USF St. Petersburg is an urban university that aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the city and region, enhancing opportunities for students, businesses and the public. This community roundup series highlights the ways that USF faculty, staff, students and administration are active in the community. If you’d like to engage with USF St. Petersburg, or are a campus staff, faculty or student interested in engaging with the community, please contact Caryn Nesmith, Community Relations Director.
Community leaders recognized at USF Status of Latinos Annual Awards
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Each year, the USF Status of Latinos (SoL) Presidential Advisory Committee recognizes USF students, faculty, staff and community leaders who are contributing to the community through academic research and/or community service. This year, the awards ceremony was held on the St. Petersburg campus for the first time, granting 29 awards to St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay community leaders, including Jessica Estevez, president of the Estrategia Group; Gloria Munoz, Poet Laureate of St. Petersburg; and Eli Gonzalez, founder of the Pinellas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Student Sofia Morales was the Hispanic Heritage Poster winner, and the SoL Scholarship recipients were announced. This scholarship is for students of the university who are undocumented or whose parents are undocumented and is for full or part-time students at all academic levels, pursuing all majors, in all colleges, on all campuses.
Chancellor chairs “Future of Work” Task Force
On September 21, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly Future of Work Task Force at Power Design, convening important stakeholders in the private sector along with K-12 schools, higher education and workforce development to focus on preparing students and young professionals for the workforce. The task force, chaired by USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree, aims to solve concerns, as well as seek adequate resources to help recruit, develop and retain talent in St. Petersburg. The overarching goal is to create a cohesive education ecosystem to avoid duplication of services. The task force aims to compile internships, work study, shadowing and mentoring opportunities for students, increase FAFSA completion rates, as well as create cohesive messaging regarding education between public/private/government sectors. Because strong schools have strong economic impact, it is vital that the community continues to prioritize workforce development to benefit both the student and business communities.
Employ-A-Bull Spotlight: Student Governor at Jabil
Campus Student Governor Abdul Muqeet Khawaja is always full of Bull Pride, so during Homecoming Week, we made him our Employ-a-Bull for October. Abdul is an international student from Pakistan pursuing an undergraduate degree in Business Analytics and Accounting. Abdul landed a great opportunity with Jabil in their financial reporting department. Abdul says the experience has allowed him to develop networking, communication and professional skills that he continues to utilize in his day-to-day student and professional life. Our campus works closely with Tampa Bay area companies and organizations to provide internships and jobs to our students.
Moldovan – USF students discuss democracy and rule of law
On September 26, the U.S. Embassy’s America House in Chisinau, Moldova hosted an international panel discussion surrounding the U.S. Constitution and the importance of democracy, featuring students from USF St. Petersburg, the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) and Moldova State University (USM) Law Anglophone Department. The discussion was moderated by Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, director of the campus’ Center for Civic Engagement, who guided students through the history and significance of Constitution Day, shedding light on the principles and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
McLauchlan, who spent the month of September as a Fulbright Specialist at ULIM, delivered opening remarks on “Civics Education as a National Security Imperative” from the US Embassy’s America House in Chisinau, Moldova. Joining virtually were Casey Welch, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership (IPPL) at USF Sarasota-Manatee, who moderated a panel discussion featuring USF students Alyvia Hallock, Laura Shaw and Nathan Tout-Puissant. Participants had the chance to ask questions and discuss threats to Moldovan and American democracy.
The event was made possible thanks to USF St. Pete Student Government, the IPPL, ULIM, USM, the US Embassy’s American House Chisinau and the Duckwall Foundation. For more information, see the U.S. Embassy’s America House Facebook Page.
Happy Neighborhood: A Celebration of Poetry and Community
Celebrate the launch of Thomas Hallock's "Happy Neighborhood, essays and poems." Evening is hosted by Creative Loafing's Ray Roa. Special guests include: Gregory Byrd, Gianmarc Manzione, Anda Peterson, Miesha Brundridge, JoEllen Schilke and Denzel Johnson-Green. A special Tangerine IPA is provided by Big Storm Brewery. This event will be held on October 23 at 7 p.m. at Tombolo Books.
Vote for the Best ‘Burger is a Vote for USF!
Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree is a finalist in the “Most Valuable ‘Burger” category of the St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce’s 11th Annual Good 'Burger Awards, presented by the Bank of Tampa and Compass Land & Title! In honor of a former mayor who referred to his citizens as “burgers” (as in St. Petersburgers), the Good ‘Burger Awards were established to honor large and small business owners, and community leaders who contribute in a positive way to make St. Pete the special town it is. Voting is ongoing until October 25. The person, business or organization with the most votes in each category wins and winners will be recognized at an event on November 14. To vote, click here.
Donuts for Democracy event updates voter registrations
Thanks to the Center for Civic Engagement, dozens of faculty, staff and students updated their voter registration (or checked their registration status) and requested mail ballots while chomping on donuts in a Donuts for Democracy: National Voter Registration Day event on September 19. Special thanks to the USFSP Student Government & the League of Women Voters of St. Pete Area for helping with the event! You can still use the QR codes on the flyer (attached) to update your registration and/or request a mail ballot.
Hillel student group hosts memorial in honor of the Israeli tragedy
On October 11, the Hillel at USF St. Petersburg held a traditional Jewish memorial for the 1,000 plus lives lost in Israel. The event, led by club president Aviya H., club treasurer Jacob G., club secretary Sydney M. and club communications Shayna L., with the help of Hillel professional Rabbi Debbie Pine, was hosted at the Peace Pole outside of Nelson Poynter Memorial Library after dark, immediately following a threat to the Hillel at the USF Tampa campus. Those in attendance joined leadership in lighting Yahrzeit memorial candles and reciting the Mourners Kaddish - a prayer for those who have passed, as well as three other Jewish prayers, calling for peace for the world and protection of Jerusalem. Wrapped in an Israeli flag like Talis, Aviya H. shared a heartfelt poem on her perspective as a Jewish educator. She then led the congregation, along with a guitar played by Rabbi Pine, in singing Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel. The Hillel at USF St. Petersburg aims to create a welcoming and diverse Jewish and ally community, focused on the education and celebration of Judaism.
Student activists take action on reproductive rights
The student-led USF St. Petersburg chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA) recently spearheaded a collaborative effort with People Power for Florida, resulting in the collection of 73 abortion-related petitions on the ballot and 11 voter registrations. PPGA USFSP has been working tirelessly to amplify the voices of young advocates and empower their communities. The collaboration with People Power for Florida, a grassroots organization dedicated to voter empowerment and civil liberties, highlights the significance of reproductive health issues in the political landscape and the collective power of engaged citizens.
The 73 ""abortion-on-the-ballot"" petitions collected serve as a vital step toward giving voters the opportunity to express their views on reproductive health and choice. In addition, the registration of 11 new voters exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to fostering civic participation, particularly among young adults.