Dear Members of the USF Community,
I wish all of you a very merry Christmas, and I pray we find peace and hope in the messages of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and every tradition we embrace.
Despite life’s challenges, I have faith that we can ignite hope. At this time of year, I am inspired by the story of Mary and Joseph, who traveled far from their home to Bethlehem. They had nowhere to stay and bedded down in a stable, where their son, Jesus, was born.
He was wrapped in a blanket and lay in a manger, and yet, his birth was announced by an angel, who called him the savior and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” This simple story can give us comfort as we celebrate the arrival of Christmas. It is a time when our hope is renewed for peace and a bright future.
I am delighted to share that a bright and promising future awaits our undergraduate and graduate students who will celebrate commencement tomorrow. Their achievements remind us of the profound impact of education and the transformative power of our collective work. Congratulations to the 737 new members of the Class of 2025!
Thank you for everything you do at USF to uplift, guide, and inspire our students. May your winter break be restorative and filled with renewed energy for the year ahead.
Kindly,
Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95
President