ALUMNI
Roundup Psychology alumni participate in a number of events with students, including a recent book drive for refugees.
Psyched to help students
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RADUATING FROM COLLEGE IS A CHALLENGE in itself, but psychology grads face an especially intimidating job market because of the many options — not all of them readily apparent. To ease the transition to post-graduate life, the Undergraduate Psychology Alumni Society connects with students to
Volunteer spotlight
NEWS FROM USF’S VOLUNTEER-LED ALUMNI GROUPS
help them find a career. That helped the society win the Most Improved award at the 2020 Alumni Academy, a USF Alumni Association event that honors alumni groups and leaders. “Winning the award was a big achievement for us because we tried to get more involved in different events,” says society co-chair Samera Ahmed ’13. “One event we’re a part of is USF’s Undergraduate Conference and Psych Expo for undergraduate psychology students. We tabled that event — and other similar ones — to let students and graduates know that they can be involved with our group before and after graduation.” It’s a great opportunity to invite alumni to join because the group will also support their research she said. Bridging the gap between alumni and students is a key pillar in the group’s foundation. “It really helps new grads feel like they are a part of something after they graduate,” Ahmed says. “It’s important in the field of psychology because it’s so broad, and there are a lot of ways you can go. It helps undergraduates feel less intimidated when they have us to help them find a path.” Watch for the society’s “love languages” event — coming soon! — and meet fellow psych Bulls by visiting the USF Undergraduate Psychology Alumni Society page on Facebook. - ERIN RYAN ’20 | USFAA
Alumni group volunteer Lisa Ann Gidula, MPH ’10 and MA Gerontology ’14, Life Member USF Tallahassee Alumni Chapter Career: Florida Department of Health government analyst Favorite Travel Destination: Belize Hometown: Chicago Favorite USF memory: Taking my 80-year-old dad to his first USF football game – War on I-4! Pets: Two dogs, Ryder and Roulette Favorite USF event: USF Day at the Capitol Hobby: Golf
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UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA