THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
USFUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA | FALL 2015
Making CONNECTIONS BULL SPIRIT
A NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN targeting students, alumni and the entire Tampa Bay region is a rallying cry to drive attendance at Bulls football games this season. The Bulls Unite campaign, launched in August, includes billboards, print ads, street banners and television and radio spots. One 30-second spot features a USF football player running through the Florida woods followed by cheerleaders and band members. In the background a child’s voice recites the USF fight song. The ad, along with another version featuring a football player running to the beat of a drum line, was created to give the sense of an epic battle brewing – one that promotes togetherness and unites the entire community. While the new campaign’s initial focus is football, the Bulls Unite theme will carry over to all athletic and spirit events. To watch the campaign’s promotional spot, visit www.youtube.com/ USouthFlorida. < More than 40 students and alumni – members of USF’s Herd Of Thunder band, former student-athletes, marketing interns and graduate students – gathered at John Chesnut Sr. Park in Palm Harbor, Florida, to film the “Bulls Unite” spots that are airing on Bright House and local channels around the Tampa Bay region.
2 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA First Look Illustration: MIKE NOLASCO | UCM
FALL 2015 3 INQUIRY
Three teams of engineering students traveled to Johnson Space Center in August to work with NASA scientists and astronauts on tools the students developed to address current challenges in space exploration. The three student teams were chosen from more than 100 teams competing in the Micro-g NExT Challenge. Only 19 were selected for test operations. During the students’ weeklong visit, scientists and astronauts tested and evaluated their space tool prototypes in the Houston center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The tools are intended to allow astronauts to collect and store rock chips from asteroids, and could be used on future space missions.
> Test diver Matt White and USF adviser < Left to right: USF students Sebastian Dewhurst conduct underwater Tyler Isaacs, Brant Meier, testing on one of the devices at USF. Chris Willis, Brittany Mott and Chris Weaver with astronaut
< Left to right: USF students Kaitlyn Christina Hammock Lostrocio, Kyle Roth and Kyle Mott with astronaut Stan Love
4 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA First Look Photos: Pg. 4, NASA; pg. 4-5, College of Engineering
FALL 2015 5 First Look
6 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA ALUMNI
Each year, USF recognizes a select group of high- achieving graduates and exceptionally dedicated USF friends. Presented by the USF Alumni Association during Homecoming festivities (calendar of alumni events, page 49), the Alumni Awards honor outstanding professional accomplishment and above-and-beyond service to USF and the community. Pictured at left is Richard Lane, the 2015 Donald A. Gifford Alumni Service Award recipient. As his coveted “1Bull” license plate suggests, he’s been cheerleading, advocating for, volunteering and giving to USF for decades. The Nerf football he’s holding was signed for him by then-USF President Betty Castor, a token of thanks for his help in bringing football to the university in 1996. This year’s Distinguished Alumni, USF’s highest honor for graduates, are Lynn Pippenger and George D. Morgan. Both made remarkable strides in business while always reinvesting in their university and student Bulls. Outstanding Young Alumnus is David Mincberg, who’s forging new trails as a sports scout and attorney. The Class of ’56 Award, presented for service to USF by a non-alumnus, goes to retired Nielsen Co. vice president Bob McCann, whose vision broke new ground for USF research, learning and student job opportunities. Discover their secrets for success, personal motivations and, yes, even their worst grades, on page 46. Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF
FALL 2015 7 8 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA 28 USF FALL 2015
Features
24 Cops vs. the Public Law enforcement officers must reach out – and look inward – to win back the public’s trust, say USF crimi- nology alumni and faculty.
28 Making Connections Cover Story: USF is starting new Bulls off right with programs and activities that build Bull pride and help students succeed.
34 Global Interns Three Patel College graduate students share their international internship experiences.
Departments
2 First Look 10 From the President 24 12 Campus 20 Athletics 22 Unstoppable
Forever Bulls
40 5 Minutes with Bill 42 Profile: Bill Upson 46 Alumni Award Recipients 49 Homecoming Calendar
20 61XX 50 Where’s Rocky? 52 Chapters & Societies 55 Employ-A-Bull 56 Class Notes 61 Blast from the Past
PHOTO CREDITS Top left to bottom right, Student Affairs; Aimee Blodgett, USF; Katy Hennig, UCM; USF Library Special Collections.
COVER Aimee Blodgett, USF
FALL 2015 9 From the President
< PRESIDENT JUDY GENSHAFT WITH NEW GRADS AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT 2015
We know that an investment in USF’s
Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF students and faculty is
IT’S A GREAT TIME AT USF! Our new As this issue was headed to press, we one that pays tremendous freshman class is stronger than ever; key announced another transformational gift in the projects are moving ahead with support USF: Unstoppable Campaign – $10.85 million dividends, and we from Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the state from USF alumnus Barron Collier to help “ cannot thank our local Legislature; we have been ranked 10th in the prepare a new generation of business graduates. nation for patents granted; and with this issue, Meanwhile, at USF St. Petersburg, construction Tampa Bay Legislative we introduce USF, a new, expanded publication of the Kate Tiedemann College of Business is that blends the best of USF Magazine and the well underway. Delegation, the Board of Alumni Voice for a broader view of our growing This year we mark a number of important university system. milestones in the USF System – the 50th Governors and Governor Have you ever wondered how our new Bulls anniversary of USF St. Petersburg, the 40th Scott enough for their get started? In our “Making Connections” anniversary of USF Sarasota-Manatee, and feature, you will learn about the programs, the 10th anniversary of Women in Leadership efforts this year on behalf initiatives and activities in place to help them and Philanthropy. Imagine how each of these connect with USF and our traditions. entities has transformed our region and of the USF System. Our “Global Interns” feature tracks the changed lives! – JUDY GENSHAFT, experience of three Patel College graduate I am excited to welcome everyone back, and USF SYSTEM PRESIDENT students who traveled across the globe to solve I look forward to another year of enormous real-world problems and help build a more progress. I hope you enjoy this inaugural issue sustainable future. And, in our feature exploring of USF. today’s U.S. policing crisis, celebrated USF criminology alumni and faculty offer insights Judy Genshaft, President and solutions. University of South Florida System
10 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA ” USF is published quarterly by University Communications & Marketing and the USF Alumni Association for alumni, friends A new name and a new look and members of the USF community. USF is a member of the University of South Florida System, which includes USF, USF St. Petersburg, and USF Sarasota-Manatee. WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF USF, a brand-new University Communications & Marketing publication that we hope you’ll find both surprising and familiar. Chief Marketing Officer Tom Hoof Creative Director Mike Nolasco It includes the best of the former USF Magazine and Alumni Director of Digital Marketing Steve Dapcic Voice and raises the bar on the depth and breadth of coverage of USF Alumni Association the USF System, its students, faculty, alumni and many friends. Executive Director Bill McCausland, MBA ’96 Communications Director Rita Kroeber In USF, you’ll get more news, more powerful photographs and more Bull spirit, all wrapped into one easy-to-read magazine. University Content Editor Ann Carney Alumni Content Editor Penny Carnathan ’82 We want USF to engage, entertain and inform you, so we Design Editor Anne Scott Lead Photographer Aimee Blodgett welcome your feedback. Please share your ideas, rants and raves by contacting Penny Carnathan at [email protected] or Contributors Anne DeLotto Baier ’78, Casey Crane ’06, Katy Hennig, calling her at 813-974-0907. Katlyn Kurtz, Hilary Lehman, Charlie Terenzio ’10, Thomas Todd, Melissa Wolfe ’13, Sarah Worth ’86, Tom Zebold
USF System Administration LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT Judy Genshaft, President Ralph Wilcox, Provost and Executive Vice President John Long, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ’82 Funding priorities approved Charles Lockwood, Senior Vice President for USF Health Paul Sanberg, Senior Vice President for Research & Innovation < ARTIST’S Joel Momberg, Senior Vice President for University Advancement RENDERING OF THE Sophia Wisniewska, Regional Chancellor, USF St. Petersburg NEW USF HEALTH Sandra Stone, Regional Chancellor, USF Sarasota-Manatee MORSANI COLLEGE USF Board of Trustees Harold W. Mullis, Esq., Chair OF MEDICINE AND Brian D. Lamb ’98, Vice Chair Josef Gherman HEART INSITUTE Stephanie E. Goforth ’82 Scott L. Hopes ’83 & MPH ’85 Stanley I. Levy ’73 Stephen J. Mitchell, Esq. John B. Ramil ’78 & MCE ’00 Debbie N. Sembler Byron E. Shinn ’79 Gregory B. Teague Nancy H. Watkins ’82 Jordan B. Zimmerman ’80
Contact USF University Communications & Marketing The new state budget signed into law n Millions in new performance-based 4202 E. Fowler Ave., CGS 301 funding, which will support enhanced Tampa, Florida 33620-4301 by Gov. Rick Scott on June 23 includes (813) 974-4014 widespread support for several USF academic program and student career [email protected]
System initiatives. Some highlights: preparation services across the USF Contact the USF Alumni Association System Gibbons Alumni Center n Sufficient funding to move forward 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC100 Tampa, Florida 33620-5455 with a bold plan to construct a new n Additional funding to support the (813) 974-2100 • (800) 299-BULL (2855) [email protected] USF Health Morsani College of new Florida Center for Cybersecurity, Medicine and Heart Institute facility a shared academic, research and Update your contact information: www.myusfbio.org
in downtown Tampa innovation center for Florida’s Reprint policy: USF encourages reprinting articles universities, government, defense and in their entirety. Permission may be obtained by contacting n The funds necessary to complete [email protected]. industry, which is housed at USF construction of the new Kate Tiedemann College of Business The new budget also includes a host building at USF St. Petersburg of other funding priorities across the USF System.
FALL 2015 11 Campus ART HISTORY PROGRAM RANKED NO. 9 IN U.S. USF’s graduate program in > MARKETING art history has earned top-10 PROFESSOR ranking among the “Best Art History Graduate Programs DIPAYAN BISWAS in the U.S.,” according to graduateprograms.com, an online resource for prospective graduate students. The master’s-level program, housed in the School of Art & Art History in the College of The Arts, took the ninth spot, ranked between Temple University and Duke. Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF
FACULTY Marketing professor recognized for excellence
Do heavier or lighter glasses make Champagne taste better? What sensory factors encourage students in public school cafeterias to make healthy choices? Do scents in hospitals impact patient recovery times? PROFESSOR Marketing professor Dipayan Biswas recently received the Academy of Market- FEATURED ON NBC’S ing Science Outstanding Marketing Teacher Award for his skill in communicating DATELINE concepts such as these with real-world examples from his prolific research in the Raymond Miltenberger, a area of sensory marketing. His students say he has transformed the way they think professor in the Department about marketing. of Child and Family Studies “With all his business acumen, he has an innate ability to turn the theoretical in the College of Behavioral into real world application,” undergraduate student Meagan Gunsteen wrote in her & Community Sciences, support letter for the teaching award. was recently featured on Since receiving his PhD in 2004 and joining USF in 2011, Biswas’ research on an NBC Dateline segment sensory marketing has been publicized all over the world. He has been a principal focused on kids and gun investigator for a grant funded by the USDA and co-investigator for a grant funded safety. The segment, part jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Science Foundation. of the “My Kid Would Never In addition, he has conducted research for companies and organizations. For Do That” series, used a the Hillsborough County School District, Biswas examined the impact of atmo- hidden camera approach spherics on students’ food choices; for a Champagne maker in France, he found to test the effectiveness that weights of glasses used for tastings on tours influenced assessments of the of two teaching methods – behavioral skills training Champagne’s taste. A project with a hospital led to the discovery that ambient and just talking – aimed at scents could lead to faster patient recoveries. keeping children safe. Biswas says while ambient color and food texture might seem like small things in the overall marketing arena, this growing field of research holds huge implica- tions for changing the way companies do business. -HILARY LEHMAN | Muma College of Business
12 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA USF ST. PETERSBURG USFSP FLIPS SWITCH ON SOLAR PANEL Fire ants research draws A new solar panel array atop the USFSP 5th Avenue South BBC filmmaking crew parking garage was activated in May. The 6,600-square-foot A team from BBC’s Natural History Unit spent part of the summer filming fire system, a collaboraton with ant research at USF St. Petersburg for a television series. Duke Energy, will generate “We’re doing a series for the BBC called Animals Like Us, which looks at enough power to run the human-like behavior in animals,” says producer Rob Pilley, who worked with garage’s lights, elevators, security cameras and electric cameraman Rod Clarke to capture footage of the social insects. “And we’re look- car-charging systems. Any extra ing at a whole array of different species from around the world, one of which is power will be stored in batteries the fire ant.” on the garage’s ground floor and The BBC team documented the ways that fire ant communities work togeth- will run the facility at night and er and how their interactions mirror those of humans. Working with USFSP when it’s cloudy. professor of biology Deby Cassill, they also explored ants as individuals. The solar project will allow “The more that we look at them, the more we discover their behavior is very students and faculty to study similar to that of humans,” says Pilley, who worked with Cassill on another fire alternative energy production and storage. ant-related documentary for the BBC about eight years ago. “Dr. Cassill is a world > A 6,600- expert on it, so she’s the obvious person to come work with on this project. SQUARE-FOOT “We want to look at the personality and moods that ants have,” he says. “They all have different personalities, even aside from them being from the same SOLAR ARRAY WAS castes. Like humans, they have similar idiosyncratic likes and dislikes in their INSTALLED AT personalities, diets and lives.” USFSP COURTESY Fire ants, a species not native to Florida, also are exceedingly resilient. When OF DUKE ENERGY. there is a flood, fire ants will gather together to form a raft-like ball and float to safety. “Having the BBC team document this type of research affirms the impor- tance of the research being conducted at USF St. Petersburg,” Cassill says. BREITBART NAMED STEM Animals Like Us will air on BBC and is expected to air in the United States WOMAN OF THE YEAR on PBS in Summer 2017. -CASEY CRANE ’06 | USFSP Less than two years after being recognized as one of Popular Science magazine’s “Brilliant Ten” young scientists, Mya Breitbart has been named the 2015 STEM Woman of the Year by Girls Inc. < FROM LEFT: of Pinellas. The award recognizes BBC CAMERAMAN a woman in a STEM career who provides mentorship and supports ROD CLARKE AND both local and national community PRODUCER ROB programs focused on inspiring girls in STEM. PILLEY CAPTURE Breitbart is an associate VIDEO FOOTAGE AT professor in the College of Marine USFSP OF FIRE ANTS. Science. Her research uses genomic sequencing to explore the identity, diversity and distribution of viruses in environments ranging from seawater to sewage.
FALL 2015 13 Campus Photos: ERIC YOUNGHANS | USF Health
USF HEALTH
African Americans, other minorities We need a much sought for clinical trials broader spectrum of the African Americans are dying 10 years earlier than their Caucasian peers, and they account for a population to make sure disproportionate share of several types of cancers and other diseases – yet they comprise less than 1 that a medication shown percent of participants in clinical trials testing the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The lack of minority representation in clinical trials is a serious problem that is becoming increas- to be effective for one ingly important as researchers gain ground on personalized medicine – using genetic information to “ develop and tailor treatments for individual patients. group is actually very Recently, USF Health teamed up with Moffitt Cancer Center, 50 Hoops, the National Physician effective for all the people and Family Referral Project and community advocates to increase the diversity of clinical trials in the Tampa Bay area. who we intend to treat “We need a much broader spectrum of the population to make sure that a medication shown to be effective for one group is actually very effective for all the people who we intend to treat with that with that medication. medication,” College of Pharmacy Dean Kevin Sneed said at an April workshop to discuss the need for – KEVIN SNEED, increased participation among African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities in research trials. DEAN, COLLEGE OF PHARMACY The group touched on everything – from lack of transportation and cultural factors to con- cerns over documented status and mistrust of doctors – in discussing strategies to increase minority sign-ups. “We’ve begun the conversation,” Sneed says. “As researchers interested in evidence-based care, we must continue to answer questions with transparency, to build trust with advocates in the Tampa Bay community, and, hopefully, increase minority participation in clinical research.”
– ANNE DELOTTO BAIER ’78 | USF
Health 14 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA ” USF HEALTH COLLEGE OF PHARMACY EARNS ACCREDITATION The USF College of Pharmacy Nursing to study gut has earned full accreditation from the Accreditation Council bacteria in preemies for Pharmacy Education, To stay healthy, humans rely on trillions of microorganisms and bacteria living marking a huge milestone for the young school and validating mostly in the human gut. The colony of microbes begins developing at birth, the innovative education and helps fend off disease and infection, among other benefits. experience offered to USF But babies born prematurely with very low birth weights tend to develop pharmacy students. an abnormal gut microbiome. What effect that has on their health and As part of the accreditation development is the focus of a five-year study being launched at the College of process, the college was Nursing, which was awarded a $2.7 million National Institutes of Health grant. measured across 30 standards Maureen Groer, nursing’s Gordon Keller professor, is the lead investigator for providing a strong program, on the study. Groer and her multidisciplinary team of USF researchers will including planning and study 100 low birth weight babies through age 4 to discover if there is a direct evaluation, administration and relationship between the gut microbiome and their development, health and governance, curriculum, student growth over time. support, faculty and staff, and In most cases, the gut microbiome is established at 3 years old, except in facilities and resources.
< MAUREEN those who may have an abnormal gut microbiome. The College of Pharmacy graduated its charter class in “Previous research shows that the gut microbiome has a direct relationship GROER, USF May 2015. with brain neurochemistry, behavior, metabolism and the development of the NURSING’S immune system. So, there is a variety of behavior, allergic and autoimmune GORDON KELLER diseases, including Crohn’s disease, autism, diarrhea and obesity, which may be related to disruption of the gut microbiome,” Groer says. PROFESSOR One out of nine infants in the United States is born pre-term, the leading cause of long-term neurological disabilities and developmental health problems in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
– ANN CARNEY | USF PUBLIC HEALTH TOPS FOR VETS USF’s undergraduate program in public health earned the No. 1 spot on College Factual’s “Top 10 Photo: SANDRA ROA | USF Health Veteran-Friendly Public Health Schools” list published in Military Times in July. College Factual considered a variety of factors when determining the top colleges for veterans pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health, from veteran-friendly policies to affordability and overall college quality. USF’s College of Public Health was the first accredited college in Florida’s State University System to offer a bachelor’s degree program in public health.
FALL 2015 15 Campus
AFROTC USF pilots military Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF exchange For Cadet 2nd Class Matthew Sprague, < USAFA CADET life at the U.S. Air Force Academy was 2ND CLASS predictable: Breakfast in uniform at MATTHEW SPRAGUE 6:50 a.m. daily, class from 7:30 a.m. SPENT ONE until 3:30 p.m., intramural sports, dinner, military training, study time SEMESTER IN THE and taps. MUMA COLLEGE OF But all that changed in the spring BUSINESS, WHERE when Sprague, an aspiring pilot can- didate from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, HE EARNED A 4.0. took part in a groundbreaking Air Force ROTC exchange program that n USF WAS ONE put competitively selected cadets in a OF ONLY THREE U.S. civilian university for one semester. USF was one of only three univer- UNIVERSITIES sities nationwide – including Arizona NATIONWIDE State University in Tempe and the Uni- SELECTED FOR THE versity of Texas-San Antonio – selected to participate in the first-of-its-kind GROUNDBREAKING exchange. For four months, Sprague, EXCHANGE. chosen from a pool of more than 1,000 junior academy cadets, was a student in “My first class had 400 students, “The whole experience exceeded n THIS FALL, the Muma College of Business, where but that seems natural now,” he says, my expectations. It was one of the most he earned a 4.0 GPA. despite coming from a program where influential semesters I’ve had,” says USF WILL HOST The exchange program was con- the average class has less than 30 Sprague, who returns to the Academy A SECOND USAFA ceived by the academy last year as part students. “The students offer so many this fall as vice commander for the Ca- CADET, AND THE of an effort to enhance its officer devel- different perspectives.” det Wing. “I learned a lot about myself opment experience. And unlike his life at the Air Force as a person and a leader. I am definitely ACADEMY WILL “The Air Force Academy is a four- Academy, where a rigorous schedule going back as an improved leader.” HOST A USF and strict rules of conduct are a way of This fall, the groundbreaking year degree program, but it is a very AFROTC CADET. different experience than a traditional life, his university experience offered program expands to include a reverse university program,” explains USF Air flexibility and the opportunity to chart exchange. While USF hosts Academy Force ROTC Commander Col. Jim his own course. Cadet Bjorn Nielsen, a political science n ”IT WAS ONE Cardoso, an academy alumnus who “You have a lot more choices to major, USF AFROTC Cadet Aaron OF THE MOST coordinated the exchange for USF. make. No one is telling you not to skip Galang will attend the academy as INFLUENTIAL “The exchange allows for cross-flow class or to come back to your room one of six AFROTC cadets nationwide of information. It is a broadening every night,” says the 21-year-old. “You selected for the experience. SEMESTERS experience.” learn to make your own life decisions.” “The experience has given me I’VE HAD,” SAYS At USF, Sprague led a group of 20 credibility; I’ve seen the other side,” Sprague, who was raised in a family SPRAGUE. where every generation has served in ROTC cadets – introducing the young- says Sprague, adding, “In one semester, the military since the Civil War, says the er cadets to military training and the I made friends for life.” military lifestyle. – ANN CARNEY | USF experience was life-changing.
16 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA USFSP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
A Community Block Party in early
September kicked off USF St. Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | UCM Petersburg’s 50th Anniversary > CALVIN celebration. The free block party WILLIAMS IS was the first of more than 50 THE NEW VICE public events the university will host during the academic year. PRESIDENT OF During the event, St. Petersburg ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Rick Kriseman unveiled the co-naming of Second Street South, SERVICES AT USF now also known as University Way. IN TAMPA. “This is truly exciting. The street becomes a physical reminder of the tremendous synergies between the city of St. Petersburg and the university,” says USFSP Regional Chancellor Sophia LEADERSHIP Wisniewska. “This celebration marks an incredible time in our history; it’s a great time to be at Williams named new USF St. Petersburg.” VP Administrative Services
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Williams has joined USF as its new vice president of Administrative Services. The USF alumnus was chosen following a USFSM LAUNCHES national search. 40TH ANNIVERSARY In his new role, Williams oversees multiple departments including Environ- mental Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Human Resources, and Parking CELEBRATION and Transportation Services. Williams comes to USF after a decorated career in the Air Force spanning USFSM is marking four decades more than 30 years. He served in various engineering and senior leadership of higher education with a roles both internationally and in the United States, most recently as director of yearlong series of events. The celebration began in September logistics, installations and mission support at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. with a 40th Anniversary Kickoff His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritori- and runs through the academic ous Service Medal, among others. year. To learn more, visit USFSM’s “Calvin is a great addition to the USF team,” Chief Operating Officer John 40th Anniversary web page at Long said when announcing the appointment. “Calvin’s background in the Air usfsm.edu/40. The site features Force has provided him with a host of experience and skills that will allow him historical information, photos, to continue USF’s upward trajectory – plus he is a USF graduate.” a timeline, an events calendar In addition to a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from USF, Williams and comments from alumni and holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University supporters. and master’s degrees in public administration, national resource strategy, and mili- tary operational art and science from Troy State University, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Air Command and Staff College respectively. “The university is very ‘future focused’ and fits with my values. I look forward to working with my team, propelling them on the path of excellence,” Williams says, adding, “As an alumnus, I am excited to come back to USF in this role.”
– ANN CARNEY | USF
FALL 2015 17 Campus
< IVA GUEORGUIEVA WORKS ON HER SCULPTURE
VANISHED ANIMAL V AT USF’S GRAPHICSTUDIO IN JULY.
n GRAPHICSTUDIO IS A UNIVERSITY- BASED WORKSHOP THAT PROVIDES ARTISTS THE FREEDOM TO EXPERIMENT, WITH THE SUPPORT OF FACULTY AND STAFF. Photos: KATY HENNIG | USF Photos: KATY FINE ARTS n MORE THAN 100 LEADING INTERNATIONAL unique,” says Gueorguieva. “Of course CONTEMPORARY Artist in ARTISTS HAVE being a working artist, you are part of the CREATED 600-PLUS residence lauds art world and it has a lot to do with how LIMITED EDITION do you make something happen? It has FINE ART WORKS AT GRAPHICSTUDIO. freedom of a lot to do with resources and effort and Graphicstudio energy and Graphicstudio really allows n OVER THE artists to fail and that is really amazing. I YEARS, ARTISTS IN Los Angeles-based painter Iva don’t like to fail but having that freedom RESIDENCE HAVE PRODUCED PRINT Gueorguieva spent some time in Tampa makes it possible for me to really truly EDITIONS AND in July as the Artist in Residence at experiment and to push what I do to kind MULTIPLES AT THE USF’s Graphicstudio, a world-renowned of an extreme and I am really grateful. FOREFRONT OF CONTEMPORARY ART. printmaking studio. “It’s unlike anything that exists in Her current artwork is a series of this country. Absolutely every time I n IN 1990, sculptures that mimic macrocosms come here things change in my own AN ARCHIVE OF and bring large-scale buildings and studio; I would not be making the GRAPHICSTUDIO’S PUBLICATIONS paintings that I am now if it was not features into a small-scale narrative. She WAS ESTABLISHED combines found elements from the local for this relationship, I would not be AT THE NATIONAL environment with printmaking, painting the artist that I am if it weren’t for this GALLERY OF ART IN and collage. relationship. It’s the most important WASHINGTON, D.C. “The kind of freedom that an artist relationship that I have in my art life.” has working in a place like this is really – KATY HENNIG | USF
18 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA < MOSQUITOES USF 10TH NATIONWIDE ARE EXTREMELY FOR U.S. PATENTS
Photo: THINKSTOCK GOOD AT USF ranks 10th nationally and SURVIVING AND 13th among universities worldwide REPRODUCING, for U.S. patents granted in 2014, according to a new report from the SAYS USFSM National Academy of Inventors and ASSISTANT the Intellectual Property Owners Association. PROFESSOR The report, based on data APARNA TELANG. obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, recognizes the important role patents play in university research. USF was granted 104 patents in 2014. The latest listing marks the fifth year in a row that USF has ranked among the top 15 universities nationwide USF SARASOTA-MANATEE in generating new inventions. Lab seeks to take bite out > U.S. PATENTS AWARDED TO of mosquito population USF LINE THE
WALLS OF THE Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF Aparna Telang’s biology research lab packs a lot of punch in its 600 square feet: two incubators, a chemical hood, a centrifuge and other equipment as well as 100 TECHNOLOGY mosquitoes and 200 mosquito eggs. TRANSFER Telang, assistant professor of biology at USFSM, and her interns are studying OFFICE. how parasites live inside mosquitoes and why these hosts remain immune to the deadly diseases they transmit to humans. USF AWARDED I-CORPS With the arrival in Florida of dengue fever in 2009 and West Nile virus in DESIGNATION 2001, researchers statewide are intent on discovering new ways to eradicate, or at least control, these and other mosquito-borne diseases. USF has been named an I-Corps Telang’s four interns – sophomore Ruby Ramos, junior Robert “Zach” Nemitz Site by the National Science and seniors Nicole Carswell and Carissa Santiago – will assist in running tests, Foundation, one of only 36 dissecting mosquitoes and examining their minuscule anatomies for signs of bac- universities nationwide to earn teria, both benign and harmful. Each has a specific role in the research. the prestigious designation. Santiago, who hopes to become a doctor, says part of her job involves dissect- With the designation comes a nearly $300,000 grant to build, ing mosquitoes to examine benign microbes and their function within their hosts. train and mentor teams of USF In addition to Telang and the other interns, she is collaborating with Kim Ritchie, faculty and students to become a microbiologist at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. successful entrepreneurs and Telang hopes to publish her findings in about two years. commercialize their ideas over the The best outcome: to identify a strain of symbiotic bacteria on which mosqui- next three years. toes depend that can be exploited to control their population levels. The I-Corps Sites program “A lot of the time, the research is about how to knock their numbers down,” was created in 2011 to enable Telang says. “The reason mosquitoes are so prevalent is they are good at academic institutions to catalyze surviving. They are extremely good at what they do, which is to survive and teams whose tech concepts reproduce. The best we can hope for is how to figure out newer, lasting ways are likely candidates for to reduce their numbers.” commercialization. – CHARLIE TERENZIO ’10 | USFSM
FALL 2015 19 Athletics Photo: TOM BRITT
FOOTBALL < New look, defense are using new systems. accentuate its strength in secondary players RUNNING BACK Star running back Marlon Mack and match up with the growing number of MARLON MACK, and the offense are operating in an spread offenses. new gusto CENTER, AND up-tempo approach that lets the Bulls “I want to win this conference cham- Head coach Willie Taggart’s new-look take advantage of their plethora of pionship, that’s our goal,” says Taggart. TEAMMATES ERIC Bulls have high hopes for a season playmakers while they tire opponents “However many wins it takes to win the LEE, LEFT, AND with rapid play calls. conference championship, that’s what we that’s already been packed with exciting DEADRIN SENAT, moments. The defense, nicknamed the “Bull want to do.” RIGHT, PRACTICE The Bulls have new uniforms, new Sharks,” is using the new 4-2-5 scheme Join the Bulls for the 7 p.m. Oct. 2 players, new coordinators and three new (four linemen, two linebackers, five conference opener against Memphis at AT THE MORSANI position coaches. And both offense and defensive backs) that allows USF to Raymond James Stadium. FOOTBALL COMPLEX.
– TOM ZEBOLD | USF Athletics
20 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA SOCCER TEAMS WORKING > FORMER TOWARD POST SEASON BULLS SOFTBALL STAR SARA Soccer season is in full swing and the Bulls are working to build impressive NEVINS WAS NCAA tournament resumes. NAMED TO THE Head coach Denise Schilte-Brown’s women’s team is looking for a return USA SOFTBALL trip to the NCAA tournament after WOMEN’S hosting a first-round game for the first NATIONAL TEAM time last season. Head coach George Kiefer’s men’s FOR THE THIRD squad is looking to book its eighth STRAIGHT YEAR – trip to the NCAA tournament in nine seasons. The Bulls are benefiting from ONE OF ONLY 18 new talent after reeling in the third- ATHLETES IN THE best recruiting class in the nation. NATION TO EARN Check GoUSFBulls.com for upcoming home games and catch top- A SPOT ON THE level soccer at Corbett Stadium. TEAM.
< 167 USF BULLS WERE NAMED TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS THE AMERICAN ALUMNI CONTINUES ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ALL- Former Bull helps lead It was a proud moment for the program ACADEMIC TEAM. at the end of July, when 167 Bulls Team USA to gold were named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team for the Former Bulls softball star pitcher Sara Nevins helped Team USA take a gold 2014-15 season. medal during the World Cup of Softball, defeating Japan 6-1 on July 5 to claim USF’s women’s track and field the World Cup. led the way with 25 student-athletes It was Nevins’ third year pitching for the team, which won silver in 2013 and honored, while the football team gold in 2014. Coaching Team USA was USF’s Ken Eriksen. matched a program record set last year “I love having Coach Ken there with me,” Nevins said. “Mentally, he keeps me with 23 Bulls on the distinguished list. in check to make sure I’m in the right mind frame.” USF Athletics has seen 89 student- Following the gold medal win, Nevins played a key role in helping the U.S. athletes earn their degrees in the past two semesters. The program posted Women’s National Softball team capture a silver medal at the Pan American Games. an overall grade-point average of 3.0 Nevins, who earned a degree in interdisciplinary social science in 2014, is now among nearly 500 student-athletes in pursuing a nursing degree. When not playing ball, she trains and gives pitching the 2015 spring academic period. lessons to Tampa Bay area girls. “You can truly feel the momentum She declined an offer to play professionally in Japan. Instead, she hopes to building in USF Athletics,” Director of visit that country in 2020 – as part of the U.S. Olympic softball team. Athletics Mark Harlan says. – PENNY CARNATHAN ’82 | USFAA
FALL 2015 21 Unstoppable Photos: AIMEE BLODGETT | UCM < LEADERSHIP GIFTS Muma College of Business through focuses on student success and career Back row, left to right, scholarships. But recently, as the preparedness programs. On Aug. 27, Alya Limayem, Muma College USF alumnus met some of the first- the center was renamed the Collier of Business Dean Moez Students generation college students receiving Student Success Center at the USF Limayem, Barron (Barry) Gift inspire his scholarship, he found himself Muma College of Business. The gift is Collier III, Dana Collier, Lara moved by their stories of perseverance. part of the university’s $1 billion (Collier) Grady, Ryan Grady, “We hear about the American USF: Unstoppable Campaign. USF System President Judy alumnus to Dream being lost, and here is a The Collier family has been a Genshaft, Jacri Stubbs and program that’s doing exactly the longtime supporter of the Muma give back USF Foundation CEO Joel opposite,” Collier says. “When you get College of Business, particularly Momberg, with former Collier A MAN WHOSE FAMILY to talk to the students, you see their through student scholarships and the scholarship recipients DEVELOPED much of Southwest passion and their desire and drive to college’s Corporate Mentor Program, and, at center, Jackie Florida found himself inspired by USF get a good education, and to be able to which serves students who are students who had much less – but get out there and make a difference in the first in their families to attend Nelson, senior director of whose dreams were just as big. the world. They certainly inspire you college. A recent gift of $180,000 undergraduate programs For many years, Barron (Barry) to believe it.” expanded the program so that more at the newly named Collier Gift Collier III, whose grandfather Their stories inspired Collier and students could benefit from the Student Success Center. is the namesake of Collier County, his wife, Dana, to give $10,850,000 to services offered and the professional has supported students at the USF name a unit of the business school that development coursework that
22 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA accompanies the program. to gain professional skills and have > Jacri Stubbs, ‘12, Collier is a 1980 graduate of the personal attention that could help a Collier scholarship USF Muma College of Business, them succeed,” says Joel Momberg, recipient, gave and was a director of the USF Fort CEO of the USF Foundation. “The a heartwarming Myers campus board from 1987 to Collier family has a strong history of speech about how the 1992. Dana Collier graduated from investment in Florida’s future, and scholarship enabled Central Ohio Technical College, which we are thrilled that the Colliers have him to achieve his is affiliated with The Ohio State chosen to continue that investment University, and chose to stay home by giving back to USF.” dream of pursuing a and raise their four children: Barron, USF Muma College of Business career at a New York HIGHLIGHTS Alexandra, Lara and Christopher. Dean Moez Limayem says the City ad agency. Collier is chair of the Barron Collier Colliers’ generosity will continue n A $10.85 million gift from USF Partnership, which is dedicated to transform the lives of business alumnus Barron (Barry) Gift Collier to the responsible development, students for years to come. III and his wife, Dana, will enhance programs that teach students management and stewardship of the “The Colliers have given so communication skills, sales skills, partnership’s extensive land holdings generously to the Muma College of leadership, ethics, public speaking, and other assets in the businesses of Business because they have seen networking and more. agriculture, real estate and mineral firsthand what a difference their management. gifts have made to our students,” n As a result of the gift – part of The Collier family has a history Limayem says. “We believe every the USF: Unstoppable Campaign of philanthropy and success in student should have a meaningful – the student success and career Florida. Collier County, where Naples job upon graduation, in their center in the Muma College of is located, is named after Collier’s field, with a good salary. Students’ Business has been renamed the grandfather, Barron Gift Collier Sr. backgrounds or financial concerns Collier Student Success Center. An entrepreneur who made his should not prevent them from fortune in streetcar advertising, achieving their degrees and their Barron Collier Sr. was responsible dreams, and with this gift, USF can > Barron and for purchasing much of Southwest help them overcome those obstacles. Dana Collier at the Florida, eventually acquiring 1.3 This gift, more than ever before, will gift announcement million acres. help us achieve this dream.” in August. “We are deeply grateful to Barry The Colliers’ gift will prepare and Dana Collier for a gift that will a new generation of business have an enormous and positive impact graduates. The $10.85 million gift on USF business students and their will enhance USF programs that future achievements. Our university’s teach students communication most important mission is preparing skills, sales skills, leadership, ethics, students for success in life, and this public speaking, networking and extraordinary gift will ensure that other training that goes beyond what our students – particularly those who students can learn in textbooks. are the first in their families to attend Thanks to the Colliers’ generosity, college – have the skills, mentoring increasing numbers of business and preparation they need to be students will have access to these successful from the start,” says USF programs. $868,797,122 REASONS TO System President Judy Genshaft. “We think that’s what all colleges SAY “THANK YOU!” “After meeting with President and universities should be shooting The USF: Unstoppable Campaign Genshaft several years ago, the for,” Collier says. “These students, has raised more than $868 million mission of the Corporate Mentor their hopes and their dreams, are from people like you. Together we are Program resonated with Barry: giving being fulfilled.” Unstoppable. Read more about the first generation students the chance campaign at www.unstoppable.usf.edu. – HILARY LEHMAN | MUMA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
FALL 2015 23 24 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA BY PENNY CARNATHAN ’82 COPS VS. THE PUBLIC HEALING THE RIFT
Restoring the public’s faith in law enforcement following a spate of deaths of unarmed blacks will require officers to reach out – and look inward, say some of USF’s most esteemed criminology alumni and their renowned professor.
S A BOY GROWING UP IN St. Petersburg in the late ’60s and early ’70s, < Luke Williams of the Luke Williams was taught to respect the police, and he did. It wasn’t hard; St. Petersburg Police his family didn’t have run-ins with the law. Department chats with Until the day a burglar broke into the vacant house next door. Williams’ 13-year-old Elgin Drayton parents reported the crime and an officer came out to investigate. Look- at the city’s Campbell Park Aing for a shortcut back to his cruiser, the officer stepped over the family’s low fence to cross through their back yard. Recreation Center, where the “We told him he shouldn’t do that. We have a dog that might bite,” recalls the assistant assistant chief frequently chief of the St. Petersburg Police Department. “He said, ‘You’d better do something with that volunteers. “It’s all about dog because I’d hate to have to shoot it.’ relationship building,” “That made me mad. Why would he want to shoot Lassie?” Williams says. Williams was about 8 years old and the brief encounter took on disproportionate signifi- cance because it represented the sum total of his firsthand experience with law enforcement. It stole some of his respect for, and trust in, the guys in uniform. So he understands the public outrage and rift in trust following the deaths of two un- armed black men at the hands of white police officers in the summer of 2014 and the increas- ing tensions as more deaths followed – a 12-year-old with a pellet gun in Cleveland, a man tossed into a police van in Baltimore, another shot in the back in South Carolina. “I was not surprised when I saw what I saw,” Williams says of the ensuing public protests. “When people feel they can’t be heard, they make themselves heard.” Police agencies across the country now find themselves working to win back public trust. A June Gallup poll found Americans’ confidence in the police at its lowest in 22 years – 52 percent have “a great deal” or “quite a lot,” down from a high of 64 percent in 2004. Only 30 percent of blacks expressed confidence in 2014-15 polls, down from 36 percent in 2012-13. Some obvious first steps include better policing of their own, and increasing accountabil- ity and transparency, but some of USF’s most celebrated criminology alumni, including Wil- liams, say there are other equally important measures even the best, most well-intentioned cops should take. They include getting to know the law-abiding citizens in the community an officer patrols Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF FALL 2015 25 Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | USF
and nurturing good relationships with them. Officers crime prevention programs to encouraging officers and the public they serve also need to develop more to get out of their cars and walk around. Its squad of empathy for one another – and behave accordingly. mountain bike-certified officers, created to respond Add to that the need for officers to recognize more quickly to incidents on the often crowded cam- the implicit biases we all harbor, says USF associate pus, has had many public relations benefits. professor of criminology Lorie Fridell. An interna- “People love ’em,” Withrow says. “They want to get tionally renowned expert on biased policing, Fridell their pictures taken with them.” developed a “fair and impartial policing” training Williams says it’s also important for officers to program with funding from the U.S. Department of acknowledge the questions asked by people being Justice. It’s based on the science of bias, which holds arrested, and any friends or family present. Williams, UNLIKE EXPLICIT BIAS, THE TYPE that even people who consciously reject prejudice are who graduated USF in ’96 and earned a master’s in WE SEE IN SELF-PROFESSED influenced by subconscious preconceptions. criminal justice administration in 2008, says St. Pete RACISTS, IMPLICIT BIASES officers are instructed to explain what they did and ARE BURIED IN OUR BRAINS GETTING TO KNOW YOU why, if they have the opportunity. AND TRIGGER AUTOMATIC The USF Police Department used to conduct “It solves problems 75 to 80 percent of the time. an annual survey of the Tampa campus. One of the Sometimes, people just want to know ‘why?’ You have RESPONSES. FRIDELL’S questions was, “Do you know a USF police officer by to treat them as if they were your own family member PROGRAM FOCUSES ON THE first name?” or friend asking the same question,” he says. SCIENCE BEHIND THESE BIASES “We always had 80 to 90 percent say ‘yes,’ ’’ says On the flip side, some agencies have launched ini- AND PRACTICAL WAYS OFFICERS USF police Chief J.D. Withrow, who joined the de- tiatives to help the public see things from the officers’ CAN COMPENSATE FOR THEM. partment as a patrol officer in 1986, earned a degree perspective. The Los Angeles Police Department, for in criminology two years later and a master’s in adult instance, allows citizens to try out a training tool used education in ’95. “We worked hard to get there. You to simulate confrontations with hostile suspects. It have to reach out to the community and make people gives people a taste of the split-second, life-and-death aware you’re there for them.” decisions officers make. With less than 60 sworn officers serving a It also gives them an understanding of the fear community of up to 65,000 students, faculty and officers experience. staff on the Tampa campus alone, Withrow says his “The fear factor on both sides is increasing. Offi- department – like other police agencies – is most cers now walk around with a lot more fear because effective when it has the help of those it serves. The of all the events that have occurred. ... Officers are department reaches out in a variety of ways, from being ambushed,” says Rick Ramirez, special agent
26 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Photo: PENNY CARNATHAN | USFAA | CARNATHAN PENNY Photo:
in charge of Tampa Bay Regional Operations for Laszlo and with input from social psychologists and Far left: Associate professor of criminology the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a police professionals, have been used to train officers Lorie Fridell served for six years as the director 2008 graduate of USF’s criminology master’s pro- from more than 250 agencies. of research at the Police Executive Research gram. “We’re going to react when you’re not compli- She targets the insidious biases officers – and all Forum in Washington, D.C. Her primary ant or when you’re hostile.” of us – acquire. Unlike explicit bias, the type we see research areas are police use of force and He recalls a seemingly innocuous traffic stop in self-professed racists, implicit biases are buried violence against police. during his time as a sheriff’s deputy. He’d pulled over in our brains and trigger automatic responses. They a car and walked up to the driver’s side to ask for the can cause some cops to treat females as less of a man’s license and registration. He told the driver threat than males, and blacks as more of a threat Center: USF police Chief J.D. Withrow earned a to wait in his car while he ran the information, but than whites. Fridell’s program focuses on the science degree in criminology in ’88 and a master’s in when he turned his back to return to his cruiser, he behind these biases and practical ways officers can adult education in ’95. heard the car door open. compensate for them. “I turn around and I tell him to stay in the “Many individuals come in [to training] thinking Right: Special agent in charge of Tampa Bay vehicle, but he gets out,” Ramirez says. “So now my this is a small problem produced by other officers Regional Operations for the Florida Department adrenaline is pumped up a little; I’m a little more mostly in other agencies,” Fridell says. “I believe they cautious, a little fearful – all my bells and whistles leave the training thinking, ‘This is bigger than I of Law Enforcement Rick Ramirez is a 2008 are going off.” thought. I am part of the issue.’ ’’ graduate of USF’s criminology master’s program. After some “aggressive” talk from Ramirez, the man finally got back in his car. EPILOGUE “It could all have been avoided if he’d just com- Decades after Luke Williams’ childhood en- plied in the first place.” counter with the dog-threatening police officer, he found himself working alongside the man. FAIR AND IMPARTIAL POLICING “I found out that he’s really a good man,” All three officers have studied under Fridell, a Williams says. “That had a powerful impact on rock star in the law enforcement community. She me. Getting to know him at the end of his career has an academic background in psychology, social helped me understand that a few careless words ecology and criminology, and represents Florida on can be powerful and have a lasting impact. Your the American Civil Liberties Union national board. words should reflect the person you are.” In 2009, she began work on curricula for That officer, by the way, was white. Williams training officers in fair and unbiased policing. Her is black. What Williams remembered was the programs, developed with curriculum designer Anna uniform. n
FALL 2015 27 Josh Class of ’15
Evan Drew Class of ’17 Monica Class of ’19 Class of ’16 Monique Lauren Class of ’17 Julieanne Class of ’18
Katya Class of ’18
28 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Monica Class of ’16 Shai-Ann Class of ’17 MAKING CONNECTIONS
BY STEVE GERMAIN
New student welcome progams turn hearts green and gold and help USF’s newest Bulls succeed.
hen high school student Drew Hays was home in Illinois asking the same two questions as thousands of students across America: “Where should I go to college, and what’s it going to be like?” While Drew’s brother, Evan, was already attending USF, which was a strong draw in the decision-making process, it was Tthe campus atmosphere and the people he met that made Hays want to become a Bull. “The second time I walked around the campus I knew this was the place,” he says. Question one was answered, but what about question two? Hays got answers to all his questions and concerns through USF’s new student welcome programs, offered by the Undergraduate Studies’ Office of Orientation and Student Affairs’ New Student Connections. For Hays, Orientation and CampU stood out as the events that put him at ease knowing he had made the perfect choice. “Orientation was fun and exactly what I was looking for as a new student,” the future finance major says. “What could have been a boring welcome lecture actually kept everyone involved and gave me the information I needed very clearly. I got answers to all of my questions, visited the business college, talked with advisers, and I also got to meet my fall roommate and a lot of new friends.” CampU, an overnight, off-campus camp for incoming freshmen, gave Hays an additional opportunity to bond with friends and learn more about USF’s tra- ditions. “Even though I have my brother at USF, the friends I made at CampU will really help ease my transition to college. I learned about resources and people I can go to for help, plus I can now sing the USF fight song in my sleep!” Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | UCM FALL 2015 29 I learned about resources and people I can go to for help, plus I can now sing the USF fight song in my sleep.” “ – Drew Hays < CampU participants celebrate the conclusion of Bull Olympics with a shaving cream battle.
30 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA From Bangladesh to USF CONNECTING NEW BULLS While most USF students are making the AROUND THE SYSTEM transition from high school to college, incom- ing freshman Adila Hoque has also traveled Programs and activities to help new students from Bangladesh to become a new Bull. successfully transition to college life are in The welcome mat for international new full swing around the USF System. Here’s a students is Orientation’s Glo-Bull Beginnings look at a few: Week, which helps incoming students such as Adila not only transition into life at USF, but USF St. Petersburg to life in America as well. n “The Glo-Bull events were fun and helpful,” A re-imagined first-year experience, Hoque says. “We got to explore and learn about the USF and the campus, called COMPASS, integrates students into and also got a lot of information on how things work in this country. Our the campus culture from the start of New cultures are so different that the Glo-Bull events were great to show us life in Student Orientation. n America and to get us started in school. I’m very excited by USF’s engineer- At a special sail-signing event during ing possibilities and so far it’s looking really good.” Move-In Weekend, new students signed the Class of 2019 sail. The sail will fly at commencement as a reminder of the start of Rising students: Paying it forward their journey. n USF senior Josh Dusing was like many when he first arrived at USF – a A welcome breakfast before Freshman self-described “mostly uninvolved” student. That is, until USF’s new stu- Convocation included lively parent-led panel dent programs opened up a world of possibilities for him. discussions and powerful student self- “Going through CampU and Orientation really motivated me to actually reflection. During the ceremonies, students get involved and get the most out of college,” Dusing says. “Talking with took the “Commitment to Honor” and were staff members opened me up to options like Greek life and helped me earn linked with peer mentors and a network of the leadership positions I hold now.” support services. n Dusing is one of 11 student leaders of the Parent and Family Orientation Learning Journeys, an off-campus program, which provides information about all facets of campus life – from program, allows students to explore research financial assistance, campus logistics, classes and more – to students’ family or academic interests with a faculty member. members. One group of students, for example, will Evan Hays (Drew’s brother), a junior majoring in microbiology, takes travel to Weedon Island with a USFSP his responsibilities as a CampU counselor seriously because he has person- anthropologist. ally experienced the program’s positive impact. “I came to USF knowing no one and now many of my friends I actually USF Sarasota-Manatee met at CampU years ago,” he says. “I really enjoy giving back to the new n students by motivating them, making them comfortable with their new A newly revamped Informations university lives, helping them meet new friends and building their passion Commons combines a student lounge with for USF.” collaborative study areas and private study Orientation and New Student Connections student leaders are trained carrels, facilitating connections between extensively on their specific programs and their responsibilities on mentoring students, peers and professors. n new students as peers. A new basketball court alongside the recently completed sand volleyball court encourages on-campus student interactions Creating opportunities for success outside of classes. n Even before the first day of class, incoming freshmen and students A new student ambassador program transferring to USF are immersed in activities to smoothly integrate into kicked off the year with a welcome retreat, campus life, make lifelong friendships, and hit the ground running on where club members met with ambassadors their own path to academic and professional success. Orientation, Glo-Bull from the Tampa and St Pete campuses to discuss initiatives and establish bonds with students throughout the USF System.
FALL 2015 31 Our cultures are so different that the Glo-Bull events were great to show us life in America and to get us started in school.” “ – Adila Hoque < Orientation team leader Katya Brioni speaks with international students during Glo-Bull Beginnings.
32 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Beginnings Week, CampU, Week of Welcome – which includes more than 100 fun programs such as Kick- off, Capture (the class photo), Charge service day, The Network – and the First Fifty Days, are just some of the initiatives designed to welcome students into the Photo: AIMEE BLODGETT | UCM campus community. Led by Marnie Hauser, director of the Office of Orientation, and Keri Riegler, director of New Stu- dent Connections, USF’s new student programs will help more than 8,300 first-time-in-college and trans- fer students transition to campus life this fall. “The programs are intentionally designed to help each student find their best, personal college experi- ence,” Hauser says. “Our team takes pride in helping each new student become an engaged citizen at USF, setting the tone for their independence, supporting them when/as needed and helping to instill a lifelong love of the Green and Gold.” The strategies driving the new student programs are intentional and systematically reviewed and revised to generate the best results for both students and university. Ultimately, our collected data show that these “We survey all incoming students along with stu- efforts positively impact students’ progress toward dents who have gone through the programs and we talk graduation and their success both inside and outside to event sponsors, staff and more to get direct feedback the classroom.” on ways we can improve,” Riegler says. “Students have USF’s strategically designed new student pro- said they want more peer-to-peer interaction, for ex- grams help to instill Bull pride, identity and tradition ample, so we added social events with residence mates in the hearts of USF’s student body – turning Drew, to build community and a sense of belonging with the Adila, Josh, Evan and thousands of other students university and the people they’ll be living with. into USF Bulls for a lifetime. n
ALUMNI WELCOME INCOMING FRESHMEN DURING SUMMER ROUND-UPS
Freshman Axel Cruz chose USF for its great research programs, its size, and because his friends planned to attend the University of Central Florida. He didn’t want to follow the crowd. Still, when he learned about the Alumni Association’s Broward County Hometown Round- Up in June, he leaped at the chance to see if he knew other local Bulls-to-be, and to meet some he didn’t know. He got all that and more. “I’m much less nervous after seeing what a Country citizens long before the first class. family community there is over there. There’s a “Parents come with lots of questions and a goal to really strong bond among alumni,” he said after the meet as many other parents as possible,” says Kerry get-together. “I got useful tips and they had prizes. I Cerra, ’94, who’s been hosting the Broward round-ups won a $100 gift card!’’ with husband Shawn, ’93, for about six years. “I drench USF alumni host about a dozen free round-up our house in green and gold for these shindigs. I hope it events each summer across the country, helping gives the students a sense of pride and gets them excited incoming freshmen and their families become Bulls about being a Bull.” n
FALL 2015 33 34 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA GLOBAL
INTERNS BY MELISSA WOLFE ’13 Twenty-six Patel College students traveled to five continents this summer to research sustainability issues. Here are three of their stories.
ICTOR FLOREZ RISES BEFORE enhances the well-being and quality of life for all. < In Nong Khai, Thailand, the sun and trudges through the Accordingly, his internship focused on sustainable Victor Florez helped build darkness down a dirt path to the community design and natural building. the walls of Gaia Ashram outdoor showers. He washes with “We came here to build,” says Florez, “which is ex- using adobe, cob and bamboo a bucket of cold water, then settles actly what we did. There was a great team of natural building techniques. Vin for morning meditation. When finished, he meets building and permaculture experts who instructed us up with the other volunteers for yoga practice before in constructing the walls of the ashram using adobe starting the day’s chores. bricks, bamboo frames, and a cob mixture consist- When Florez arrived at the Gaia Ashram in ing of mud, sand, silt, clay and straw. We learned to Nong Khai, Thailand, in March, the ashram had make adobe bricks and create various wall designs no walls. It consisted of only a foundation, a bare like making circle windows within the wall that are frame and a roof. Fourteen volunteers, like him, structurally sound. It was a community building slept on thin mats under the roof, surrounded by experience.” mosquito nets. Florez, who graduated from USF with a bachelor’s Florez is one of 26 USF Patel College of Global in international relations in 2012 says there are both Sustainability (PCGS) graduate students who traveled “hard” and “soft” elements of community building. this summer to five continents to research sustain- “The hard elements being the physical construction, ability issues, ranging from tracking greenhouse gas the soft being the human spirit and community, emissions and implementing renewable energy tech- becoming connected with each other and nature. It nologies to studying sustainable agricultural produc- was a great experience. We were off the grid for two tion and composting practices. weeks – no Internet, no phones, no connection. It PCGS offers a Master of Arts degree in global sus- disconnected us from electronics, but connected us tainability with concentrations in water, sustainable with each other and nature in a way I never thought tourism, renewable energy and entrepreneurship. possible.” Students complete an international research-oriented Florez stayed in Thailand for a month, studying internship as their capstone project. and practicing natural construction methods at the Students can tailor their internship experience to Gaia Ashram and the Panya Project in Chiang Mai suit their interest in various sectors of sustainability, before catching a bus to his next destination: the Au- resulting in unique and relevant once-in-a-lifetime roville Bamboo Centre in Tamil Nadu, India. experiences. “It was so strange and amazing that I went on a bus A Colombian-American fluent in English, Span- for six or seven hours and then arrived in a totally differ- ish and Mandarin Chinese, Florez fosters a dream of ent world,” says Florez. “Everything from the gestures, one day creating a green city that integrates a human clothing and language were quite different.” ecosystem with the natural ecosystem in a way that Auroville is a universal township that fosters a
FALL 2015 35 < At the Gathering of Elders conference in Mysore, India, Florez met with people from various cultures and backgrounds to discuss the preservation of ancient knowl- edge amidst the pressures of globalization.
culture of sustainable living. Located only a few miles of myself,” says Townsend. “I was getting a chance to from the center of town, the Auroville Bamboo Centre represent my country, my university and myself in a (ABC) aims to increase awareness of the many and global setting.” diverse uses of bamboo in the Auroville community Earlier this year, Townsend was selected for a and bioregion. prestigious four-month internship with the United During his stay at ABC, Florez designed the future Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) site of a 6-acre bamboo eco-village that will replen- to work within the Sustainable Energy Division, con- ish an arid land with a bamboo forest, restore and centrating on renewable energy. preserve a dried out lake and reconnect surrounding Townsend works on various objectives set forth culture and people. by the Group of Experts on Renewable Energy, a > David Townsend worked “My designs were the result of speaking with bureau established in 2013 to increase renewable at the United Nations multiple stakeholders, local water experts, politicians energy awareness, use and implementation within the Economic Commission and residents,” says Florez. “Restoring the lake using UNECE region. a biobarrier of water bamboo was a vital aspect of the “I’ve been researching the most practical and eco- for Europe in Geneva, project. I was told that if nothing was done, if some- nomically viable policy options that allow for sustain- Switzerland, where thing wasn’t implemented soon, the region won’t have able growth in the renewable energy sector, taking he studied the role of water in less than five years and villagers would have into account the fact that the UNECE has 56 different international organizations to relocate.” member states with varying levels of market types,” in the promotion and At the end of this internship, Florez presented his says Townsend, who graduated from USF in 2012 implementation of renewable eco-village proposal to the Auroville Town Planning with a bachelor’s in environmental science and policy. energy in developing nations. Committee. Next, the proposal will be presented to Townsend’s internship focuses on two key deliv- the Pondicherry government for final approval before erables: creating a menu of renewable energy tech- construction on the ecovillage can begin. nology and policy options, and researching ways to deploy renewable off grid technologies in developing countries. N A BRISK FEBRUARY MORNING, USF “The ‘Menu of Technology and Policy Options’ graduate student David Townsend sat on a essentially provides a roadmap for policymakers and O bench overlooking the rows of flags lining investors who would like to increase renewable ener- the main entrance of the Palais des Nations in Gene- gy use in their region or country,” he says. va, Switzerland. “The other main deliverable is, within our 56 “For the first time in my life, I felt genuinely proud countries, nine have been identified by the World
36 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA FALL 2015 37
Bank as having less than 100 percent access to children do not get enough nutrients, it causes all < Ericka L. McThenia modern energies. There are populations within these kinds of problems. Anemia is the leading childhood stands outside the countries that are reliant on primitive, basic forms of disease in Peru.” Instituto Educativa cooking and heating. My task was to research ways McThenia was halfway into a four-month intern- 6012, the primary school to give them packages to create off-grid, mini-grid, ship with the United Nations Food and Agricultural where she volunteers in or hybrid solutions where they can utilize a lower Organization (FAO). carbon-based fossil fuel like natural gas and couple “I am working on a Zero Hunger, Zero Waste Lurín, a neighborhood it with intermittent solar or wind power. This would initiative being implemented in schools,” says McThe- on the outskirts of Lima. create an off-grid network and allow these communi- nia, who was inspired to ‘close the food waste loop’ She will be visiting the ties to gain access to modern energy services.” after working in restaurants for more than 10 years. school every week until Although Townsend’s typical day starts and ends “When I arrived in Peru, FAO had no boots on the October 2015. behind a desk and a mound of paperwork, working at ground, but wanted to create more inner sectorial the UNECE headquarters could never be called dull. and inner institutional partnerships and cooperations “One day Christiane Amanpour from CNN was here to address food and nutrition access in Peru.” to interview the high commission on the Middle East As part of an effort to build the FAO’s presence < During recess, refugee crisis and peacekeeping in a big televised event. in Lima, McThenia was tasked with developing a students clear the Right across the row from me was U.S. Ambassador model food waste program that could be applied to Pamela Hamamoto, who had just been selected by Pres- other schools in the region. In mid-October, she will garden site of sticks and ident Obama last year. The ambassador from New Zea- present her model to the FAO before returning home trash, loosen the soil land introduced us. She was really excited to hear about to Florida. and prepare the area the work I was doing and where I had come from.” Using school 6012 for her pilot program, McThenia to receive plants. The Only a year ago, Townsend didn’t think he would began working with the children to bring life back into first plants to go into be in a master’s program, let alone traveling halfway the previously abandoned garden. In her first lesson, the garden were banana around the world to work with the United Nations. the children cleared the land and tilled the garden to trees donated by a few “This experience has been absolutely incredible. It prepare it for planting. In future lessons, they planted has surpassed anything I could have ever anticipated. seeds and build a compost pile. parents. The garden It is just blowing my expectations.” “I’m planning lessons for the kids on how to use space is roughly 1,000 waste as a resource,” says McThenia. “My lessons square meters. focus on saving seeds, growing food, composting and WO HOURS AND THREE BUS RIDES the importance of reducing food waste.” later, Ericka L. McThenia walks uphill past Overall, McThenia says her biggest challenge is T cornfields, cows and chickens to complete overcoming the language barrier in her everyday the last leg of her journey to a small school on the work. Although familiar with Spanish, McThenia is outskirts of Lima, Peru. not fluent, which makes writing lesson plans, par- Designated only by the number 6012, the little ticipating in conferences and engaging stakeholders blue school has 28 children in first through sixth challenging. grades in three classrooms. Behind the building, a “I practice Spanish every day,” she says. “On the newly tilled 1,000-square-meter garden sports seven days that I do not go to the school, I work in an of- freshly planted banana trees and holds the promise fice writing lesson plans and translating them over of food security in a country that often lacks access to to Spanish with the help of my Spanish-English food and nutrition. dictionary. “Peru has an incredibly rich agricultural history,” “The experience and opportunity to learn have says McThenia, who graduated from Flagler College been very rewarding, says McThenia. “Already at the with a degree in theater arts before changing her school, we have started the garden. The parents heard focus to sustainability and food waste. “There are about what we are trying to do and donated seven 4,000 different types of potatoes here, and Peru is banana trees, which the kids planted in the garden. famous for their corn varieties, but so many children It is very rewarding to think of the longevity of that in this region are lacking sufficient access to food and effect and knowing that a small difference has already nutrition. There is a hidden hunger that occurs when been made.” n
FALL 2015 39 Forever Bulls
Why, you ask, is an alumni association so 5 minutes involved with students? Because making an impact on student with Bill success is an important part of our mission, and because in a few short years, they won’t be My Fellow Bulls, students – they’ll be alumni. Exciting things happen when Bulls Unite, I have found that students who’ve had which is why I was thrilled when your Alumni positive experiences with their alumni Association and the USF communications team association are more likely to be active, engaged joined forces to create the new publication you alumni. So we reach out through programs and now hold in your hands. opportunities that help students succeed while In USF, you’ll find stories about your fellow also demonstrating the value of staying involved alumni and the features you’ve told us you love, after graduation. When alumni make a difference like “Where’s Rocky?” But we know you’re also in their lives, students remember, and many (like interested in news from throughout the USF you) pay it forward for generations to come. It’s System, from student life and faculty research to how great universities like USF are built. what’s playing at Theatre 1. Now you’ll get it all Which leads me to ask, when was the last in a single magazine that we hope will entertain, time you came home to your great university? inform and engage you. Homecoming festivities kick off Oct. 5 and continue As I write, I can hear the Herd of Thunder Meet your 2015-16 all week, with your Welcome Home Party and practicing on Fowler Fields near the Gibbons USF Alumni Parade on Oct. 9 and the Homecoming football Alumni Center; it’s just one of the reasons I Association Board game the next day. I look forward to seeing you – it’s really enjoy the fall semester. There are more “Our Week. Our Homecoming. Our USF”! students on campus now than any other time Front row, seated from left: of the year, and they’re frequent visitors to Mike Griffin, ’03, past chair; April Monteith, Bill McCausland, MBA, ’96 the Alumni Center. They stop by to pick up Executive Director, ’01 & MBA ’03, treasurer; Betty Otter- scholarship applications, meet with fellow USF USF Alumni Association Nickerson, ’76, chair; Jim Harvey, ’88, Life Member Ambassadors, and get advice from our student chair elect; Merritt Martin, ’04 & MPA ’06, relations team, LaToya Wider and Tyrone Gray. secretary
40 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
Second row: Brian Goff, ’13; Jose Valiente, ’73; director, USF Alumni Association; Jessica THE USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S BOARD of directors Ruben Matos, MPH ’92; Richard Hartman, ’88 Eldridge, `01; Katrina Anderson, ’09, MA `11; includes alumni who’ve demonstrated a firm commitment & PhD ’02; Vicki Ahrens, ’73 & MA ’75; Philip Brian Campbell, ’93; Darrell Stinger, ’74; Mike to USF’s success, are Association Life Members and Circle Amuso, ’73, MA ’75 & PhD ’00; Heather Tank, Malanga, vice president, Student Government of Excellence donors. It also includes two students: the ’05; Michael Perry, ’81; Daniel-John Sewell, student government vice president and the USF Ambassadors president, USF Ambassadors Not pictured: Braulio Colon, ’03 & MPA ’10; president; non-voting, ex-officio directors are the USF System Judy Genshaft, PhD, USF System president; president, the senior vice president for USF Advancement and Back row: Frederick Rich, ’02; Beth Zentmeyer, Joel Momberg, senior vice president for USF Alumni Affairs and the Association executive director. ’05; Glen Gilzean, ’05, MS ’09; Monique Hayes, Advancement and Alumni Affairs The board sets policy and guides the direction of the ’01; Bill McCausland, MBA ’96, executive Association as it builds mutually beneficial relationships between USF and its alumni.
FALL 2015 41 Photo: LINDSAY UPSON PHOTOGRAPHY Photo: LINDSAY
42 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls BE MY GUEST Bill Upson has had a hand in developing some of the country’s most BY MICHELLE BEARDEN memorable and pioneering restaurants, starting with 32-year-old Napa Valley landmark Mustards Grill. He shares his recipe for thriving in an industry notrious for failures.
ne of his restaurants, on the people end, he’s a great listener and an even the waterfront in Sausalito, better teacher,” Jones says. “He’s also a great California, features an outdoor example. Nobody works harder than Bill.” bocce ball court. Another in Upson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Oneighboring San Francisco is a throwback to sociology at USF in 1969, says he had no idea he a historic diner that once catered to hungry would actually put that knowledge to work in a sailors before they shipped out to serve in career – he was just trying to avoid the draft by World War II. studying something that interested him. Turns Then there’s the chain of Manhattan bak- out, there’s a lot of sociology and psychology, eries with juice and espresso bars designed to which he also studied, in restaurants. appeal to busy New Yorkers, and the Charles- “When it comes down to it, this is a people ton, South Carolina, Amen Street Fish and business, from the kitchen staff to the custom- Raw Bar, whose name revives a piece of local ers,” he says. “So it goes without saying that history swallowed by development in 1839. having a good understanding of human nature When it comes to wooing fickle American is going to be a big plus.” diners, Bill Upson is all about themes and keeping it real, which explains the name of his company: Real Restaurants Group. Over “You got to partner with the right people. more than 40 years, he has managed, owned You got to know the market. You really or invested in 62 independent restaurants, and need to be a stickler for putting out a today owns more than a dozen, many of which have been thriving landmarks for years. quality product. Step outside the box and What has made him a leader in an industry have some fun with the concept.” littered with broken dreams, bankruptcies and Bill Upson, restaurateur generic copycats? “It’s a combination of things,” says Upson, the father of two grown daughters. “You got to partner with the right people. You got to know pson grew up in Jacksonville Beach, the market. You really need to be a stickler for Florida. There wasn’t much money, a putting out a quality product.” U situation made worse when his father But that doesn’t mean it’s all work and no died of bone cancer the summer after he grad- play. uated high school. “Step outside the box and have some fun Longtime friend and fellow swim team with the concept,” he says. “It’s a business that member Pete Henning talked him into head- encourages creativity. Don’t be afraid of that.” ing to Tampa to attend USF, then just 10 years His longtime business partner, Keith old. Henning and Upson roomed together, Jones, says Upson brings an unusual mix of pledged a local fraternity and juggled jobs to ingredients to the restaurateur table. pay tuition and board. By staying in school, “Bill is exceptional on the money end. On they hoped to avoid being among the 35,000
FALL 2015 43 men a month being drafted into military service in Chicago, the groundbreaking company devel- in Vietnam. oping new “concept” eateries with a sense of “We were kids having a good time, but Bill humor, including R.J. Grunts. Under its legend- was always a closet studier,” recalls Henning, ary founder, Rich Melman, Upson learned how a business partner and investment adviser to to use his imagination, the importance of staff Upson. “He was always very, very driven with a training and customer service, and the dividends lot of self-discipline. You knew early on Bill was that come from paying close attention to details. going to be successful because he would never “There was no better place to be a student of settle for not being successful.” this business,” he says. The Florida native finally grew weary of the brutal Chicago winters. In 1979, he headed to San Francisco, where the California foodie “He was always very, very driven with a scene was just heating up. After working lot of self-discipline. You knew early on a few years as an operations director and Bill was going to be successful because he independent consultant in the industry, Upson would never settle for not being successful.” partnered with two former colleagues from Lettuce Entertain You in 1983 to open Napa Pete Henning, longtime friend and business partner Valley’s Mustards Grill. Its innovative menu and novel organic garden made it a landmark – a reputation that continues today. In subsequent years, the trio would open While a student, Upson was hired by USF 15 more restaurants, each with its own unique swim coach Bob Grindey (a 2011 inductee into concept. the USF Athletics Hall of Fame) to work as a Upson, 68, says he has no intention of retir- lifeguard. A former Marine, Grindey became a ing. He’s working on new projects and dividing surrogate father, Upson says. The coach kept his time between homes in Tiburon, California, him on track and influenced Upson’s post-grad- and the Florida Keys. uation decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. If he could offer one piece of advice to up- He earned his wings as a pilot, served a tour and-coming restaurateurs, he says he’d tell them of duty in Vietnam and rose to the rank of cap- success starts with employees. tain by the time he was honorably discharged in “Create a positive work experience. Give 1972. That military stint, Upson says, gave him them opportunities to succeed. Let them know organizational skills that would serve him well they are an important part of the operation,” he in the rigorous restaurant business. says. “In turn, they’re going to treat the guests well. That’s what we’re aiming for. Because I can After the Marines, Upson landed a job as a man- promise you, people may forgive a bad meal, but ager trainee for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises they won’t forget bad service.” n
> Like the other restaurants Upson has helped create, Fog City in San Francisco blends local history, great food and a fun customer experience.
