USF Sarasota Manatee - Momentum Magazine

MOMENTUM

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE

2025-2026

70 years of BOLD

USF honors the past, celebrates the present and charges forward into the future

USF

SARASOTA-MANATEE

Cultivating Knowledge, a new mural in the Information Commons designed by USF alum Anthony Freese, celebrates USF’s spirit of unity, research and growth. The bull — a symbol of strength, resilience and collective identity — stands rooted within the ecosystem of books and native flora.

FEATURES

8 A BOLD VISION

STEM academic facility groundbreaking begins a milestone campus project

12 BUILDING COMMUNITY

First-gen community builds a trailblazing legacy

22 GRAD TAPS LIFE’S CHALLENGES

USF grad teaches high school STEM and launches cutting-edge research program

26 BRUNCH ON THE BAY

Celebrating community, philanthropy and extraordinary student achievements

30

TWO LEADERS, ONE LEGACY

Connected by a shared commitment to service, Andre Aquino and Darren Gambrell revisit campus’ transformation

32 ACCELERATED PASSION

USF prepares nurses for high-demand careers in the region

CAMPUS COMMUNITY NEWS

Momentum is published by the Office of University

Communications and Marketing on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

EDITORIAL

Editor

Tressa Presley McLeod

Assistant Editor

Andrea Knies

Design Editor

Kim McDonald

Contributing Writers

Andrea Knies Daphne Kotschessa Almodóvar

Tressa Presley McLeod Brandon McLeod

Dave Scheiber

Contributing Photographers

Khalil Garcia Kim McDonald

Student Contributors

Yadyra Guzman Gwen Herndon

USF PRESIDENT

Moez Limayem

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE LEADERSHIP

Brett E. Kemker

Interim Regional Chancellor and Regional Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost, Academic Affairs and Student Success

Jan Melnik

Assistant Program Director

Marrie Neumer

Associate Vice President of Advancement

Tressa Presley McLeod

Director for Communications and Marketing

Casey Welch

Regional Vice Chancellor, External Affairs and Government Relations and Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy and Leadership and Director, Office of Public Policy Events

CAMPUS BOARD

Frederick Piccolo, Chair Lisa Carlton

Anila Jain Bill Mariotti

Diana Michel Ernie Withers

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

ON THE COVER

70 Years of Bold: USF honors the past, celebrates the present and charges forward into the future

Photo: Khalil Garcia, Communications and Marketing

Disclaimer: The information in Momentum magazine was correct at the time of publication. USF’s fast-paced environment changes daily. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication.

FROM THE INTERIM REGIONAL CHANCELLOR

MOMENTUM. PURPOSE. COMMUNITY. Spring arrives on our Sarasota-Manatee campus with renewed energy and clear purpose. At the University of South Florida, momentum isn’t accidental — it’s built through partnership with the communities we serve.

As USF celebrates 70 Years of Bold, we honor a legacy of consistently pushing boundaries that began in Tampa with fewer than 2,000 students and now serves more than 58,000 at four locations across the Tampa Bay region (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, USF Health). We have more than 7,600 students enrolled at the Sarasota-Manatee campus this spring. Today, we’re among the youngest universities in the Association of American Universities (AAU) and consistently ranked among the nation’s top public institutions. Here in Sarasota-Manatee, that bold spirit is tangible. Attaining our recent Carnegie Community Engagement Classification reaffirms what our region knows and values: This campus is embedded in the life and future of our community. Community engagement isn’t an initiative — it’s our operating principle.

Our academic momentum continues. Graduate enrollment climbs year over year with programs in Social Work, Criminal Justice Administration, and Education Leadership as well as our Weekend MBA that prepare professionals who lead with skill and purpose. USF’s thriving dual enrollment program extends opportunities to students across our region as well as the state of Florida.

Academic achievement by incoming first-time-in-college (FTIC) students rises each year — and through the dedicated efforts of faculty and staff, we continue to see unprecedented increases in our retention numbers.

This spring, the 31st annual Brunch on the Bay returns as a treasured campus tradition, celebrating our valued partnerships with our community. The new STEM Lab facility underway signals our commitment to hands-on learning and regional innovation,

Momentum Magazine captures these stories as part of a larger narrative — shaped by students discovering their paths and exploring rewarding internships, faculty creating knowledge, staff enabling excellence, and partners who believe in this campus.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. Your active involvement plays a vital part in our shared success. After all, it’s not just higher education. It’s higher purpose.

Brett E. Kemker, PhD Regional Chancellor (interim) Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Associate Vice President for Student Success

WELCOME PRESIDENT MOEZ LIMAYEM

FROM SHOVELS HITTING THE GROUND on our new STEM facility to welcoming our 9th president, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee continues to make BOLD moves that inspire our students and elevate our community.

“

I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible community and even more grateful to know that future students will have a space built just for discovery.

- Abigail Pal USF Biology Student and Lab Assistant

A BOLD VISION

WBegins a Milestone Campus Project

BY ANDREA KNIES

ith a dozen shovels hitting the ground and scooping up dirt, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus marked a major milestone aimed at expanding access to high-quality lab instruction in chemistry, biology and physics for students across the USF system.

The sun shone brightly in a blue sky on November 19, 2025 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the campus’ STEM academic facility. This moment celebrated a long-standing vision that will come to reality in the coming years.

their shovels for the ceremonial first dig traditionally used to mark the start of major construction projects.

