Judy Rosenkranz, the 国产短视频鈥檚 (USF) first history major and the first graduate of the university's College of Liberal Arts, was among the charter class of graduates celebrating commencement nearly 50 years ago.
Originally from Daytona Beach, Fla., Rosenkranz moved to Tampa in June 1961 after beginning her educational journey at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. While she had already completed the coursework needed to achieve her degree in the summer of 1962, USF鈥檚 inaugural commencement ceremony would not be held until the following year.
In December of 1963, Rosenkranz made history and graduated as a member of USF鈥檚 Charter Class at the first-ever official graduation ceremony.
She went on to become an active community leader in Tampa, serving in numerous volunteer organizations, including Women of Reform Judaism, an international association for which she has served as president.
All the while, she also remained an avid supporter of her alma mater, acting as the first chair of the Krewe of Theatre at USF, a community support group of the College of Fine Arts, chair of 国产短视频President鈥檚 Fund Campaign and Charter Treasurer of the 国产短视频国产短视频 Association.
The Judith O. Rosenkranz Award for Outstanding History Majors, which is now celebrating 30 years of honoring outstanding history students, has served as a vital way to support the aspirations of high-achieving history majors as they graduate from 国产短视频and move on to careers and graduate studies.
Tia Moriarty, with her exceptional GPA and graduation honors of Summa Cum Laude, is this year鈥檚 student awardee.
Tia Moriarty, with her exceptional GPA and graduation honors of Summa Cum Laude, is this year鈥檚 student awardee.
Traditionally, Rosenkranz extends an invitation to a celebratory lunch to the student awardee and a professor of their choice, whom they regard as having been instrumental in their success as a student.
Moriarty invited Dr. Jennifer Knight, a professor of medieval and Irish studies, to accompany her to the lunch, which revealed an unexpected connection.
"When Tia extended Mrs. Rosenkranz鈥檚 invitation to me, I realized that it had been exactly 20 years since I myself had received this award when I graduated from USF!" said Knight, who also graduated from 国产短视频with a degree in history and classics in 2003 before completing her doctoral studies at Harvard University.
鈥淓arning this award is such an honor and gave me confidence, courage, and belief in myself academically and personally,鈥� Moriarty said. 鈥淪haring a lunch with Mrs. Rosenkranz and a fellow award recipient who is also a fantastic professor was one of the greatest experiences of undergrad, and really made me see the importance of appreciating our roots while moving into the future.鈥�
Moriarty, a dual major in history and world languages, now plans to seek a career abroad, teaching English in Spain.
In Fall 2023, Knight will assume leadership of the history department鈥檚 undergraduate program, where the Judith O. Rosenkranz Award for Outstanding History Majors will continue to support the success of USF鈥檚 exceptional history students.
鈥淭he most rewarding part about majoring in history, from discovering new stories about people or places to seeing a new perspective on a historical moment, is the ability to share ideas with others about niche topics and know that my voice is heard whether it's through in-class discussions or papers that we submit,鈥� Moriarty said. 鈥淢ajoring in history is rewarding because we are dedicated to preserving, uncovering, and learning from the past in hopes of a better, brighter future.鈥