Members of the esteemed University of South Florida Recognition Societies — formerly known as President’s Council Society — are among our most valued philanthropic partners, providing leadership-level support to any USF program on the Tampa, St. Petersburg and/or Sarasota-Manatee campuses. The cumulative generosity of donors at each of these levels clear the path for reaching the high standards in education, research and community service toward which USF strives.

Gibbons Society ($50,000,000 - $74,999,999)

As chairman of the House Education and Higher Education Appropriations Committees, Sam Gibbons championed the 1955 report that recommended the addition of 3 new universities located in major urban Florida epicenters. Congressman Gibbons drafted the eighty-word bill that would establish USF as a state university in Hillsborough County, labeling him as the “Father of USF”.The generosity of this elite group of benefactors transforms the University of South Florida,allowing it to achieve global excellence.

1956 Society  ($20,000,000 - $49,999,999)

In 1956, the University of South Florida became a reality founded on the support of a special group of legislators and friends. Named after this landmark year, these generous philanthropists bring focus to the vision of establishing USF as a premier research university and to ensuring that every student receives an exceptional, world-class education.

Collins Society  ($5,000,000 - $19,999,999)

The distinguished members of the Collins Society embody the spirit and leadership qualities of former governor, T. LeRoy Collins who, in 1955, gave the authority to build a bold, new university in Tampa. These donors lead by example through their generosity and set a standard for excellence that guides USF as a nationally-regarded university.

Allen Society  ($100,000 - $4,999,999)

The University of South Florida’s founding president and first lady, John and Grace Allen, helped to build USF from a few classrooms in a single building to the top-tier preeminent university that we know today. The realization of the vision for USF, set forth by the Allens, continues to be made possible by the generosity of alumni and friends who share the same vision for the advancement of the university.

Legacy Society  (Planned gifts of any amount)

Legacy Society members are committed to supporting the mission and vision of the University of South Florida through their estates and other planned gifts at any dollar amount. Membership in the Legacy Society is a statement of our donors’ long-term commitment to the university and is their permanent link to future generations at USF.

For questions regarding our donor recognition societies and involvement within this program, please contact Carly Plate, director of Donor Relations & Stewardship, at cplate@usf.edu or 813-974-8059.