USF Receives Commendation from City of Tampa for Work in East Tampa [03/21/2009]

by Judi Jetson

On March 12, 2009 the Community Redevelopment Agency Chairperson, Councilmember Tom Scott, presented USF with a Commendation "for many years of providing educational programs, services and volunteers to the families and organizations of several under-served neighborhoods in the City." Accepting the recognition for USF were Judi Jetson, Trent Green, Richard Briscoe and Robin Jones along with their partners Evangeline Best and Ed Johnson.

President's Remarks:

Thank you for the honor today; it has been our pleasure to be your partner in helping bring about the amazing rejuvenation of East Tampa over the past 5 years.  We have learned much about the way a major research university, its faculty and students can help one urban neighborhood, and I want to personally thank you for the opportunity.

·         East Tampa has helped us discover our potential as a community-engaged university, and the results are truly impressive:

    *   $880,000 - of in-kind services contributed in East Tampa by USF students, staff and faculty since 2003

    *   17 different colleges and departments participated in service learning classes, projects and research in East Tampa

    *   12,000 - hours of research and service were donated to East Tampa by 600 students

    *   Priceless - site plans to turn land around stormwater drainage ponds into neighborhood parks

    *   Priceless - health education programs targeting asthma and diabetes problems

    *   Priceless - oral histories preserving the memories of neighborhood residents

    *   Priceless - blueprints for commercial revitalization

    *   Priceless – community volunteers who became our partners and work day and night to improve East Tampa

·         When we joined the City’s East Tampa Partnership in 2003, we never imagined the difference we could make.  And in the current economic downturn, our human resources can play a crucial role in rebuilding the American economy– and this depends on having relationships in place to share ideas, form research partnerships and share the expertise of our students and graduates.

·         This commendation must be shared with many at USF - particularly Judi Jetson who made the connections and coordinated our efforts through the USF Collaborative, Robin Jones whose Interns and students helped the City develop its plans and programs, and Trent Green whose students are helping turn eyesores into neighborhood parks and new homes.  And there are dozens more faculty involved today, and into the future.

·         We could not have done any of this without the help and support of Ms Evangeline Best, now President of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership, who introduced us to East Tampa with her tours, found non-profit partners and neighborhood groups where our students and faculty could form their own partnerships and opportunities.

·         Real estate values have increased, new businesses have opened, and there is reason for optimism.  Many students’ lives and career plans have changed as a result of this experience.  And USF is learning how to grow our Community Engagement capabilities – a key aspect of our strategic plan.

·         Thank you again for the honor and the opportunity.