history of bold ambitions: the 50th anniversary of the charter class of the Morsani College of Medicine. The charter class students, faculty and staff took quite a gamble. When classes began in September 1971, they were held in a 30-foot by 40foot room on the fourth floor of the Science Center, on the Tampa campus; the facilities for what would become the Health Sciences Center and USF Health did not exist. Today, we can proudly say that USF’s program is one of the top producers of physicians in Florida.

I also hope you will read the story on page 14 about the 27th Brunch on the Bay, which is scheduled for Nov. 7, at USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. Thanks to the generosity of so many wonderful supporters, this signature event has raised scholarship funds for nearly 1,900 students during its 26-year history. We are grateful to the title sponsor, the USF Federal Credit Union, our many other sponsors and the participating restaurants and caterers. Please join us for this very worthwhile and fun event.

Every member of our university community plays a role in our success. In recent weeks, I have been reaching out to various stakeholders to introduce myself, to listen and to learn about our opportunities as a community, including on our St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Thanks to our faculty, staff, students and you – our devoted alumni and supporters – those opportunities are exceptional. Like you, I care deeply about the University of South Florida and can credit much of my own personal and professional success to the impact USF has had on my life. I am honored to help play a part in USF’s next chapter.

Thank you for all that you do for our university and our students.