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Spring 2002 Commencement generates record grads
More than 200 received diplomas on May 10; three students honored for perfect GPA

(Sarasota, FL, May 10, 2002) – A record number of students graduated from the University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee campus on Friday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m.  More than 200 received diplomas at the master's and bachelor's levels; approximately 160 participated in the commencement ceremony.  Three students were honored for achieving 4.0, or perfect, grade point averages.  Two doctoral candidates received degrees, too.  

This is the largest graduating class from the Sarasota/Manatee campus, which is a direct result of having full degree programs," says Campus CEO Dr. Laurey Stryker.  "Just as the graduating students are redefining themselves by earning degrees, this campus is defining itself as a more essential institution intertwined with the future of this region.  Our students serve the community as nurses, teachers, accountants, information systems experts, and business executives, and more than 8,500 USF alumni live or work in the Sarasota/Manatee County area."

Here is additional information on the spring 2002 graduates:

• Of the 203 students who graduated, 17 percent of the baccalaureates graduated with honors;

• Three undergraduate students were King/O'Neal Scholars, which means they had perfect 4.0 grade point averages;

• Approximately 30 majors represented five colleges -- Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering and Nursing;

• 2 Doctoral degrees, 35 master’s degrees, 166 bachelor’s degrees were conferred;

• Average age was 26 years, age range was 21 to 61;

• Approximately 30 percent of the graduates were the first in their families with college degrees;

• More than half worked full-time while getting their degrees; and,

• Almost half are married, and 30 percent have children.

King/O'Neal Scholars are named in honor of charter graduates of the University of South Florida, Lucas King and Evelyn O'Neal.  The three scholars who graduated from the Sarasota/Manatee campus were:

• Naomi Elizabeth Connor of Palmetto, age 21, Bachelor of Science in Accounting;

• Edith Carolyn Phillips of Sarasota, age 61, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities; and,

• Bradley Jay Siefken of Bradenton, age 35, Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.

Other students honored during the ceremony included:

• Bethany Miavitz of Sarasota, age 25, Outstanding Education Graduate Award given by the College of Education;

• Bradley Jay Siefken of Bradenton, age 35, Outstanding Senior Award given by the USF Alumni Association; and,

• Mary Beth Wallace of Sarasota, age 49, McCook Outstanding Community Service Award, given by the School of Library and Information Science.

As has been the tradition for many years, the USF spring commencement took place at sunset under a large tent next to College Hall and Sarasota Bay on the campus grounds.  An estimated  2,000 people attended.  USF President Dr. Judy Genshaft presided.  The commencement speaker was the inaugural chairman of the USF Sarasota/Manatee Campus Board, Mr. Jan E. Smith.

The University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee Campus offers 25 degree programs for students to complete at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Currently serving 2,300 students annually, the campus is located at the Sarasota/Manatee County line on 140 acres, touching the shoreline of Sarasota Bay and adjacent to the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.  It is part of the University of South Florida, the second largest university in Florida with more than 37,000 students, a Research I institution, and one of the top 20 largest universities in the United States.

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Media contact:  Ellen Wile (941) 359-4749; e-mail ewile@sar.usf.edu