Dr. Michal Settles is a public servant at heart, whose life's work bridges, transportation systems, teaching and social justice.

USF's impact for me was it provided, first of all, wonderful possibilities.

It liberated me and provided me a way to look at the world I hadn't dreamed of before.

I felt empowered. I expect, I felt exposed, and I felt that I got lots of options from which to consider my life going forward.

And I'm indebted to the university for that. 

This is the 20th year of Katrina. 

20 years ago when I and other Americans saw what happened in Louisiana and that whole region, I was devastated.

I was absolutely devastated. I said, let's do something.

Let's just not sit here. 

Let's do something.

And my proposal that they accepted was within two days, we raised $35,000 for the American Red Cross.

She brought leadership to Bay Area transit agencies and inspired students as an educator 

In retirement she continues to champion equity through scholarships, advocacy for women and girls and community programs across the region.

Change the world from here means that you act, it means you do something. 

When you see some injustices that are being done, whether you experience it personally, whether you know something you read about or something that you heard about, if it really impacts you, you need to do something.

You need to act. 

Please don't lose your linkage with this university when you leave, because the foundation that has been provided to you needs to be provided for other students.

So please, stay connected, stay involved. And don't forget USF. 

For her steadfast service in public systems, her advocacy for equity, and her transformative impact on communities, USF Honors, Dr. Michal Settles with the public service award.