Abigail Pal, a USF biology student and STEM Academic Facility

The event brought together state lawmakers, university leaders, and community stakeholders. Distinguished guests donned hard hats as they lifted

Set to open in Fall 2027, the new oncampus facility will be approximately 7,000 gross square feet of state-of-the-art laboratories for an estimated cost of $6.5 million. As it now stands, students are required to leave campus to attend lab sessions at partner facilities.

“Our outstanding students bring talent and passion to campus every day,” commented USF President Law. “They deserve a facility that eliminates schedule disruptions caused by the commute to other locations, and that enhances their ability to explore, discover and innovate.”

“All successful institutions are connected and committed to their communities, and we have grown hand in hand with you, and because of you.

- Rick Piccolo USF Board of Trustees member and Campus Board Chair

laboratory assistant, was asked to share remarks at the ceremony. She commented on the location of current offcampus facilities, noting that getting there often requires a long and sometimes arduous drive.

“It’s always a bit of an adventure, and, sometimes, a gamble,” Pal said. “The commute will go from an hour — to a short, simple walk across campus.”

This project is an investment in students, faculty, and the community.

Students gain access to state-of-the-art, on-campus facilities for experiential learning and the exploration of high-demand fields. Faculty receive cutting-edge instructional tools needed to advance an R1, AAU institution. And the community fills a vital local labor shortage with expertly trained and highly qualified STEM and health care professionals.

Following the expiration of the lease for lab space at Mote Marine Laboratory in May 2025, USF Sarasota-

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring that every dollar invested in this campus translates into measurable outcomes, better-prepared graduates, stronger partnerships and a more resilient regional economy.

- Brett Kemker Interim Regional Chancellor

Manatee submitted a proposal to construct a lab facility on campus. With enthusiastic support from President Law and Provost Prasant Mohapatra, the proposal received unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee in late August 2025.

STEM education helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills by using the four subjects through hands-on learning.

“Working in the lab taught me that questions are encouraged, and mistakes aren’t failure; they’re how we learn,” said Pal, the biology student.

As fanfare surrounding the groundbreaking subsided, and the gold-painted shovels were put away, reality emerged. The STEM facility will soon be a fixture on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, marking a place for students to broaden their horizons with a facility they can call their own.

TWO LEADERS: A SHARED LEGACY

BY ANDREA KNIES

On a September morning in 2004, Darren Gambrell gripped a ceremonial shovel and helped break ground on a new chapter for the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Two decades later — as USF celebrates 70 years — the former Student Government vice president sat down with current Student Government Governor Andre Aquino to reflect on how far the campus has come and what comes next.

Student leadership at USF dates to 1960, when early steering committees laid the groundwork for Student Government. That spirit has remained central to USF’s growth, especially on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, where student leaders have helped shape the campus experience through advocacy, programming and pride.

Neither set out to lead. Aquino arrived planning only to attend class until a friend encouraged him to join the Campus Activities Board, momentum that carried him into Student Government and a winning ticket for governor and lieutenant governor. Gambrell relates: “Sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time.”

Two leaders, two pivotal moments. In 2006, Gambrell served as the brand-new USF Sarasota-Manatee campus opened, transforming a commuter experience into a campus with dedicated spaces, including the iconic FCCI Rotunda. In 2024, under Aquino’s leadership, the campus opened the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall, its first residence space reshaping student life once again.

Here we work together and that's what has always made Sarasota-Manatee such a very unique place and experience not only for our student body, but also our student government.

- Darren Gambrell, Program Director, First-Gen Initiatives

Before 2006, USF Sarasota-Manatee students didn't have their own classroom space, and many felt a limited sense of campus identity. Working with campus leadership and community partners, Student Government helped advocate for a dedicated campus, a milestone that gave students room to learn, connect and lead.

After opening the new campus, Student Government quickly moved from space to student life — building new ways to involve students on campus, in the community, and abroad. “Often, I wasn’t assigned to do something; I just saw a void and stepped in,” Gambrell said.

Today, Aquino and his team are shaping a residential campus culture. Student Government moved from temporary offices into The Loft, the student activities hub in the Student Center, and is working to activate every space. “We’re seeing a more engaged, more excited student population, and more new faces,” Aquino said.

Both leaders say the campus’ small size is a strength. Students build close connections with faculty and staff and find meaningful leadership opportunities. “I received opportunities here I wouldn’t have elsewhere,” Gambrell said, adding an open invitation for Aquino to stop by his office anytime.

What’s next: A new STEM academic facility slated to open in fall 2027 will bring additional labs and hands-on learning to Sarasota-Manatee. “As a biomedical sciences and biology major, it’s exciting that we’ll finally have labs on our campus,” Aquino said.

Advice for future Bulls: “Put yourself in position to take advantage of opportunities,” Gambrell said. “Step up when others step back.” Aquino added: “Your college experience is what you make it. Once you get involved, you can make a big impact.” Looking at Aquino, Gambrell said: “My legacy was the campus. Your legacy is this building. Be proud of that.”

In the end Gambrell turned to Aquino and said, “as the past, I would like to personally thank you for everything you and your administration do to make this special place even more special for our students. It takes individuals being very intentional and stepping up and saying I want to make a difference.”

Aquino responded, “we needed a great foundation from the past.”

And, with a laugh, Gambrell said, “well, you received it!”

FIRST-GEN COMMUNITY BUILDS A TRAILBLAZING LEGACY AT USF SARASOTA-MANATEE

BY DAPHNE KOTSCHESSA ALMODÓVAR

When Ruby Suarez arrives on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus after her one hour and 17-minute commute from Arcadia, she carries more than a backpack. She carries the hopes of her family, the sacrifices of generations before her and the determination that defines so many first-generation college students.

