*Please note that photography and videography captured during this event may be used for marketing, promotional and communications purposes of USF or the USF Foundation.
IBL 40th Anniversary Gala: A Celebration of Legacy & Future
Tuesday, Nov. 10
5:30 - 9 p.m.
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Event Contact
Jordan Battle
battle27@usf.edu | (845) 649-2411
Join us for this incredible event
For four decades, the Institute on Black Life has been a home for scholarship, mentorship, and community at the University of South Florida. This fall, we invite you to celebrate that legacy with us and to look ahead to the work still to come.
The 40th Anniversary Gala brings together students, alumni, faculty, community partners, and supporters for an evening of reflection and celebration. More than a milestone, this gathering honors the people whose commitment shaped IBL and whose vision continues to carry its mission forward.
Honoring Our Legacy
The evening will honor former IBL Directors and recognize individuals who have been integral in the success of 40 years of IBL. IBL Founder Dr. Juel Shannon Smith will share reflections on her time at USF and legacy of connecting the university to the community. Current IBL Director Dr. Will Tyson will give remarks about how institutes like IBL serve higher education and their communities and share the vision for the next five years of IBL. Guests will also enjoy a special video presentation sharing stories from the students, alumni, and community members who make up IBL’s living legacy.
Celebrating Our Future
Guests can look forward to a reception, plated dinner, performances from IBL students and community members, special presentations, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters and invest in IBL’s continued work