Welcome to the December edition of Campus Insider, a monthly newsletter from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, featuring exciting university news, research and stories of impact.
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Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook leaves legacy of transformation at USF Sarasota-Manatee
Karen Holbrook, who is retiring as USF Sarasota-Manatee's regional chancellor at the end of 2024, led the campus through tremendous growth and success. “This has been an amazing place, an amazing experience,” Holbrook said. “I spent 14 years at the University of South Florida in several roles, and this campus has been more special than any place I've ever connected with."
Momentum magazine celebrates USF Sarasota-Manatee's research, community engagement
and new student center and residence hall
New edition of Momentum Magazine, available in print and online, details many ways the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is growing, physically and academically, on campus and in the local community.
Graduate Maegan DURZINI says RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT USF Sarasota-Manatee prepared
her for future success
Fall graduate Maegan Durzini’s journey at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has been defined by academic challenges available through the Judy Genshaft Honors College and other programs, and opportunities, as a member of Student Government, to grow as a leader.
Going green: Teaching lab earns certification for sustainability efforts
The USF Sarasota Manatee teaching lab has earned My Green Lab Certification, joining a growing community of laboratories certified for implementing more sustainable practices to dramatically reduce environmental impact. “It recognizes our initiative to move toward a sustainable future and validates our efforts by achieving Green Status," said lab manager Victoria Ramirez.
USF Sarasota-Manatee hosts insightful Conversation with entrepreneur Pete Petersen
A USF alumnus and co-founder of Dealers United, he shared insights on resilience and problem-solving during a fireside chat as part of the “Conversation With a Founder” series. Pete Petersen said the key is to prioritize teamwork and passion.“It’s always the team; it’s always the people you’re around,” he said. “So just have fun while you’re doing it and surround yourself with great people."
Fossil Hunters: Honors Students Travel 400 Million Years into the Past with Study
Away Course
Judy Genshaft Honors College student Isabel Delgado-Frontera had the chance to travel 400 million years into the past to study Ordovician-era fossils through University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Professor Lydia Wassink’s study away course, Fossil Hunters. Focused on hands-on learning, the course included a field trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, and the surrounding region, where students searched for fossils in established beds and explored the ancient history of the area.
‘Once you’re in it, you’re in it for life.’ Aspiring surgeon receives wraparound support
from Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program
It wasn’t until Gabriella Merlo, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences and aspiring surgeon, was on her way to the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) program’s annual fall symposium that she realized the true value of the scholarship she’d received. “There was a big, fancy lunch. People were winning awards,” said Merlo, who received the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy USF Sarasota-Manatee Scholarship. “I think that's kind of when the realization struck me ... How big this program is."
Criminology associate professor appointed to USF APIDA Presidential Advisory Council
Fawn Ngo, an associate professor in the Department of Criminology, was appointed by USF President Rhea Law to serve on the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Presidential Advisory Council. Ngo will work with the council to advise the president on issues facing Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi, and South Asian American faculty, staff, and students.
The Global Conference on Education and Research (GLOCER 2024), will be held on December 16-19, 2024 in Sarasota, FL. Proudly organized and sponsored by the University of South Florida M3 Center(USF) this prestigious event continues its tradition of excellence for the fifth time. View the GLOCER 2024 Schedule. More information is here: https://glocer.org/think-tank/ (Registration not required)
The first electric vehicle chargers have been installed in the parking lot at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Students, faculty and staff members and campus visitors can find the chargers in South Parking Lot 4, near the south entrance to the Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall. To use the EV chargers, users must download the ChargePoint app to their cell phones and set up account and payment options.
Living on Campus: University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is a full residential campus, with the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall. The student center on the first two floors of the 100,000-square building includes a dining hall, bookstore and ballroom. The top four floors feature suites and apartments in several configurations, with stellar views of Sarasota Bay, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and the surrounding area. For more information about living on campus, visit the USF Housing and Residential Education webpage.
Housing Scholarships Available: We are thrilled to continue offering the USF Sarasota-Manatee Housing Scholarship. Scholarships of up to $4,000 are available to students living on campus during the upcoming academic year. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis. Apply now! Scholarships are limited and in high demand.
Students impacted by Hurricanes Helene, Milton: Recent hurricanes left many USF students facing unexpected hardships. The USF United Support Fund serves as an important resource to help them cover essential needs. Donate here.
Support-A-Bull Food Pantry: USF Sarasota-Manatee's Support-A-Bull Food Pantry is available to students to address food insecurity by providing supplemental food and toiletry items to students in need. Donations are accepted during any business day at the Main Rotunda desk. List of high demand items.
Campus Closures: The USF Sarasota-Manatee campus will be closed for the holiday season from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3. Spring semester classes start Jan. 13.