Founded in 1983 as a small honors program with only a few students, the University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College has grown into one of the largest and most well-regarded honors colleges in the nation. Forty-two years later, the Honors College enrolls more than 2,700 high-achieving students and counts nearly 10,000 accomplished alumni.
Despite its popularity and decades of success, the Honors College lacked a robust way to engage with alumni after graduation. For many, the transformative Honors experience often ended once they left USF.
That changed Thursday, Aug. 14, when nearly 100 Honors alumni and supporters gathered
at the Judy Genshaft Honors College building on USF’s Tampa campus to celebrate the
launch of the Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society.
The evening was filled with renewed connections and new possibilities as alumni from
near and far explored the college’s five-story building in the heart of campus. Guests
mingled in the forum event space, enjoying light bites and drinks while playing an
Honors-themed bingo icebreaker that encouraged them to find fellow graduates who had
studied abroad, worked on campus — or even high-fived the dean. Views of Sessums Mall,
Cooper Hall, the Muma College of Business, and the Campus Recreation Center through
the building’s floor-to-ceiling windows sparked memories for many.
"It was great to meet alumni beyond my own graduating class," said Bethany Jowers,
'24. "It reminded me that the Honors community is so much bigger than just my time
here — and I hope I’ll still be giving back and supporting it 10 years from now."
Extending the Honors Experience
USF President Emerita Judy Genshaft, Endowed Honors Dean Charles Adams, USF Alumni
Association Vice President and Executive Director Bill McCausland, and Alumni Society
Chair Grace Beck each shared their vision for the new society and their excitement
for what lies ahead.
Adams opened the night by welcoming attendees and encouraging them to make a positive
impact on the broader Honors community.
“We have just shy of 10,000 honors alums in Florida, the U.S., and around the world.
It’s a global community of deep talent and success in a wide variety of fields. You
have much to offer each other, and our current students, and to the college as an
institution."
Genshaft urged alumni to give back to younger generations of Honors students.
“As alums, I’m going to count on you to make a difference, and I have to quote Frank
Morsani by saying, ‘First you learn, then you earn, then you have to give back in
return,’” she said.
The Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society is one of 40 alumni groups housed
within the USF Alumni Association, but McCausland sees great potential for the Honors
College to bring in a body of supportive and successful alumni to the larger fold.
“We have 397,000 living alumni, and our goal is to engage them, connect them, and
have the opportunity to stay connected to the university they love — and the Honors
College is another way they can do that,” said McCausland.
Beck closed the evening by sharing her personal Honors journey and her vision for
the new society as a bridge between students and alumni.
“At the Honors College, you’re always meeting people smarter than you are, pushing
yourself to do things you normally wouldn’t. We want this to be a mutually beneficial
group where alumni can network and also give back to current students through mentorship
and internships,” said Beck.
“Up until now your Honors journey ended at graduation,” she continued, “But this is
our opportunity to keep the momentum going and keep us connected at the Honors College
and USF.”
Beck and the Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society are gearing up for a year
of new beginnings, including community service events and networking socials. Its
next event will be Saturday, Oct. 18 when the society will host its first Homecoming
Tailgate in partnership with the USF Alumni Association.
Looking to get involved? Complete the JGHC Alumni Society interest form to find your place in the growing the Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society.