Lori L. Hall and Lily Curwick with the Golden Apple Award in the University Student Center Ballroom.
Lori L. Hall, PhD, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Criminology, was honored
with the Golden Apple Award in the University Student Center Ballroom on Nov. 5.
This annual award from the USF St. Petersburg Student Ambassadors recognizes faculty
who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student engagement,
and who make a lasting impact on the USF St. Petersburg community.
Hall was nominated by Lily Curwick, a senior majoring in criminology, who delivered
a heartfelt speech describing the profound influence Hall has had on her academic
journey and personal growth.
“Since I started at USF, I have taken every single class Dr. Hall has offered,” Curwick
shared. “Her expertise in criminology is remarkable, but what makes her truly special
is the way she helps us understand ourselves, the people around us, and the deeper
human experiences that shape our lives.”
Curwick went on to describe how Hall’s teaching on trauma and its connection to the
criminal justice system provided not only academic insight but also personal guidance
during one of the most difficult times in her life.
“During the darkest period of my life, Dr. Hall encouraged me to keep pursuing my
goals, even when giving up felt easier. She helped me remember that there is always
a light at the end of the tunnel — maybe faint, maybe far away, but always there.”
Curwick concluded her remarks by expressing what many students feel: “Dr. Hall doesn’t
just teach us about the criminal justice system. She teaches us about life, about
resilience, about compassion, and about strength. To so many of us, she is a mentor,
a role model, and someone who genuinely cares about who we become.”
Hall’s recognition with the Golden Apple Award reflects her ongoing commitment to
fostering a trauma-informed and student-centered learning environment that empowers
students to navigate both their academic and personal journeys with understanding,
compassion, and purpose.