44 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls Legacy?What will be your When you include the University of South Florida in your will or estate plan you leave a lasting legacy of your values and ensure the success of students in the future.
To establish your legacy please contact: Office of Gift Planning (813) 974-8761 [email protected] usffoundation.planmylegacy.org
FALL 2015 45 ALUMNI of Distinction Meet the 2015 USF Alumni Award recipients. Honorees share their insights, secrets for success and lessons learned at USF and in life.
GEORGE D. MORGAN, ACCOUNTING `76 LYNN PIPPENGER, EXECUTIVE MBA `88 Distinguished Alumnus Award Distinguished Alumnus Award Recognizing a USF alumnus who has reached the pinnacle Recognizing a USF alumnus who has reached the pinnacle of success in his career of success in her career
A longtime health care industry executive, Morgan Pippenger helped transform the fledgling brokerage retired as executive vice president and COO of US firm Raymond James & Associates into a global financial Oncology, Inc., one of the nation’s largest cancer treatment services company with client assets totaling $505 billion. and research networks. Under his leadership, the company She retired as senior vice president for operations and grew from $1.5 billion to more than $3 billion in annual administration management and consultant to senior revenue. He is vice chairman of the USF Foundation Board management for integration of business practices and of Directors, serves on the USF Muma College of Business technology. Pippenger has served on the USF Muma Executive Advisory Council, and is a Life Member of the College of Business’ advisory board and the USF Economics USF Alumni Association. Advisory Council. USF’s Lynn Pippenger School of Success secret: “There is no substitute for thorough Accountancy bears her name in recognition of her financial preparation. The difference between having a job and gifts. having a career is about two to three extra hours per day.” Success secret: “Hard work, perseverance, enthusiasm Inspiration to give: “USF Athletics’ Joe Tomaino and sticking to the ‘to-do’ list.” and the late Lee Roy Selmon graciously hosted my wife, Inspiration to give: “Dick Bowers and, more recently, Jane, and me at the exciting U of Houston-USF football the enthusiasm of President Judy Genshaft.” [The late Dick game in 2002 and inspired us to endow the first football Bowers was USF’s first athletic director and a College of scholarship.” Business associate dean.] Professional rewards: “I love(d) seeing people I hired Professional rewards: “On the 20th anniversary of or worked closely with become very successful executives or Raymond James in 1982, I was the recipient of one of four CEOs on their own.” gold rings that Bob James, the founder, gave to those who, Note to his 18-year-old self: “Your abilities are much in his view, had significantly contributed to RJ’s growth and greater than the limits you self-impose or think you have. success.” Experience will prove that later.” Note to her 18-year-old self: “I know everybody keeps telling you to pick just one of the five careers you want, so think about how you can weave them all together into one very successful career.”
46 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
RICHARD LANE, MANAGEMENT `68 DAVID MINCBERG, INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIAL SCIENCES `03 Donald A. Gifford Service Award Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Recognizing a USF graduate who has provided countless Recognizing a USF graduate aged 35 years or younger for hours of service to USF his/her outstanding professional achievements
One of the “First Teamers” who brought football to USF, The director of scouting for the National Basketball Lane has supported his alma mater for more than 40 years. Association’s Memphis Grizzlies, Mincberg, 34, earned his law He helped found USF’s first New York Alumni Chapter degree from the University of California-Berkeley. He has advised in the 1970s, helped develop early alumni fundraising investors in the acquisition of professional sports franchises, programs, and served as Alumni Association chair in 1992. served as in-house counsel for Major League Soccer and NBA He has served on the Bulls Club board of directors since teams, and represented professional athletes and coaches in 1981 (as president in 1991), and supports USF student- contract negotiations. He has also supervised law students as part athletes as an Iron Bull scholarship donor. He is an of Harvard Law School’s externship program and authored legal Association Life Member and Emerald Donor. scholarship in the sports law field. USF nostalgia: “The most favorite and maturing part Lesson learned at USF: “You get out what you put in. of my student experience at USF was to be initiated into the Although there are often things outside of your control, you Enotas/Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where I learned to can always control your effort and there is no substitute for be a leader.” preparation and hard work.” The rewards of giving: “My personal, and sometimes Proudest accomplishment: “I have two: my wife, Allyson, very humbling, reward from supporting USF is to have and our son, Isaac. Because of them my life is filled with purpose, received the approval of so many alumni friends and love, perspective and joy.” community boosters, particularly in regard to starting Worst USF grade: “During my last semester I had major football at USF.’’ senioritis and was taking a required course I needed to get a C Biggest USF change since graduation: “With lots of in to graduate. Going into the final exam I had a 70 percent, so I optimism and hard work, our university has grown from needed to get a 70 percent to pass and graduate, which is exactly its image of being ‘just a commuter school’ to becoming a the grade I got. … I had a recurring dream for years where USF world-class institute!” called and told me that I needed to retake the class if I wanted to Proudest accomplishment: “Helping to start football keep my diploma!” at USF! Initially, it was very hard to be in front of this Best recent read: “Hard Work, a Life on and Off the Court by effort while there were so many unbelievers, but … we Roy Williams, University of North Carolina basketball coach. It knocked the walls down!” is a terrific read about basketball and life that is both compelling and inspiring.’’
FALL 2015 47 ALUMNI OUR WEEK. OUR HOMECOMING. OUR USF. of Distinction BULLS UNITE.
BOB MCCANN Class of ’56 Award Recognizing a non-USF graduate who has provided outstanding service to USF and the Tampa Bay community
As executive vice president of The Nielsen Co., McCann helped create a partnership that gives USF faculty and students access to the company’s vast consumer behavior data. It allows for real-world research and gives students experience working with massive data sets. The alliance also includes mentoring, executive lectures, philanthropic support, and jobs for hundreds of students. McCann is a former member of the USF Foundation board of directors and a past chair of the Muma College of Business Executive Advisory Council. Why USF? “Given 1) USF’s close proximity to Nielsen’s Global Technology & Information Center in Tampa Bay; 2) the strength of USF’s faculty; and 3) the ever-increasing pool of talented, highly focused, eager students, I firmly believed that Nielsen together with USF had a chance to accomplish some very special things.” Surprising fun fact: “I drove a taxicab in New York to help defray the cost of my college education.” On millennial employees: “They take less for granted, ask more questions, and in the process, pose interesting managerial challenges.” Personal Nielsen TV rating: “I am a very poor predictor of program popularity in that I watch a lot of public television, I tend to shun all programs that might be termed reality shows, and I am addicted to network news.” n UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
48 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls OUR WEEK. OUR HOMECOMING. OUR USF. BULLS UNITE.
Celebrate the green and gold during SuperBull XIX Homecoming, Thursday, Oct. 8 USF SOFTBALL VS. MANATEE a week of festivities leading up to the USF Bulls juicing the STATE COLLEGE HOMECOMING CARNIVAL 6 p.m., USF Softball Stadium Syracuse University Orange. Great things happen when Bulls 4 p.m. USF Sun Dome parking lot Unite! Unless otherwise noted, venues are at USF Tampa. RUNNING WITH THE BULLS Visit www.Homecoming.usf.edu for a complete list of activities. 2015 USF ALUMNI AWARDS DINNER HOMECOMING PARADE Presented by NorthStar Bank 6:45 p.m., beads, floats and spirit; 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. awards Holly to Alumni drives via Maple Drive Monday, Oct. 5 Wednesday, Oct. 7 presentation, Marshall Student Center Ballroom SUPERBULL XIX HOMECOMING MARSHALL MAYHEM PEP RALLY RSVP to www.USFalumni.org/awards Saturday, Oct. 10 WEEK KICKOFF Noon, Marshall Student Center Plaza USF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 5:30 p.m., MLK Plaza Amphitheater USF WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. TULSA SPIRIT TENT 7 p.m., Harbor Lawn, 7 p.m., USF Corbett Stadium Free beads, tattoos, class year stickers USF St. Petersburg BULLS IN BIZ AFTER-HOURS Tickets at www.GoUSFBulls.com and more for alumni; special collector NETWORKING CONNECTING beads for Alumni Association members – Tuesday, Oct. 6 STUDENTS AND ALUMNI bring your membership card! 5-7 p.m., USF Sarasota-Manatee Friday, Oct. 9 Three hours before kickoff, Bulls Zone, WORKING BULLS ALUMNI LUNCH Courtyard HOMECOMING CARNIVAL Raymond James Stadium, Tampa HONORING ALUMNI WHO WORK RSVP to usfsm.edu/bullsinbiz 4 p.m., USF Sun Dome parking lot AT USF Details at www.USFalumni.org/homecoming Sponsored by the USF Federal CARDBOARD BOAT RACE WELCOME HOME PARTY HOMECOMING SUPERBULL XIX Credit Union 5 p.m., Harbor Lawn/Waterfront, USF 5-7 p.m., Fowler Fields USF FOOTBALL VS. Noon, Marshall Student Center St. Petersburg, materials provided All USF alumni are invited to reunite at SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Ballroom Email [email protected] this pre-parade party with games, food Visit GoUSFBulls.com for game time RSVP to www.USFalumni.org/ concessions and more alumnilunch and tickets USF MEN’S SOCCER VS. CINCINNATI 7 p.m., USF Corbett Stadium FALL 2015 49 Where’s Rocky?
Thanks to his many globe-trotting friends, Rocky goes places where no bull has gone before. If he joins you on your next trip, send your photo and details to the USF Alumni Association.
a b
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50 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls d g a Welcome to Bulls Country II! Rocky felt right at home in Bulls, New Zealand, where he and Ivan Hernandez, ’81, discovered everything’s delect-a-bull, social-a-bull and promote-a-bull.
b Talk about a peak experience! Claudia S. Conner, ’72 & MEd ’94, her husband, Donald L. Conner, ’67, and Rocky soar to new heights at Machu Picchu, Peru.
c Making diplomatic history as the first people-to-people-to-bull Cuba travelers, Rocky joins USF Foundation and h Alumni Association board member Jose Valiente, ’73, and former USF President Betty Castor, both Life Members, on a fact-finding trip.
d Cindy Kane, ’76, Life Member, strolls with Rocky through the renowned and beautiful Black Forest in Germany. e e Capt. Meg Ross, ’04 & ’MA ’08, USF police operations commander, and husband Andrew Ross, deputy chief of the Tampa International Airport police, find like-minded friends while touring i the Glasgow Police Museum in Scotland with Rocky.
f The magnificent sights in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, include the massive Margerie Glacier, which posed for a selfie with Stan and Lily Kinmonth, both ’78, and Rocky, during a May cruise.
g Señor Frogs in Nassau, Bahamas, gets a visit from Señor Rocky and Brian Campbell, ’93, Association Life f Member and board member. Campbell, a founding member of USF’s National Association of Black Accountants Email your high-resolution student chapter, is now a NABA board photo (300 ppi) and member. He was on a planning retreat details to pcarnathan@ cruise with that organization. usf.edu or send to Penny Carnathan, USF Alumni h When in Hofbräuhaus München Association, 4202 E. … Phil Amuso, ’73, MA ’75 & PhD ’00, Fowler Ave., ALC 100, an Association board member and Life Member, soaks up some culture Tampa, FL 33620-5455 with Rocky at one of Munich’s oldest breweries.
i Rocky proudly dons his cap, gown and Life Member pin for spring Commencements — just like Life Member Manley Jaquiss, ’86 & MA ’15.
FALL 2015 51 Chapters & Societies Bulls make an impact on USF student success
a Washington, D.C., Round-Up Alumni groups around the country host more than a dozen and Appreciation Awards were Stephanie Kinney, ’01, of Kinney Hometown Round-Ups each summer for first-year students who will Engineering; Loren Jones, MEvE ’98, of Metzger and Willard, be attending USF in the fall and their families. The students get to Inc.; Lyndsey Figler, ’12 & MS ’12, of TECO, and Connie Johnson- meet other Bulls from their community, and the parents get tips and Gearhart, ’00 & MCE ’12, of Central Florida Testing Laboratories. support from alumni and fellow parents. From left, incoming freshmen Andrew Lowe, Benjamin Carr, c GeoPark cleanup Lacye Williams and Desiree Rabelo jump for joy during the Hundreds of USF geology students have benefited from hands- Washington, D.C., Hometown Round-Up in August. on learning at the Geology Alumni Society GeoPark at USF Tampa. Many more students young and old, faculty and professionals have b Engineering corporate ambassador explored and learned through GeoExpos at the park. Since its In 1998, the Engineering Alumni Society created the Corporate dedication in 2002, alumni have organized many improvements, Ambassadors program to foster relationships between College of En- including adding wells, paths and a 6-ton limestone boulder. gineering students and alumni working in the field. The ambassadors Members of the USF Geology Alumni Society pause during a serve as liaisons between the college and the engineering community spring cleanup of GeoPark. Back row, from left, are Professors Chuck and offer student support, such as mentoring and internships. Connor and Len Vacher; Tim Fallon, ’14; Mike Wightman ’90; John Wells, ’90, principal of Consulting Engineering Associates, Marty Clasen, ’79 & MS ’89; Joel Cornwall, MS ’14; and Jon Hull, Inc., in Tampa, receives the 2015 Corporate Ambassador of the Year ’97. Front row, from left are Matt Wissler, MS ’03 and his daughter; award from dean Robert H. Bishop, left, and Gita Iranipour, MS Bruce Nocita; not identified; Jackie Sampson,’ 11 & MS ’13; student ’02 & PhD ’04, program coordinator. Also receiving Recognition Amethyst Bennett. a b
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52 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls d Bulls stay together Alumni connecting with alumni
d Miami Chapter New Grad Bunch Alumni Association chapters around the country hosted 11 “new grad” get-togethers this year to welcome 2014 USF alumni in their respective communities. Chapters unite Bulls living in the same area and offer meaningful ways for alumni to contribute to USF’s success, though they may live far from campus. Some of those attending the Miami Chapter’s spring New Grad Brunch e include, from left, USF Board of Trustee Scott Hopes, ’83 & MPH ’85, an Association Life Member; Michelle Morenza, ’14; Carlos Rodriguez, ’82; chapter president Khanisha Nicholson, ’14; and Jimmy Bou, MBA ’14.
e Chicago networking event Bulls like doing business with Bulls! Association-sponsored alumni chapters and societies host formal and informal networking events all year long. Muma College of Business dean Moez Limayem, second from right, traveled to Chicago in June for some networking that included, from left, Life Member Brad Bernstein, ’84; Eric Kolesnikov, ’11; and Adam Robins, ’71.
