4/24/25
The University of South Florida’s recent Giving Week rallied thousands of Bulls in supporting causes ranging from scholarships and athletics to groundbreaking research and expanding health care access.
Of the 12,324 individuals who gave throughout the week, 2,155 were new donors, setting record-level participation for the university’s week-long campaign.
USF alumni showed up in droves to support their alma mater, touting a 45% increase from the previous year.
The USF Foundation received more than $6.6 million toward 566 causes — the most causes ever supported in USF Giving Week history.
“Our alumni, friends, faculty and staff are the reasons we can celebrate another successful Giving Week,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “Their steadfast commitment and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind the university’s continued excellence, and we are grateful to have such a large community of supporters of donors who believe in USF!”
By the end of the week, donors fully funded 16 HerdFunder projects, crowdfunding efforts that combine donations of all sizes to fund specific efforts at USF.
Steve Fessler, ’77, chair of the USF Foundation Board of Directors Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Committee, shared his appreciation for those who led the charge in engaging the record-breaking number of donors.
“I am so grateful for the many board members who stepped up to be champions of causes close to their heart,” Fessler said. “Together, we can advance the mission of this university and continue to uplift the communities we serve.”
In addition to champions, some HerdFunders had challenges associated with them that, when met, resulted in additional funds raised.
The Mosaic Company, which recently donated $100,000 to name and expand the Feed-A-Bull Food Pantry on the Tampa campus, provided a $5,000 challenge if the pantry met its goal of receiving gifts from 100 donors.
"Food insecurity affects all corners of our community, including students on college campuses,” said Jackie Barron, stakeholder and media manager for Mosaic. “From pre-k students to homebound seniors, Mosaic is dedicated to providing support to combat hunger. Together, we can make a difference.”
Nine HerdFunders received additional support from challenge gifts after donor goals were met. They include:
- Valerie Riddle, ’84 and MD ’89, to the BRIDGE Clinic
- Jane and George Morgan, ’76, to the USF Women’s Lacrosse team
- Rebecca Bast to the USF Women’s Lacrosse team
- Cindy Kane, ’76, to Stampede for Women
- Elizabeth Krystyn, ’87, to The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance
- The Mosaic Company to the Mosaic Pantry at Feed-A-Bull Tampa
- Dr. Anila Jain, ’81, who is making a special gift in loving memory of her parents, Kailash and Dr. Mona Jain, ’84, to USF Sarasota-Manatee
- Chloe Firebaugh, ’02, to USF St. Petersburg Comfort Dog fund
- Steve Fessler and Randy Lord to the College of Design, Art and Performance
Many HerdFunder projects continue to accept donations. Supporters are encouraged to visit usf.to/GivingWeek to learn more about these and many other ways to make an impact.