Young Minds at Work 2015

Thank you to the 75 USF faculty and staff and 100 children who participated in GoUSF's 3rd annual Young Minds at Work on June 17, 2015! Thank you also to the gracious volunteers who helped lead the groups and facilitate activities for our biggest turnout yet! Not only did this event provide an opportunity for these young ones get a glimpse of where and with who their parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle works, but this event also brought together colleagues from 20 departments and allowed them to catch up with each other or make new connections.

Young Minds at Work kicked off at 9am in front of Gleeson Library as adults and children registered, gathered in their assigned groups, and filled out name tags. The groups were arranged so that the children, ranging in age from 9 months to 17 years, could engage in activities specifically tailored to their age group. Everyone embarked on the first of six activities, including:

  • biology lab
  • nursing skills lab
  • St. Ignatius scavenger hunt
  • Gleeson Library games
  • Thacher Gallery reading
  • Koret free play

Participants enjoyed snacks midday and then a brown bag lunch at the conclusion of the department visits. The children especially enjoyed the hula dance class and visit from USF’s Don Francisco mascot at lunchtime!

Here's what faculty and staff had to say about the fun day:

"My daughter and I had a wonderful time at the event. It was fantastic to see the involvement of many different areas across main campus. The activities were tweaked and geared so well to the different age groups that participated. Fantastic job organizing the event, it went so smoothly and was an absolute treat to participate in. Looking forward to next year." - Adriana Broullon, Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach

"I just wanted to drop a note to let you know how very much my family and I appreciated the day. I could not think of a more perfect introduction of myself and my family to USF. The entire event was so well planned and executed from start to finish. It was interesting, educational, and a blast for all of us! Thank you so much for the best welcome I could have received. I am grateful to be a colleague." - Anna Bartkowski, Student Life

“My kids told me, "Mom, you work at a cool place." They had so much fun making slime, at the nursing lab, and visiting in the library, meeting with an author, and listening to, There's no crying in baseball.” - Erin Grogan, School of Management

“The event is so well-run. Although I enjoy nearly every goUSF event, this one is by far my favorite. My children love it, and I love it!”  - Barbara Zunder, Student Life

To view more pictures from Young Minds at Work, visit the GoUSF page on Facebook.

We'd love to hear your stories of the day! Email Suzy Kisylia to share your feedback.