When President Allen first proclaimed his vision for the University of South Florida, he had his work cut out for him. Allen told one reporter that the weeds, scrub oak and swampland he inherited were better fit for ants and alligators than for students and faculty.

Governor LeRoy Collins honors John Allen with a silver replica of the university's seal at the USF Convocation & Dedication Ceremony, December 6, 1960.

Yet out of a sandy airfield in north Tampa rose the University of South Florida, the first public university in America that was conceived, designed and built in the 20th century. Fifty years ago, fewer than 2,000 students began classes in five buildings.

USF President Judy Genshaft

Since then, USF has grown into a major Research I institution with more than 180,000 graduates working throughout the world. Currently USF enrollment totals more than 43,000 students on four campuses, making USF one of the 20 largest universities in the country. USF's growth has been shaped by dreams of academic excellence, cutting-edge technology and research, and the enthusiastic support of the surrounding community.

A WUSF videographer shoots USF's 2005 homecoming game in Raymond James Stadium.

WUSF Public Broadcasting portrays that journey in a one-hour television special, Green & Gold: A Half-Century of USF. Created to coincide with the University of South Florida's 50th anniversary, Green & Gold traces USF's history from its beginning in 1956 to its status in 2006 as a prestigious world-class university. After its premiere broadcast April 5th at 8:00 pm, the program became available for purchase on DVD in retail stores throughout west central Florida. DVDs are also available through the USF Bookstore. Learn more by visiting USF's 50th Anniversary Web site or the Alumni Association Web site.

Tampa Mayor and USF Alum Pam Iorio and her father, former USF professor John Iorio

Through interviews with early faculty and current campus and community leaders, WUSF tells USF's story from its conception to its much-lauded entrance into the Big East Conference. This television special will feature the people, ideals, opportunities and challenges that drove USF's growth into a prominent and powerful leader in research and higher education.

Featured interviews include: Sam Gibbons,
Terrell Sessums, Grace Allen, Betty Castor, Cecil Mackey, Pam Iorio, John Iorio, Lee Roy Selmon, Jim Leavitt, H. Lee Moffitt and Judy Genshaft.

Monday, January 1 at 4:00pm

Thursday, January 11 at 2:00pm

Martha Bone has worked with WUSF Public Broadcasting for over a decade and has produced more than 30 science documentaries for public television. She has interviewed top scientists, authors and Nobel laureates from around the globe. Her work has been recognized with Emmys, Aurora Awards and Telly Awards, and she has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) and the Central Educational Network (CEN). Productions currently in national distribution on PBS stations around the country are Superbugs: The Killer Viruses and Search for the U.S.S. Maine. Martha lives in Tampa, is a native of Florida and graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Florida with a degree in Mass Communications.