Rendering of the new USF Football on-campus stadium.

Nov. 7, 2024

For many years now, if there is a USF Athletic event, chances are there is a member of the Gonzmart family cheering the Bulls on from the stands. The Gonzmarts are committed not only to education, but ensuring all students have opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom.

The on-campus stadium, which will break ground this Friday, Nov. 8, is one project they feel is in perfect alignment with that goal.

Wanting to support the on-campus stadium and all it will do for USF and the Tampa Bay region, the Gonzmart Family Foundation has made a significant financial investment in the project of $1 million.

The family foundation’s officers are brothers Richard Gonzmart and Casey Gonzmart Sr., Richard’s daughter Andrea Gonzmart Williams and Casey’s son Casey Gonzmart Jr. They represent the fourth- and fifth-generation owners of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, which includes the historic Columbia Restaurant.

“The Gonzmart family has contributed to the University of South Florida in so many ways, and we are truly grateful for their generous gift to the on-campus stadium project, which will significantly enhance the gameday experience for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members alike,” said USF President Rhea Law. “Their family’s impact in the Tampa Bay region is immeasurable, and we greatly appreciate their continued support.”

For Richard Gonzmart, the gift is a symbol of his family’s support of initiatives that bring positive change for the community.

Richard learned the importance of giving back from his parents. Through the Gonzmart Family Foundation and additional funding provided by Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams, the family has established three endowed funds and supports dozens of students each year through USF’s Latino Scholarship Program. In addition to their scholarships, the Gonzmarts have a long history of supporting USF Athletics; both Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams are Iron Bull supporters.

Richard Gonzmart is an emeritus member of the USF Foundation Board of Directors and serves on a number of boards in the Tampa Bay community. In 2022, USF awarded him an honorary doctorate in business administration. His daughter, Andrea Gonzmart Williams, is a 2001 graduate of USF and currently serves on the USF Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Latin Community Advisory Council Presidential Advisory Committee.

“It has been wonderful to see the growth of our city and the University of South Florida,” said Richard Gonzmart. “This new on-campus stadium will deepen that connection and provide a world-class experience for students, alumni and the Tampa Bay region. Our family believes in USF’s mission and is thrilled to help positively shape the future.”

The on-campus stadium is set to open in 2027 and will provide a unique, vibrant, shared campus experience that will contribute to the culture, spirit and connectedness of the university. The Gonzmart Family’s gift is helping to bring that vision to life.

“The Gonzmart family has always stepped up to support the Tampa community, including USF,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “This gift to the on-campus stadium is a continuation of that legacy, and we are thankful for their commitment to this transformative project that will positively and forever change the landscape of our university.”