USF Grad Cap Contest

SUMMER 2025 Winners

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Grad cap with the Rocky mascot made out of tiny beads

Bull Pride

Caleb Evans

Grad cap with "Today is a core memory day, MSW 2025" and painted characters from Inside Out

1st Place

Liz Paonessa

Grad cap "Unstoppable" over Rocky's image as he stands over rocks and boulders, some with "doubt," "fear," "stress," and "burnout" written on them.

2nd Place

Tamija Smith

Grad cap with "Grow Where Life Plants You" scrabble letters on top of green moss, small flowers, and tiny mushrooms.

3rd Place

Mackenzie Kubiak

Graduates – show off your creativity and get involved by entering the USF Grad Cap contest! You’ll have a chance to win reserved seats for friends and family at your Commencement ceremony. Let’s see those cap designs!

How to Enter

  1. Decorate your grad cap. Be creative!
  2. Snap a photo of your decorated cap.
    1. Make sure it’s against a neutral background or outside in bright, natural light.
  3. The contest is now closed.

Summer ConTEST SCHEDULE

The contest is now closed.

Judging and Winner Selection

(4) winners are selected by the USF Commencement committee and will be contacted via email for prize coordination.

Bull Pride

  • Reserved suite for graduate friends/family at Commencement ceremony (8 seats).
    • Awarded to the highest scoring submission that depicts a cap decorated with a USF theme.

1st Place

  • Reserved suite for graduate friends/family at Commencement ceremony (8 seats).
    • Awarded to the highest scoring submission that depicts a cap decorated with any theme.

2nd and 3rd Place

  • Reserved seats in Section 103 at Commencement ceremony (4 seats).
    • Awarded to the second and third-highest scoring submission that depicts a cap decorated with any theme.

Contact

For contest questions, please contact commencement@usf.edu.

USF graduate wearing regalia facing a sign reading "USF Grad"