The Judy Genshaft Honors College has officially launched a new alumni society, creating opportunities for graduates to stay connected, engaged, and involved long after they receive their Honors medallion. The Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society, formed in partnership with the University of South Florida Alumni Association, will bring together the college’s growing network of accomplished alumni and current students to strengthen mentorship, professional development, and lifelong connection to USF.
“Our alumni are doing incredible things around the world, and this new society is a way to celebrate that while also making sure the Honors experience doesn’t end at graduation,” said Dean Charles Adams. “We want our graduates to continue learning, connecting, and giving back to the community that helped shape them.”
Continuing Connections
Spring 2012 USF Honors graduates celebrate with inaugural Honors Dean Stuart Silverman.
The new alumni society is designed to build community among Honors graduates and support current students as they navigate academic, professional, and personal growth. Through regular events, service opportunities, and mentorship programs, the society aims to provide meaningful ways for alumni to give back and stay involved.
“We have a really special community in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, and I’m excited to help create opportunities for alumni to reconnect with peers,” said Grace Beck ('16), who will serve as the society’s inaugural chair. “Whether you graduated a year ago or a decade ago, this is a great way to stay connected to Honors.”
Vice Chair Dhalia Bumbaca ('18) added, “The society will help facilitate mentorship between alumni and students, open doors to career connections, and — importantly to me — offer opportunities to make a difference in our Tampa Bay communities and beyond.”
Decades in the Making
Since its founding in 1983 as a small Honors Program, the Judy Genshaft Honors College has grown steadily in size and impact. It was named an official college in 2002 under the leadership of inaugural dean Stuart Silverman, thanks to the vision and support of then-USF President Judy Genshaft. In 2019, the college was officially named in Genshaft’s honor after she and her husband, Steven Greenbaum, donated the foundational gift for the college’s iconic five-story building on the USF Tampa campus.
Today, the Judy Genshaft Honors College serves approximately 2,500 students each year, and is proud to have a growing network of nearly 10,000 alumni — many of whom are leaders and innovators in fields ranging from health care and business to education, technology, and the arts.
Events and More
Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society Chair Grace Beck
Although just getting started, in true Honors fashion, the society is already set to host its first official event. The Alumni Society Kickoff Party will take place on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Judy Genshaft Honors College building. Attendees will enjoy drinks, light bites, and networking opportunities, plus student-led tours of the new facility. All Honors alumni are invited to attend and help celebrate the future of the society.
Following the kickoff, plans are already underway for Homecoming events this fall and community service opportunities next spring, giving alumni a range of ways to engage — from casual socials to mission-driven volunteerism.
The society will be led by Chair Beck and Vice Chair Bumbaca with support from an inaugural Leadership Committee made up of a cross-section of dedicated alumni:
- Candace Braun Davison ('10)
- Michael Calzadilla ('15)
- Kyle Castello ('12)
- Kristen Corpion ('10)
- Jeremy Davis ('00)
- Brian Fender ('96)
- William Halaby ('12)
“Honors holds a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of so many others, because it created a tight-knit community within a sometimes overwhelming university,” said Beck. “We want to continue fostering those meaningful connections for our alumni by attending events, mentoring a student, hosting a workshop, or just showing up to support each other.”
Beck added that there are still opportunities for Honors alum who wish to get involved with leading the society or events.
“Since our society is new, we have plenty of room for new ideas and skillsets,” said Beck. “If you are interested in helping with things like marketing, events, or membership outreach — we would love welcome you to our team!”
Lifelong Honors
From business and law to medicine and public service, Judy Genshaft Honors College alumni are making an impact across industries and around the globe. The alumni society will help bring that collective energy together to benefit both graduates and the students following in their footsteps.
“We often talk about the Honors experience as something transformative,” said Adams. “This new society ensures that transformation continues — that it grows and evolves through connection and shared purpose.”
For more information, to get involved or to RSVP for the kickoff event, visit the Judy Genshaft Honors College Alumni Society webpage.