SARASOTA, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2017) – Last year’s 40th Anniversary All-Alumni Festival was just the start. Encouraged by the event’s turnout, USF Sarasota-Manatee has opted to make the festival an annual event, only with a new name. Say hello to Bulls, Bands & BBQ. While alumni and students are strongly encouraged to attend, like last year, organizers are hoping for a big turnout by the general public as well. The event is free and runs Saturday, March 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota. A family-friendly tailgate atmosphere, expect cheerleaders, USF mascot Rocky D. Bull, World Rowing Championship mascot Scully and representatives from Sarasota Jungle Gardens, along with plenty of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. “Alumni enjoyed it so much last year they wanted to make it an annual event,” USFSM Director of Alumni Affairs Jay Riley said. Rebel Heart and vocalist Sarah Faye will head the musical lineup. Faye recently won an online contest by 103.5 Tampa Bay Country for best vocalist. She cites among her influences Carrie Underwood and Alicia Keyes. Also scheduled is the Savannah Brady Band with students from the Music Compound. Activities include an obstacle course, rock wall and bungee jump, ladder golf, corn hole and arts and crafts. For more, visit usfsm.edu/event/bulls-bands-bbq/. Kirk-Pinkerton supports veterans’ causes, USFSM veterans’ center Last May, Attorney Bill Robertson, chief executive officer of the Sarasota-based law firm Kirk-Pinkerton, presented a $2,500 donation on behalf of the firm to the USFSM’s Military and Veterans Success Center. On Wednesday, he was back on campus showing additional support for the center with another $2,500 check. Robertson said the law firm has long supported veterans causes. “We just thought it was important to support the center because of the variety of services it provides to our local veterans,” he said. Todd Hughes, veteran services administrator at USFSM, said the funds will go toward the center’s operations, including support of student veterans trying to access their benefits, seek counseling or enjoy the company of fellow veterans. “We appreciate their continued support,” he said. “Even before this donation, the firm reached out by giving scholarships to veterans directly from their practice, and now they’re solidifying that support by helping the USFSM Military Veteran Success Center make an impact in the lives of student veterans.” Mental health counseling available USF Sarasota-Manatee wants students to stay healthy and that includes mental wellness. Burdened by stress or other issues, students can now turn to professional counselors free of charge. Counselors are available Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at USFSM’s Student Services office in the rotunda on the first floor. This program is offered in collaboration with the New College of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center. To make an appointment, call (941) 487-4254 or simply visit Student Services. Students must present a valid USF Sarasota-Manatee ID. ### |
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About USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) USF Sarasota-Manatee is a regional campus of the University of South Florida system, offering the prestige of a nationally ranked research university with the convenience of a hometown location, including classes in Manatee County, Venice and online. Separately accredited, USFSM is ideal for those interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit in a small, personal setting with distinguished faculty and a dynamic curriculum of over 40 academic programs. Website: www.usfsm.edu. |