Two undergraduate students in the University of South Florida (USF) College of Education were selected for the Spring 2022 Graduation with Distinction Award.
The Graduation with Distinction Award is presented to select undergraduate students in the College of Education who stand apart from their peers based on their academic excellence, professional development, community service, research and scholarship while a student at USF.
Read more about this semester's award recipients below.
Brooke Bluhm
Brooke Bluhm
BS in Early Childhood Education
A first-generation college student, Brooke Bluhm was determined to make the most of her college experience after transferring to USF to earn her education degree. This weekend, she will receive her degree and graduate with a 3.92 GPA.
While studying at the university, Bluhm was actively involved through organizations such as the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics and by participating in opportunities like USF’s Undergraduate Research Conference. She also gained teaching experience by tutoring children in reading and using data-driven research techniques to improve her work in the classroom.
After graduation, Bluhm plans to pursue instructional job opportunities in her local area so she can continue inspiring young minds in her community.
“My time at USF, along with the support of my friends and family, has helped mold me into the educator I am today,” Bluhm said. “USF provided in-depth experiences and the best mentors to give me the skills I need to be a top educator. As I embark on this new journey, I feel prepared and confident. It has been an honor to be a member of a highly ranked program at a prestigious university.”
Christopher Evans
Christopher Evans
BS in English Education with ESOL Endorsement
An active member of the College of Education community, Christopher Evans will graduate this weekend with a bachelor’s degree in English Education and an overall GPA of 3.21.
While at USF, Evans has participated in numerous involvement opportunities, such as Kappa Delta Pi, the National Council for Teachers of English and as vice president of the SunCoast Area Teacher Training Honors Program, the College of Education’s honors program for aspiring educators. Evans has also given back to the community through service opportunities with Metropolitan Ministries and tutoring students in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Throughout his studies at USF, Evans developed a passion for diversity and inclusivity and for working with underrepresented populations, including students with exceptionalities and LGBTQ student populations. After graduation, he plans to become a varying exceptionalities (VE) English teacher at Mulrennan Middle School in Valrico, Fla. He is also considering pursuing a master’s degree in exceptional student education or instructional technology.
“My time at USF has prepared me for a career in education by teaching me the teacher ‘F word’ — flexibility,” Evans said. “My extensive time at USF has given me wisdom and perspective, and has taught me how to overcome struggles in life so that I might approach the classroom with the tools I need to succeed.”
The University of South Florida will award more than 6,400 degrees during spring commencement scheduled for May 6 - 8. The ceremonies include recipients of approximately 4,843 undergraduate, 1,295 master’s and 297 doctoral degrees.