A senior psychology major and member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Suarez represents thousands of Bulls forging new paths as the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. Her story echoes across campus and the region as first-gen students reshape what higher education looks like, who it includes and what becomes possible because of it.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FIRST-GEN AT USF

At USF, “first-generation” signifies more than a demographic label. It represents a growing community of students whose parents or guardians did not complete a

bachelor’s degree in the United States during traditional college-going years. Some are identified through application data; others discover the identity later, often after realizing they belong to a larger, resilient group of learners.

These students bring the pride of their families, the weight of their sacrifices and the hopes of future generations. They also bring extraordinary drive. With the first-gen population growing locally and nationally, USF Sarasota-Manatee is expanding support systems that help students turn ambition into academic success, timely graduation and promising careers.

RUBY’S PATH: A FAMILY DREAM CARRIED FORWARD

Suarez’s journey began in seventh grade when a career assessment pointed her toward psychology and social work, fields that matched her passion for mental health. Her parents, small business owners, never had the chance to attend college, but they instilled in her the

belief that education builds character, confidence and opportunity.

“They’re always on board,” she said. “My mom packs homemade meals that last me all day. My dad drops me off and picks me up late at night.”

On campus, Suarez does more than excel academically, she leads. As a student government senator and the inaugural vice president of the Mu Sigma chapter of Tri Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation students, she is helping build the support network she once needed. She welcomes new members, organizes induction ceremonies and ensures no first-gen student feels alone.

“I want to make sure students have the support to keep going instead of giving up because they felt lost,” she said.

A CAMPUS THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

More than 4,000 first-generation undergraduate students call USF home, about 22% of the university’s undergraduate population. Many are commuters, transfer students, working adults, heads of household or veterans returning to school later in life. Their determination is unmistakable, and their impact reaches beyond the classroom.

At USF Sarasota-Manatee, they find a campus designed

for every type of learner. Small class sizes, approachable faculty and a culture of one-on-one support define the student experience. The campus also hosts a growing network of First-Gen Champions, staff and faculty who identify as first-gen or who are committed to supporting first-gen success.

Support comes in many forms: a professor who stays after class, an advisor who walks a student through their first FAFSA, a staff member who recognizes a struggling student and checks in. Those small, consistent moments shape the campus experience.

VOICES OF LEADERSHIP: STAFF WHO HAVE WALKED THE FIRST-GEN PATH

HANNAH POGUE: CREATING THE SUPPORT SHE ONCE NEEDED

Hannah Pogue remembers the uncertainty she felt as a first-gen student. After starting college in 2010 and stepping away for several years, she returned to finish her degree at USF Sarasota-Manatee, where she found belonging and purpose.

“I was worried I wouldn’t fit in,” she said. “But small

classes and close connections made me feel seen.”

After graduating in 2021, Pogue returned to USF as a New Student Connections coordinator, where she launched First-Gen Stories, a storytelling initiative that now anchors First-Gen Celebration Week. Today, as a communications and marketing officer and graduate student in digital journalism, she continues amplifying first-gen voices across all USF campuses.

“When students see themselves in our stories, they feel like they belong,” she said.

TAYLOR TURNER: BUILDING FIRST-GEN IDENTITY ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY

As an academic advisor for biology and pre-professional sciences, Taylor Turner has helped shape first-gen programming for years. A first-gen student from Englewood, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of mentorship.

Turner helped launch USF’s first-ever First-Gen Day, a simple tabling event that sparked pride among students, many of whom realized for the first time that they qualified as first-gen.

“Students started saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize I was first-gen,’” she said.

From that spark, a tradition grew. First-Gen Week is

now celebrated across the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses, offering workshops, panels, community events and the now-iconic “Proud to Be First” T-shirts.

“They have so much more on the line,” Turner said. “Their success opens doors for their families that didn’t exist before.”

CARLOS MOREIRA: VETERAN, MENTOR AND ADVOCATE

For Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos Moreira, his first-gen journey is intertwined with service and family sacrifice. Encouraged by his mother to pursue education even while on active duty, he began taking classes before transitioning to USF Sarasota-Manatee, where he later earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree.

As the director of campus engagement for Veteran Success and Alumni Affairs, Moreira often brings support directly to students.

“Sometimes they don’t have time to come find me,” he said. “So, I go to them. If we can minimize their stress, we’ve done our job.”

He now champions scholarships, partnerships and events that foster belonging for first-gen and veteran students alike.

A LEGACY THAT’S ONLY BEGINNING

For Suarez, the journey is personal. During her first year, she learned that her mother once dreamed of studying psychology, too.

“She told me she sees herself in me,” Suarez said. “So now I share what I’m learning with her. It feels like I’m giving her the experience she couldn’t have.”

Across USF, first-gen students like Suarez are supported by staff and champions including Darren L. Gambrell who are redefining what’s possible for future generations.

“It’s all about just making that path just a little smoother, a little less bumpy for those individuals and preventing them from making some of the mistakes I made,” Gambrell said.

In fact, USF is strengthening its long-term commitment to first-generation student success, guided by its national recognition as a First-Gen Forward Network Member, a designation that affirms the university’s ongoing investment in developing evidence based programs, research driven practices, and collaborative strategies that improve their experiences and outcomes.

To lead the charge, USF expanded the role of the Office of Undergraduate Studies, to include First-Gen initiatives offering community, tailored guidance, and programming designed to help these students thrive academically and personally.

