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USF System to Award Nearly 3,000 Degrees During Aug. 8 Commencement Ceremonies
TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2015) – More than 2,800 degrees will be awarded as the University of South Florida System celebrates its 106th commencement convocation with two ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the USF Sun Dome.

Of approximately 2,806 degrees to be conferred, 2,494 are from USF Tampa, 219 from USF St. Petersburg and 93 from USF Sarasota-Manatee.

The Outstanding Graduate Award will be given to graduating senior Trang Luong, who will be graduating with a bachelor’s in civil engineering during the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. The USF Alumni Association offers this award to graduating seniors who embody leadership, school spirit, community service, character and scholarship. Luong came as an international student from Vietnam, speaking little English. Three years later, she is graduating with a 3.83 GPA, has received multiple honors and awards, served as a Student Government senator, was president of the USF student chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World, and is a talented pianist. All of this was accomplished while working 30 hours per week.

During the 9 a.m. ceremony, former Peruvian Vice President Raúl Diez Canseco Terry is to receive the President’s Global Leadership Award, which is presented to individuals who have achieved exemplary accomplishments in international leadership or global relations. He brought American fast food franchises to Peru, including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks Coffee. He founded the San Ignacio de Loyola University Preparatory Academy, and is the honorary consul general of the Republic of the Philippines in Peru. Currently Diez Canseco serves as the president of board of directors for the San Ignacio de Loyola Education Corporation.

USF System President Judy Genshaft will preside over both ceremonies.

Commencement Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m.:

- USF Tampa will recognize students receiving bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the following colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, The Arts and Undergraduate Studies.

- USF St. Petersburg will recognize students receiving bachelors and master’s degrees from all colleges. 


- Approximately 800 graduates are anticipated.

Saturday, Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m.:

- USF Tampa will recognize students receiving bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the following colleges: Behavioral and Community Sciences, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Global Sustainability, Marine Science, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health.

- USF Sarasota-Manatee will recognize students receiving bachelors and master’s degrees from all colleges.

- Approximately 800 graduates are anticipated.

For more information visit usf.edu/commencement or contact the Commencement Office at (813) 974-1816