FALL 2015 53 Black Alumni Library and Information Theater Alumni NO MATTER Shomari Sanford Science Society Kimberli Cummings Columbus, Ohio Manatee-Sarasota Phoenix [email protected] William (Bill) Harris [email protected] Jason Griffin Jay Riley Jillian Papa WHERE YOU [email protected] columbususfalumni@ [email protected] [email protected] Clinical Psychology Alumni USF St. Petersburg gmail.com LIVE, YOU’LL Demy Kamboukos Lockheed Martin – Heather Willis Miami-Dade County Pinellas County usfclinpsychalumni@ Oldsmar [email protected] D.C. Regional Carlos Rodriguez Julia Pappacoda ALWAYS BE A gmail.com Brent Lewis Erin Fernandez USFmiamialumni@gmail. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] com BULL! College of Behavioral and GEOGRAPHICAL Raleigh, North Carolina Community Sciences Medicine Alumni GROUPS Denver Nashville, Tennessee Bob Cohn The USF Alumni Patty Cleveland Catherine Warner Josh Flynn Melinda Dale [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Atlanta [email protected] nashvilleusfbulls@live. Association has Marnie Williams com St. Louis alumni chapters all Manley Jaquiss Music Society usfalumniatlanta@gmail. Fort Myers/Naples Mark Greenspahn over the country. We manleyjaquisse@yahoo. Arupa Gopal com Paul Winterbotham New Orleans [email protected] com Tanya Bruce usfalumniftmyers@gmail. Heather Tank also have college usfmusicalumni@gmail. Austin, Texas com [email protected] San Diego and special-interest College of Business com Brad Heath Josh Vizcay Alumni [email protected] Greater Tampa New York [email protected] societies for like- Beth Herman Nursing Alumni Scott Burgess Andrew Jones minded alumni. It’s [email protected] Edwin Hernandez Boston USFTampaAlumni@gmail. [email protected] Tallahassee easy to get involved. [email protected] Loren Glaser com Paul Winterbotham Engineering Alumni USFBostonBulls@gmail. Orlando [email protected] Just email the contact Pete Danile Pharmacy Alumni com Greenville, South Carolina Jose Arias, Jr. person of the group [email protected] Patti Shirley Mike Nascarella usfbullsorlando@gmail. you’d like to visit. [email protected] Broward County Michael.nascarella@ com Entrepreneurship Alumni Ruth Rogge gmail.com Jennifer Sineway Psychology Alumni [email protected] Palm Beach County [email protected] Kim Read Hernando County Scott Teich INTEREST-BASED [email protected] Alan Steinberg Kevin Floyd scott.teich@ GROUPS Geology Alumni usfbrowardalumni@ [email protected] raymondjames.com Mike Wightman Public Administration hotmail.com Anthropology Alumni [email protected] Alumni Houston Pasco County Brian McEwen Mike Rimoldi Charlotte, North Carolina Angela Beeson Melissa Bidgood bmcewen@ Honors College Alumni mike@ Marisa Varian usfbullshouston1@gmail. Phil Kupczyk cachillsborough.com Dan Ravicher rimoldiconstruction.com usfcharlottebulls@gmail. com [email protected] [email protected] com Architecture Alumni Public Health Alumni Jacksonville Philadelphia David Hunter Kosove Scholarship Natalie Preston- Chicago Crystal Parks Mike Waterhouse David.Hunter@ Alumni Washington Nick Richardson [email protected] usf.tri.state.alumni@ morganstanley.com Justin Geisler [email protected] WindyCityBulls56@gmail. gmail.com justingeisler@hotmail. com Los Angeles com Janet Foster [email protected]
54 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
BY KATLYN KURTZ Employ-A-Bull USF CAREER SERVICES Making the most of the generation gap: Employers: Keep millennials engaged by providing opportunities to tips for millennials and their employers learn and grow along with timelines and milestones for promotion. n “Money isn’t everything to millennials, who value engaging and Millennials became the largest generation rewarding work,” Chisholm says. “They want to make their mark in the U.S. workforce this year. They’re one in the world and are interested in companies with active social of the most educated generations, prioritiz- responsibility efforts.” ing schooling over work, so they’re also po- tentially one of the least workplace-ready. Millennials: Learn what, if any, social programs your company has Those are just two of the strengths and initiated and get involved. If your organization doesn’t have a program, challenges they bring to the job. or one you care about, volunteer to start one. The connections you create can open new avenues for career growth. Lynn Chisholm, director of internships and career readiness for USF Career Services, Employers: Assess your organization’s social responsibility policy. specializes in working with these 18- to Organizations with active programs strengthen their bottom line and 34-year-olds. She offers tips for millennials and their employers to their communities. get the most fulfillment from one another. n Millennials value strong ties to their nuclear and extended families. n Millennials’ core values differ from previous generations, a They’re comfortable using technology to stay connected to the office and source of frustration for all, Chisholm says. Millennials think and their families as they look for new ways to achieve work-life balance. dream big, which may be viewed negatively by employers who see them as wanting to jump ahead of more experienced colleagues. Millennials: Share your knowledge and love of technology and show your employer how it can enable stronger work and family connections. Millennials: Work with your supervisor to identify opportunities for growth that align with your values. Earn work experience as a Employers: Rather than implementing policies that hinder the use of project team member and secure roles on projects by explaining digital technology, work with millennials to establish best practices. how you will contribute to their success. Their expertise can benefit the workplace and your customers.
FALL 2015 55 Class Notes
STANLEY NEWTON, Engineering ’75, was named USF’s 2015 Mechanical 60s Engineering Distinguished Alumnus. Newton is the founder and president of PATRICIA JOHNSTON, Special Education Engineering Matrix in St. Petersburg, ’68, has retired after 46 years teaching and established the Engineering at Pine View School for the gifted in Matrix Endowed Scholarship for USF Osprey, Florida. Johnston was one chemical, electrical and mechanical of the first teachers at Florida’s first engineering students. school devoted to gifted education. She taught French, world and art history, JOHN B. PRICE, Finance ’77, is a 2015 anthropology and ancient civilization. finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Johnston planned to visit Paris, a MARY GIBBS, Geography ’73 & MA ’76, Service to America trip made possible by a student-led (above) received the George W. Simons, Medals, an honor fundraising drive. Jr. Memorial Award from the Florida bestowed by Planning and Zoning Association in the nonprofit recognition of her accomplishments Partnership for and contributions over 33 years. Gibbs’ Public Service. 70s advocacy resulted in the enactment Price is being of Florida’s general zoning act and recognized for ANDREA BRUNAIS, Mass Communications subdivision regulations. She retired adapting radar-based space technology ’75, was a President’s Book Awards earlier this year as Lee County (Florida) to create a device that locates disaster Silver Award community development director survivors buried in rubble. He is a Winner in the 2015 and is now community development program manager with the Science and Florida Authors director for the Village of Estero in Technology Directorate, Department and Publishers Florida. of Homeland Security. The medals Association annual are awarded to outstanding federal contest. Brunais’ ANTHONY JAMES, Electrical Engineering employees. novel Mercedes ’73, Life Member and USF Foundation Wore Black was board member, was named USF’s 2015 RAMESH SHAH, Microbiology ’70 and Life one of four finalists in the category Electrical Engineering Distinguished Member, has received accolades for his Florida Fiction for Adults. A former Alumnus. James is the retired executive new memoir, journalist with The Tampa Tribune vice president of Southern Co., former Tomorrow and The Tallahassee Democrat, Brunais CEO of Savannah Power and co-author Will Be a cast as her main character a young of The Shoulders of Giants. He and his Better Day, reporter uncovering corruption and wife, Sheila, established the Anthony available on crimes against the environment during and Sheila James Endowed Scholarship Amazon.com. a Florida political campaign. to support engineering students. The book describes SCOTT CAMPBELL, Zoology ’79 & PhD CATHERINE PEEK MCEWEN, Political Science Shah’s Medical Sciences ’85, was appointed ’79 and Life Member, received the boyhood in CEO of the American Occupational George Edgecomb Bar Association’s Bombay, Therapy Foundation effective in Delano S. Stewart Diversity Award for where he grew up financially May 2015. Previously, Campbell was achievements related to improving the impoverished but rich in family. executive director and CEO of the administration of justice, improving It recounts his wonder as a new Foundation for the National Institutes the lives of African-Americans American immigrant experiencing a of Health and vice president of research and promoting diversity in the spring mattress for the first time, and programs for the American Diabetes legal profession. McEwen is a U.S. his challenges trying to assimilate as a Association. bankruptcy judge in the Middle District USF student. Shah is the chief quality of Florida’s Tampa Division. officer for FONA International, Inc.
56 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
JIM WELCH, Anthropology ’78 & MA Ramachandran is the founder and JERRY D. BREWSTER JR., Communication ’83, has joined KLJ engineering CEO of Gram Suchana Solutions in ’91, was promoted to senior vice in Bismarck, North Dakota, as an Bangalore, India. He and his wife, president at Morgan Stanley, where he archaeologist in the environmental Meena, established the Ramachandran is a financial adviser with the Brewster department. Welch has more than 37 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Snyder Group in Palm Harbor, Florida. years’ experience in archaeology. Endowment for USF industrial Brewster is a Certified Investment engineering students. Management Analyst who began his MARY WHITWORTH, Zoology ’79, has financial career more than 20 years ago launched a business, In the Sand CHRIS ROMINE, Finance ’84, was selected at AG Edwards. Golf, which sells golf products to serve on the State College of Florida monogrammed with her aerial Foundation’s board of directors. GLENN D. GENEREUX, Accounting ’93, photographs of sand traps shaped like Romine is a senior vice president and has joined MF Lightwave, Inc. in letters of the alphabet. Whitworth, who managing director of Northern Trust Tampa as chief financial officer. A started flying 30 years ago and became Bank in Bradenton, Florida. CPA and designated Chartered Global an avid golfer a few years later, sells Management Accountant, Genereux her products online, including on Etsy. DAVID SCOTT, Civil Engineering ’83 & MS previously served as corporate com, and to golf associations. She’s also ’86, is USF’s Civil and Environmental controller for Pemco World Air the founder of Florida Aerial Services, Engineering Distinguished Alumnus. Services, Inc. which provides aerial photos. Scott is the co-founder of HSA Engineers and Scientists, which funded JENNIFER L. GRIFFIN, English ’97, was an 80-seat engineering classroom named one of Florida Trend magazine’s at USF and provides an endowed 2015 Florida Legal Elite —an honor 80s scholarship for civil engineering bestowed on less than 2 percent of the students. He also serves on the College state’s practicing lawyers. Griffin is MARK CACCIATORE, Chemical Engineering of Engineering Advisory Board. chair of Quarles & Brady LLP’s estate, ’84, is USF’s Chemical and Biomedical trust and wealth preservation group in Engineering Distinguished Alumnus. Tampa. Cacciatore is vice president of manufacturing for the Campbell 90s MAHA SALLAM, Computer Engineering Soup Co. in Perrysburg, Ohio. He ’90, MS ’91, PhD ’97, and Life Member, is a life member of Tau Beta Pi, the SURESH BATCHU, MS Computer Science ’96, is USF’s Computer Science and engineering honor society, and a received USF College of Engineering’s Engineering longtime supporter of USF. Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. He Distinguished is the co-founder of MobileIron, a world Alumna. Sallam is KARYN CUNNINGHAM, Psychology ’85, leader in mobile device management the founder of Vu- has received the Florida League of and enterprise mobility solutions, based Essence, a medical Cities’ 2015 Home Rule Hero Award. in Mountain View, California. He holds device company A Village of Palmetto Bay Council 11 U.S. patents. focused on member elected in November 2014, creating diagnostic she is credited with working tirelessly CHRISTOPHER BRAY, History & Political solutions for stroke applications. She to ensure state legislators hear a local Science ’93, joined USF Advancement and her husband, KK, established the perspective on matters before them and as associate vice Spirit of Innovation Award for graduate otherwise protecting cities’ home rule. president for students. Cunningham also holds certification development in in education and is an experienced July 2015. Bray has SHANNON SHEPP, Public Relations ’94, was teacher. 15 years’ experience appointed interim executive director cultivating, of the Florida Citrus Commission in KUMAR RAMACHANDRAN, MS Industrial soliciting and July 2015. She has served as deputy Engineering ’87, was named USF’s 2015 stewarding gifts, Industrial and Management Systems including the past three with Tampa Engineering Distinguished Alumnus. General Hospital.
