A total of 357 students earned degrees from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) during USF's Fall 2023 Commencement. The commencement ceremonies included 266 students receiving undergraduate degrees, 88 students receiving master's degrees, and three students receiving doctoral degrees from CBCS.
Students graduating this semester represented the college's Department of Child and Family Studies, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Criminology, Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, School of Aging Studies, and School of Social Work.
We're happy to recognize a few outstanding students from this graduating class.
Julie Follman
Bachelor of Arts in criminology
It was 1980 when Julie Follman first started working toward earning a degree from USF. Now, more than 40 years later, and after retiring from her first career in media sales, she received a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and will embark on a brand new path.
Follman remembers reading during the COVID-19 pandemic about how male violence against women and children escalated while families were forced to stay home together. Wanting to help, she became trained and certified as a sexual assault victim advocate and started volunteering at a rape crisis center.
With a life-long interest in crime, Follman shares that she considered it a “huge privilege” to have the opportunity to return to USF and study meaningful social issues. Her proudest accomplishment from her time at USF isn’t her straight A’s, but rather helping Kathleen Heide, PhD, finalize and format her book, “The International Handbook of Juvenile Homicide.”
“For decades to come, this definitive work on juvenile homicide will educate scholars, students, criminologists, criminal justice systems, social workers, attorneys, psychologists, and psychiatrists on the factors associated with children who commit violent crimes along with prevention strategies and policy recommendations,” said Follman.
She knew it is never too late to follow your dreams, whether that is to start college, finish college, or make a complete career change. “In four years, you’ll be four years older … stuck in place or right where you want to be, bringing years of experience and wisdom with you,” she said.
USF has made a committment to responding to the varied interests and needs of older adults. Earlier this year, the university joined the international , which encompasses more than 100 universities worldwide dedicated to promoting intergenerational learning, career development, and participation in educational and research programs.
Follman says she feels lucky that her parents, family, and friends all supported her return to college. “My dad was a USF professor for 38 years. He passed away right after I started back. I know he’s proud watching me finally graduate,” she added.
What was your favorite class?
Sexual Violence, taught by Joni Bernbaum, MA
"This class explains the complicated reasons people commit sexual crimes and how they target their victims within an overall sociological and societal framework. Professor Bernbaum taught me to understand these complex crimes from all perspectives."
What will you miss the most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss the massive support and world-class education I received from outstanding
criminology professors like Dr. Kathleen Heide, Professor Joni Bernbaum, and Dr. Colby Valentine. These professors bring depth of decades of criminology experience to the classroom,
not just as scholars and educators, but also as mental health professionals, expert
courtroom witnesses, and advocates in domestic and sexual violence and for incarcerated
offenders, making USF’s Department of Criminology a global leader in complex criminology
intersections."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I learned that almost anyone can learn almost anything;
we all just need help sometimes! When I got stuck in statistics, research methods,
and Spanish, I asked everybody for help — my family, friends, professors, fellow students,
grad students, the USF library, the USF Student Success Center, USF’s free Tutor Me
service, and my amazing criminology advisor Sharon Loschiavo."
Zena Rodill
Bachelor of Science in behavioral healthcare with a concentration in behavioral health
across the lifespan
Zena Rodill was inspired to pursue a Bachelor of Science in behavioral healthcare with a concentration in behavioral health across the lifespan because of her own positive experiences with receiving mental health counseling services.
“I wanted to give back by pursuing the same profession,” said Rodill. “I have also had family members who experienced mental health and addiction concerns, and I wanted to learn a bit more about the unique experiences they go through based on their disorders.”
While pursuing her degree, Rodill developed a strong interest in research for substance and mental health disorders prevention. Rodill was a participant of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute’s Summer Research Institute (SRI@FMHI) in 2023 and says that being selected for the program is an accomplishment she is particularly proud of.
