USF Turns 70

2026-06-12T00:00:00+00:00

June 12, 2026
489 words
3 min

#history #local #personal

A watercolor painting depicts a serene rural scene with a blue car driving down a two-lane road toward a small town in the distance. The road curves gently to the left, flanked by grassy fields and scattered bushes. On the left side, there is a utility pole and a streetlamp near a red-roofed building partially visible. In the background, a prominent clock tower with a pointed roof stands among other historic buildings, including one with a large dome and columns. To the right, a modern glass building and a few bicycles parked near trees are visible. The sky is bright with soft, fluffy clouds and a few birds flying. Two people walk along a path near the town, adding a peaceful, community feel to the scene. The overall atmosphere is calm and picturesque.

Celebrating 70 years of USF's rich history and vibrant campus life, where tradition meets innovation under the open skies.

As you get older, anniversaries and milestones hit you differently. I don't know why. I don't regret anything in my life, but I do feel nostalgic sometimes. The other day, driving to work, I learned that the University of South Florida is celebrating 70 years this year. That surprised me, because the first founding class attended in 1960, so the 70th anniversary is actually a few years off.

I attended USF from 1987 to 1990. I didn't graduate; I would have had about two years left. 1991 would have been my graduation year, but I was taking it nice and slow. Most people were taking five years, so 1992 would have been my year if I had stayed on track. What would have been my degree? Hold your chair and keep seated, but it would have been Music Education with a minor in Florida History.

Money ran out, I was loaned out, and I decided to join the workforce. Funny enough, I never moved very far from USF. I now work at a non-profit hospital on the USF campus, so for almost my entire adult life I've been connected to the university in one way or another. Technically I guess I can't call myself an alum, but in every other sense I am one.

Here's to USF, 70 years, and all the good you've brought to the community. Go Bulls! 🤘