https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/Recent posts from Newsen-usMon, 09 Mar 2026 02:11:06 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260216-honoring-tradition-through-a-world-class-wind-ensemble-conference-experience.aspxThe University of South Florida College of Design, Art & Performance School of Music will host the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) regional conference, February 19-21. Expanding on its 2018 role as host institution, USF again brings together national leadership for a multi-day exchange of ideas, repertoire, and performances.Michelle Sabo-SherwoodMon, 16 Feb 2026 15:52:10 Honoring Tradition through a World-Class Wind Ensemble Conference ExperienceThe University of South Florida College of Design, Art & Performance School of Music will host the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) regional conference, February 19-21. Expanding on its 2018 role as host institution, USF again brings together national leadership for a multi-day exchange of ideas, repertoire, and performances.USF Wind Ensemble members in bulls fountain in front of Marshall Center.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260216-honoring-tradition-through-a-world-class-wind-ensemble-conference-experience.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260209-cupid-sometimes-wears-green.aspxAs the University of South Florida marks its 70th anniversary, much of the reflection will focus on how its campuses have evolved and how the institution has shaped the region, state and nation through medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and more. Every college has played a role in that impact. But USF’s influence extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. It has also shaped lives in a far more personal way. Across generations, Bulls have met, fallen in love, married and built lives together. After all, you might say you can’t spell Cupid’s bullseye without the Bull.Paul Guzzo, University Communications and MarketingMon, 09 Feb 2026 13:48:08 Cupid sometimes wears green: USF love stories for Valentine’s DayAs the University of South Florida marks its 70th anniversary, much of the reflection will focus on how its campuses have evolved and how the institution has shaped the region, state and nation through medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and more. Every college has played a role in that impact. But USF’s influence extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. It has also shaped lives in a far more personal way. Across generations, Bulls have met, fallen in love, married and built lives together. After all, you might say you can’t spell Cupid’s bullseye without the Bull.Wedding at USFCAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260209-cupid-sometimes-wears-green.aspxGraphicstudio,USF CAMhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260203-from-cigar-city-to-a-hub-for-creativity-usf-70-year-role-in-ybor-city.aspxIn the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare: "You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty." The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena. Ybor was ultimately saved by bulls, but a different kind: the USF Bulls.Paul Guzzo, University Communications and MarketingTue, 03 Feb 2026 10:52:51 From Cigar City to a hub for creativity: USF’s 70-year role in Ybor CityIn the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare: "You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty." The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena. Ybor was ultimately saved by bulls, but a different kind: the USF Bulls.The view down 7th Avenue in Ybor City.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260203-from-cigar-city-to-a-hub-for-creativity-usf-70-year-role-in-ybor-city.aspxArt & Art History,Graphicstudiohttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260128-usf-earns-national-recognition-for-community-engagement.aspxThe University of South Florida has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.Tina Meketa, University Communications and MarketingWed, 28 Jan 2026 11:08:43 USF earns national recognition for community engagementThe University of South Florida has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.Members of the Herd of Thunder play at Raymond James Stadium.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260128-usf-earns-national-recognition-for-community-engagement.aspxCommunity Outreach,Musichttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260115-music-memory-and-service.aspxThe University of South Florida School of Music, NEA Research Labs’ Cognition and Coordination in Music Across the Lifespan has received a grant from the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation to support research exploring how music can contribute to cognitive health and well-being among veterans.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 15 Jan 2026 10:09:36 Music, Memory, and Service: Supporting Veterans Through ResearchThe University of South Florida School of Music, NEA Research Labs’ Cognition and Coordination in Music Across the Lifespan has received a grant from the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation to support research exploring how music can contribute to cognitive health and well-being among veterans.Trombone players in camouflage military uniform. https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260115-music-memory-and-service.aspxMusic,Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxSeven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceMon, 12 Jan 2026 13:41:19 USF Artists Selected for The Ringling’s Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)Seven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Headshots of participating artists.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251212-florida-board-of-governors-confirms-moez-limayem-as-next-usf-president.aspxThe Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System, today unanimously confirmed Moez Limayem (pronounced Mow-ezz Lee-may-yem) as the University of South Florida’s ninth president.Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:51:30 Florida Board of Governors confirms Moez Limayem as USF's next presidentThe Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System, today unanimously confirmed Moez Limayem (pronounced Mow-ezz Lee-may-yem) as the University of South Florida’s ninth president.Dr. Moez Limayem smiling and giving the USF "horns up" hand salute.