USF Judy Genshaft Honors College

What started as a requirement turned into something much bigger for rising second-year Honors student Alexa Michael. By raising and training service dogs with Dogs Inc., she has supported individuals and families across the country while discovering her own path in health care along the way. That’s what the Judy Genshaft Honors College is all about — learning by doing, building meaningful connections, and discovering new directions. “Patience and resilience built a strong sense of identity,” Alexa shared. “You can't learn what you learn in service anywhere else.” Want to hear more? Check out Alexa’s story on the Honor Roll Podcast. #usfhonors

A well-earned Go Bulls to all of our Honors teams and scholars for an amazing semester. Here’s to celebrating success with our Wilcox Scholars, Honors Ambassadors, Holcombe and Jenkins Scholars, AV/IT Team, JGHC Marketing Team, and Art/Tech Studio Interns as we close a wonderful spring semester! #usfhonors

Through the creation of Little Free Libraries across Temple Terrace, Rhea Joshi, Afreen Khan, and Priya Desai — the “Books and Butterflies” team from the 2025 cohort of U.N. Millennium Fellows — are expanding access to more than 500 books for children in neighborhoods that need them most. The United Nations Millennium Fellowship provides leadership training to selected students around the world as they advance projects addressing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Designed to reduce inequality, improve health and education, and promote economic growth, the fellowship allows students to pursue projects individually or in teams. The 2025 cohort was USF’s largest yet, with 15 fellows selected. #usfhonors

Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Dean’s Circle of Merit winners! After years of hard work and dedication, these eight Honors graduates were recognized for their commitment to the Judy Genshaft Honors College values of leadership, service, research, and global citizenship. Throughout their time in the Honors College, the following students exemplified these ideals: 🤘 Leadership: Katelynn Paciorek and Anzhelika Kurnikova 🤘 Service: Olivia Pinilla and Oliver Laczko 🤘 Global Citizenship: Madiha Reza and May Spinney 🤘 Research: Leah Werth and Alvin Varghese Read more about the award recipients and the Spring 2026 graduation ceremonies on the Honors News website. ⬇️ #usfhonors

Congratulations, Reva!

“How you start doesn’t determine where you’ll end. Do right by yourself, and you’ll become a great professional.” This mindset stayed with Nick Niemiec throughout his time in the Honors College, and today, it guides his work as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he protects consumers and serves the public. #usfhonors

In a world where people are often told to choose one path, Jacob Ramirez did it all. 🎶 From balancing a full-time job to completing an engineering degree to pursuing his passion for music, Jacob embraced every part of the college experience. Named the mechanical engineering department’s Outstanding Senior, he proved that students can succeed both creatively and academically when they pursue what matters most to them. “Don’t deny yourself the ability to be creative. It’s possible to do both.” #usf #usfhonors

Earning his degree in just two years, 17-year-old Honors graduate Zayd Nayeem proves that success doesn't have to follow a standard timeline. Beginning his USF journey at just 15, Zayd was determined to make the most of his college experience despite the accelerated pace. Through research, leadership roles, and community health outreach, he found ways to combine his personal interests and career aspirations as he worked towards his goals. “Don’t let any standard define you — your age doesn’t define you.” #usfhonors