By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing
USF St. Petersburg’s annual fundraiser, Bulls & Brews by the Bay, returned for a third year of community, connection and raising support for student scholarships.
A record crowd of more than 200 alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the university attended the April 17 signature event on the campus's waterfront. They enjoyed live music from USF student musicians, elevated bar food, backyard games, chance drawings and a curated selection of local craft brews, including pours that highlight USF’s Brewing Arts program.
"Bulls & Brews is becoming not only a signature event for USF but a purposeful way to bring together the greater community who really love this campus,” said E. Howard Rutherford, the associate vice president of development on the St. Petersburg campus.
All proceeds from the event directly benefit USF St. Petersburg’s general scholarship fund, which offers much-needed financial support to students during the academic year. In the three years since Bulls & Brews began, nearly $100,000 has been raised for student scholarships.
“This scholarship represents not only financial support but also the collective belief of a community that invests in its students."
Lucas Abreu, a USF conservation biology student and previous scholarship recipient
For the third year, USF Credit Union was the presenting sponsor of the event.
“Events like Bulls & Brews by the Bay reflect exactly what we stand for at USF Credit Union -- removing barriers and creating opportunities,” said USF Credit Union Senior Vice President and COO Richard Sellwood. “When we invest in scholarships, we’re investing in potential, futures and a stronger community for all. That’s Better Banking for All in action.”
Other sponsors included Orlando Health, Bill and Ann Edwards, Turner Construction Company and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. The Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Beacon were media sponsors this year.
Participating breweries included 3 Daughters Brewing, Grand Central Brewhouse, Green Bench Brewing, Mastry’s Brewing Co., USF Brewing Arts Program and Great Bay Distributors. Non-alcoholic options were provided by Mother Kombucha.
Rutherford said the need for such a campus fundraiser is critical as demand for student scholarships continues to increase. Before the inaugural Bulls & Brews by the Bay in 2023, only five scholarships from the fund were awarded to students. Thanks to money raised at the annual fundraiser, nearly 50 scholarships have been awarded from this fund to USF St. Petersburg students.
"Our annual fundraiser has been a tremendous success, allowing us to reward more deserving students with key financial resources so they can focus on their studies and continue their educational dreams of attaining a college degree," Rutherford said.
Testimonials from USF St. Petersburg scholarship recipients
Victoria Phan, Biological Health Sciences
“It was not just financial assistance, but a reminder that someone believed in my potential and was willing to invest in my future.”
Gabriela Rodriguez, Criminology
“Although it may not seem like it, a donation, whether big or small, makes an immense difference in a student’s life.”
Sydney Pelletier, Education
“Scholarships provided me the opportunity to continue my college career, which would not have been financially feasible otherwise.”
Barrett Farrell, Integrative Biology
“The financial stability and freedom these scholarships provide allow me to invest my energy in leadership, academic research and community service, which has been transformative.”
Leah Jackson, Health Sciences
“I hope to honor the generosity of our donors by becoming a compassionate nurse and a strong leader who gives back to others.”