BOLD socials offer new way for young alumni to connect
June 27, 2025
By Penny Carnathan
When Cidelia Stansell attended the BOLD Summer Social in June, she hoped it would be a good opportunity for some networking.
To her delight, she quickly discovered connections beyond the USF bond she shares with other young USF alumni.
“I pitched a volunteer shift with me at Metropolitan Ministries just to find out they already volunteer with the organization during the holidays,” says Stansell, senior volunteer services coordinator at the Tampa nonprofit, which serves homeless and at-risk families.
Stansell, a 2023 advertising alumna and Alumni Association Life Member, says she looks forward to more BOLD get-togethers — and more helping hands at Metropolitan Ministries.
“It was awesome to see how other Bulls are making a difference in Tampa Bay and connect with folks who stayed in Tampa after graduating,” she says.
BOLD — or Bulls of the Last Decade — is an Alumni Association program focused on engaging Tampa Bay-area Bulls under 35 through social and networking events, and community service, says assistant program director Will Dailey, ’08 and MPA ’11, Life Member.
“Staying connected to USF and our incredible Bulls network offers a lot of opportunities and benefits, from personal and professional networking to leadership development to making a meaningful impact in the community,” Dailey says. “Some of our BOLD members were involved with the Alumni Association as students, so they know, but many others aren’t familiar with what we offer.”
To encourage participation and spread the word, BOLD membership is free. And thanks to sponsors like Northwestern Mutual, BOLD’s new seasonal socials are, too. The two-hour summer get-together was held at Green Bench Brewing Company in St. Petersburg.
“From undergrad to graduate school and now in my work as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, USF has always felt like home,” says Christina Vance, ’11 and MBA ’14, Life Member. “I have the privilege of assisting numerous USF alumni with their financial planning goals. Both organizations embody shared commitment and dedication to the community and professional growth. That’s why Northwestern Mutual is a BOLD sponsor.
“Staying connected to USF offers so many benefits when you’re launching a career, but many young alumni are also starting families, too. It’s such a busy, challenging time. These BOLD socials make it easy to foster new friendships and professional relationships.”
Rachel Bryan, ’24, Life Member, says that’s absolutely true for her.
“Staying connected to USF means a lot to me, but with a packed schedule, it’s not always easy to make time,” she says. “That’s why I love USF BOLD events — they’re not only a blast, but they also fit seamlessly into my busy life, I've always walked away with a new friend or a new connection. There’s something really special about being in the company of so many inspiring peers my age!”
To stay up to date on BOLD events, visit usf.to/BOLD.