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Family of the Year

From first-generation students to a five-Bull family: Heruskas named USF’s 2026 Family of the Year

Richard and Laura Heruska’s journey from the Northeast to USF created a family legacy that now spans five Bulls

TAMPA, Fla. — September 2026 — The University of South Florida is proud to announce the Heruska Family as the 2026 USF Family of the Year, recognizing their remarkable family connection to USF and their enduring commitment to supporting the success of their Bull.

What began more than three decades ago as a journey for two first-generation college students from the Northeast has grown into a lasting USF family tradition. Richard and Laura Heruska each traveled more than 1,000 miles from New Jersey and New York, respectively, to attend USF. Both became the first members of their families to graduate from college and went on to serve as presidents of the USF Ambassadors.

Years later, USF brought Richard and Laura together at an alumni weekend, where their shared Bull pride became the foundation for their family. Their USF experience inspired Richard’s siblings, Christina, and Matthew, to attend USF as well. Today, their son Ethan is the fifth member of the family to attend the university.

For the Heruskas, USF represents more than a college education. Their family’s story reflects resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of opportunity. Raised by parents who worked blue-collar jobs and instilled in them a strong work ethic and appreciation for education, Richard and Laura carried those values into their USF experience and have passed them on to the next generation.

“USF gave Laura and me much more than an education. It gave us confidence, friendships and opportunities that changed our lives,” Richard shared in the family’s nomination. “Two first-generation students from the Northeast built a life and family together because of our USF connection.”

The Heruska family's Bull legacy continues through a longstanding commitment to giving back to the university that helped shape their lives. Richard's service as president of the USF Alumni Association and Laura's role as founding director of development for USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy reflect their dedication to the USF community. Building on that legacy, the family established the Heruska Family Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for student entrepreneurs and future business leaders to pursue their ambitions.

The Heruska family will be honored during USF Family Weekend 2026, continuing a USF tradition that celebrates a family whose support exemplifies what it means to be part of the Bull family. As Family of the Year, the Heruskas will receive a Bull Pride gift basket, an engraved family award, complimentary Family Weekend tickets and recognition during the USF football game.

The Heruska family includes Richard and Laura Heruska, Ethan Heruska, Owen Heruska and Nolan Heruska.

Their story is a testament to the lasting impact of USF—not simply as a place where generations of their family earned an education, but as a place that helped shape their relationships, opportunities, and family legacy.

Go Bulls! 🐂💚