On Saturday, May 31, the ßŮßÇÂţ»â€™s College of Education proudly hosted a memorable celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. The event brought together several generations of the Anchin family, past and present leadership, faculty, and community and school partners who have all contributed to the Center’s enduring success.
Marilyn Katzenmeyer looking through memories of the Anchin Center groundbreaking on its 30th anniversary.
Held at the USF Gibbons Alumni Center, the anniversary event honored the vision and generosity of Anna Anchin, whose gift established the Center in honor of her late husband, David C. Anchin—a man whose passion for education and belief in its transformative power continues to inspire the Center’s work. As Dean Jenifer Jasinski Schneider shared in her opening remarks, the Anchin Center was founded not only to support educators but to create a bridge between research, policy, and practice, fostering innovative programs that strengthen K–12 education.
Former and current USF College of Education faculty, including Bill Katzenmeyer, who served as the Center’s first director, were recognized for their foundational leadership and dedication. The event also acknowledged the many partners who have walked alongside the Anchin Center on its journey over the years, including local school district leaders, community collaborators, and generous donors, highlighting how each has played a role in shaping the Center’s impact.
Adding a personal and reflective note, Dave Scanga, director of the Anchin Center, delivered heartfelt remarks about the Center’s legacy and the sense of “entanglement” that connects all those who have contributed—and will contribute—to its success, past, present, and future. He emphasized how the Center’s work continues to resonate in the lives of educators and students, serving as a testament to the shared vision of David and Anna Anchin.
David Scanga, Jessica Beagle, and Rachel Hatten (left to right) before the 30th anniversary event.
Rachel Hatten, associate director of the Anchin Center, highlighted the Center’s expansive reach and ongoing commitment to empowering educators. In the past year alone, the Center hosted more than 60 professional learning experiences, reaching over 1,400 educators across 10 countries and 25 states. These efforts support not only individual teachers, but entire learning communities through innovative programming and research-informed practices.
Courtney Bennett, this year's recipient of the Joyce Swarzman Leadership Award, shares a reflection on her experiences with the Anchin Center.
A special moment during the celebration was the presentation of the Joyce Swarzman Leadership Award. This year’s recipient, College of Education student Courtney Bennett, was honored for her leadership, dedication, and embodiment of Swarzman’s legacy.
As the celebration concluded, attendees were reminded that the Anchin Center’s work is far from over. With new initiatives, such as the Executive Leadership Institute for school superintendents, partnerships with USF Athletics, and expanded offerings in career and technical education, the Center remains a dynamic force for educational excellence.
Here’s to the next 30 years of impact, innovation, and inspiration from the David C. Anchin Center!