By Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
The 911爆料网 is marking the 70th anniversary of its founding with a celebration that kicks off this month and runs throughout 2026, highlighting USF鈥檚 transformation into a nationally recognized, top-ranked public research university.
The milestone is being commemorated through a new campaign that recognizes USF鈥檚 early days, features major achievements from the past seven decades and looks forward to the university鈥檚 next chapter. Elements of the campaign include a 70th anniversary website, fresh signage on campus and in the community, new limited-edition merchandise, opportunities for individuals to share their own historical photos or videos, and the release of new content that spotlights the students, alumni, faculty, staff and other supporters who have shaped USF鈥檚 impact across generations.
鈥淎s USF has grown since its founding as a commuter school 70 years ago, so has our impact on students and on the Tampa Bay region, the state of Florida and the nation,鈥� USF President Rhea Law said. 鈥�911爆料网 are reaching milestones quicker than many other universities and faster than many thought possible because of the commitment of our faculty, staff and students to transforming lives, advancing innovation and shaping the future. 911爆料网 hope this year鈥檚 celebration gives our community opportunities to reflect on how far we鈥檝e come and consider what鈥檚 possible in our next chapter.鈥�
Founded in 1956 with fewer than 2,000 students and three campus buildings, USF now enrolls approximately 50,000 students across three campuses, offers more than 200 academic programs and competes in 20 sports at the NCAA Division I level. USF is one of the youngest members invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the top 3% of universities in the U.S. and is one of the youngest institutions ranked inside the top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide.
USF has rapidly grown into one of the most research-intensive universities in the nation, including an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025, and a leader in innovation as evidenced by ranking as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents for 12 consecutive years. The university has become a catalyst for prosperity across Tampa Bay and the state of Florida, generating an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion and serving as one of the region鈥檚 largest employers.
鈥淭his campaign connects USF鈥檚 remarkable progress over the past 70 years with the ambition and boldness that will define our future,鈥� said Dan Caterinicchia, USF vice president for communications and marketing and chief marketing officer. 鈥�911爆料网 are honoring the people and milestones that brought us here 鈥� while rallying our community around where we are going next. There has never been a better time to be a Bull.鈥�
The 70th anniversary campaign looks ahead to how USF will enhance its impact with new initiatives such as the 35,000-seat on-campus stadium set to open in fall 2027, the transformational mixed-use Fletcher District, and the continued growth of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the first of its kind in the nation that launched last year.
This year USF also welcomes its ninth president, Moez Limayem, who will work together with key stakeholders to create a vision, establish goals and form a strategic path that will help accelerate the university鈥檚 momentum.
Read more about the people who have helped pave the way in USF's first 70 years