Kick Off Week Coverage

Kick Off Week
Press Announcment
Kick Off photo gallery
Desmond Tutu lecture
Economic Impact Brochure

The University of South Florida kicked off its 50th Anniversary celebration in January with a week of activities for USF faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

On Tuesday, January 17, President Judy Genshaft announced USF’s $3.2 billion economic impact on USF’s service area. The announcement was followed by a luncheon where keynote speakers included three of USF’s past presidents: Cecil Mackey, Frank Borkowski, and Betty Castor. Also speaking at the luncheon were the “Father of USF,” Sam Gibbons, who is credited with writing the legislation the created the university, and Grace Allen, wife of USF’s first president, John Allen. Appearances were also made by the USF Herd of Thunder Show Band and Rocky D. Bull.

Faculty, staff, and students were invited to a campus-wide kick off on Wednesday, January 18 at the Special Events Center. Attendees were treated to a “Taste of Bulls Country” with over 25 local vendors providing free food and drink. Appearances were made by Provost Renu Khator and USF Cheerleaders and Sun Dolls. Attendees picked up 50th anniversary give-aways including pens, calendars, and cups.

On Thursday, January 19, the University Lecture Series in conjunction with the Patel Center for Global Solutions, hosted Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the USF Sun Dome. Nearly 4,000 people came to hear the Archbishop’s talk entitled, “No Future Without Forgiveness.” The lecture was free and open to the public and covered in most local media outlets.

The USF Calendar of Events details future events that will happen both on campus and in the community throughout the year. For more information, please contact the anniversary office at (813) 974-3500 or 50@admin.usf.edu.