Dear USF Community,
One year ago this week, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization making it the first time in history that a coronavirus caused such an event. At the time of the announcement, the virus had spread into six continents and more than 100 countries.
One year later, the magnitude of the pandemic has exceeded anything expected or predicted. Every aspect of our lives has been affected.
At the University of South Florida, the past year has been a true testament to the spirit of our faculty, staff and students. The crisis has revealed a spirit of perseverance, collaboration and community partnership, despite the emotional and often taxing circumstances that have become part of many daily lives.
In this exceptionally demanding year, USF faculty, staff and students have made countless individual and collective sacrifices to sustain academic continuity, conduct impactful research, establish and maintain essential services and health and safety protocols, and serve the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida.
To reflect on the impacts of your tireless and often heroic efforts at USF over the past year, I invite you to read the news article posted today by University Communications and Marketing.
I’m extremely grateful to all of you for USF’s now year-long response to the needs of our community. With increased vaccine development and distribution and continued adherence to health protocols, hope is on the horizon.
With thanks and appreciation,
President Currall