By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing
After coming up short in receiving a full-ride scholarship for a second time, it seemed college was unlikely for Tyvelle Dorvil.
Trying to become the first in his family to attend a four-year college, the Take Stock in Children scholarship from the Pasco Education Foundation was essential to secure his future. Those who know Dorvil knew he wasn’t going to let disappointment stop him.
Dorvil was born with spastic cerebral palsy and has used a wheelchair for the past 10 years. His experiences navigating inaccessible environments have given him perseverance and a drive to improve accessibility for others.
“I like to say that my journey is like a bumble bee – you don’t look like you are meant to fly but that is what I have been doing,” Dorvil said. “I was always driven to pursue a college degree because I see the impact you can make in the real world with your education.”
So, he worked even harder in high school, where he was named the most involved student by his class. He applied a third time to the competitive scholarship during his senior year, received it and then, through public speaking and fundraising, helped raise $60,000 in scholarships for other students along the way.
Once enrolled, Dorvil made the most of his opportunity. He earned both an associate and bachelor's degree in four years, captured first place in the state in an impromptu public speaking competition by the Florida Business Leaders of America and advocated for transportation solutions that better serve people with disabilities.
He did all this while inspiring professors, advisors and classmates.
“Tyvelle’s determination, campus involvement and dedication to helping others have been inspiring,” said Julie Harding, coordinator of academic advising at the USF Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance. “Despite working part-time, he remained engaged, advocated for fellow students and made a positive impact while pursuing his degree. I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the future.”
He is leaving USF St. Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, achieving a dream of a higher education that was instilled in him by a mother who would go back later in life to earn her GED, and a sister who graduated with her associate degree before her death.
He is also graduating knowing his voice had an impact and with the confidence to use it.
“Before coming to USF St. Petersburg, I suffered with imposter syndrome and sometimes felt as though I didn’t matter,” Dorvil said. “But through my experiences and professors who encouraged me to believe in myself, I learned that being heard can make a difference.”
During a campus town hall, Dorvil spoke directly with university leaders about buildings that were difficult for students with disabilities to navigate. His comments helped initiate discussions about accessibility improvements on campus that have resulted in some initial improvements.
“I like to say that my journey is like a bumble bee – you don’t look like you are meant to fly but that is what I have been doing.”
Tyvelle Dorvil, USF Summer 2026 Graduate
Now, as graduation approaches, the word “bittersweet” comes to mind.
“This campus has given me a newfound independence,” he said. “I really love this environment, so much so that when I went back home on break, I’d count the days to return.”
Dorvil is also overjoyed. When he crosses the commencement stage, it will mark an important milestone for him as a first-generation college student and create a legacy for his family.
“I wanted to finish this degree for my mom, for my sister and for so many people who have poured their time and effort into me during this journey.”
He hopes to one day start his own marketing consulting firm focused on disability and accessibility issues, from ADA compliance to expanding healthcare coverage. He believes his condition and experiences – where so much of his world was navigating sometimes-complicated terrain such as getting to a class, boarding a bus or moving through a building – have given him the adaptability and perseverance to navigate whatever lies ahead.
And he will now have something to support that journey.
“This degree will open doors for me and allow me to do things I wouldn’t have been able to before.”