FALL 2015 57 Class Notes
executive director since August Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy 2013-14 president of the international 2013, responsible for overseeing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Association of Women Surgeons. administrative operations as well as nutrition, quality and economic SERGIO WALDECK, MBA ’99, became an GREGORY WRIGHT, Marketing ’99, research. Previously, she served for 12 executive director at JPMorgan Chase has joined the Suncoast Hospice years with the Florida Department of & Co. in New York in January 2015. His Foundation, a member of Empath Agriculture and Consumer Services. responsibilities include the financial Health located in Pinellas County, planning and Florida, as its major gifts officer. Wright DREW A. STOLLER, History ’94, has analysis of a $3.5 formerly served as the major gifts been named a 2015 Power Leader billion technology associate director for the Moffitt Cancer in Law & Accounting by the South budget within the Center Foundation in Tampa. Florida Business firm’s Corporate & Journal. The Investment Bank. managing Prior to joining partner of JPMorgan Chase, Roig Lawyers’ Waldeck worked for more than 15 West Palm years with some of the world’s largest Beach, Florida, financial institutions, including the office, Stoller Federal Reserve Bank, Citigroup and specializes in the defense of UBS Investment Bank. insurance carriers. The Power Leader list recognizes men and women who DANIELLE WALSH, MD ’95, a pediatric have made notable contributions in surgeon, was named an outstanding their fields during the past year. medical leader by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and LT. COL. JESSICA (DINAR) BAKER SULLIVAN, Endoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Walsh is Political Science ’92 (below), retired the 2015 recipient of the society’s from the U.S. Air Force after 22 years Education and Research Foundation’s MARION YONGUE (right), Accounting of service. An air battle manager and Excellence in Medical Leadership ’91 and Life Member, married Evan homeland defense expert, her last Award. An associate professor of Earle, Jr. (left) on May 1, 2015 at Bok assignment was as the personnel surgery at the Brody School of Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. officer and assistant professor in the Medicine, East Carolina University in Yongue was recently promoted to Department of Military and Strategic Greenville, North Carolina, she was the senior director of development at the USF Foundation.
00s SAID AWAD, Biology ’09, has become a charter member of Brandon Regional Hospital’s new internal medicine residency program. Dr. Awad, who holds a medical degree from American University of Antigua and an MBA in health care administration from Plymouth State University, was one of 900 physicians who applied for the program’s 20 positions. He plans to work as a Brandon Regional hospitalist.
58 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
BRADLEY BIGGERS, MPH ’08, joined DAVINA GOULD, MA Mass Communications Department of Public Utilities and the the Centers for Disease Control and ’03, has joined USF Health chair of the Corporate Ambassador Prevention’s Office of Public Health Development and Alumni Relations as Program in the USF Engineering Alumni Preparedness and Response in June assistant director of communications. Society. as a geographer supporting Ebola She was previously director of response efforts in Sierra Leone and communications at Stetson University BRITTANY LINK, Communications ’08 and Guinea in Africa. Previously, Biggers College of Law. Gould is accredited in Life Member, was was a Public Health Informatics Fellow public relations through the Universal named to the 2015 at the CDC. Accreditation Board of Public Relations Top 30 Under 30 Society of America. Future Leaders of NATALIA DIAZ, Communication ’04, is the Charlotte, North new director of marketing at Brandon S.J. GREEN, Communication ’07, has Carolina, by Elevate Regional Hospital in Brandon, Florida. been named a Canadian Football Lifestyle Magazine. Diaz previously served as director of League (CFL) Shaw Top Performer Criteria included marketing and public relations at South after achieving 180 receiving yards in a professional achievements, leadership, Bay Hospital Sun City Center, where single game. Green, a former standout community involvement and personal she was named South Bay’s Director of receiver for the USF Bulls who now character. Link is a program manager the Year in 2014. plays for the Montreal Alouettes, nailed and senior consultant for Salesforce. six receptions in his team’s 25-23 defeat ASHLEY EHRMAN, Criminology ’08, has of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in July ROBERT MYER, Electrical Engineering joined the governance board of the 2015. The CFL is the highest level ’00, received the USF College of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. of competition in Canadian gridiron Engineering’s The assistant director of development football. Lifetime for USF Women in Leadership & Achievement Award. Philanthropy, Ehrman is the former AMBER H. HILL, Biology ’02, and her Myer is the founder, manager of leadership programs for the husband, David, have opened a wine president and chief Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. and beer bar, The 4 Three Nine, product officer of 439 First Ave. N. in downtown St. NoWait, the first MICHAEL M. GIEL, English ’02 and Life Petersburg. Hill is a lawyer who opened mobile network Member, was included in Florida her firm, Amber H. Hill, Esq., in St. for casual dining, headquartered in Super Lawyers 2015 as a Rising Star, a Petersburg in 2012. Pittsburgh. NoWait ranked in the top 10 designation based on peer recognition of the 2015 Fast 56—the fastest-growing and professional achievement, and one JEFFREY HORNICK, Mechanical Bull-led businesses. Myer is a 2014 Ernst attained by no more than 2.5 percent Engineering ’07, & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. of Florida lawyers. Giel is an appellate MBA ’10, and Life and family law attorney with J. Demere Member, received ERIC A. ROSS, Religious Studies ’01, is the Mason, P.A. in Jacksonville, Florida. USF College of new national director of development for Engineering’s Israel’s Neve Michael Children’s Village, a JAMES GONZALEZ, Finance ’03, has been Outstanding Young therapeutic home for up to 300 children named north Florida affiliate chair for Engineer Award. who cannot live with their families. Ross the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Hornick is regional has extensive experience working with a national organization devoted to director of design and engineering for nonprofits, most recently American research, patient support, community Busch Gardens and Sea World. He Friends of The Hebrew University. outreach and advocacy for a cure. holds two U.S. patents. Gonzalez, an attorney with Marshall KELLY TALAMO, Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin GITA IRANIPOUR, MS Chemical Accounting ’00, in Jacksonville, Florida, lost his father Engineering ’02 & PhD ’04, received has been elected to pancreatic cancer and has been USF College of Engineering’s treasurer of instrumental in organizing fundraiser Distinguished Service Award. Iranipour the American events for the network. is a senior utility project manager with Business Women’s the Hillsborough County (Florida) Association, Palms
FALL 2015 59 Class Notes
of Edisonia (Florida) Chapter, board Master of Sport and Entertainment of directors. Talamo is the marketing degrees. Greiner worked as a student In Memoriam director and staff accountant for Myers, assistant for the Bulls Club and was a MICHAEL P. BLAISDELL, History ’03, July 5, 2015 Brettholtz & Co., PA, Certified Public four-year pitcher for the USF women’s Accountants & Business Consultants, softball team. THE REV. ROBERT GARVIN BRUCE, Music Education and a Certified Senior Advisor. ’72, June 6, 2015 DYLAN HERBERT, MS Sport and LT. COL. JOSEPH E. CAREY, Criminology ’81 and ANDY TAYLOR, Political Science ’09, has Entertainment Management ’15 & Life Member, June 1, 2015 been named director of development MBA ’15, has joined the USF Athletics’ NORMAN JOHN CASTELLANO, DMD, Biology ’95, for the Florida Native Plant Society, Bulls Club donor relations staff, where July 13, 2015 a nonprofit organization dedicated he focuses on database management PATRICIA G. CORWIN, MA Education ’81, June 29, to the preservation, conservation and and gift processing, among other 2015 restoration of the state’s native plants. duties. Herbert was previously a The society has 3,500 members in 37 graduate assistant for development in BARBARA JOAN ENGLISH, MA Vocational chapters. the Bulls Club. Education ’74, July 17, 2015 JUDITH C. FLYNN, MBA ’87, July 18, 2015 JUSTIN WILSON, Management ’08, has KATELYN HERON, Psychology & JOHN F. GERMANY, a USF founding father, joined Washington Partners, a global Criminology ’14, completed a summer Aug. 26, 2015 mergers and acquisitions firm based in internship with the prestigious Federal CATHERINE LOUISE GILLETTE, MEd ’97, June 12, Tampa, as vice president of corporate Law Enforcement Training Center 2015 development. Wilson is the owner of in Georgia. She spent part of her Wilson Group Tampa Bay, a real estate time working on projects and part MARIE BIRDSONG HARRELL, Science Education ’64 services provider. in classrooms and labs with training & MEd ’80, June 19, 2015 center students. JAMES PETER “JIM” KOELSCH, Business Economics ROBERT YURGLICH, JR., MBA ’06, has ’69 & MBA ’71, June 23, 2015 joined Harbor Technologies LLC as CHRISTOPHER PIZZO, MS RUTH L. LOECHLER, MA English ’70, July 21, 2015 chief financial officer. The Brunswick, Entrepreneurship in Applied ADOLFO MARZOL, Engineering ’71, May 20, 2015 Maine-based company manufactures Technology ’13, married Kristen Hyers marine composite materials. in Jacksonville on June 6, 2015. Pizzo is CHARLES “CHUCK” BRAXTON MCCASKILL III, Yurglich formerly served as business the co-founder of DataTract, a remote Management ’66, July 8, 2015 development manager for a Denver patient-monitoring platform designed LOUISE LANCASTER OSTRANDER, English Education, accounting firm. to reduce hospital readmissions. Hyers ’74, July 22, 2015 is a water designer for Hollingsworth WALTER EDSON PETERS III, MA Rehabilitation Decorative Tile + Plumbing. The couple Counseling ’06, July 24, 2015 will live in Tampa. 10s JAMES E. SCOTT, Theater ’67, April 19, 2015 SANDRA B. STULTZ, History ’87, June 4, 2015 KRISTOPHER DUMPKE, Marketing ’14, has CHARLES LUCAS “LUKE” VENABLE, Management ’13, joined Coldwell Banker Commmercial July 5, 2015 NRT as a sales associate. Based in Send Class Notes submissions and Tampa, he specializes in commercial high-resolution (at least 300 ppi) real estate sales and leasing in eastern photos to [email protected] or Hillsborough County, Florida. mail to Penny Carnathan, USF Alumni Association, Gibbons Alumni Center, SAMANTHA GREINER, Marketing ’15, has 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC100, Tampa, FL joined USF Athletics’ Bulls Club as a 33620-5455 graduate assistant for daily operations while working toward her MBA and
60 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Forever Bulls
College of Education Blast from building, early 1980s A third of USF students were education majors when they finally got their the Past own building in 1968. The College of Education graduated more than 50,000 of our nation’s finest educators in its first 50 years.
n Including one of my favorite teachers ever, Mrs. Clella Holt ’65 of Monroe Jr. High in Tampa. - Karla Jackson, ’88 & MSM ’13, Life Member
n Proud to be class of ’94 and ’99. Just finished my 21st year teaching. Greatest faculty anywhere. - Nicole Bell Benke, ’94 & Med ’99
n I spent many hours in this building as well as making lifetime friendships. Dr. Robert Shannon was my group leader/mentor for our continuing education group of young minds. He was quite a character and pushed us to think outside the box. I appreciate my time at USF. - Martha Wood Lester, ’76
n I am going there now. - Rosemarie Carman Clemons
n When I retire next year, it will be 42 years of teaching in special education with significantly intellectually disabled students. Working on my doctorate now in special education and plan to go on to teach other teachers at the university level. Great memories! - Celeste Sadler, ’73
n When my wife hired teachers, she always commented that USF COE grads were the better prepared compared to other state universities. - Richard Yost, ’82 & MBA ’85, Life Member
n I will always be grateful to USF! I was able to work full time and attend school full time. They offered the same courses in the evening as in the daytime. Alumni comments published here were shared in response to this photograph and posted on - Nancy M. Mitchell, ’76 & MA ’78 www.Facebook.com/USFalumni, where you can view, share and comment on other historic USF photos.
FALL 2015 61 Forever Bulls Calendar
Oct. 1-11 Oct. 31 PANTOMIME, A PLAY; entitled TAILGATE WITH THE BULLS, Brit tries to enlist his Trinidadian USF vs. Navy at Naval Academy, employee to perform in a Annapolis, Maryland, 10 a.m.- pantomime to attract clients to noon; breakfast buffet, beer, his guest house; Theatre 2, USF wine and mimosas, $40; register Tampa; $15 or $10 for students at www.usf.edu/ua/tailgate; with ID and ages 60 and older; game tickets at 1 800 GoBulls or show times at theatreanddance. www.GoUSFBulls.com Nov. 14 arts.usf.edu TEMPLE VS. USF at Raymond Nov. 1 James Stadium, Tampa; game time USF SARASOTA-MANATEE TBA; tickets at GoUSFBulls.com BRUNCH ON THE BAY, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; restaurants and Nov. 20 caterers serve their signature CINCINNATI VS. USF at Raymond dishes under the tents on James Stadium, Tampa; 8 p.m.; campus to raise money for tickets at GoUSFBulls.com local student Oct. 10 scholarships HOMECOMING SUPERBULL XIX at Raymond James Stadium. (See Homecoming calendar, page 49.)
Oct. 10-11 FALL PLANT FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. Nov. 6-15 both days, intro to beekeeping FALL DANCE CONCERT by guest at noon Oct. 11; USF Botanical choreographers and DanceUSF Gardens, 12210 USF Pine Drive, faculty; Theatre 1, USF Tampa; Tampa; $5 for non-members $15 or $10 for students and ages 60 and older; show times at Oct. 24 theatreanddance.arts.usf.edu USF ST. PETERSBURG NIGHT AT THE ROWDIES, 7:30 p.m. kickoff, Al Lang Stadium; 6:00 USF p.m. tailgate at the Tavern at (USPS #025203) Number 34 Bayboro; $10 with USF ID USF is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer and fall as a benefit of membership in the USF Alumni Association, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tampa, FL 33634-9651 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to USF, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620-5455.
62 UNIVERSITY of SOUTH FLORIDA Your life is our life’s work.
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