USF Sarasota-Manatee South not only celebrated a birthday this year and saw a marked increase in enrollment, a newly created advisory council held an inaugural meeting March 15. “We look forward to continuing to expand our course offerings,” said USF Sarasota-Manatee South Director Susan Freeman.

USF Sarasota-Manatee offers the prestige of a top-tier national university on a convenient hometown setting. The convenience makes it possible for some students to pursue a bachelor’s degree that might not be possible if it were not for local classes offered at the MCC Venice site -- students such as Karen Mason, owner of Custom Draperies & Blinds and Englewood resident, who is majoring in Elementary Education.

Mason wanted to finish college and become a teacher, but she got married, started a family and her plans were put on hold. “Running a business and taking care of a family doesn’t leave much spare time,” Mason said. “I was so excited when classes were offered locally. Driving to Tampa or even Sarasota was out of the question. Now, if things go as planned, I will graduate in fall 2006.”