My fellow Bulls,

Our USF family drew closer these past few months — to celebrate unprecedented highs and support one another through unexpected and sometimes heartbreaking losses. Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged Bulls’ homes and businesses throughout the South, creating ripple effects that spawned other unforeseen hardships for some. If you were among those affected, I hope you’ve recovered, or at least found your path to recovery.

As always, countless Bulls and USF friends reached out to help. From the alumni groups that assisted with cleanups and feeding families to the individuals and organizations that continue to give to the Feed-A-Bull food pantry and USF United Support Fund for students, you once again demonstrated your tremendous capacity for compassion and generosity.

We also came together in shared mourning following the sudden passing of our beloved men’s basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim. More than an outstanding coach, Amir was a great person. He brought deeply held personal convictions and a big-hearted enthusiasm to work and life, becoming a cherished mentor to so many young people and a dear friend to staff, faculty and alumni. USF will never forget Coach Amir.

Amidst the challenges, we found reasons to rejoice.
The groundbreaking for our first on-campus stadium marks the beginning of a dream come true for generations of Bulls. When the stadium opens, our campus will thrum with energy on game days, alumni will develop an even stronger emotional attachment to their alma mater, and our students’ college experience will level up. I know; I’ve seen it. This game-changer comes to us courtesy of tenacious university leaders and generous donors. We thank you!

Also in recent weeks (drumroll here) your Alumni Association welcomed its 10,000th Life Member! Our Life Members represent some of USF’s most dedicated alumni and friends — a large portion of their one-time dues goes to an endowment that supports the association’s programming for both students and alumni in perpetuity. To think we started just 34 years ago with Florida Sen. John Grant, ’64, and his wife, Beverley Grant, ’66, Life Members #1 and #2! Watch your email and social media for more on #10,000!

This month, we host a 50-year reunion for the Class of ’74 and their induction into the Golden Guard Society. Gratitude to our host committee, class members Cindy Harper, Arthur Bullard Jr., Mark Levine, Ron Sherman and Mimi Talcott. Class members should receive a link to our digital yearbook, open only to ’74 grads. If you did not receive it, email alumni@usf.edu.

Finally, and with great fanfare, I’m thrilled to announce that the 2025 Green & Gold Gala is scheduled 5-9 p.m., March 8 at The Motor Enclave, a high-octane venue located near USF Tampa. We promise all you’ve come to expect from this very popular event, and some new surprises. Learn more about Gala sponsorships and tickets at usf.to/G3.

This year has provided shining examples of our unique character as USF alumni. We come together, always. We support one another. We lead by example.

Thank you for always inspiring pride.
Go Bulls!

Bill McCausland, MBA ’96
Vice President and Executive Director, 
USF Alumni Association
Life Member No. 2331