The Judy Genshaft Honors College celebrated its commitment to academic community at one of the University of South Florida (USF) college's most festive and beloved events, Honors Convocation. Taking place across USF's Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses, these ceremonies serve to welcome new Honors students while building a stronger and more connected network of students, faculty, and educators. Over the years, each campus has developed their own distinct traditions to greet incoming Honors Bulls and introduce them to the wide array of opportunities they will enjoy as members of the Honors community.
TAMPA
On the Tampa campus, Dr. Sylvia Wilson Thomas, interim vice president for research & innovation, president & CEO of the USF Research Foundation, Inc., and professor, delivered an electrifying speech to USF Honors students. Her address called on students to nurture their community, embrace taking risks, and make the most of the diverse opportunities and resources offered by the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of the Honors community, encouraging students to contribute to the greater collective beyond themselves. She urged them to come together and celebrate their differences while getting involved in various organizations at USF, including clubs, volunteer and nonprofit groups, and engaging in USF's robust research programs. Thomas closed out her speech with an energizing rallying cry: “Together we are an unstop-a-Bull force!” Students joined the chant that reinforced the interconnectedness and collaboration that underlies all achievement within the Honors community.
SARASOTA-MANATEE
At the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Honors Convocation ceremony, the incoming class of 2023 received a warm welcome from upper-level Honors students, faculty, staff, and campus administration. Dr. Lanier, assistant dean and campus director, delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging students to not simply limit themselves to coursework and to take advantage of all the learning opportunities available on campus. Lanier told students, “Go to events you have no interest in, try new things, fail, learn, and you will ultimately succeed.” At the conclusion of the ceremony, students were offered to select from a bowl of stones symbolizing the foundation they were laying for their future education. Each incoming student chose a stone, with the intention of exchanging it at graduation for their Honors medallion. Students signed their stones as well, symbolizing the start of their legacy at USF.
ST. PETERSBURG
In a rousing reception, the St. Petersburg convocation ceremony was a vibrant and interactive ceremony that used student engagement to kick off the year while emphasizing the importance of community. While playing musical instruments such as the kazoo, maracas, and tambourine, students marched from the Snell House Courtyard to the University Student Center. During the convocation ceremony, urbanist and author Peter Kageyama delivered a speech to Honors students advocating for creativity, innovation, and leadership while investing in the growth of the community that you are a part of.
“As Honors students, each of you is amongst USF’s highest achieving scholars. You come from nearly every major, and you will pursue many paths but, you are bound together by a passion for achieving academic excellence, developing leadership skills, pursuing ambitious goals and relentlessly making a difference in your community. We value the diverse experiences and unique perspectives that you will bring and contribute to your vibrant community.” - USF President Rhea Law
A COLLEGE UNITED
The Judy Genshaft Honors College is proud to welcome the class of 2027 and excited to work together across all three USF campus to ensure the academic success of these outstanding students, “because together we are an unstopp-a-Bull force.”
Click here to learn more about Honors Convocation at the Judy Genshaft Honors College.Photo Gallery
Tampa:
Go, Bulls! Members of the Honors Chorus share their USF spirit.
Honors ambassadors and peer mentors hand out Judy Genshaft Honors College T-shirts to new Honors students.
First-year Honors students await remarks from President Rhea Law, Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council President Audra Nikolajski, and Dr. Thomas.
Students and faculty joined in a rallying cry “Together we are an unstopp-a-Bull force.”
Sarasota-Manatee:
Students were allowed to choose a white stone to symbolize their journey with USF. These stones will be signed and returned upon graduation.
The Sarasota-Manatee Honors College class of 2027 is stoked for their adventures at USF.
St. Petersburg:
Faculty and students at the St. Petersburg campus welcomed new Honors students with undeniable excitement.
Students played musical instruments such as maracas and Kazoos as they marched to their convocation ceremony.
Incoming St. Petersburg students are excited to see how their story unfolds at the Judy Genshaft Honors College.