By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing
Giving Week is when University of South Florida alumni and staff, family and friends come together to support initiatives that propel student achievement, faculty research and programs that enrich the community.
At USF St. Petersburg, a $10,000 matching gift from long-time USF supporters Sandee and Al Steinberg will go towards the campus’ Giving Week fund, which supports a wide variety of student needs and faculty opportunities that would not be met otherwise.
The Regional Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence contributes to everything from scholarship support and hands-on learning experiences for students to unique research opportunities for faculty and furthering partnerships within the local community for the campus.
“The Chancellor’s Fund gives us the opportunity to provide resources for new initiatives or to address a situation that pops up, whether that is a student needing extra support to stay on track and finish their degree or a chance for a faculty member to speak at a conference that could lead to new collaborations,” said USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree. “It allows us to be both flexible and responsive, ensuring critical research opportunities or student needs are addressed quickly.”
The Steinbergs, who are retired Dillard’s executives, have donated to the university since 1991, with gifts totaling more than $300,000 to the St. Petersburg and Tampa campuses over the years. They are passionate about funding scholarships that provide opportunity and change lives.
"We feel strongly that education can help people improve their lives,” the Steinbergs said in a joint statement. “USF St. Pete is a valuable asset to our community both in education and in business. We want to support our new Chancellor, Christian Hardigree, to have funds available in her efforts to increase the opportunities of USF St. Pete and its students."
During Giving Week, the university encourages everyone to participate by making a gift of any size that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Steinbergs’ $10,000 gift. Learn more about the Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence here, and help USF St. Petersburg reach its goal of 30 donors giving to the fund during Giving Week from April 10-14.