Savanna Marks - Student Assistant
Savanna Marks is a proud USF Bull and work study student here at the Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS). In her role at PCGS she assists the academic services team, updates academic program information, and helps to implement scholarship programs for students.
Outside of PCGS, Savanna is a proud member of the USF Herd of Thunder (HOT) Marching Band. Recently, USF hosted their 60th Annual Homecoming Celebration and Marks had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the events. She marched along with her bandmates during the “Running of the Bulls Parade” along Holly Drive, USF Genshaft Drive, and Alumni Drive on Friday November 8th.
Marks was excited to show her passion for the marching band and for “continuing on the tradition of the parade as a whole”. Descending from a family of USF alumni, Marks felt it was her duty to represent her family’s dedication to the university, as well as honoring her father by marching the same streets he did when he was a student.
Not only is Marks’s talent evident within the USF community but also as an exceptional performer beyond the college environment. Last year, she auditioned for an independent world-class wind ensemble known as "Horizon Winds," affiliated with World Guard International (WGI), a non-profit organization that organizes international competitions for color guard, percussion, and wind ensembles. Marks successfully secured a position in the ensemble, where she demonstrated her skills and advanced to the world championship. At the championship they were able to win 2nd place with a shocking score of 94.238 out of 100. Her talent continues to shine in many ways here at USF.
Marks is an accomplished clarinetist and plays in the “Hotnets” section of the USF
marching band. During the parade they performed the USF fight song and “March Victorious”.
Following their march, they headed to the Alumni Center to perform some additional
symphonies, including “Big Bullin". Marks thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the reactions
of the audience and coming together to create an impactful sound. Marks says she “would
do this again every year” because not only is it fun, but a meaningful event as a
member of the USF HOT marching band. Marks walked away from this experience reinforcing
her connection to her family’s legacy and feels privileged to have contributed to
such an important event here at USF. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements
Marks will accomplish during her time here. As always, Go Bulls!