USF Foundation maintains the USF Proud to Be a First-Generation Student Support Fund (Fund #590116), which provides crucial financial resources that can help students access opportunities, reduce hardship, and stay on track toward graduation. Together, these efforts reflect a university with three unique campus offerings that not

only acknowledge our expanding first-gen community but actively shape a more intentionally supportive environment where first-generation Bulls are equipped to succeed, lead, and set new paths for future generations.

“With continued community support, USF can expand mentorship, scholarships, programming and spaces that uplift first-gen students in meaningful ways,” Suarez said.

Or, as she puts it:

“I see this as honoring my family name. We’re all first, but we’re carrying their efforts to show what’s possible. Our success is generational — and it’s only the beginning.”

THE GROWTH OF A MOVEMENT

What began as grassroots efforts — storytelling projects, recognition events, honor societies — has become a cross-campus movement.

• 4,000+ first-gen USF undergraduates

• 22% of USF’s undergraduate population

• 8.2 million first-gen undergraduates nationwide

• 54% of U.S. undergraduates are considered first-gen

These students represent the future workforce of a region where 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training by 2031. Their success strengthens families and the broader community.

WAYS THE COLLABORATORY SPARKS INNOVATIVE LEARNING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Mission Rooted in Human-Centered Design & Ethical Innovation

At the core of the Collaboratory is a commitment to human- centered design to advance education by placing the learner at the heart of every design choice. Technology becomes powerful only when used with intention, clarity and a focus on genuine learning. Serving as a tool that invites us to think creatively to create a dynamic learning environment where technology enhances understanding and supports human flourishing.

It’s Where Ideas Come to Life — Across Literacy, Art, Science & Technology

The Collaboratory, founded in 2025, is intentionally built as a vibrant, interdisciplinary hub where literacy, art, technology, science, math and engineering intersect to spark creativity and innovation among students, educators and the community.

Youth Camps Bring STEM, Creativity & Exploration to Local Kids

Through programs like Camp at College, the Collaboratory exposes rising 3rd–9th graders to explore real-world challenges through hands- on STEM activities, empowering young learners early in their educational journey. Camps are designed to blend fun with skill building led by USF College of Education faculty, staff and students.

Professional Development Helps Educators Lead with Technology

Through workshops and professional learning, educators gather for customized experiences that explore the future of teaching through immersive, hands-on learning and digital wellbeing — preparing teachers to lead in rapidly evolving classrooms.

The Collaboratory is not simply a repository of new gadgets or a traditional classroom; it is a catalyst for exploring how immersive, emerging and intelligent technologies can fundamentally reshape pedagogy and research. 4

5

It Serves the Community Through Custom Programs & Services

Businesses, organizations and local leaders are invited to the Collaboratory for workshops, events and learning experiences tailored to community needs — from arts-based activities to tech- driven training.

A Makerspace That Transforms Ideas into Prototypes

From 3D printing and digital fabrication to crafting tools, artistic media, electronics and programmable hardware platforms, the Collaboratory gives learners the equipment to transform ideas into physical prototypes and finished projects.

6 7

Students Learn Through Immersive, Emerging & Intelligent Technologies

Tier One Medical School

USF HEALTH MORSANI COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

U.S. News & World Report

31 GRADUATE PROGRAMS RANKED INSIDE THE TOP 100 AMONG ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

U.S. News & World Report

AMONG ALL PUBLIC FOR 7 CONSECUTIVE

U.S. News & World

9.8 Billion in Income to the $6.6 BILLION TO THE 400,000+ USF ALUMNI TOP 100

UNIVERSITIES

CONSECUTIVE YEARS

World Report

PUB LIC UNIVERSITY FOR PRODUCING U.S. PATENTS FOR THE 12 TH YEAR

National Academy of Inventors

the State of Florida Economy

THE TAMPA BAY REGION

400,000+ ALUMNI

$750 Million IN RESEARCH FUNDING AWARDED IN FISCAL YEAR 2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Jason Anderson, a biology major, works as a zookeeper at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where he prepares diets, enrichments and ensures the welfare of species ranging from crocodilians to birds of prey all while capturing stunning wildlife photography.

Chersia De Leon, a psychology student minoring in behavioral healthcare and communications, interns with the National Alliance on Mental Illness while also serving campus as student director for the Campus Activities Board, a lead peer advisor and an orientation leader.

Congratulations to Yadyra Guzman and Roberto Mundo, United States Marine Corps, who received Robert P. Bartz Memorial Endowed Scholarships during the Manatee Chamber’s 9th Annual Robert Bartz Award Dinner. Both are enrolled in the Muma School of Business; Guzman is a marketing major and Mundo is studying finance.

Angela Sciarrone, a Master of Social Work student, was named Manatee County Government’s 2025 Team Member of the Year for providing consistently outstanding service to Manatee County and improving the community through her role in the Public Safety Department.

Scarlett-Rose Austin, a criminology student, and Laura Curran, an assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice, presented their research at The Society for Social Work and Research conference. Their paper, “Factors Associated with Wait Time to Substance Use Treatment Among Pregnant Women in the United States,” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction.

Maria Bustinza, a double major student in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, held an internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her opportunity was one of many made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities.

Renee Korkoske, research assistant to Kim Badanich, a professor of instruction of psychology, presented her independent research study investigating “Prescription Stimulant Misuse in College Students” at the Society of Southeastern Social Psychologists.

