By Kellie Britch and Georgia Jackson, College of Arts and Sciences
Two newly established memorial funds are honoring the legacy of longtime professor Curtis Wienker of the Department of Anthropology while creating new opportunities for students in a growing field.
Wienker continued to conduct research well into retirement.
Created by his family, the funds support the biomedical anthropology program and establish the Curtis Wienker Viva Cuba Memorial Fund 鈥 each reflecting a distinct dimension of Wienker鈥檚 decades-long career as an educator, researcher and mentor.
Wienker, who worked at USF from 1972 until his retirement in 2003 and continued contributing in post-retirement roles, was widely respected for his expertise in forensic and biomedical anthropology, as well as for his research on human population biology among Cuban, Cuban American and African American communities.
His daughter said the decision to create the funds was both intentional and deeply personal.
鈥淓ven if my father had not left a simple, self-written obituary mentioning an undergraduate scholarship fund, it was instinctual,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all about memorializing him and continuing his legacy.鈥
The biomedical anthropology fund supports a relatively new and expanding academic program closely aligned with Wienker鈥檚 expertise. The Viva Cuba fund reflects one of his most enduring passions 鈥 his research and connection to Cuba.
Wienker (center) helped raise $400 for scholarships during a competition in 1977.
Over the course of his career, Wienker traveled to Cuba 16 times, conducting anthropometric research and presenting his findings in Spanish. His work contributed to broader academic conversations challenging conventional ideas about race and emphasizing the relationship between biology and culture.
His family hopes both funds will create meaningful opportunities for students 鈥 whether by supporting their academic progress, shaping their perspectives or opening doors to transformative experiences.
鈥淚t is my hope that these gifts will make an impact 鈥 whether by enabling a student one step further along their educational journey or creating life-changing opportunities,鈥 his daughter said.
That impact is already being realized.
USF student Mara Fizi, a recipient of the biomedical anthropology scholarship, recently used the award to present research at a national conference in Denver 鈥 an experience she described as both professionally and personally transformative.
The scholarship allowed Fizi to present her research at a national conference in Denver.
A double major in biomedical sciences and biomedical anthropology, Fizi collaborated on a research project examining renal medullary carcinoma in individuals with sickle cell trait. The work combined biological analysis with ethnographic research, highlighting how cultural and systemic factors influence health outcomes.
鈥淭his research embodies biomedical anthropology because it treats a patient鈥檚 social environment as being just as significant as their cellular pathology,鈥 Fizi said. 鈥淲e cannot effectively treat a disease without understanding the cultural landscape in which the patient lives.鈥
The scholarship funded her travel and accommodations, allowing her to present her team鈥檚 findings to a national audience of researchers and scholars.
鈥淚t was incredibly rewarding to speak about our work,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t gave us the opportunity to share our participants鈥 experiences and the changes they believe should be made.鈥
Beyond the presentation itself, the experience reinforced her future goals.
鈥淚 saw multiple generations of scientists, researchers and enthusiasts from many different countries,鈥 said Fizi. 鈥淚t became clear that my passion lies not only in research but also in connecting with others.鈥
For Wienker鈥檚 family, those kinds of moments reflect exactly what the funds were designed to support.
Wienker was known for his deep commitment to student engagement.
Throughout his career, Wienker was known for his deep commitment to students 鈥 many of whom stayed in touch long after leaving his classroom. Former students often reached out to share how his mentorship shaped their lives, sometimes decades later.
That lasting influence extended beyond academics. Known for his wit, curiosity and unwavering dedication, Wienker remained closely connected to the university throughout his life, maintaining a campus presence even after retirement.
鈥淚t was his life 鈥 what he knew and loved,鈥 his daughter said.
Through these funds, Weinker鈥檚 legacy continues, supporting new generations of students as they pursue research, discovery and a deeper understanding of the connections between biology, culture and human experience.