ULS Vision Statement
In The Beginning.
Though the first conception of the University Lectures Series at the University of South Florida is somewhat vague, the real series began its work in Fall of 1986 which featured speakers such as Moorhead Kennedy, William Buckley, and Sarah Weddington. Though these names are familiar around the nation, most lectures at this time were comprised of USF faculty and staff, and dealt with topics relevant to the USF campus. The series was definitely noticeable on campus, attracting speakers from many different culture pools from around the world. Critics also praised the series, awarding ULS the Drew Pearson Award by the International Platform Association for the top lecture program in the country in 1990.
The series built upon success, due mainly to its support from the campus and the addition of diversity to the ULS committee. Membership has always included a mix of students, faculty, and staff, with today's involvement reaching nearly 20 affiliates. This exposure has caused the series to move in the direction of a higher platform, and has reached audience sizes of 5,000.
Today, the University Lecture Series is stronger than it has ever been. They have achieved much success with such speakers as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Jesse Jackson, RENT star Anthony Rapp, and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's. These speakers, along with others, have created a new environment on the USF Tampa campus; one where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members can engage each other in a thoughtful, respectful manner, and also create new ideas, opinions, and values of their world and the society around them.
The Vision.
The University of South Florida's University Lecture Series (ULS) is a student-supported program designed to develop intellectual potential and present interesting and relevant information on a variety of scholastic and community oriented interests. ULS will enhance the quality of student life and USF's learning environment.