USF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GRAD TAPS LIFE’S CHALLENGES TO LAUNCH CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH PROGRAM

BY DAVE SCHEIBER

Brittany Devlin has a favorite quote that captures her guiding philosophy in life — one that helps explain how she has launched an innovative and wildly successful STEM program at Bradenton’s Southeast High, a Title 1 school attended by many at-risk students. Or how — after a sharp decline in entries due to the pandemic in 2020 — she has breathed new life into the Manatee County Science Fair as its passionate regional director.

For the high school biology teacher and 2025 USF Educational Leadership and Administration graduate, it all comes down to Thomas Edison’s famous words embedded at the end of all her emails: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

The fact is, Devlin could easily have given up many times growing up in a dysfunctional family that, by her count, moved more than 50 times in her childhood because, she says, her parents were evicted from places so often in the Sarasota area. Living in a household rife with drugs and alcohol, she frequently lived in destitute conditions with her identical twin sister and younger sister, and the only reprieve came when they occasionally

moved in with their grandparents.

“We were at-risk, and below the poverty line,” Devlin recalls. “My sisters and I have always been very close, and the biggest source of stability we had was my maternal grandparents while my parents figured things out. We would go back and forth, kind of ping-ponging.”

Rather than give up, however, they took the graduate equivalency exam when they turned 18, moved to an apartment on their own, worked multiple part-time jobs at Sarasota Square Mall and gradually began to turn around their lives.

After seven long years, Devlin managed to earn both her community college A.A. and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a heavy focus on biology. It was at USF, surrounded by many other bright students, that she realized she had to put forth a greater effort. Academics had always come easy in spite of her many challenges, but now she had to work hard to achieve her goals.

“I did struggle at first, partly because I was older than the other students and I had a baby,” she says. “I couldn’t do a lot of the fun things other students did with clubs and socializing, and I had an hour’s drive every day to

campus.” Devlin took classes on all three USF campuses while completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

By now, Devlin was married and living in Bradenton, and she buckled down and earned her undergraduate degree in 2018. After so much of her life spent moving from place to place, she finally had a chance to settle down and enjoy some stability. But the problem was she didn’t know what she would do. “My husband said, ‘Hey, you don’t have to keep moving — you can relax and stay in one place now,’ ” she says.

Devlin did just that. Thanks to an animal behavior class she took as a USF junior, she developed a strong interest in scientific research, encouraged by her professor, Deby Cassill. “I worked with her and she just supported me in the most loving, mom kind of way that I had never had before,” Devlin says.

That support led her to become a substitute middle school teacher in Bradenton, and she fell in love with teaching science and showing students averse to the topic that it could be fun and interesting.

Then came a turning-point moment. A student came to her with a heavy family issue and she felt compelled to call Child Protective Services. The situation hit home with Devlin and left her reeling with emotions from her past.

“I remember sitting there at the end of the school day just feeling so exhausted and staring out of the office window,” she recollects. “And my assistant principal came up to me and asked, ‘Are you okay?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know what to do with this. I’m supposed to act like everything is fine?’ I didn’t ever have anyone who stuck up for me, and now I was on the other side.”

“But he said, ‘Well, you know, you could be the person for these kids that you never had. You could help them with the advocacy that you didn’t have.’ And it just clicked in my mind. All the pieces snapped together. I can do the science — check. I can help the kids with science fair projects — check. And I can advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves — single, double, triple check. That’s me. That is now my life.”

Today, she utilizes her life experiences — facing and overcoming challenges, and not giving up — to better connect with high school science students who might otherwise struggle with the subject and move on. Her mission to help strengthen their understanding of scientific methods has evolved into a full-fledged program, Southeast Research, in only its first year. And it has become a flourishing, district-recognized initiative with 155 students enrolled across multiple levels of the International Baccalaureate program.

“The students get to work with people at Lockheed Martin and NOAA and NIH on projects,” she said. “I have the students come to class and pick a topic — something

that interests them — and I teach them how to research it, how to read a scientific journal and break it down in ways that make sense. Then I teach them how to create a CV and write a professional email to researchers around the state or country and request a Zoom meeting so they can ask questions and use them as a source of knowledge and even as mentors.”

The program has received local sponsorships and funding, and the school district has provided resources for classroom equipment and training. In addition, due to her endeavor, the Advancing STEM Research Teaching (ASRT) Program has selected the Manatee County School District as one of only eight nationwide to participate. And Devlin was invited to speak at the Society for Science’s National Research Teacher Conference about her administrative-buy in approach.

When Devlin took over as director of the county science fair, just before the pandemic in 2018, the number of participants had dipped to 30. That number has now grown to 347 in the regional competition. And it’s expanded from only including three middle schools to 10, while the number of high schools has increased from one to four.

“Ms. Devlin has enabled access for students across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds to have authentic, hands-on scientific inquirybased learning opportunities,” said Southeast High School Principal Ginger L. Collins. “She has written multiple grants to find funding for durable equipment and renewable materials that support multi-year, sustainable research opportunities in biology, environmental science, marine science, neuroscience and data-driven investigations. What she provides for our students is priceless and we are fortunate she is a Seminole.”

In a recent email to her USF College of Education professors, Devlin expressed her deep gratitude:

“None of this would exist without the mentorship, encouragement and vision that the USF Educational Leadership program instilled in me. Your classes didn’t just prepare me to lead, they gave me the tools to build something lasting, scalable and deeply meaningful. I carry your lessons into every new challenge, every student success and every conversation that reminds me why we do what we do.

“Thank you for your investment in me. I hope this update serves as a reminder that what you do every day matters. The impact of your work continues to ripple outward in ways you might not always get to see.”

And perhaps the greatest impact is the powerful lesson she imparts to her students and that has guided her in life: don’t give up.

