News Summary
The University of South Florida Alumni Association has announced the six honorees for its upcoming Alumni Awards Gala that celebrates notable contributions in various fields. Honorees include distinguished alumni such as Rick Brandt, Gigi Fernández, and Gayle Sheppard. Additionally, service awards will be given to Dr. H. Ronald Kennedy and other alumni for their lifelong dedication to the university. The awards gala will take place alongside the USF Alumni Invitational, recognizing both achievements and community spirit among alumni.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida Alumni Association has revealed the six honorees for its 2025 USF Alumni Awards, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields and the university community. The honorees will be recognized at the USF Alumni Awards Gala, scheduled for October 16, 2025, in Tampa.
The prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards this year will honor three accomplished alumni: Rick Brandt, a 1991 graduate in Economics and CEO of BRANDT; Gigi Fernández, a 2003 graduate in Psychology and a celebrated Olympic gold medalist; and Gayle Sheppard, a 2000 graduate in Business Administration who has reached global heights as a tech executive. Each of these individuals exemplifies excellence in their professions and dedication to the university.
In addition to the Distinguished Alumni Awards, several alumni will receive service awards for their unwavering support of USF. Dr. H. Ronald Kennedy, who graduated from the College of Medicine in 1979, is receiving the Donald A. Gifford Service Award for his distinguished service. Furthermore, David Goldstein and Joanne Nelson are honored with the Class of ’56 Award for their decades of volunteerism and support for USF.
The USF Alumni Awards Gala, which recognizes these inspiring individuals, also serves as an opportunity to bring together alumni for an evening of celebration and camaraderie. The event will feature a program highlighting the achievements of the honorees and provide networking opportunities for attendees.
In tandem with the alumni awards, the USF Alumni Invitational is set to take place on March 21-22, 2025, at the USF Track and Field Stadium. This two-day athletic event aims to celebrate senior USF student-athletes and offer a platform for competitive sports. Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday, spectators can enjoy a variety of events. Notably, the men’s track and field team flaunts back-to-back titles, having captured the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships in 2024 and 2025 and the 2024 AAC Outdoor Championship.
In addition, food trucks will be on-site throughout the event weekend, featuring Fully Loaded Food on the first day and KC’s Quesadillas on the second. An alumni tent will also be available, providing refreshments starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday, with complimentary T-shirts given out while supplies last.
As part of the alumni recognition, a special ceremony will take place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. to honor past Bulls who have significantly contributed to the track program’s success over the years. Erik Jenkins, the USF Director of Track and Field and Cross-Country, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming returning alumni and fans to this special event.
Both of these events—the Alumni Awards Gala and the Alumni Invitational—highlight the university’s commitment to honoring its alumni and athletic achievements while fostering community spirit and recognition. The University of South Florida continues to enjoy a rich legacy in athletics and alumni service, with the track and field program boasting numerous accolades, including a history of NCAA runner-up finishes and multiple All-America selections.
For additional information on event details and profiles of the award recipients, interested parties can visit the alumni association’s website.
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Additional Resources
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