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History
The University of Tampa has participated in the Gasparilla
parade for many years. In order to preserve our long-running
presence in the parade, in 2001, Tampa Alpha, the local chapter of
the national Alumni Association, assumed this responsibility from
the University
Since that time frame, we have had tremendous success. The
Gasparilla parade organizer, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla,
has awarded our float with four consecutive first place awards
for associations. We have invited over 200 students, alumni,
staff and corporate supporters to join us for a day of fun
and fellowship. And, for the first time in recent history,
we expanded our participation to the Knights of Sant' Yago
Gasparilla night parade.
As part of a long-term strategy, Tampa Alpha formed a committee, The
Royal Krewe of Sparta, to provide the permanent organizing and funding
mechanism for the float.
The Krewe's mission is twofold:
- To raise friends and foster friendships among university supporters and
- To raise funds to permanently endow a scholarship for students.
Bylaws for the Krewe were drafted and adopted by the 8 founding and 12 charter members.
Officers were elected and the formal work of the Krewe began. Today, we host
more than 50 Krewe members, ranging from up-and-coming young professionals
to well-established Tampa professionals.
The Krewe quickly decided that continuing to lease a poorly branded
"house" float from a commercial vendor was not in the University's
best interest. Therefore, the Krewe approved a motion to build and
maintain a permanent float structure which was completed prior to
Gasparilla 2004.
On May 12, 2004, we signed an agreement and made our first payment
to The Royal Krewe of Sparta Endowed Scholarship fund. We have committed
to raising $25,000 over the next five years to fully fund this scholarship.
Since first preference for scholarship awards goes to qualified dependents
of Krewe members, one day your child may be a direct recipient of your efforts.
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