“I learned about a new career path I can take in the behavioral health research field to focus on what I truly enjoy, which includes engaging with the community, learning something new every day, and writing about my experiences in researching the topic and population to provide greater understanding of the health issue to the public and to other health professionals, educators, researchers, etc.,” said Rodill. “I do plan to continue with a research career.”
After graduation, Rodill says she will apply to graduate programs that focus on prevention and behavioral and community health sciences, with a plan to begin a program in the fall. In the meantime, she maintains close ties to USF and will attend the university as a non-degree seeking student to continue the research she began during SRI@FMHI. Eventually, Rodill envisions a career as an independent researcher within the community-based behavioral or public health fields.
What was your favorite class?
Alcohol, Drugs, and Crime, taught by Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, CRC, MCAP
“Other students and I were able to work together to enhance our skills in interpreting research articles and discuss our stances on political and systemic issues that involve substance use, mental health, and the criminal justice system. I greatly appreciated taking this course as we heard great anecdotes from Professor Norton about challenges he has faced in his career and insightful advice he has for students in this degree who have an interest in behavioral health, especially for clinical positions.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“I will miss the relaxing spots on campus that help me focus on my basic needs, health,
and (sometimes) productivity. Specifically, The WELL, across from the CBCS building
at the intersection of USF Banyan Circle and USF Holly Dr., has been my go-to spot
for eating lunch (at The Table at Four Corners), taking a nap (in their Serenity Room),
getting some exercise (in their fitness center), and attending/leading virtual meetings
in their various study spaces.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Don’t be fearful of changes in your career goals; expect change and be open to it.
You’re in good hands in the behavioral healthcare program.”
Nicholas Bender
Bachelor of Social Work
Nicholas Bender was the first in his family to receive a traditional high school diploma and, as he crossed the stage at commencement and earned his Bachelor of Social Work, he took his accomplishment one step further — officially becoming a first-generation college graduate.
“Graduating means the world to my family and me. My wife and children, my dad, my aunts, and cousins are all so proud of me,” said Bender. “This is an accomplishment that just a few years ago I didn’t think was possible.”
Bender was inspired to pursue the field of social work during his time as a client at the Sarasota VA Clinic. In addition to helping him through a hard time in his life, his social worker, Linda, guided Bender toward a social work career, helping to shift his perspective that he would be “too old” to follow in her footsteps.
Bender says he liked to joke with his friends about being a "36-year-old undergraduate student." Not only was he older than his classmates, as a student who was married with three children — Adrianna, 13, Shirley, 9, and Logan, 7, he also had vastly different responsibilities outside of the classroom.
“We’ve all had to lean on each other and make sacrifices throughout the semester,” said Bender. “Sometimes the kids had to miss extracurriculars, sometimes we couldn’t make it to special events like fall carnivals or fundraisers, but we’re trying to teach the value of education and hopefully they’ll see the importance of the sacrifices we’ve made as a family.”
Bender’s wife missed his graduation ceremony, but for good reason. She also graduated on Dec. 8, earning a registered nursing degree from the State College of Florida in Bradenton. However, the couple made plans to celebrate together, along with some of their fellow graduates, after graduation.
During his final semester in the BSW program, Bender completed a 460-hour field placement at the Manatee County Public Safety Department. Along with his colleagues and guidance from a field instructor, he implemented programs at local non-profit agencies to serve client populations. One program involved helping a veteran staying at an emergency shelter find permanent housing.
Bender will return to USF next semester as he works toward his next goal of earning a Master of Social Work (MSW). “My long-term goal is to eventually become a clinician at the VA. I am an Army veteran myself, and I feel a calling toward serving fellow veterans,” he said.
What was your favorite class?
Multi-Methods of Social Work Practice I, taught by and Human Behavior and the Social Environment II, taught by Nan Sook Park, MSW, PhD
“In Professor Rutledge’s course, we learned to focus and develop practical skills like interviewing techniques, which is very important when building rapport with clients. We also learned how to acknowledge our own thoughts and feelings to prevent them from impacting our clients in a negative way. Managing your personal biases and emotions are crucial in social work. In Dr. Park’s class, we learned how a deeper understanding of theory informs social work practice.”
