BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

When Dr. Samuel Wright, Sr., USF Student Ombudsman, closes his office at the University today, (Friday), he will close a chapter in his life. The office will also close and its duties and responsibilities will be absorbed by others.

Dr. Wright is retiring after 27 years of employment.

Dr. Wright said, “I have decided to close this chapter of my life and begin another. I’m still too young to retire at 59½, but it’s time to do something else.

“I enjoy fishing, being around good people, traveling, and playing cards. Hopefully I will be able to do some of that,” he said.

Dr. Wright’s father, the late Samuel Louis Wright died recently and he also plans to spend more time with his 81-year-old mother, Mrs. Rovina Victoria Deal Wright, who lives in Boynton Beach.

A native of Boynton Beach, Dr. Wright said he never had any intentions of living in Tampa. However, his fiancé lived in Tampa so, at the time, he quit his job in Palm Beach County.

He was hired by the university in 1998, and worked in several capacities before his final position.

“During the time I was at USF, I worked full time recruiting students and earned my Doctor of Education Degree in the College of Education. Some of my major accomplishments include increasing the number of minority students from 3% to 12%; revamping the Multi-culture Week of Welcome; and I was an advocate to increase the number of scholarships for Black children.

Dr. Wright said there are several other areas that he was effective, but he is most proud of the Black Heritage Festival.

“I must say that the festival never would have been able to survive without the support of the University. They provided support since the beginning and have continued to provide it.”

Dr. Wright said he plans to remain active in the community in various capacities. He also plans to spend time with his son and daughter and attending religious activities.