5 minutes with Bill

5minutes with Bill

My fellow Bulls,

This time of year there’s usually a distinct downshift in activity across USF’s campuses.

This summer is different — in the best of ways.

Things are revving up as we welcome back students, faculty and staff and ease into a careful new normal. Some of us had a tantalizing taste of what’s to come back in May when we held our first in-person Commencements since December 2019. Yes, they looked different — everyone in masks and socially distanced, but we were able to recognize and celebrate this tremendous accomplishment.

I hope our newest graduates (more than 5,000) felt our pride, because they certainly deserve it. They’ve shown remarkable determination in their last year of school and I’m thrilled to see them join our family of alumni – now 370,000 strong. I predict they’ll be a force!

Also in May, we had our first in-person Alumni Association event since March 2020. The third Birdies for Bulls Golf Tournament brought together more than 100 Bulls and USF supporters. Again, we were masked and distanced, but that didn’t detract from the fun! Thank you to all the golfers who sat on their tickets for more than a year, and to our amazing host committee, whose work made it such a success. It was great to see all of you!

This month’s Green & Gold Gala marks, I hope, the last time we hold an event virtually because we have to. I say that because we’ve learned a lot during the pandemic about making it easy for Bulls to engage, so virtual events will stay on the menu. We’ll continue to host virtual Trivia Nights, educational seminars, even a fall away-football game tailgate.

But, I have to admit, I’m really looking forward to rubbing shoulders again. On Sept. 10, the USF Fast 56 Awards will once again bring us together. During Homecoming Week, Nov. 1-6, we’ll celebrate our 2020 and 2021 USF Alumni Award recipients; roll out the red carpet for you at the Welcome Home Party; and get you swagged up for the big game at our Spirit Tent.

We’ve also got some exciting changes in store. As our great university reaches new highs in achievement and stature, your Association and USF Advancement are evolving to help take it to the next level. That starts with investing in more resources for our tireless volunteer alumni groups, who do an excellent job of uniting Bulls, supporting students, and raising USF awareness around the country.

We’re also launching a formalized mentorship program, which will make it much easier for you to share your wisdom with students hungry for guidance. This is a response to your requests for more opportunities to influence student success and a wonderful way to foster engaged, involved future alumni. Great universities, after all, are built by great alumni!

Finally, I’d like to convey my gratitude to our outgoing Alumni Association board officers and directors. Led with poise, perseverance and patience by chair Randy Norris, ’79, for an extended term of 18 months, our board has met the past year’s many challenges with flexibility and a sincere love of USF. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you soon … in person!

Bill McCausland, MBA ’96

Vice President and Executive Director, USF Alumni Association Life Member No. 2331