Bunches of Bouquets

The University of Tampa Honors Program hosted a fun-filled evening during our Bunches and Bouquets Night on February 10th in McKay Hall. Students gathered for a creative and lighthearted Valentine’s-inspired celebration that offered a relaxing break from classes and a chance to connect with fellow Honors peers.

Attendees crafted colorful pipe cleaner flowers, designing their own unique bouquets to take home or share with friends. With a variety of bright stems, textured petals, and decorative accents available, students enjoyed expressing their creativity and building arrangements that reflected their personalities. Alongside the crafting, Valentine’s-themed cookies were provided, adding a sweet touch to the evening and bringing everyone together around the snack table. Events like Bunches and Bouquets Night continue to highlight the Honors Program’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and creating spaces where students can unwind while building lasting friendships.

American Society of Criminology Conference

Back in November, I presented a further developed version of my honors thesis at the American Society of Criminology annual meeting. It was my first time presenting on a panel, and I loved getting to share my work and connect with scholars in the field. I met the Director of Program Evaluation for New York City’s Department of Corrections, and my research advisor and I hope to collaborate with them on research in the future. I also connected with faculty from Northeastern University ahead of beginning my master’s there in Fall 2026. I am so grateful to the Honors Program and the CSSME for making this opportunity possible! -Brigette Rosenberg

Metropolitan Ministries

A dedicated group of ten honors students recently took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer at the local Metropolitan Ministries. This essential service organization is a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay community, focused on providing comprehensive care and support to people experiencing poverty and homelessness, with a special emphasis on stabilizing and uplifting women and children.

The students embraced two critical roles during their time there. First, they participated in the evening rush, serving a warm, nutritious dinner directly to the residents and families. This allowed them to interact with the people they were helping, offering not just a meal, but a moment of connection and hospitality.

After the dinner service, the group transitioned to the kitchen’s prep area. The students worked together to prepare the food for the massive number of meals that would be needed for the next morning’s breakfast service.

This commitment to service was an excellent and a powerful way for the honors students to actively give back to the Tampa Bay community, witnessing firsthand the impactful work of Metropolitan Ministries and making a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors in need.