USF System Government Relations Newsletter
September 2016
Federal Legislators attend USF Health led conversation on Zika Virus Threat 
On August 19th experts from across USF Health sat down for a panel discussion titled Zika at Our Doorstep: An International Public Health Conversation.  Top researchers, government officials and community leaders gathered to discuss the latest information about the virus and highlight the need for increased federal funding to support Zika research.  

In attendance were U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL14) and U.S. Representative David Jolly (R-FL13), along with State Representative Neil Combee (R-Auburndale). 

USF Week-of-Welcome 2016
The Week-of-Welcome at USF kicked off on August 18th with freshman Move-in Day and the new year balloon drop celebration.

Week-of-Welcome is a campus-wide celebration that takes place each fall so that new students can experience some of USF's organizations and traditions. USF Alumnus and State Representative for the USF Tampa Campus, Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-Tampa) was also there to welcome new students.

      USF is the only university in the Southeast to host both Presidential Candidates 
      USF has hosted both presidential candidates on their campaign trails, making it the only university in Southeast to host both this year. 

      Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton visited the USF Student Recreation Center on September 6, 2016 and Republican nominee Donald Trump campaigned at the USF Sun Dome in February of this year. 
      U.S. Representative David Jolly brings USF-bred mosquitoes to House floor to highlight need for Zika research funding
      Rep. David Jolly (R-FL13) brought a closed jar of 100 mosquitoes to the House floor on September 7th to highlight the effects of Zika and urge Congress to pass legislation to fight the virus.  

      The Congressman said labs at the University of South Florida, which bred the mosquitoes as part of its Zika research, needs money from Congress to continue their work. 

      Watch the video here. 
      USF Sarasota-Manatee's "PAInT" Center is now the State's Official resource for arts-integrated instruction 
      With approvals from Florida lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott, USF Sarasota-Manatee's Center for the Partnership for Arts-Integrated Teaching ("PAInT") is now the official statewide resource for arts-integrated instruction. 

      Teachers throughout the state will now be able to use PAInT for materials and instruction in an arts-integrated curriculum. "Arts-integrated teaching is a successful model that helps our teachers to educate the next generation," said USF System President Judy Genshaft. 

      USF Bulls Running in the 2016 General Election 
      Below are Bulls alumni and current students who are running for Congress or State office
      United States Representatives
       Mario Diaz-Balart (R-District 25)

      State Representatives 
       Danny  Burgess (R-District 38)
      Victor Sims (D-District 39)
      Ross Spano (R-District 59) 
      Shawn Harrison (R-District 63) 
      Lisa J.  Montelione (D-District 63)
      Chris Sprowls (R-District 65)
      Jennifer Webb (D-District 69)
      Joe Gruters (R-District 73)  

      Do you know of any others? Let us know at govrelations@usf.edu