University Communications and Marketing
The first-ever residence hall under construction at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee now has a name: Atala Hall, after a rare tropical butterfly that feeds and breeds in the landscaping on campus.
Atala butterflies are small with inky black wings, speckled with iridescent blue spots and a bright red body. Once thought to be extinct, they are making a comeback thanks to the popularity of its host plant in Florida, known as coontie.
The Eumaeus atala butterfly has made a summer home in the landscaping at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
The name, which was announced Wednesday during a Campus Board meeting, was selected after a campus committee of students, faculty and staff considered numerous possible names; an online survey that drew more than 300 responses; and review and selection by Sarasota-Manatee campus Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook and USF President Rhea Law.
Atala Hall, which will have room for 200 USF students, will be comprised of suites and apartments in the top four floors of the six-story building going up along the campus courtyard. The first two floors will be a student center that will include a ballroom, a dining hall, a book stores, a game room, study lounges and offices for student government, other student organizations and USF World.
Atala Hall will welcome students in August for the start of 2024-2025 academic year.
Students who live in Atala Hall are eligible for up to $4,000 in housing scholarships during 2024-25. Residents who join a Living Learning Community sponsored by the Muma College of Business, the College of Education and the Judy Genshaft Honors College are eligible for additional scholarships.
For more information about housing at USF Sarasota-Manatee, visit https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/housing/