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Interesting Facts About USF's Named Buildings
& Sites
John and Grace Allen Administration Building -
As the founding president of USF, Dr. John
S. Allen (1907-1982) designed
the Tampa campus and the first curriculum. He epitomized the university’s
early slogan “Accent on Learning.” His wife, Grace Allen,
was active in bringing the community to the campus and starting the
first USF women’s club. Fittingly, USF's first building was named
for them. >>MORE
David C. Anchin Center -
The David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching was named
for a poor Russian immigrant (1904-1990) who became a successful accountant,
businessman, philanthropist and education activist. He and his wife,
Anne, initiated programs designed to build character in Florida schoolchildren. >>MORE
Lake Behnke
The lake that borders the Botanical Garden, Shriners Hospital and the
College of Medicine was dedicated in 1994 to esteemed teacher, physician
and administrator Roy Behnke, M.D. and his wife Ruth. He was founding
chair of Internal Medicine, a role model to students and an inspiration
to colleagues. >>MORE
Betty Castor Hall
Gamma Hall, one of the first residence halls and historically women-only,
was renamed Castor Hall in fall 2001 to honor USF’s first female
President, Betty Castor,
USF’s CEO from 1994-1999. During Castor’s
presidency, USF became recognized as a top-level research institution
and added numerous programs and buildings. >>MORE
Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center
The USF Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies,
opened in 2002, is involved in public health projects to help pre- and
post-pregnancy families and to fight infant mortality. It is named after
the late Governor of Florida and his wife, both advocates of infant health
care. >>MORE
Russell M. Cooper Hall
The building that housed the original College of Liberal Arts at USF
is dedicated to its first dean, Russell M. Cooper (1907-1975). A visionary,
Cooper believed that the true function of a university is to stimulate
critical thinking. He advocated a broad and interdisciplinary education. >>MORE
Louis de la Parte Institute
USF’s Florida Mental Health Institute was named for former Florida
Senate President and Tampa attorney Louis de la Parte (1929-). He was
nationally recognized for his tireless efforts to establish academic
centers to develop innovative programs for the state’s social service,
criminal justice and education systems. >>MORE
Chester Ferguson Hall
Chester Ferguson (1908-1983) was a successful businessman and a principal
architect of the state university system. He helped establish USF’s
regional campuses and health sciences center. Recognizing his contributions,
in 1980 USF named its College of Business Administration building in
his honor. >>MORE
Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center
The USF alumni center was dedicated to long-time state and national legislator
Sam Gibbons and his wife Martha. Sam, known as “Father of USF,” was
the driving force behind the creation of both the university and its
medical school. He also was the first president of the USF Foundation. >>MORE
Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza
The best known gathering place on the USF Tampa campus is named for famous
civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The scenic plaza features
a memorial to King, a large reflecting pool, the famous “I Have
a Dream” speech engraved on a wall and a long, trellised colonnade
leading to the Marshall Center. >>MORE
Edgar William Kopp Building
The campus’ first engineering building is named in memory of the
dedication and influence of Edgar W. Kopp (1926-1979) who began USF’s
engineering programs. He developed the college’s academic programs
and physical facilities. Eleven student organizations were established
during his tenure. >>MORE
A. Harrison and Ruth Kosove Hall
In 1999 Alpha Hall was renamed to honor A. Harrison and Ruth Kosove,
friends of the University of South Florida, who established prestigious
academic scholarships in their name. The Kosoves encouraged educational
excellence, integrity, leadership and better relationships among nations. >>MORE
Julian Hawthorne Lifsey House
Originally designed as a “classic contemporary antebellum” presidential
residence, Lifsey House is named for the late real estate developer Julian
Lifsey, Jr. (1917-1989) who gave the principal donation for the construction
cost of the building. The Lifsey House serves as a location for official
university functions. >>MORE
Phyllis P. Marshall Center
In 1994 the University Center (student union) was renamed in honor of
former director Phyllis P. Marshall (1927-). One of the earliest USF
employees, she was the first resident instructor for women housed on
the fourth floor in the early 1960s. She was known for her personal interest
in students. >>MORE
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
The nationally-recognized H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
was named for the prominent Tampa attorney, former Speaker of the Florida
House of Representatives and a cancer survivor himself. Moffitt (1941-)
was the first graduate of USF to be elected to state office. >>MORE
Anthony P. Pizzo Elementary School
Much of what we know about Tampa’s Latin heritage is due to Anthony
P. (Tony) Pizzo (1912-1994), the city’s laureate historian, lecturer,
author and storyteller. In honor of his historical contributions to USF’s
library and the community, Pizzo Elementary School was named for him
when dedicated in 1998. >>MORE
Terrell Sessums Mall
USF’s popular weekly flea market is held in the area of campus
between the Library and the University Lecture Hall, named Terrell Sessums
Mall. Sessums, Tampa attorney, is best known for his outstanding service
promoting higher education as a state representative and chair of the
Florida Board of Regents. >>MORE
Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Health Sciences Library
The USF Health and Sciences Library, founded in 1971, was renamed in
1998 for Mandell “Hinks” and Elaine Shimberg, philanthropists
who donated $1 million to expand its resources. Hinks is a leader in
real-estate development and Elaine was an actress who now is an award-winning
medical author. >>MORE
Gus A. Stavros Center for Economic Education
The Gus A. Stavros Center for Economic Education is named for the building’s
donor, a supporter of both education and free enterprise system. Stavros
(1925-) started and operated the largest business forms company in the
Southeast and played an active role on the University’s Foundation
Board. >>MORE
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