Lori L. Hall, PhD, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Criminology, was honored with the Golden Apple Award in the University Student Center Ballroom on Nov. 5.
This annual award from the USF St. Petersburg Student Ambassadors recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student engagement, and who make a lasting impact on the USF St. Petersburg community.
Hall was nominated by Lily Curwick, a senior majoring in criminology, who delivered a heartfelt speech describing the profound influence Hall has had on her academic journey and personal growth.
Lily Curwick shares the impact Lori Hall has had on her during her time at USF.
"Since I started at USF, I have taken every single class Dr. Hall has offered," Curwick shared. "Her expertise in criminology is remarkable, but what makes her truly special is the way she helps us understand ourselves, the people around us, and the deeper human experiences that shape our lives."
Curwick went on to describe how Hall’s teaching on trauma and its connection to the criminal justice system provided not only academic insight but also personal guidance during one of the most difficult times in her life.
"During the darkest period of my life, Dr. Hall encouraged me to keep pursuing my goals, even when giving up felt easier. She helped me remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel — maybe faint, maybe far away, but always there."
Curwick concluded her remarks by expressing what many students feel: "Dr. Hall doesn’t just teach us about the criminal justice system. She teaches us about life, about resilience, about compassion, and about strength. To so many of us, she is a mentor, a role model, and someone who genuinely cares about who we become."
Hall’s recognition with the Golden Apple Award reflects her ongoing commitment to fostering a trauma-informed and student-centered learning environment that empowers students to navigate both their academic and personal journeys with understanding, compassion, and purpose.