What will you miss the most about your time as a USF student?
“I am continuing my education into the MSW program next semester, so we’ll have to
follow-up next year!”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Say hello to everyone you see in the hallways. There’s something to learn from everyone
you meet, and a hello can be the door that leads to that learning experience.”
Eliana Bello
Master of Science in child and adolescent behavioral health
Eliana Bello earned her Master of Science in child and adolescent behavioral health (CABH). She also completed the addictions and substance abuse graduate certificate alongside the master’s program. But those aren’t the accomplishments she’s most proud of.
She says she’s most proud of the work she was able to accomplish during her field experience with the First Episode Psychosis program, Healthy Minds, where she put in place assessments and activities that encourage family involvement as part of an innovative program designed to help children, youth, and adults struggling with psychotic symptoms.
“The family support available to participants in the First Episode Psychosis program is so important in the recovery process,” said Bello. “I am proud of the systems I was able to implement during my field experience time.”
Bello says that she was inspired to earn a degree in CABH because she enjoys helping people. Originally a biochemistry major as an undergraduate, Bello switched majors and earned a bachelor’s degree behavioral healthcare before enrolling in the CABH master’s program.
“The child and adolescent behavioral health program faculty is the reason I decided to return to USF for my master’s degree,” said Bello. “I knew that the way in which the program works would be beneficial to my education, and I trusted that I would learn, grow, and thrive if I was able to come back.”
Bello will continue her career as a case manager for Success 4 Kids and Families and hopes to grow within the agency, finding opportunities to develop and lead new programs in the future.
“The skills I have learned and developed throughout my time in the master’s program has increased my abilities when helping participants,” said Bello. “There is no such thing as having too many skills as a case manager and what I have learned has given me new perspectives when assessing situations.”
What was your favorite class?
Applied Leadership in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, taught by Linda M. Callejas, PhD
Financing of Children's Mental Health Services, taught by Jessica Rice, PhD
Addiction Treatment with Special Populations, taught by Vicky Buckles, PhD, LMHC, CRC
“These classes taught me about sections of behavioral health that I previously did not have experience in. I like adding to my toolbox and these professors were fantastic at teaching the information and, more importantly, being available to provide feedback and support. “
What will you miss the most about your time as a USF student?
“What I will miss most is the support and advice that I have received throughout my
time as a student from the CABH program, including my professors.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Take the opportunities to talk to other students and engage in CABH events. As an
online program it was difficult to not have physical classes to connect with others
and many students were not in Tampa, but the times I was able to connect were great.
There is such variety in the individuals who enter the program that there is so much
that you can learn from each other.”
Elijah Charles
Master of Arts in gerontology
After graduating with a Master of Arts in gerontology, Elijah Charles is looking forward to a meaningful career as a nursing home administrator, a role he has prepared for both through his course of study as well as through his experience as an advocate for older adults.
“Over the years I have had the privilege and opportunity to serve the geriatric population as an advocate,” said Charles. “This has allowed me to identify that there is a need to serve this wonderful group of individuals better.”
He also has a strong interest in working in research to develop equipment that would help caregivers provide better quality care for those who suffer from chronic illness. He aims to help people maintain their health and their independence as they age and limit caregivers' daily stressors. Charles credits the School of Aging Studies for preparing him to pursue a career in this field.
“It’s an honor to obtain my Master of Arts in gerontology at USF. All the instructors in the program are exceptional in their field of study,” he said. “Dr. Victor Molinari and Dr. Bill Haley are some of my favorite instructors. Dr. Hongdao Meng provided the most support for completing my projects and I am thankful to Dr. Lindsay Peterson for helping me understand the role of a nursing home administrator.”
He adds that support from academic services administrator Lu Norstrand, PhD, provided him important information needed to accomplish his goals as a student and he credits Nasreen Sadeq, PhD, for providing essential guidance during his capstone course.
