USF St. Petersburg aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the Tampa Bay 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 Kelci Lancsarics.
Preserve the ‘Burg shares the story of Bayboro Harbor
On August 21, Preserve the ‘Burg and USF St. Petersburg memorialized the story of Bayboro Harbor with a historical marker. Dating back over a century, what was once a barrier wetland has become a thriving and vital part of downtown St. Petersburg. Inspired by the work of Catherine Wilkins, a professor in the Honors College at USF St. Petersburg, and Oliver Laczko, a recent USF graduate, those on campus can stop to take in the relaxing harbor view while keeping the history of this remarkable waterway alive.
Students encouraged to “Get on Board” to enhance their college experience
Get on Board Day introduces new and returning students to the vibrant USF St. Petersburg community by bringing campus and community partners to one convenient location. On August 27, students visited 90 tables and had the opportunity to learn more about resources available on campus, community partners to volunteer with and student organizations they can join. Community partners who participated included Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Seniors in Service Health Buddies, alongside campus groups such as the UMatter program, the Photography Club and Student Government. This event takes place each semester to welcome students back to campus, open the door for new connections and help them get on board with their community.
Community leaders share their journey through LaunchPAD speaker series
Cultivating hands-on learning experiences for students, the LaunchPAD program encourages students to explore industries and job fields as they shadow mentors and test career options to help solidify major choices. A part of the program’s curriculum is a speaker series that brings business and civic leaders together to share their real-world experiences with students and community members. The first session, hosted on September 2nd, featured Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg City Councilman, Rui Farias, Executive Director of St. Petersburg Museum and Steve Westphal, local restauranteur and philanthropist. Through this moderated session, students were encouraged to get involved with their community, learned about the power of partnerships and were reminded that the path to success is often non-linear and looks different for everyone. The next speaker series will take place September 30th focusing on business and sustainability. More information can be found here.
USF St. Petersburg hosts a meet and greet with campaigns for upcoming election
On August 27th, the Center for Civic Engagement hosted a showcase for students, faculty and staff to meet campaign staff for candidates that were running for election at the local, state and federal level. Attendees could also register to vote, learn how to get involved with the campaigns that are aligned with their values and request a mail-in ballot. The Center for Civic Engagement at USF St. Petersburg is dedicated to supporting the campus’ commitment to civic and community engagement.
Radio St. Pete Live Broadcast
The USF St. Petersburg Campus Bookstore hosted Radio St. Pete’s “Lunchtime Conversations Live!” during Week of Welcome this August. This new tradition began in Fall 2025 and spotlights the people, programs and opportunities making an impact at USF St. Petersburg. Radio St. Pete hosts Stephen Riordan and Domenico Ponteriero, along with Community Relations Coordinator Colleen Cherry-Vallin, interviewed campus partners including Student Government leaders Bailey Gilbert & Izabella Prange, Harris Ambush and Lesa Shouse from the Center for Career & Professional Development, Catherine Wilkins from the Judy Genshaft Honors College, and Daniel Albertson and Mona Nabil from USF St. Petersburg Musical Theatre Club.