The University of South Florida has received one of the largest gifts of its kind ever made by a sitting university president to their institution.
On Wednesday, the university announced that it received a $20 million donation to the USF Foundation from its president Judy Genshaft, and her husband, Steven Greenbaum. Genshaft is stepping down as president, effective on July 1.
The donation will fund the construction of a new five-story building for the USF Honors College, which will be renamed as the “Judy Genshaft Honors College.”
“Having a world-class Honors College is just one more way USF will distinguish itself as one of the most elite and forward-thinking institutions in the world,” Genshaft said in a statement.
“The Honors College is special because of its inclusiveness, representing the best and brightest students from all academic units across all of our USF campuses.”
The new building, to be built north of the Muma College of Business, will feature classrooms, study areas, faculty and advisor offices, event areas, and a music and computer lab. It is expected to cost $47 million.
The college currently hosts more than 2,200 cross-disciplinary scholars and with the latest gift, it anticipates a jump in student enrollment to 3,000 over the next five years, expanding its presence both nationally and internationally.
“This transformational gift will bring USF and student success to a new level and ensure that preeminence lives on in the new Judy Genshaft Honors College,” Jordan Zimmerman, USF Board of Trustees chair, said. “It will also provide a lasting legacy for others to emulate.”
The Genshaft family has contributed to various other university initiatives in the past as well, including the USF Graduate School, USF Health and USF Athletics, along with Women in Leadership and Philanthropy.