Community

COMMUNITY & CAMPUS

USF Hospitality Lab hosts The Ritz-Carlton's chef

USF students learned more than pasta-making during a special culinary demonstration, they gained insights into global cuisine and hospitality careers from The RitzCarlton's Executive Sous Chef Andrew Thompson.

This collaborative event was coordinated by Eda Alphan, assistant professor of instruction at the School of Hospitality and Sport Management as part of her International Food and Culture course. This high impact practice of experiential centered learning is the focus of USF’s Quality Enhancement Plan to provide students with opportunities to build skills beyond the classroom.

Bishop-Parker Foundation grant advances training for nursing students

The University of South Florida College of Nursing has been awarded a $74,365 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to upgrade its nursing simulation lab and instructional resources on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

This investment will bring state-of-the-art technology and advanced training equipment to students enrolled in USF’s accelerated second-degree nursing program. Each year, the enhanced lab will serve more than 100 nursing students, equipping them with real-world, hands-on skills to meet the healthcare needs of the growing and aging populations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Wildlife photographer leaves lasting legacy

World-renowned photographer Larry Allan, who previously donated a collection of his work to USF Sarasota-Manatee, has just completed a new book titled "Preserve Our Wildlife” that features the images from the on-campus gallery. Both the book and the gallery are intended to inspire humans to share the earth's bounty with all species.

Allan’s donation supports USF’s commitment to community engagement, STEM leadership and innovation that strengthens the region and our society's future.

As students pass through Selby Auditorium for years to come, Allan’s desire is for the images to do more than capture wildlife — he hopes they will spark a commitment to protecting it.

USF and Sarasota Police Department pilot AIdriven crime forecasting model

USF researchers from the Department of Criminology and the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing launched a pilot program with the Sarasota Police Department using an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven crime forecasting tool.

The tool uses AI-generated forecasts to anticipate crime patterns and support realtime patrol planning. The Sarasota Police Department’s chief and deputy chief will use the tool to inform decisions related to officer deployment and day-to-day operations.

Soar Lab Fellows promote literacy to local families and children

A fellowship is now available at Soar in 4’s new Soar Lab for USF students studying education. This opportunity was made possible through generous contributions from Manatee Education Foundation and Steve Roskamp. As the latest addition to Soar in 4’s many literacy programs, Soar Lab provides local children and their families a dedicated, free space for engaging, educational experiences.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. provides industryembedded education for USF accounting students

For 26 years, accounting students in the Muma College of Business have gained real-world experience through a partnership with local accounting firm Kerkering, Barberio & Co. During the spring 2026 semester, six USF students and recent graduates interned at the firm applying classroom learning to the local community.

“Kerkering, Barberio & Co. has enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship with the University of South Florida,” says Tracy O’Neill, their chief administrative officer, “one that has strengthened both our organization and our people over many years. We are proud to have a strong presence of USF alumni within our firm and to support the university through fellowships and ongoing collaboration. USF has been an exceptional partner in developing future professionals, and we are deeply appreciative of the lasting impact this relationship continues to have on our firm and our community.”

Muma College of Business students provide datadriven support to local non-profit

For 10 years, Bradenton non-profit Turning Points, an organization focused on preventing and reducing homelessness, has been able to strengthen their credibility within the community utilizing findings from an economic impact study completed by Muma College of Business students. The analysis provided data-driven evidence of Turning Points’ return on investment, strengthening credibility with funders and partners. With the study now a decade old, USF and Turning Points are exploring an updated version.

“The economic impact study helped Turning Points move from being seen solely as a social service provider to being recognized as a community asset with measurable economic value,” said Turning Points Executive Director Kathleen Cramer. “It gave our partners and funders a clearer understanding of how investments in our work benefit the broader community.”

The sounds of sizzling skillets, clinking glasses, and lively conversations filled the beautiful Nixon Courtyard on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus as community members gathered for the 31st annual Brunch on the Bay, proudly presented by USF Credit Union. Tents were sprinkled throughout the space where local restaurants served elevated brunch dishes and drinks to hundreds of hungry guests.

Since its founding in 1994, more than $1.3 million has been awarded to over 2,600 local USF students through this annual fundraising event. For the past several years, USF Credit Union has proudly served as the title sponsor of this beloved community tradition, reflecting the strong bond between USF SarasotaManatee and its region. The spirit of generosity continued this year, with funds raised through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships supporting scholarships for USF students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Over the last five years, USF Credit Union has contributed $300,000 to the campus, including a $10,000 surprise pledge this year to help students thrive.

As attendees savored their lobster tails and mimosas, Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker spoke of the distinct qualities that make the Sarasota-Manatee campus special. “Faculty, staff and students here benefit from an environment that encourages connection, mentorship and engagement,” said Kemker. "Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships and community partnerships that allow them to apply what they are learning in meaningful, real-world ways."

USF President Moez Limayem beamed with gratitude as he attended his first Brunch on the Bay as president. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the community’s support of the students. “An investment in these students today comes right back to this community,” said Limayem, “in the form of talent, leadership and innovation. That is the power of education.”

SIBLINGS CO-CHAIR BRUNCH ON THE BAY

Brother and sister Luke and Dr. Jennifer Bencie co-chaired the 2026 Brunch on the Bay, uniting their shared commitment to education, public service and community engagement to support scholarships that change lives.

Longtime champions of USF, the Bencie siblings have seen the impact of that investment firsthand. Jennifer is a member of the USF College of Public Health Advisory Council and regularly connects students to professional experiences that launch their healthcare careers. Luke has mentored USF students for more than a decade and helped create the Security Training Collaborative — a hands-on program that connects students with national security careers.

