5 minutes with Braulio

5minutes with Braulio

My fellow Bulls,

OUR ALMA MATER CONTINUES TO REIGN as the nation’s fastest rising university and, after this busy fall, I can see why.

It’s you.

Great institutions have an abundance of former students who distinguish themselves, a powerful testament to the quality of their education. They have alumni who enthusiastically contribute to their institution’s success with gifts of time, talent and treasure. Their grads make a point of spending time together, for both work and fun.

I saw all of that and more these past few months.

In September, we celebrated 75 exceptional Bull business leaders at the USF Fast 56 awards. In October, we bestowed USF’s highest alumni honor – the USF Alumni Awards – on four former students, and one very special non-alumnus, whose success and service have transformed communities and impacted tens of thousands of lives.

I’ve watched as Bulls gather for watch parties and fundraisers and Homecoming celebrations. You’ve hosted panel discussions, speakers and other educational opportunities that benefit students, fellow alumni and the community.

Your big-hearted enthusiasm and commitment to USF has been crucial to its continued rise. Thank you!

I hope you get a chance to rest up over the holidays because there’s more on the calendar in 2023. On Jan. 19, we’ll celebrate the inauguration of USF President Rhea Law. On Feb. 18, the Green & Gold Gala returns to The Florida Aquarium, with great food and beverages, live music, exciting silent auction items and access to many of the aquarium’s exhibits. Visit usfalumni.org to get your tickets.

On April 20, we recognize Outstanding Young Alumni aged 35 and younger, and on May 1, Birdies for Bulls will hit the links at Hunter’s Green in Tampa.

We’ve also launched initiatives designed to provide more ways for you to connect, engage and make a difference.

Our USF Mentoring Program is recruiting alumni to share life and professional guidance one-on-one with students. Mentors and mentees are matched based on several factors, including career and personal interests, and will begin meeting in the spring, virtually or in-person. This is an excellent way for you to get to know and advise students on the things you wish you knew before graduation! Visit mentoring.usfalumni.org to learn more.

I’m also excited to announce two new Alumni Association board committees, both of which reflect our priorities as we head into the new year.

The Alumni Engagement Ad-Hoc Committee is focused on creating more ways for Bulls across the country and around the world to connect with USF and fellow alumni. We know it’s easier to take advantage of our programs and activities if you live in the Tampa Bay area, but we want everyone to feel at home, no matter where you live.

Our Inclusive Excellence Committee will further raise the bar on integrating inclusivity in everything we do. We’ll identify areas of focus and work together with our Diversity Committee to ensure inclusivity excellence is our cultural norm.

Our rich diversity empowers us, and our shared purpose enables us. It’s also fueling USF’s meteoric rise.

Thank you for all you do for our university and for our family of nearly 400,000 alumni.

Go Bulls!

Braulio Colón, ’03 and MPA ’10

Life Member No. 3958 Chair, USF Alumni Association Board of Directors