Bulls By the Bay Weekly News Update – Monday, May 5, 2025
Hello! I'm Caryn Nesmith, bringing you the latest from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
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Commencement Celebrations Begin This Week
This coming weekend, 486 students are set from USF St. Petersburg prepare to graduate between May 8 and 10. These graduates are poised to make meaningful contributions across various fields, reflecting the dedication and support of our university community. We wish them well as they continue on with their professional or academic journeys.
Read more on Commencement here: https://www.usf.edu/news/2025/humor-embarrassment-and-joy-meet-the-name-readers-of-usfs-commencement-ceremonies.aspx
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Bridging Generations: Health Buddies and TelePals Programs
Celebrating five years of impact, the Health Buddies and TelePals programs have connected hundreds of USF students with older adults in the Tampa Bay area. These initiatives have been instrumental in reducing loneliness and enhancing access to health information among seniors. With enrollment expected to reach 400 participants by the end of 2025, these programs exemplify USF's commitment to community engagement and public health.
Read more: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2025/five-years-strong-usf-students-improving-health-outcomes-and-reducing-isolation-among-older-adults.aspx?
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Advancing Sustainability: Campus Composting Initiative
USF St. Petersburg, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, is launching a composting program aimed at reducing food waste and supporting urban agriculture. Funded by a $350,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with contributions from the USF Student Green Energy Fund and Duke Energy, the initiative will process up to 1,000 pounds of food waste daily. The resulting compost will benefit community gardens and urban farms, promoting environmental sustainability and student involvement in green initiatives.
Read more https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2025/composting-initiative-to-reduce-food-waste-and-support-urban-agriculture-in-st-petersburg.aspx
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Enhancing Learning with Artificial Intelligence
USF educators are integrating artificial intelligence to enrich experiential learning without replacing traditional teaching methods. Workshops led by experts, including philosopher Graham Clay, have demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT can simulate real-world scenarios, such as business negotiations, providing students with valuable practice opportunities.This approach aims to build student confidence and engagement while maintaining a strong foundation in subject matter expertise.
Read more: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2025/how-educators-are-using-ai-to-enhance-not-replace-experiential-learning.aspx
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That's all for this week's update. Congratulations to our graduating class, and thank you to everyone contributing to the vibrant USF St. Petersburg community. Until next time, stay safe and go Bulls!