Although they admitted that, as siblings, they don’t always agree on everything, they both believe that supporting education is one of the best community investments.

STUDENTS THRIVE WITH SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

As much as Brunch on the Bay guests enjoyed the culinary treats, they were equally impressed with the USF students that they met throughout the morning. A hallmark of this event is the student speaker who has been impacted personally by generous donors supporting scholarships.

This year, USF Sarasota-Manatee's Student Government Lieutenant Governor Dennis Kukharenko shared his journey.

Kukharenko is a senior who will graduate with a degree in accountancy and analytics in May 2026. During his years at USF, Kukharenko embraced the close-knit Sarasota-Manatee campus and proudly advocates for his peers.

“Serving in Student Government has not only allowed me to give back to the university community,” says Kukharenko, “but has also shaped my passion for service-driven leadership.”

Kukharenko is grateful to the generosity of the community for giving him the flexibility to lead. “Because of this support, I have been able to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and service to the student body without the added burden of financial stress,” said Kukharenko.

BUILDING THE REGION’S NURSING WORKFORCE — ONE ACCELERATED GRADUATE AT A TIME

BY ANDREA KNIES

A DRIVE TO EXCEL

One morning on the University of South Florida SarasotaManatee campus, Sarah Lapton sat down at a table of strangers to begin orientation for the Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Coming from a business and marketing background, she didn’t yet know anyone in the room. Four semesters later, she is not only graduating with her BSN, she also has new friends with whom she will continue this nursing journey.

D esigned for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees, the BSN program offers a fast, rigorous pathway into a high-demand profession. Lapton admits that the pace and intensity of the program can sometimes be challenging and there were moments when she doubted her abilities. “When I had unwanted thoughts or anxiety,” said Lapton, “I focused on the present. Remember why

you are doing this — even if you have to put it on a sticky note and read it every day.”

Lapton received additional support though her acceptance into the first cohort of the PAM Health Living Community. This scholarship was funded by a gift from PAM Health, a national healthcare company with hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, which provided students connections, focus and support through on-campus housing, clinical training and professional development throughout the program.

Beyond the high-quality education and impactful experiences, Lapton is grateful for the connections she made while studying at USF. She values relationships and intentionally scheduled meetings with her professors and took the time to get to know the people at clinicals. Some of her most memorable moments over the last 16 months of courses revolve around her new friendships. She fondly recalls loudly singing Disney Channel songs with her friends to stay alert on the way home from a late-

I never felt like I knew what I was meant to do in life, until I decided on nursing.

- Sarah Lapton

“ ”

night clinical and horseback riding on the beach during a USF led event. “We have been through a lot together with exams, group projects, mishaps, studying, being overwhelmed, and clinicals,” said Lapton, “but we always have each other.”

D espite the fast pace, the program exposes students to an array of career paths in nursing. Lapton is thoughtfully exploring all of the options in this vast field. “I want my path to be what's meant for me,” said Lapton. “I strongly believe if you keep an open mind and heart, then what is meant to be will happen.”

This blend of academic rigor, professional preparation and personal support is a hallmark of the SarasotaManatee campus — empowering students like Sarah to graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to the region’s healthcare landscape.

A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

With only 32 beds, Sarasota Memorial opened their first hospital on November 2, 1925. During that momentous occasion over 100 years ago, The Sarasota Herald wrote, “the dream of many made possible by the intensive efforts of a few and the generosity of all.” This dream continues to promote compassion in our community.

As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) completes a century of caring, the University of South Florida (USF) celebrates 70 years of academic excellence. Since their beginnings, both institutions have advanced innovation while maintaining deep commitments to the community. These shared values have formed a natural connection between the two organizations, with many USF nursing students applying their education and training to launch careers at SMH.

Lale Citak, a mother of three young boys, who completed USF’s BSN program in May 2024, now works as a registered nurse on the Neuro Med-Surg unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She credits the program’s intensity with building resilience, time management and the ability to thrive under pressure. “USF gave me a strong clinical foundation, critical thinking skills and

confidence that I carry into my practice every day,” said Citak.

Citak has a passion for nursing and is honored to connect with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives to make a meaningful difference. This calling has led her to return to USF to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner. For Citak, her return to studying at USF reinforces evidence-based practice with compassionate, patient-centered care.

While balancing work, graduate studies and raising a family, Citak provides heartfelt guidance for current nursing students. “Believe in yourself, even on the hardest days,” says Citak. “Nursing school is challenging, but it is absolutely achievable.” Like Lapton, she encourages students to lean on their support systems, ask for help and stay grounded in their “why.”

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING ACCELERATED SECOND DEGREE

• D esigned for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field

• Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam

• Completed in only 16 months (4 consecutive semesters)

• Unlocks a wide range of career opportunities in hospitals, research, education, community health, government and international healthcare

• Available on all USF campuses with rotating starting semesters

PATHWAY TO FLORENCE

Eisner Scholarship Empowers USF Student’s Global Learning Experience

BY BRANDON MCLEOD

As the sun sets over the Arno River and Florence’s Renaissance domes color the skyline, USF student Mary Carlin will be living a reality she once believed unattainable. A first-generation college student, Carlin is the inaugural recipient of the Eisner International Experience Scholarship, created to remove financial barriers to transformative global learning.

“When I found out I had been selected to receive the Eisner Scholarship, I felt so many emotions at once: shock, excitement, gratitude and pride,” Carlin said. “This scholarship makes it possible for me to study abroad in Florence.”

