USF students have created four new murals on campus, showcasing their artistic talents as part of an initiative to feature student-designed artwork rather than outsourcing the work. The project was overseen by USF Auxiliary Services and involved student interns from the Office of University Communications and Marketing.
Teodora Tavares, a graduate student in mass communications, designed a mural for the Student Services building’s vending alcove. She said, “I wanted to know who designed those,” referring to the banners she saw when first arriving at USF. “I wanted to contribute something to USF too.” Her mural incorporates Coca-Cola branding with university colors, featuring lemon and lime slices along with green and gold leaves. “The Coke colors don’t exactly scream USF,” Tavares said. “But Sprite is a Coke brand, and it’s green — which is one of USF’s colors.” The centerpiece displays the university’s “horns up” hand signal with the phrase “Stay Refreshed in Bulls Country.”
Eva Davis, an undergraduate marketing major with a minor in arts, contributed a mural at the Argos Center that highlights campus ducks and other elements associated with student life there. “Argos is known for the ducks that go right up to you and beg for food. All my USF friends have photos of those ducks eating their snacks,” Davis said. Her mural includes images of food, drinks, directional signs for freshmen, ducks, and squirrels.
Anne Nobrega created two murals: one on Juniper Hall and another at the bookstore. The Juniper Hall mural features bold text reading “Feed Your Inner Bull” alongside dynamic patterns and an image of a charging bull. At the bookstore, her design uses palm fronds and hibiscus flowers to frame welcoming text intended to reflect Florida’s natural environment around campus. Nobrega explained her intent: “I want it to remind everyone how lucky we are to attend a college near the beach and surrounded by such beautiful nature,” adding that USF’s green color matches much of the surrounding landscape.
All murals were produced using Adobe Illustrator before being printed on vinyl for installation over summer break.
Mercedes Cesin, assistant director of USF Auxiliary Services, commented on involving students in this effort: “We wanted artwork that reflected our campus culture,” she said. “Who knows the campus better than our students?” Cesin added about their work: “What they came up with is exactly the vibe we want for the campus. They are student-friendly and vibrant.”
After returning from summer break, each artist visited their completed works before moving into residences. Nobrega expressed gratitude for participating: “I’m feeling really proud,” she said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity.” Davis described seeing her finished mural as unexpected good fortune: seeing her work was like “winning the lottery.” Tavares hopes incoming students will be inspired by learning these murals were created by fellow students: “It’s surreal to know so many people will see my work,” she said.
