Sixteen members of the ý Judy Genshaft Honors College were
among the 22 USF graduates recognized this summer as King O’Neal Scholars — students
who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout their undergraduate careers.
The achievement reflects the exceptional academic dedication of the university’s 2026
summer graduating class and the commitment to excellence demonstrated by students
in the Honors College.
The college celebrated its summer graduates during the Honors Graduate Celebration Ceremonies on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses, and Sarasota-Manatee teach-out site where students were each individually recognized for their accomplishments in and outside of the classroom. In addition, their favorite memories from their undergraduate journeys were shared with an intimate audience of their peers and guests.
Throughout their time at USF, Honors students have opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary coursework, study abroad, research, service, and other experiences designed to challenge them to think broadly and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Their Judy Genshaft Honors College distinction follows them beyond graduation as they join a lifelong community of nearly 10,000 USF Honors alumni.
“We are incredibly proud of everything our graduates have accomplished at USF,” said Judy Genshaft Endowed Dean Charles Adams. “We anticipate they will stand out in their future endeavors as leaders who think differently for the benefit of others.”
Graduate Spotlights
Lily Boyer
For Lily Boyer, USF became the place where she discovered a career path she had never considered. Originally planning to pursue nursing, Boyer found herself drawn to the intersection of art, science, and environmental sustainability through her Honors coursework. After changing her major to environmental science, she became deeply involved with the Oyster Restoration Brick Project, where she helped develop 3D-printed habitats to restore native oyster populations in Tampa Bay. Now a summer 2026 graduate and recipient of the Dean’s Circle of Merit Award for service, Boyer will continue her work with the Habitat Laboratory as its chief operating officer and co-founder while exploring graduate programs that combine design, technology, and environmental sustainability.
Daven Mejica
As a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Daven Mejica pushed himself to excel in research and medicine. A biomedical sciences major with a minor in public health, Mejica’s Honors thesis examined how gaps in vaccine access can contribute to long-term health inequities. He conducted research with the Morsani College of Medicine, contributed to four publications, and earned an award for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research for his first-year Honors thesis. His dedication to research led him to receive the Dean’s Circle of Merit Award in the same category. After graduation, Mejica will apply to medical school.
Dimitri “DJ” Bernadotte
Dimitri “DJ” Bernadotte approached his four years at USF with a willingness to explore, building lasting friendships through the Honors Living Learning Community and gaining professional experience through internships with USF Athletics, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, and the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. While he initially envisioned a career in sports agency, those experiences helped him discover a deeper interest in how the intersection of sports and real estate development can shape communities. After graduating in summer 2026, Bernadotte began a full-time position as a downtown development coordinator with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, where he hopes to impact the future of Tampa Bay’s infrastructure and transit system.
Britlee Yant
Britlee Yant leaves USF with a dedication to continual learning and supporting children’s growth and ability to thrive. A psychology major, Yant conducted research on academic outcomes among foster children in partnership with All Star Children’s Foundation. Beyond the classroom, she served as president of USF Ambassadors, participated in Student Government, and played flute in the Honors Music Ensemble. This fall, Yant will begin her master’s degree in child and adolescent behavioral health.
Joining the USF Alumni Family
This summer’s graduates are now part of the growing USF alumni family, which includes more than 409,000 living Bulls around the world. As they continue into graduate programs, full-time careers, and other pursuits, they carry with them the experiences and relationships built through their time at USF and in the Honors College.