USF students learned more than pasta-making during a special culinary demonstration, they gained insights into global cuisine and hospitality careers from The Ritz-Carlton's Executive Sous Chef Andrew Thompson. 

This collaborative event was coordinated by Eda Alphan, assistant professor of instruction at the School of Hospitality and Sport Management as part of her International Food and Culture course. This high impact practice of experiential centered learning is the focus of USF’s Quality Enhancement Plan to provide students with opportunities to build skills beyond the classroom.   

World-renowned photographer Larry Allan, who previously donated a collection of his work to USF Sarasota-Manatee, has just completed a new book titled "Preserve Our Wildlife” that features the images from the on-campus gallery. Both the book and the gallery are intended to inspire humans to share the earth's bounty with all species.  

Allan’s donation supports USF’s commitment to community engagement, STEM leadership and innovation that strengthens the region and our society's future.   

As students pass through Selby Auditorium for years to come, Allan’s desire is for the images to do more than capture wildlife — he hopes they will spark a commitment to protecting it. 

The University of South Florida College of Nursing has been awarded a $74,365 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to upgrade its nursing simulation lab and instructional resources on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.  

This investment will bring state-of-the-art technology and advanced training equipment to students enrolled in USF’s accelerated second-degree nursing program. Each year, the enhanced lab will serve more than 100 nursing students, equipping them with real-world, hands-on skills to meet the healthcare needs of the growing and aging populations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

For 10 years, Bradenton non-profit Turning Points, an organization focused on preventing and reducing homelessness, has been able to strengthen their credibility within the community utilizing findings from an economic impact study completed by Muma College of Business students. The analysis provided data-driven evidence of Turning Points’ return on investment, strengthening credibility with funders and partners. With the study now a decade old, USF and Turning Points are exploring an updated version. 

 “The economic impact study helped Turning Points move from being seen solely as a social service provider to being recognized as a community asset with measurable economic value,” said Turning Points Executive Director Kathleen Cramer. “It gave our partners and funders a clearer understanding of how investments in our work benefit the broader community.” 

USF researchers from the Department of Criminology and the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing launched a pilot program with the Sarasota Police Department using an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven crime forecasting tool.  

The tool uses AI-generated forecasts to anticipate crime patterns and support real-time patrol planning. The Sarasota Police Department’s chief and deputy chief will use the tool to inform decisions related to officer deployment and day-to-day operations.

For 26 years, accounting students in the Muma College of Business have gained real-world experience through a partnership with local accounting firm Kerkering, Barberio & Co. During the spring 2026 semester, six USF students and recent graduates interned at the firm applying classroom learning to the local community.  

“Kerkering, Barberio & Co. has enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship with the University of South Florida,” says Tracy O’Neill, their chief administrative officer, “one that has strengthened both our organization and our people over many years. We are proud to have a strong presence of USF alumni within our firm and to support the university through fellowships and ongoing collaboration. USF has been an exceptional partner in developing future professionals, and we are deeply appreciative of the lasting impact this relationship continues to have on our firm and our community.”

A fellowship is now available at Soar in 4’s new Soar Lab for USF students studying education. This opportunity was made possible through generous contributions from Manatee Education Foundation and Steve Roskamp. As the latest addition to Soar in 4’s many literacy programs, Soar Lab provides local children and their families a dedicated, free space for engaging, educational experiences. 

Founded in 2017, Soar in 4 strives to ensure that all children in Manatee County have the resources and support needed for academic success. In addition to supporting the Soar Lab, USF students also volunteer at Soar in 4’s monthly Family Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, offering engaging educational activities for children.