By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
For the first time in its history, the USF St. Petersburg campus has awarded over $1 million in student scholarships. This milestone marks a more than 20 percent increase from the previous year and a shared commitment to reducing student debt while supporting educational goals.
The significant jump in financial aid was achieved through a combination of increased outreach efforts, expanded donor engagement and a commitment to raising awareness among students about the scholarships available to them.
"This milestone reflects our campus' deep commitment to addressing financial barriers to higher education,” said Howard Rutherford, associate vice president of development and university advancement at USF St. Petersburg.
The scholarships were distributed through 59 unique funds with and average award of $5,416.
Funds consist of both endowment and operating accounts. Endowments are donor-funded principal amounts that generate earnings used for scholarships, while operating accounts are more immediate-use funds, often drawn from private donations or annual fundraisers.
The inaugural Bulls and Brews by the Bay in 2023 helped the university provide an additional $30,000 in student scholarships
Many of the contributions that went to supporting this new record in campus scholarships came through university-wide giving initiatives. Each year, USF Giving Week brings together alumni, friends, faculty and staff to raise funds for meaningful USF projects related to research, health, study abroad and more. And at USF St. Petersburg, the signature fundraising event Bulls and Brews by the Bay directly supports the campus' general scholarship fund.
"Support from donors allows dreams to become reality for our students, providing them opportunities to pursue internships, conduct research, study abroad and keeping them on track when life events happen," said USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree.
The scholarships awarded to students vary in criteria, ranging from financial need to academic merit. They are often shaped by donors in collaboration with campus leadership and the development team to ensure funds align with specific goals and are distributed effectively.
Rutherford emphasized the importance of not only promoting scholarship opportunities but also actively guiding students through the application process.
"One of our biggest challenges is simply making students aware that these scholarships exist," Rutherford said. "Many are first-generation college students who may feel intimidated by the application process. Part of our role is to demystify that process and show them they belong here."
To support this, workshops are held each semester to increase awareness and improve access to scholarships, especially for students who may be unfamiliar with the resources available.
Everitt went to Singapore for USF's Singapore Urban Ecology study abroad program
"My scholarship holds deep significance for me," said Lauren Everitt, a junior majoring in environmental science and policy with a minor in biology. "It allows me to devote more time to my studies and extracurricular leadership opportunities without the added pressure of working to save for graduate school."
Everitt received the Charles Haslam Endowed Memorial Scholarship, awarded to students who show a strong appreciation for books while pursuing their education.
Her experience of attaining financial support to focus on achieving her educational goals reflects the broader impact donors are having across the university.
This landmark achievement in scholarship funding also reflects a growing culture of philanthropy on campus.
And as Rutherford highlighted, the ultimate hope is that today's recipients will become tomorrow's donors, continuing the cycle of support for future generations of USF students.