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251212-florida-board-of-governors-confirms-moez-limayem-as-next-usf-president.aspxAnnouncementshttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251204-in-memory-of-professor-josue-robles-caraballo.aspxJosué Robles, a 2007 Master of Architecture graduate who served the School of Architecture & Community Design in multiple faculty roles since 2012, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 47.Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:41:17 In Memory of Professor Josué Robles CaraballoJosué Robles, a 2007 Master of Architecture graduate who served the School of Architecture & Community Design in multiple faculty roles since 2012, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 47.Josué Robles Caraballo headshothttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251204-in-memory-of-professor-josue-robles-caraballo.aspxArchitecturehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251203-maria-pellot-usf-alumna-reaching-recognition-as-fellow-of-aia.aspxWhen Maria first stepped onto the University of South Florida’s campus, she had just completed her undergraduate degree at Florida International University. With barely a week between programs, she arrived at USF’s School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) eager, uncertain, and ready to immerse herself in a new academic home. What she found was more than just a graduate program; it was a community that would shape her career, her relationships, and her identity. Now a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a distinction held by only 3% of licensed architects in the U.S., Maria reflects on her time at USF as the foundation of a career built on passion, purpose, and people.Derek Jordan, College of Design, Art & PerformanceWed, 03 Dec 2025 15:03:31 Maria Pellot, USF Alumna Reaching National Recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)When Maria first stepped onto the University of South Florida’s campus, she had just completed her undergraduate degree at Florida International University. With barely a week between programs, she arrived at USF’s School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) eager, uncertain, and ready to immerse herself in a new academic home. What she found was more than just a graduate program; it was a community that would shape her career, her relationships, and her identity. Now a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a distinction held by only 3% of licensed architects in the U.S., Maria reflects on her time at USF as the foundation of a career built on passion, purpose, and people.Maria Pellot giving an Architecture presentation.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251203-maria-pellot-usf-alumna-reaching-recognition-as-fellow-of-aia.aspxArchitecture,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251125-rooted-in-place-michael-halflants.aspxArchitect and University of South Florida faculty member Michael Halflants has had a notable year. His firm, Halflants + Pichette Architects, was named to the Forbes inaugural America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects list and received several AIA awards for projects across Florida’s Gulf Coast. These achievements highlight the guiding principles he brings into the classroom at the USF College of Design, Art & Performance School of Architecture & Community Design.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceMon, 01 Dec 2025 14:33:21 Rooted in Place: How Michael Halflants’ Award-Winning Practice Shapes Student Learning at USFArchitect and University of South Florida faculty member Michael Halflants has had a notable year. His firm, Halflants + Pichette Architects, was named to the Forbes inaugural America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects list and received several AIA awards for projects across Florida’s Gulf Coast. These achievements highlight the guiding principles he brings into the classroom at the USF College of Design, Art & Performance School of Architecture & Community Design.Michael Halflants sitting at a table and teaching students.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251125-rooted-in-place-michael-halflants.aspxArchitecturehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251107-usf-and-the-florida-orchestra-unite-to-advance-music-education-and-community-connection.aspxThe USF College of Design, Art & Performance and The Florida Orchestra have formed a groundbreaking new partnership to elevate music education, inspire artistic expression and strengthen community engagement.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & Performance, Kelly Smith, Chief Communications Officer, The Florida Orchestra, Photography and Video by Bryce Womeldurf,College of Design, Art & PerformanceFri, 07 Nov 2025 16:17:56 USF and The Florida Orchestra unite to advance music education and community connectionThe USF College of Design, Art & Performance and The Florida Orchestra have formed a groundbreaking new partnership to elevate music education, inspire artistic expression and strengthen community engagement.Chelsea Gallo conducts the Symphony Orchestrahttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251107-usf-and-the-florida-orchestra-unite-to-advance-music-education-and-community-connection.aspxMusichttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251106-from-thesis-to-oscars-shortlist-xindi-zhang-ai-driven-film-wins.aspxWhen Xindi Zhang, Acting Assistant Professor in the College of Design, Art & Performance's School of Art & Art History at the University of South Florida (USF), set out to create her thesis film The Song of Drifters, she wanted to explore how memory, self-discovery, and belonging could be expressed through both human emotion and artificial intelligence. The film recently advanced to the Oscars® shortlist in the Alternative/Experiential category, following Zhang’s Golden Award win at the 2025 Student Academy Awards®, one of the most prestigious honors for emerging filmmakers worldwide.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceThu, 06 Nov 2025 10:20:39 From Thesis to Oscars® Shortlist: Xindi Zhang’s AI-Driven Film Wins the Golden AwardWhen Xindi Zhang, Acting Assistant Professor in the College of Design, Art & Performance's School of Art & Art History at the University of South Florida (USF), set out to create her thesis film The Song of Drifters, she wanted to explore how memory, self-discovery, and belonging could be expressed through both human emotion and artificial intelligence. The film recently advanced to the Oscars® shortlist in the Alternative/Experiential category, following Zhang’s Golden Award win at the 2025 Student Academy Awards®, one of the most prestigious honors for emerging filmmakers worldwide.Xindi front row centerhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251106-from-thesis-to-oscars-shortlist-xindi-zhang-ai-driven-film-wins.aspxArt & Art History,Faculty