Freshman Convocation Imparts University Traditions

About 200 people, including more than 55 students, attended the first system-wide Freshman Convocation that formally welcomed incoming freshman Sunday, August 22 at USF St. Petersburg. Speakers, including distinguished members of the USF system, shared university traditions, campus academic statistics, and information about campus.

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Fall Semester Starts with Campus Firsts

The 2004-05 academic year just began and USF St. Petersburg's campus community already has a lot to be excited about.

The year begins with a focus on new faculty and staff, new facilities, including those outlined in the Revised Campus Master Plan, and a new academic program in the College of Business.

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Same Place, New Appearance at Bayboro Café

After renovations this summer, Bayboro Café is ready for fall. The Café's face-lift includes new carpeting and paint. Plus, guests can now use credit cards.  

The Café has a different food theme each day and is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

The weekly schedule is:

• Monday - Mexican
• Tuesday - Italian
• Wednesday - BBQ
• Thursday - Pizza
• Friday - Grouper Fish Day

Staff and Faculty Go "Above the Call of Duty"

As Hurricane Charley headed toward Tampa Bay, essential staff members stayed on campus and braved potential weather to ensure USF St. Petersburg was prepared, as outlined in the Campus Disaster Plan.

To thank those who went "above the call of duty," Regional Chancellor Karen A. White, invited individuals to Bayboro Hall conference room Wednesday, August 18 to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Guests included Campus Computing, Physical Plant, Campus Police and University Relations staff. Each guest received a certificate for their dedication to the campus and a reception followed the presentation.  

Marine Science Students Win Fellowships

The College of Marine Science will award fellowships to their best and brightest students at a ceremony Friday, August 27 at 11:30 am.

Fellowships allow USF students to continue their graduate studies and hopefully help to find solutions to the world's environmental problems.

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Ambassadors Fall Retreat Kicks Off Year

2004 USF St. Petersburg Ambassadors, often referred to as the "Spirit of USF" and the "Green Jackets," prepared for the upcoming year during a mini-retreat on Wednesday, August 18.  This year's seven ambassadors met with the Regional Chancellor, learned about USF traditions and participated in team-building exercises.

USF Ambassadors provide assistance to the USF Alumni Association and campus administration by serving as student representatives. They help with graduation, host alumni during chapter events and assist events hosted by Regional Chancellor Karen A. White and other USF St. Petersburg administrators.  Ambassadors also help welcome visiting dignitaries and guests to campus. 

If you would like more information about Ambassadors or would like to request them for an event, please contact Sue Bebernitz (formerly Sue Sietsma) at 553-4561 or sbebern@spadmin.usf.edu.

I Am USF St. Petersburg: Barry McDowell

Responsibility for USF St. Petersburg's Student Disability Services and Volunteer Services resides with Barry McDowell. and he said wearing both hats are a perfect fit.

McDowell became the first full-time coordinator of these two diverse programs in January 2001 because as USF St. Petersburg grew, it quickly became apparent that a full-time professional was needed to coordinate the needs of students with disabilities.

McDowell has experience with social service agencies such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Inc. and has worked more than 14 years in higher education at Eckerd College as director of campus activities. He said his academic background also aligned well with this role. He earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College, a master's degree in Student Personnel Administration from Indiana University and a master's degree in Gerontology from USF Tampa.

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USF Offers New Bookkeeper Certificate Program

USF's Division of Professional and Workforce Development will offer a new professional training course, the Bookkeeper Certificate Program. This course will help improve knowledge for professional bookkeepers and help to prepare for the national Certified Bookkeeper exam, the professional certification established by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. The 11-week program is for current bookkeepers, those with previous bookkeeping experience and second-year accounting students.

Certification for bookkeepers provides evidence that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary for all key accounting functions for a company of up to 100 employees.

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Movie Set Invades Downtown St. Petersburg

If you will be on or near campus Saturday night, August 28 and hear gunshots, don't panic and shoot back. it's just some people filming a movie.

Scenes from the movie Stranger than Truth will be shot by a film crew during the day at various locations near the courthouse on 1st Avenue North. Then, from 10 pm until 2 am, the crew will be in the Baywalk area. Gunshots are expected between 11 pm and midnight and the Police Department has been alerted.

Special Offer for Sept. 3 Devil Rays Game

The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is offering discount seats to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball game against the Detriot Tigers Friday, Sept. 3. The Devil Rays are hosting a 'Celebration to the Negro Leagues' during the game scheduled at Tropicana Field at 7:15 pm. 

Festivities include:

• Special On-Field Pre-Game Ceremony featuring eight legends from the Negro Leagues
• National Anthem performed by Belinda Womack and community choir
• First Pitch by Negro League Great, Bob 'Peachhead' Mitchell

Prices for seats are:

• Outfield: $5 (regularly $10)
• Upper Reserve Infield: $5 (regularly $7)
• Lower Box: $22                                                                    
• Terrace Box: $17
• Upper Reserve Outfield: $3

Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting Bryan Ross at 727-825-3339 or bross@devilrays.com and mentioning the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The USF Web Calendar of Events can advertise to campus-wide faculty, staff and to the general public. Events may include lectures, conferences, ceremonies, concerts, sporting events, scholarship events, fundraising events and exhibits.  The best way to submit your event is to use the central news, events and announcements submission form located here: http://www.stpt.usf.edu/news/submissions.htm