Town and Gown is a non-profit organization designed to promote understanding and friendship between the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the community.

Membership

Membership contribution is $100 annually.
The membership year runs from June 1 to May 31.

Pay for your 2012-2013 membership online
Or, pay for your 2012-2013 membership by check with this form (PDF)

Meetings

Quarterly luncheon meetings are held during the year featuring lively presentations by guest speakers from USF St. Petersburg. Prospective members are always welcome.

Programs

Programs may also include unique behind-the-scenes tours of campus facilities and other specially-designed activities. In April 2010, for example, Town and Gown members were hosted by Bovis Land Lease at downtown's magnificent Signature Place (photo above).

Recent Events

The 2011-12 academic year commenced with a reception in November 2011 hosted by Chancellor Margaret Sullivan.

• In April 2012, Dr. Gary Mormino, Frank E. Duckwell Professor of History at USFSP, spoke about St. Petersburg during WWII and the lasting impression the war would leave on the area. The following day, Dr. Mormino guided a group of Town and Gown members and guests through Historic Ybor City to talk about the influence of immigrants to the area and their lasting impression.
• In March 2012, Dr. Todd Shank, Associate Professor of Finance at USFSP, spoke about China's approach to capitalism and the impact it has had on China and the United States.
• In January 2012, Dr. Mark Walters, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at USFSP, spoke about the state of journalism and the news media today with the increased demand for immediate information and online influences.

Events for the 2010-11 academic year commenced with a reception in November hosted by Chancellor Margaret Sullivan.

• In January, faculty members from the USF College of Marine Science discussed the oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, with emphasis on consequences, recovery, and prospects for the future.
• In March, Prof. John Jewell, the Director of the USFSP Program of Accountancy, reviewed recent changes in U.S. tax laws and the impact on financial planning.
• Biologist Dr. Deby Cassill concluded Town and Gown's year with a fascinating overview of her research on ants.

Town and Gown Award

Town and Gown has established the St. Petersburg Town and Gown Award to recognize the efforts of a person or program on the St. Petersburg campus that enhances the quality of life in both communities.

It is intended to create a focus on an outstanding contribution or endeavor of excellence by a University faculty member, staff member, group or program whether in teaching, research, service or communication.

Due to University policy, monetary awards cannot be given to an individual. The St. Petersburg Town and Gown Award may be awarded to the department, program or administrative unit in recognition of, or in honor of, the work of an individual or group at USF St. Petersburg. Members of Town and Gown are invited to submit nominations for the Award in writing to the President of Town and Gown by January of each year.

Officers

USF St. Petersburg Town and Gown is pleased to announce its officers for 2012-13:

• President: Betty Jean Miller
• 1st Vice President (Programs): Susan Riggins
• 2nd Vice President (Memberships): Susan Gordon
• Secretary: Marilyn Hobbs
• Treasurer: Reed Gregory
• Advisor and Immediate Past President: Joan LoBianco Walker

The term of office for Town and Gown is June 1, 2012- May 31, 2013.

Past Presidents

• Pat Campbell
  Founding President 1999-01
• Fay Baynard
  2000-01
• Ginny Sexton
  2001-02
• Carol Russell
  2002-03
• Margo Fischer
  2003-04
• Judy Altenhoff
  2004-05
• Joyce Fraser
  2005-06
• Joanne Fleece
  2006-07
• Shari Watson
  2007-08
• Sarah Lonquist
  2008-09
• Mary Evertz
  2009-2010
• Loretta Stitt
  2010-2011
• Joan LoBianco Walker
  2011-2012

Special thanks to each for rendering outstanding service.

Additional Resources

• Newsletter - December 2011 (PDF)
• Town and Gown By-Laws (PDF)
• Minutes of Previous Meeting (PDF)

For further information about Town and Gown, please contact Alexis Searfoss at (727) 873-4519 or email asearfoss@usfsp.edu.