USF St. Petersburg is an urban university that aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the city and region, enhancing opportunities for students, businesses and the public. This community roundup series highlights the ways that USF faculty, staff, students and administration are active in the community. If you’d like to engage with USF St. Petersburg, or are a campus staff, faculty or student interested in engaging with the community, please contact Caryn Nesmith, Community Relations Director.
Civics Institute Empowers Youth Leaders Through Hands-On Government Immersion
For the seventh year, the USF St. Petersburg-Florida YMCA Civics Institute returned to campus, offering an intensive week of experiential learning in state and local government for high school student leaders from across Florida. Led by Professor Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of classroom sessions, policy discussions and site visits - from touring the Florida judiciary and meeting St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch to exploring public policy challenges in education, housing and the environment. Highlights included hands-on workshops in media literacy, civic leadership and mock elections, as well as excursions to local landmarks and government facilities. Students met elected officials, contributed to a beach cleanup and explored civic careers through panels and peer discussion. The institute concluded with a capstone portfolio showcase and certificate ceremony, celebrating a week of deep civic engagement and leadership growth. Learn more about the program here.
Public Affairs professor helps ponder the future of 86 acres
With the latest deal to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District seemingly derailed, the question surfaces, what’s next? On June 3, the Tampa Bay Times spotlight series hosted a panel discussion on the future of the project at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. The panelists were a mix of people focused on planning, housing, development, the environment and history - all with a deep, deep love for St. Petersburg, including Elizabeth Strom, an Associate Professor in USF’s School of Public Affairs who specializes in urban development and housing policy. Other panelists included Mozelle Davis, Jillian Bandes and Erica Hall. Tampa Bay Times reporter Colleen Wright moderated the discussion, which looked toward the future of the 86-acre potential development and asked the panelists where should we go from here. To read more about their conclusions, see here.
Students' leave behinds benefit SPCA
A group of volunteers came together quickly with an innovative way to support a community partner while reducing waste. Officer Lickenfelt and comfort dog Snowbird came up with the idea of collecting linens, towels and sheets – items often discarded in the dumpster as students move out of dorms - to donate to animals in need at SPCA Tampa Bay. This initiative was supported by various departments on campus including the Office of Veteran's Success, the Regional Chancellor's Office, University Communications and Marketing, and Housing & Residential Education. A van full of donations was delivered by a group of volunteers including Snowbird. While there, Snobird enjoyed touring the shelter, bringing some joy to SPCA employees and volunteers, and being rewarded with treats for his good deed! Click here to learn more about donating to SPCA Tampa Bay.
New World Affairs Council hosts WWII Veteran
On May 22, the newly formed St. Petersburg Council on World Affairs welcomed speaker Robert Moore, who shared his firsthand experience serving with the legendary Flying Tigers during World War II. A longtime Pinellas County teacher and principal, Moore flew 89 missions over the Himalayas from India to China, aiding the Allied victory in Asia. This event marked one of the council’s first programs under its new name and affiliation. Formerly known as St. Petersburg in the World, the organization recently became the newest member of the World Affairs Councils of America. As part of a national network of 90 independent councils, the St. Petersburg chapter will continue its acclaimed annual conference and expand its offerings to include a dozen events each year - dedicated to fostering civil discourse, global awareness and community engagement. Learn more here.
Community Conversation: From Fear to Fortitude
On June 9, community members gathered at American Stage Theatre Company for a community conversation exploring how to foster open, respectful political dialogue in a time when many Americans feel afraid to share their views. The event theme “Using Connection and Civility to Advance Political Discourse” was inspired by a Cato Institute survey showing that 62 percent of Americans report self-censoring their political opinions. The panel featured Dr. Daryl Paulson, USF Professor Emeritus of Government; Jennifer Webb, former Florida State Representative; Joe Hamilton, publisher of the St. Pete Catalyst; and St. Petersburg City Councilmember Corey Givens. Together, they offered thoughtful perspectives on how to move beyond fear and division toward a culture of understanding and civic courage. The conversation emphasized the importance of listening across differences and creating spaces where dialogue can happen. The event was organized by Free Leadership as part of a Community Cultivators series.