“I chose this field because one day we may all be part of the geriatric population,” said Charles. “It will be my honor to serve this growing population.”
What was your favorite class?
Physical Change and Aging, taught by Tracey Ryan, PhD
“In this class, I learned about the psychological, sociological, economic, and physical aspects of human aging. The course provided a basic understanding of the biological aspects of human aging and the behavioral implications of aging. This helped me develop my knowledge of how to promote interventions that focus on diagnosis and treatments over one’s aging process.”
What will you miss the most about your time as a USF student?
“I will miss the social interactions with my classmates and the sense of community
that I have gained as well as becoming a valuable part of the School of Aging Studies.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“My best advice for someone passionate about completing this program is to stay focused
on your goal by completing all your assignments in an effective and timely manner.
Stay engaged and alert by participating in group discussions. Learn from your peers
and always believe that your instructors have your best interest at heart.”
Michelle Rodriguez
Bachelor of Arts in language, speech, and hearing science
Michelle Rodriguez describes her journey toward pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in language, speech, and hearing science as “unconventional and deeply personal.” Earlier in life, circumstances beyond her control interrupted her formal education and led her to a career as a cosmetologist and salon owner.
However, it was as a cosmetologist that Rodriguez found herself working with children, including those who were non-verbal or on the autism spectrum. Over time, she witnessed transformation among many of her young clients and, through conversations with their parents, she was introduced to the field of speech-language pathology (SLP).
“The discovery was a revelation to me,” she said. “It brought to light a profession that I had never been aware of, but which resonated deeply with my experiences. Then, the more I researched, the more I recognized the profound need for SLP services within my Latin community — a realization made me decide to pursue this field.”
Rodriguez began volunteering in the Bilingual Language and Literacy Laboratory led by M. Adelaida Restrepo, PhD, CCC-SLP, which has a mission to identify the best language assessment and intervention practices for bilingual children at risk of academic difficulties. Rodriguez' focus has been on transcribing narrative assessments and working with the larger team to plan for future work to convert the assessments into data and recruit more children to become part of the study.
“When you take a class like Research Methods and listen to lectures, you learn about things like abstracts, data analysis, and scatter plots, but seeing and being part of the process is very different. It takes time, effort, organizing, reorganizing, and a lot of collaboration,” said Rodriguez.
With her busy schedule, Rodriguez said it was important to find a way to balance her personal, professional, and student life, along with connecting and creating community with her classmates. Support from family and friends has helped. Another way she maintains equilibrium is through involvement on USF’s campus teaching Zumba classes.
When Rodriguez went to USF Recreation and Wellness looking for a Zumba class to attend and found out that there were none offered, she introduced herself to the assistant director of fitness, scored an audition, and began teaching classes that same semester.
“I like to remind my students that class is a safe place and it’s about letting go,” said Rodriguez. “The point is to forget about everything outside of the studio walls and just enjoy the music and dance."
Rodriguez is now in the process of applying to graduate school, with acceptance to USF as her goal.
What was your favorite class?
Introduction to the Clinical Process taught by Marian A. Lowther, MS, CCC-SLP
“It has really given me a firsthand experience on what to expect once I graduate. Also having to do observations helped me realize which populations I am interested in and I will potentially want to serve in my future career. Dr. Lowther is a wealth of knowledge and has been able to answer all of our question with detail and honest insight.”
What will you miss the most about your time as a USF student?
“I think the feeling of being in a place where I feel comfortable and safe. I love
walking through campus saying hello to my friends and acquaintances, staying after
class and socializing with my peers, sharing songs after Zumba classes, and just the
overall chaos that college life can bring.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Connect! It can be intimidating sometimes to have the courage to join a club or group.
Join the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Minority Students in
Communication Sciences and Disorders, or any other communication sciences and disorders-focused
group. Go to events, go to meetings, and volunteer. As students majoring in language,
speech, and hearing sciences, you will be amazed at how much we all have in common.
I think one of the best parts of choosing this major is the great relationships you
can build with others that are in a similar journey.”