UT Recognized with Urban Excellence Award

The University of Tampa was recognized for its contributions to a vibrant downtown as the Tampa Downtown Partnership honored UT as one of nine winners during the 6th Annual Urban Excellence Awards.

The awards recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, events and projects that have made significant contributions toward creating a unique, vibrant and diverse downtown. The ceremony was held on April 8 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

UT was one of 20 nominees for the award. Other winners included The Floridan Palace, Lights on Tampa: Aqua Luces, Oxford Exchange, Sail Pavilion, Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and USF Health CAMLS. The Mayor's River O’ Green and the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee were recognized with the Special Award of Excellence.

Larry Richey, 2012-2013 chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said that downtown Tampa "continues to emerge as a first rate work-live-play urban destination because of initiatives such as those honored this evening. Downtown Tampa is clearly the winner as a result of all these outstanding initiatives."

The winners of the awards were determined by an independent panel of judges. Sponsorship of the program included Carlton Fields, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Tampa Bay Times.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP) is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)6 comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa's Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, the TDP administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa's Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the TDP serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, planning and beautification.