USF Announces $1.5 Million Gift from ReliaQuest to Advance AI and Cybersecurity Education
The University of South Florida has received a $1.5 million gift from ReliaQuest to strengthen artificial intelligence and cybersecurity education within the Bellini College. The investment will fund the college’s first endowed professorship, expand the hands-on ReliaQuest Labs program, and introduce a new software engineering track focused on AI-driven technologies like prompt engineering. The partnership aims to attract top faculty, enhance experiential learning, and prepare students for evolving workforce demands in cybersecurity and AI.
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USF Foundation Board welcomes new members
The USF Foundation Board of Directors recently welcomed three dynamic new members to advance its mission of inspiring philanthropy and stewarding resources that support USF’s pursuit of excellence.
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USF Unveils Ruben Ledesma, Jr. Motorsport Center
The University of South Florida marked the unveiling of the Ruben Ledesma, Jr. Motorsport Center, the newly renovated headquarters for Bulls Racing, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30.
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The Science of Giving: Biologist Honors Late Wife with Gift to OLLI
After a distinguished career in research biology, John Hassell found renewed purpose through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF—a place his late wife Florence encouraged him to join after retirement. In her memory, Hassell established the Florence Pollock Hassell Endowment, starting with a $60,000 gift and an estate pledge that will grow the fund to $1 million. His generosity ensures OLLI’s future while honoring a lifelong partnership rooted in love, learning, and shared discovery.
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$3M Gift Recognizes Neurosurgical Excellence at USF Health
President Emerita Judy Genshaft and Steve Greenbaum’s $3 million gift establishes endowed chair and supports neurosurgery faculty, research and resident education at USF.
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From Love Story to Legacy
This story follows Andy and Eileen Hafer from their unexpected meeting as USF students to their enduring legacy of philanthropy and community-building. Lifelong supporters of the university, the Hafers have contributed both service and transformational gifts, including their recent $1.75 million investment to launch the Hafer THRIVE Entrepreneurship Program at the Nault Center. Their commitment aims to remove barriers for student innovators, provide seed funding, and strengthen Tampa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem—continuing their belief in connection, opportunity, and lifting others up.
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A Symphony of Love
Walter Heinlein began every day with the classical music of WSMR, a station that became a constant source of comfort throughout his life. After losing his wife, Sharon, in 2022, he chose to honor her memory by dedicating $2.1 million from his estate to create the Sharon Heinlein Endowment in support of Classical WSMR.
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Writing Her Own Algorithm
Sarah Halil, a single mother and full-time professional, pursued a master’s degree in business analytics at USF to advance her career and create a brighter future for her daughter. Despite facing many challenges, she persisted through discipline and resilience and now mentors others and inspires her daughter.
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Everything Matters — Even a Smile
After losing her husband and battling cancer herself, Jill Chalsty found renewed purpose in sharing compassion and empowering young people. Honoring the care she and her husband received, she supported USF Health and later embarked on a 107‑day global voyage to deliver “packets of hope” — life‑skills tools designed to uplift students and communities. Her journey transformed personal grief into worldwide impact, continuing a legacy that has reached millions of children.
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A Tribute to Family, Mentorship and Discovery
David Norton, MBA ’03, credits his USF experience and mentor Dick Bowers for shaping his career and inspiring his philanthropy. After retiring from L3Harris Technologies, Norton established endowed funds for business education and cancer research at USF, honoring his parents and supporting future innovation. His generosity ensures lasting impact on faculty excellence and medical discoveries.
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