At the University of Florida, the spirit of USF can be easily identified by the welcoming
smiles and, of course, the green jackets. These legendary green jackets with gold
buttons and the USF seal, are worn by USF Ambassadors who strive to embody the spirit
of USF — which is also part of their motto.
In 1979, the USF Alumni Association created and sponsored the USF Ambassadors, a professional
student organization, to serve as a link between the student body, alumni, and community.
Through a shared commitment to service, USF Ambassadors create a positive environment
that is welcoming and informative at events both on and off campus. This organization
exemplifies USF’s dedication to alumni and the community.
USF Ambassadors attend Brunch on the Bay
USF Ambassadors recruit for new members during Bull Pen
With an impressive 20,000 USF alumni in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the USF Ambassadors
on the Sarasota-Manatee campus are actively engaged in the community. They listen
to the needs of students and alumni and then facilitate mutually beneficially connections,
such as career or volunteer opportunities.
USF Ambassadors embody the heart of our campus and the spirit of our university. Through
their leadership and engagement, they foster pride, connection, and a strong sense
of belonging across the USF community.
Carlos Moreira
Advisor to the USF Sarasota-Manatee Ambassadors
Current USF Ambassador Britlee Yant joined the organization during her second year
at USF and sees her participation as a way to give back to the community that has
given her so much. When Yant enrolled at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, she intended
to eventually transfer to the Tampa campus. However, after experiencing the close-knit
relationships between students, faculty, and staff, and becoming a USF Ambassador,
she realized that the Sarasota-Manatee campus was the right fit for her and decided
to stay. She said that if she could go back in time, the only thing that she would
do differently is apply earlier to become a USF Ambassador.
“The excitement doesn’t last for just one moment, it’s every day that you get to wake
up as an Ambassador.” Britlee Yant
The USF Ambassadors operate on the academic calendar, with applications opening in
the fall semester and due early in the spring semester. Interviews are then conducted
to select the new USF Ambassadors, who will attend the famous Green Jacket Ceremony
in the fall. Yant believes that there are two important qualities to being a successful
USF Ambassador; you need an outgoing personality and, most importantly, a deep love
for USF.
The USF Ambassadors serve as more than a friendly face at events, they are a bridge
that ensures the campus, alumni, and community stay connected for the benefit of all.