By Paul Guzzo and Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
President Moez Limayem lead his first commencement exercises as the University of South Florida conferred more than 8,000 degrees during ceremonies May 7-10. Limayem, who began his tenure in February 2026, presided over all ceremonies, which were held in the Yuengling Center on USF’s Tampa campus.
A moment of silence was observed at the beginning of each ceremony to remember USF students Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon, who tragically passed away last month. During the doctoral degree ceremony on Friday, May 8, two empty chairs with regalia were placed on the arena floor to honor Bristy and Limon. Separately, both students received posthumous doctoral degrees.
Two empty chairs with regalia were placed on the arena floor to honor Bristy and Limon [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing]
A representative of the Consulate General of Bangladesh, based in Miami, accepted posthumous doctoral degrees on behalf of their families [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing]
The spring 2026 class includes recipients of approximately 6,371 bachelor’s, 1,360 master’s and 353 doctoral degrees. The class features 138 undergraduate students earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average, 612 military veterans and graduates from 109 countries, 46 states and four U.S. territories.
This semester’s youngest graduate is 17 and earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. The oldest graduate, who is 70 years old, earned a master’s degree in library and information science.
Ceremony information:
Saturday, May 9| 1:30 p.m.
Bachelor’s degree recipients from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: Communication, English, History, Humanities and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and World Languages
Saturday, May 9| 6 p.m.
Bachelor’s degree recipients from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry, Integrative Biology, Molecular Biosciences, and Physics
Sunday, May 10| 9 a.m.
Bachelor’s degree recipients from the colleges of Behavioral and Community Sciences and Design, Art and Performance, and the Office of Undergraduate Studies
Sunday, May 10| 1:30 p.m.
Bachelor’s degree recipients from the colleges of Nursing and Public Health
Sunday, May 10| 6 p.m.
Bachelor’s degree recipients from the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing and the College of Engineering
*Sir Cato T. Laurencin will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering and Daniela Zamora Alviarez will receive the Ralph C. Wilcox Outstanding Graduate Award.
Sara Arroyave Soto – Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Sara Arroyave Soto followed her father to USF and into mechanical engineering, even taking courses taught by some of the same professors he had decades earlier. While drawing inspiration from his career in aerospace, she charted her own path through undergraduate research focused on aerodynamics and energy efficiency, with plans to continue her studies at USF in pursuit of a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.
Oliver Laczko – Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy
Oliver Laczko transformed an eroded section of USF St. Petersburg’s Bayboro Harbor into a living shoreline, blending hurricane recovery with long-term environmental restoration. Through his honors thesis and leadership with student sustainability initiatives, Laczko helped restore some of the harbor’s first marsh habitat in more than a century and plans to continue advancing wetland science, restoration and resilience in Florida.
Evan Fueyo – Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance; Jonathan Fueyo – Bachelor of Arts in History
A multigenerational USF family story comes full circle as brothers Evan and Jonathan Fueyo follow their parents, Rick Fueyo and Elizabeth Krystyn, in becoming Bulls. Rick and Elizabeth met as students in the 1980s and have remained deeply connected to the university, with Krystyn later co‑founding The Baldwin Group and helping establish USF’s School of Risk Management and Insurance. Their family’s journey reflects the growing legacy of tradition, philanthropy, and pride at USF.
Read more about Evan and Jonathan
Yeran Gamage – Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Yeran Gamage founded and served as president of USF’s boxing club, helping build it into one of the university’s largest student organizations while emphasizing safety, training, and accessibility. At the same time, he gained hands-on cybersecurity experience by identifying and responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities in open-source AI tools, preparing him for his next role as a cloud security engineer at 911±¬ÁĎÍřlls Fargo.
Sofia Chepenik – Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications
Sofia Chepenik is a member of USF’s inaugural women’s lacrosse team and served as one of the program’s original captains, helping establish the culture and leadership foundation for the new program. Off the field, she launched Sophia’s Squad, a mentorship community designed to support young female athletes through confidence-building, leadership development, and goal-setting, drawing on her own experiences as a student-athlete.
Chase Cooper – Master of Business Administration; Master of Science in Sport & Entertainment Management
Chase Cooper turned a lifelong passion for football into a front-office role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, working on the business operations that shape the fan experience. Through a two-year fellowship with the team via USF’s Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program, Cooper analyzed data across marketing, partnerships, and fan engagement, leading to a full-time position with the organization.
Madisen Hamai - Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
A Colorado native Madisen Hamai discovered sailing for the first time after arriving at USF St. Petersburg and is now graduating as captain of the nationally ranked USF Women’s Sailing team. A marine biology major with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Hamai will next lead the Bulls at the Women’s Sailing National Championship before pursuing her goal of becoming a marine animal veterinarian.
Spence Gerber - Bachelor of Science in Biology
USF Sarasota‑Manatee graduate Spence Gerber is continuing his family’s long‑standing Bulls tradition while forging his own path in leadership, research and student engagement. A fourth-generation Bull, Gerber graduates after an active campus career spanning student government, honors leadership, undergraduate research and community involvement as USF marks its 70th anniversary.
Alyssa Duurloo – Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Inspired by her aunt’s experience at USF, Alyssa Duurloo chose to follow the same path and became part of a growing multigenerational Bull tradition. While still a student, she worked with the university’s student graphic design firm, creating social media and marketing visuals that promote campus life, programs, and events, and she plans to apply those fast-paced design skills in the entertainment and tourism industries after graduation.
Amed Issa - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
After experiencing homelessness and instability growing up, Amed Issa joined the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after high school in search of structure and purpose, eventually serving nearly a decade including deployments in the Indo‑Pacific region. While stationed in Hawaii, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for providing lifesaving aid during a shooting, reinforcing his commitment to keeping Marines physically and mentally prepared and bringing them home safely.
Roberto Mundo - Bachelor of Science in Finance
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Roberto Mundo overcame early struggles and uncertainty in school, drawing inspiration from his parents’ sacrifices and a formative campus visit to stay committed to building a better future. After serving four years in the military, he returned to pursue his longtime goal at USF Sarasota-Manatee, using the discipline, resilience and sense of community he gained in the Marines to guide his journey.