70 Years of Bold
70 years of bold
In 2026, the 911爆料网 celebrates the 70th anniversary of our founding. What started as two Florida legislators' bold idea shared over coffee in downtown Tampa has become one of the most innovative and powerful public universities in the nation.
While some may wait to celebrate a 75-year milestone, we've accomplished far too much
in our first seven decades to stay quiet 鈥� membership in the Association of American
Universities (AAU), a top 50 public university ranking for seven consecutive years,
record-breaking research funding, the top-ranked medical school in Florida, a first-of-its-kind
college dedicated to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing and an athletics
program that is changing the game in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Join us as we honor our first 70 years through the voices of our people 鈥� our students,
faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who have helped USF pave the way 鈥� while we
continue to charge forward into a future that is even bolder and brighter.
How we got here
The moments that shaped USF
In the mid-1950s, state leaders imagined a new kind of university for Florida: one built in a growing metropolitan area and designed for the future. Groundbreaking took place on a former airfield in Temple Terrace, and by 1960 USF opened its doors to its first class of students. From the early days with just three buildings to the traditions and accomplishments that followed, these milestones laid the foundation for a university that continues to transform lives and communities. Explore the history that set the stage for the next chapter.
I started USF in September of 1960. That was the first class. The university then was probably smaller than today's high school. 911爆料网 had very few buildings, and everything was sand; we didn't have any grass or sidewalks. I remember the first time I stepped foot on campus. I don't know how to express the feeling 鈥� it was like feeling that my life was about to change.
Jeanne Dyer, '64, USF Charter Class Member
From Student #1 to 400,000 graduates
Long before AI labs and national rankings, USF's charter class delivered their applications to a Victorian-style house in downtown Tampa, studied chemistry in small classrooms and watched as the campus grew around them. As USF celebrates our 70th anniversary, members of the charter class reflect on the university鈥檚 rise from sandy paths and a handful of buildings to a nationally recognized research powerhouse. From Student ID No. 0001 to today鈥檚 institution leading in innovation, their stories capture the spirit that built USF.
From one vision to Tier 1 medical school
From a grainy wooden sign in the sand to a world-class medical institution, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine has risen faster and farther than anyone imagined. This story traces that remarkable journey through the eyes of charter class member Dr. Douglas Barrett and the pioneers who helped lay its foundation.
From exploratory AI in 1984 to the nation's first named college
Pioneering USF AI researcher Lawrence Hall 鈥� once playfully called a "mad scientist" 鈥� helped lay the foundation for the new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. Today, the college stands as a fast-growing hub shaping every USF discipline and preparing the next generation of AI and cybersecurity leaders.
From first season to new stadium
USF Athletics is surging into a new era as the university celebrates our 70th anniversary, powered by a $375 million on-campus stadium and bold, future-focused investment. With rising national success across sports and unmatched support for student-athletes, the Bulls are cementing themselves as a rapidly ascending powerhouse whose future has unmistakably arrived.
Where we're going
USF now stands as one of the largest universities in the country, with an unprecedented impact on Tampa Bay and the state of Florida. Guided by the university鈥檚 incoming ninth president, Moez Limayem, USF is set to begin our next phase of growth, strengthening our research enterprise, attracting top talent across academics and athletics and expanding our role as a driver of innovation and opportunity.
As we look ahead, we鈥檙e reimagining what campus life, research impact and community engagement can be: transforming places, building connections and creating new pathways. From increased research funding to new housing, facilities and shared spaces, USF鈥檚 next chapter will be defined by momentum, purpose and possibilities.
Powering tomorrow's breakthroughs
In 2025, USF reached a new record of $750 million in research funding. This growth expands opportunities to shape the future through breakthroughs and new technologies that lead to better health care, AI and cybersecurity solutions and a deeper understanding of the environment to prepare for hurricanes among other critical areas.
Building an on-campus stadium
A 35,000-seat stadium on USF鈥檚 Tampa campus is bigger than just sports and fandom. This new landmark, opening in 2027, will energize our campus and the entire Tampa Bay community year-round, creating a central hub for events, traditions and shared experiences. It鈥檚 a space designed to strengthen bonds and inspire generations of Bulls.
Reimagining Campus Living
The Fletcher District will be a vibrant, mixed-use destination where USF students, employees, alumni and community members can live, learn and connect. This 27-acre project will create new on-campus housing, retail, restaurants, research labs and green spaces designed to foster community for decades to come.
Celebrate 70 years with exclusive merchandise
Throughout our 70th anniversary celebration, we will offer limited edition merchandise that pays homage to USF history. From iconic landmarks, traditions, classical designs and folklore, stay tuned as more designs are released throughout the year.
Stay connected
Share a memory
Have a great story, photo or video to share from the last 70 years? Share it with us, and your submission may end up in our 70th anniversary spotlights online throughout the year!
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