New student governors will leverage new building to enhance student life

• September 3, 2024
• Campus News, Students

By Georgia Jackson and Yadyra Guzman, University Communications & Marketing

USF Sarasota-Manatee students elected Gov. Spence Gerber and Lt. Gov. Alexandra Lopez to lead student government on the campus, which celebrated the grand opening of a new Campus Student Center and Atala Hall in August. Gerber and Lopez plan to leverage the new, 100,000 square-foot building to strengthen connections between students who live on and off campus.

"This past year was a monumental time for USF Sarasota-Manatee. What was a small and intimate campus is now blossoming into a thriving community right before our very eyes," said Lopez, a biology major who served as governor during the 2023-24 academic year. "With the opening of the new student center, our focus remains on campus involvement. This new building allows for even greater possibilities for our students, and the goal is to leverage our newfound resources to create a campus experience like never before."

Already an integral part of campus life, the new Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall features enhanced dining facilities, a ballroom, a bookstore, study lounges and meeting rooms, gaming areas and USF World. Two-hundred students live on the top four floors of the building in suites and apartments available in four configurations, many boasting views of Sarasota Bay.

Gerber, a sophomore, is the fifth in his family to serve on the student government at USF after his mother and three older brothers. As governor, he hopes to bring "wildly successful" events to the campus, including TEDx, Food 4 Thought and Adulting 101.

"My top priorities are to utilize the new student center, to bring more students and groups together for a greater sense of community and to open our doors to more diverse ideas from a wider range of students," said Gerber, who wants to take advantage of the uniquely tight-knit culture students at USF Sarasota-Manatee enjoy.

Before she graduates in the spring, Lopez also hopes to inspire others to get involved.

"Take the leap of faith," she said. "Your college experience is what you make out of it. Seize every opportunity to make memorable experiences, and you may just inspire those around you to do the same."

The mission of the Sarasota-Manatee campus Student Government is to support students through activities, services, advocacy, leadership and school pride. Offices are now located on the second floor of the Campus Student Center.