• The program to be highlighted is the new B.S. Biology Degree within the College of Arts & Sciences at USFSM—our first STEM program. The centerpiece is the partnership with the world-renowned Mote Marine Research Laboratories, where new science labs/classrooms are currently under construction. Beginning in August 2013, students can begin building a strong foundation to prepare for entrance into technical positions in the STEM fields, post-baccalaureate studies in graduate level STEM programs and entrance to professional schools, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc. Currently, no public institutions in our local area offer a B.S. degree in Biology. This new program will impact local, regional, state and national workforce and economic needs in the burgeoning life sciences, health professions and biotechnology industries. Mote Marine scientists will be actively engaged with UFSM students, teaching, mentoring and giving them real-world experience in research, helping USFSM become an internationally recognized undergraduate research institution, while strengthening the preeminence of the USF system. This program directly supports the 2010 “New Florida” initiative for advancing STEM fields by emphasizing natural sciences and biomedical technology, plus it readies graduates for high wage positions.
• This is an emerging program which has been in the works for a year. Classes begin August 26, 2013.
• We can’t measure success yet, however, this new program does fulfill many of the State University Strategic Planning Goals of 2012-2015, including: Strengthening Quality and Reputation of Academic Programs and Universities; Increasing Degree Productivity and Program Efficiency; Increasing the Number of Degrees Awarded in STEM and Other Areas of Strategic Emphasis; Strengthening Quality and Reputation of Scholarship, Research and Innovation; Increasing Research and Commercialization Activity; Strengthening Quality and Recognition of Commitment to Community and Business Engagement, etc. Fulfillment of all of these goals will make the new USFSM initiative Unstoppable, as we undertake the newest achievement that will showcase the best and brightest people and programs in the USF system. The innovative collaboration with Mote Marine Research Laboratories, creation of the area’s only public Biology degree program, addressing emerging workforce needs in the sciences and health careers, and enhancing the reputation and influence of USFSM are all elements of the community and global impact just on the horizon.

USF Sarasota-Manatee is so appreciative of the recent gifts that were given to the University during The Giving Partner’s 2013 “36-Hour Giving Challenge” on March 5 and 6. 

The participation in this community-wide fundraiser helped USFSM gain exposure and additional funds for scholarships and programs, and happily, we have learned that a total of 16 donations were eligible to be matched by The Patterson Foundation!

Before the matching dollars ran out at 7:05:37 on March 5^th, the first morning of the Challenge, we were able to receive $6,600 in matching funds provided by The Patterson Foundation.

Our wonderful partners at the Furniture Warehouse also had 70 sales during the Challenge period that each qualified for a $25 dollar gift to USFSM, courtesy of the Richmond family.  The first $1,000 of their donation was matched, so their gift total was $2,750.00. That qualifies them as our largest single donor during the Challenge!  Thank you again to The Furniture Warehouse for being our business partner. Please remember to shop at the Furniture Warehouse throughout the year and mention that you are a USFSM supporter!

Overall, the total raised for USF Sarasota-Manatee during our first year with the 36-Hour Giving Challenge was $16,175 from 45 donors (including matching dollars).

Thank you all for being a part of our success!

Also, we would like to thank the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Patterson Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, Charlotte Community Foundation and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation for encouraging our community to “unleash its inner generosity” and raise $2.78 million from 17,626 donations made from all over the country and the world. 

REMINDER!  Please plan to attend the reception & coffee break for the USF Sarasota-Manatee Faculty & Staff Campaign 2013 kickoff.  2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2013, outside Jonathan’s Café under the sails. 

RSVP here to attend.

The following people have generously contributed to the USF Sarasota-Manatee Faculty & Staff Campaign for 2013.  Thank you for your support!

Ross Alander

Robert Anderson

Michael Ayres

Kathy Black

Silvia Blanco

Cihan Cobanoglu

Linda De Mello

Carolyn Dyson

Benjamin Ellinor

Michael Fehily

Susan Fulton

Pamela Gleason

Stephen Graves

Sean Grosso

Arthur Guilford

Laura Hoffman

Bonnie Jones

Dina Kathman

Janet King

Richard King

Lora Kosten

Amanda Kulaw

Elizabeth Larkin

Ron Lennon

Barbara Lewis

Diane Lewis

Valerie Lipscomb

Sunita Lodwig

Richard Lyttle

Erin Martin

Jody McBrien

Rhonda Moraca

Marilyn Nunan

Jonathan Perry

Richard Reich

Lester Rice

Jane Rose

Stephen Rushton

Jay Schrock

Ernest Scott

Justin Selph

Paul Shideler

Bonnie Silvestri

Sharon Smith

Dennis Stover

Laurey Stryker

Elizabeth Von Dassow

Mary Beth Wallace

Frederic Walsh

GivingLetter