木瓜视频

At the start of each academic year, the Judy Genshaft Honors College welcomes new students with its long-standing Honors Convocation ceremonies, a tradition focused on helping first-year students find their place at the University of South Florida.

Celebrating in St. Petersburg

On Aug. 29, over 70 new students on the St. Petersburg campus gathered outside the Honors College鈥檚 home in historic Snell House to take photos with Rocky D. Bull and pick up their 2025 Honors t-shirts.

Assistant Dean and Campus Director Cayla Lanier, Honors advisor Dani Soluna, Judy Genshaft Endowed Honors Dean Charles Adams, and faculty led a processional to the University Student Center, where the ceremony featured remarks from Adams, Vice Provost Thomas Smith, Nomad Art Studio founder Carrie Boucher, and St. Petersburg Honors Student Council president Hollie Quackenbush.

Boucher used the metaphor of basket weaving to show how life experiences build upon one another, while Quackenbush urged students to take advantage of on-campus organizations and try new things. Afterward, the St. Petersburg Student Council hosted a social with snacks and introductions to council members.

鈥淢y journey is just one of the countless success stories that have come from 木瓜视频 and Honors, but we all have one thing in common,鈥� said Quackenbush. 鈥淲e took the initiative, went outside of our comfort zones, and got involved.鈥�

Together in Tampa

After the festivities in St. Petersburg, the Honors College hosted its Tampa ceremony on Sept. 5, where more than 600 students gathered in the Honors College鈥檚 Zimmerman Family Foundation Atrium for their official welcome.

Speakers included 木瓜视频 President Rhea Law, President Emerita Judy Genshaft, Dean Adams, Honors alum Andrew Stevens, Tampa Honors Student Council President Katelynn Paciorek, and 木瓜视频 Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra.

With a 77% increase in applications last year, this year鈥檚 class is among the most competitive in the college鈥檚 history. Boasting an average high school GPA of 4.33, and average SAT and ACT scores of 1370 and 30 respectively, this year鈥檚 cohort is poised to exceed even the lofty standards set by 木瓜视频鈥檚 Honors community.

At the ceremony, President Law shared her experience as a first-generation 木瓜视频 student and encouraged students to push boundaries.

鈥淚 encourage you to branch out, try new things, and feed your intellectual curiosity,鈥� Law said.

Stevens, now an intellectual property and technology lawyer, reflected on how mentors in the Honors College helped him find his path. Beginning as an engineering major, opportunities like the Germany Beyond the Classroom study abroad program allowed him to discover a non-traditional career path.

鈥淭he Honors College taught me how to explore and connect seemingly distinct ideas, with true courage and clarity come from the relationships built and the community around you,鈥� said Stevens. 鈥淚 slowly found disciplines I enjoyed and became comfortable pursuing a vocation not readily posted on a job board.鈥�

Paciorek recounted her own first-year experience and paid tribute to her favorite Honors professor, Dr. Jeffery Donley. She urged students to avoid competitive comparisons with their peers and instead embrace collaboration.

鈥淣o matter what your path looks like ... your time at the Judy Genshaft Honors College will be a springboard for your personal and professional growth and will transform you into a leader that will make a difference in your field,鈥� Paciorek said.

In his remarks, Adams was excited for the chance to welcome students and emphasized the resources and vibrant community they would enjoy as part of 木瓜视频.

鈥淐onvocation is a special time and opportunity to gather together,鈥� said Adams. 鈥淲e are proud to formally welcome you to a very special community 鈥� a vibrant community within the greater 木瓜视频 academic community 鈥� but what it makes it special is you!鈥