High Impact
From the President
Photo by Christophe Jouany
Welcome to a new fall semester at USF! As classes get into full swing and our campus comes alive with activity, I am filled with pride and enthusiasm about the future.
In August, we rolled out the welcome mat for our largest-ever incoming freshman class — a diverse class with outstanding academic credentials representing nearly every corner of the globe. These exceptional students are a testament to our outstanding faculty and the extraordinary programs we are building at USF.
While the summer is traditionally a time for rest and relaxation, things never slowed here at USF. Thousands of students continued their studies on campus while others embarked on international education experiences. Take a look at our World feature on page 16. More than 550 students traveled to nearly 30 countries to learn in the truest sense through study abroad and service learning opportunities.
The spirit of discovery maintained its extraordinary pace throughout the summer as well. In this issue you will read about the life-changing work going on at Draper Laboratory, geological research that could rewrite human history and a laser scanning system that is revolutionizing archaeological and historical exploration.
Just before the start of the fall semester, USF Health CEO Dr. Stephen Klasko welcomed the fist class of students to SELECT — a novel program aimed at developing physician leaders for the future.
Perhaps the largest statement about the future of USF came through the USF: Unstoppable campaign. In July, the campaign closed its fiscal year breaking records for fundraising in a single year — more than $30 million over the previous record set in 2008.
There is so much excitement throughout the USF System. I invite you to explore this issue of USF Magazine and share my enthusiasm!