By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing
After months of honing their leadership skills in the classroom and on campus, nearly 100 USF students took what they have learned to the heart of state government – putting civic engagement into action during USF Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee.
"USF Day at the Capitol provides a valuable opportunity for our students to explore the inner workings of our state government and for us to share with our state leaders why an investment in the University of South Florida is an investment in Florida’s future," USF President Rhea Law said. "We are proud to have students representing our university today in Tallahassee to help tell USF’s story of how we continue to make a significant impact across our state and the nation.”
USF students Kade Kranjc and Ava Moreno
Many of the students are active in student government and say that witnessing the legislative session in action offered a powerful look at how policy is shaped and how their voices can make a difference. Valrico native Ava Moreno serves as governor of USF Student Government on the Tampa campus and graduates this spring with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social science.
"Day at the Capitol gave me the opportunity to see my peers engage, learn and advocate from our wonderful government officials," Moreno said. "I am proud of the students' dedication to the progress of the university and their own personal development as they made a 5-hour trek and were consistently inquisitive about the powers and processes of the state throughout the event. It was a wonderful day to be a Bull."
USF alum Sen. Danny Burgess sponsored a ceremonial resolution commending the university for “its achievements as a national leader in academic and research excellence” and designating April 15, 2025, as “USF Day” at the Capitol.
“My time at the University of South Florida has had a profound impact on my life and professional trajectory. I am forever grateful to be a Bull and so proud to welcome my alma mater to the Florida Senate for USF Day at the Capitol.”
Sen. Danny Burgess
Sen. Jay Collins and Rep. Berny Jacques
In addition to exploring the House and Senate chambers, students engaged in a dynamic panel discussion with legislators and USF alumni now working in public service – illustrating how a USF education lays the groundwork for leadership in every field. Panelists included USF alumni Rep. Lindsay Cross; Amanda Suarez, legislative aide for Sen. Jay Collins; and Andrew Ketchel, partner at Capital City Consulting.
The visit also gave students a platform to advocate for the transformative impact of their USF education – emphasizing how it’s preparing them for thriving careers in fast-growing sectors, such as cybersecurity. Many shared their excitement about the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, set to open this fall.
The event also provided an opportunity for USF leadership to meet with members of the House and Senate to discuss USF's legislative priorities and the vital role universities play in strengthening the state.
USF Day at the Capitol was originally scheduled for January, however a rare snowstorm in Tallahassee prompted the annual event to be postponed. The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to conclude May 2.