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Commencement began at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome from Sarasota-Manatee Campus CEO Laurey Stryker, followed by congratulatory words from USF President Judy Genshaft. Richard Gonzmart, president of Columbia Restaurant Group and co-owner of the renowned Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s Ybor City, was the commencement speaker. Students received honors and USF presented a Distinguished Citizen Award.

Stryker spoke about the growth of the campus and the new Crosley Campus Center scheduled for opening in 2006. “This is the beginning of a new era for USF Sarasota-Manatee as we move into the future with expanded programs, classrooms and facilities,” Stryker said. “The Crosley Campus Center will provide much-needed enhancements for producing the very professions that help this community grow and thrive -- with graduates who stay here, work here, and enhance our quality of life.”

The varied profile of graduates reflects the diversity of students at USF Sarasota-Manatee, The oldest graduate is56, the youngest is 21. More than a third of these fall graduates were the first in their families to earn a four-year degree, and approximately 50 percent have plans to attend graduate school. Many of our students work full or part time while attending school.

Several students received special awards: Krista Luketic, Golden Bull and Outstanding Service to Education awards; Sophia Wu, Outstanding Senior Award; and Elizabeth Ziegelbauer, Outstanding Graduate Student Award. In addition, Dr. Robert Barylski, associate professor in the department of Government and International Relations, and the associate director of the Institute for Public Policy and Leadership was named Outstanding Professor.

Sophia Wu received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and has a position as a staff accountant at Kerkering Barberio & Co. CPA in Sarasota. Wu was treasurer for the Student Government Association; was on the 2004 Homecoming Court; and held membership in Gold Key Honor Society; International Student Club (vice president); USF Sarasota-Manatee Accounting Society; and many other student organizations. She was a volunteer for school and local charity functions. Wu worked part in the CEO’s office in addition to other part-time positions. She is an accomplished pipe organist and is a lifetime member of the American Guild of Organists.

Krista Luketic received two special honors: The Golden Bull Service Award and the Outstanding Service to Education Award. Luketic decided to go back to college at age 25, and it has taken her six years to complete her degree while working full time. She spearheaded the formation of the Sarasota-Manatee chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Society for Education, and served as president and treasurer. She is an active member of the Sarasota Reading Association and the International Reading Association.

Elizabeth Ziegelbauer returned to our campus, after getting her bachelor’s in business administration, for a Master’s in Elementary Education and hopes one day to enter the doctoral program.

Beth Lukens, our second-ever School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, graduated this semester and currently works for the Colony and Beach Resort in Longboat Key.

USF President Judy Genshaft presented Manatee County Commissioner Patricia M. “Pat” Glass with a Distinguished Citizen Award. Since 1974, the president of USF gives this award to someone who has distinguished public service records to USF and the people of Florida. Glass, a USF Alumna, has served more than 20 years as a county commissioner, many of those years as a chairman or vice chairman of the board. She was an advocate for USF in purchasing the Crosley Campus Center.