A junior majoring in marketing, Carlin will travel to Italy in June for USF’s Business Study Abroad program, a goal she had quietly held since her freshman year. “I always dreamed of studying abroad, but I knew my family couldn’t afford it,” she said. “As my third year began, I realized this summer would be my last chance. Even though I didn’t personally know anyone who had received these scholarships, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply anyway.”

That leap changed everything. Funded through the generosity of the Eisner family, the scholarship covers all out-of-pocket expenses, lifting what Carlin describes as “a huge weight off my shoulders.” Dean, Matthew and Sarah Eisner understand deeply and personally how stepping into a new country can change a student’s life trajectory. They’ve seen how global experiences spark

confidence, ambition and new ways of thinking. Guided by that passion, they are committed to opening those life- changing opportunities to students who may have once thought the world was out of reach.

D ean Eisner, a former president and CEO and Longboat Key resident, has long been devoted to mentoring the next generation. “I want to open people’s minds, have them explore and help them think for themselves,” he said.

For Carlin, Florence will be her first international experience. She will take an experiential course on social media communications, interacting with locals and business owners while learning to use digital platforms for meaningful storytelling. “This program will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and build independence,” she said.“Professionally, observing European marketing practices firsthand will strengthen my global marketing skills and intercultural communication.”

Carlin brings strong marketing experience through roles with USF and local nonprofits, including the American Dog Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. On campus, she serves as president of Circle K International, leading student service initiatives and helping classmates create meaningful impact.

She hopes to visit the Florence Cathedral and the coastal region of Cinque Terre. Growing up in Florida, she says being near the water brings her calm. She has also been studying Italian and cultural differences. One detail stood out: meals in Italy tend to be slower and more social. And she knows exactly what she plans to try first: an affogato. “I love both coffee and ice cream, so I'm excited to try this classic Italian dessert in Florence.”

Looking beyond her own journey, Carlin hopes to pay it forward. “I plan to share what I learn with my peers and community, encouraging other first-generation students to pursue global learning opportunities.”

Reflecting on the leap that brought her here, she offered this advice: “Taking that risk showed me that some of the biggest opportunities are on the other side of simply applying.”

INSPIRING FLORIDA'S FUTURE THROUGH THE ARTS

USF's Florida Center for Partnerships for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT)

BY TRESSA PRESLEY MCLEOD

For 70 years, the University of South Florida has championed bold ideas that shape the future of our communities. One example of that legacy is the Florida Center for Partnerships for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT), headquartered at the USF SarasotaManatee campus and serving as the state’s official resource for arts-integrated instruction.

PAInT’s roots run deep in Sarasota-Manatee’s artsrich culture. Launched in 2012, the center grew from a vision advanced by the USF College of Education and a belief that blending the arts with academic content can transform learning. By 2016, that vision captured the attention of Florida lawmakers, who designated PAInT as the permanent statewide hub for arts-integrated teaching. Today, PAInT’s mission remains clear: empower teachers, ignite creativity in classrooms and strengthen communities across Florida through innovative and arts-based approaches.

Arts-integrated teaching weaves the arts, including music, movement, visual art and drama, into academic lessons to make learning more meaningful. Research shows this approach improves comprehension, increases engagement and supports students’ social and emotional needs. Under the leadership of PAInT Program Director Denise Davis-Cotton, Ed.D., the center continues expanding partnerships with school districts, arts organizations and educators statewide and collecting and disseminating scholarly research on

the arts-integrated teaching.

What began as a local initiative has grown into a Floridawide network. PAInT collaborates with partners including the Circus Arts Conservatory, Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Manatee Arts Education Council, Make Music Count, Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation M.A.S.T.R. Kids, the Children's Literacy Initiative, Origami Air, Beeler Bridge Program, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Florida Studio Theatre. These partnerships provide hands-on experiences and evidence-based strategies that bring learning to life. PAInT also works with colleges and universities to develop training programs and with USF preservice education students preparing for their own classrooms.

PAInT reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to innovation, excellence and community engagement. Its statewide advisory board, composed of education leaders, arts professionals and community advocates, helps ensure the center’s work remains future-focused and connected to Florida’s evolving educational landscape.

From Manatee County classrooms to districts across the state, PAInT is helping shape the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers and creative leaders. Its work stands as a testament to USF’s history and its vision for the decades ahead, a Florida where every learner has access to the transformative power of the arts.

CHAPTERS & SOCIETIES

No matter where you live, you’ll always be a Bull!

The USF Alumni Association’s chapters and societies connect Bulls with one another across the country and around the world. Through social events, professional networking, fundraising and community service, among other activities, alumni groups help USF grads and friends support one another, our university and current students. They play an important part in the Alumni Association’s mission to provide meaningful ways for Bulls to make an impact; protect USF through advocacy; share pride in our great university; and stick together.

It’s easy to get involved! For alumni group events, visit usfalumni.org/events

INTEREST-BASED GROUPS

USF Alumni Association interest-based groups provide opportunities to stay connected to USF based on academic, social, cultural or other shared interests. Find your society to connect, network and volunteer with Bulls with whom you share a common interest!

GEOGRAPHIC-BASED GROUPS & NETWORKS

USF Alumni Association chapters and networks provide opportunities to stay connected to USF no matter where you live. Find your local chapter to connect, network and volunteer with Bulls in your area!

GLOBAL NETWORKS

USF Global Networks bring together alumni, students, faculty and partners to build worldwide communities of support for international programs, research and business connections.