$1.45 Million Gift From Fishman Family Foundation
October 11, 2016 | Football
Transformational gift will make possible a complete renovation of the Student-Athlete Enrichment Center and support scholarships and Athletic Department priority needs
TAMPA, Oct. 11, 2016 – USF Athletics and the USF Foundation are proud to announce a $1,450,000 million gift from The Fishman Family Foundation that will support student-athlete scholarships and athletic department priority needs, as well as make possible a complete renovation of the Student –Athlete Enrichment Center (SAEC).
“There are many aspects of running a successful athletic program, but at the very top of that list is the support that incredible people provide to enhance the lives of our student-athletes,” USF Director of Athletics Mark Harlan said. “The Fishman family shares our passion and vision for success in the classroom, the community and in competition and their generous support will allow us to do just that.”
Jeffrey and Brandy Fishman, both USF alumni, are long time season ticket holders as well as Bulls Club members. This gift incorporates their family's longstanding desire to see success on the playing fields - but only if accompanied by personal and academic growth of student-athletes off the field. It also serves as a call to action for Bulls fans everywhere to support the USF Athletics Department's ongoing drive towards excellence.
“My parents taught me early in life how important it is to give back to your community,” Jeffrey Fishman said. “I have witnessed the amazing leadership gifts to this university from others in this community, and it has inspired us to do our part. I hope that this gift will do the same for others. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments, both on and off the playing surface, that USF student-athletes have achieved. The new design of the Academic Enrichment Center will only further their success.”
“Gifts from alumni like Jeff and Brandy Fishman in support of the USF Unstoppable campaign have made a critical difference in the student experience at USF and in the vibrant and exciting experience provided to all the fans of the USF Bulls!”, said USF Foundation CEO Joel Momberg.
The SAEC, located within the Lee Roy Selmon Athletics Center, provides a dedicated staff that works directly with USF student-athletes to provide academic support, Behavioral Health Support, the Selmon Mentoring Institute, Compliance and Community Affairs, as well as dedicated space that includes computer labs and tutorial areas. This renovation will allow for a dramatic reutilization and revitalization of existing space to best enhance the support provided to the student-athletes.
“By helping to fund scholarships, investing in our critical needs, and now providing the lead gift to renovate the Student-Athlete Enrichment Center, the Fishman Family has continually been tremendous supporters of USF Athletics,” Harlan added, “This transformational gift will have a lasting impact for today's student-athletes as well as generations to come. We are forever grateful.”
The USF: Unstoppable Campaign is a comprehensive fundraising effort by the University of South Florida System to celebrate the energy, vision, and future of one of the country's most exciting and engaged universities. Our people and programs, our ideas, our research, and our solutions comprise an ambitious plan to enhance healthcare, science, technology, education, business, the arts and global partnerships.
About USF Athletics
USF Athletics sponsors 19 varsity men's and women's teams that compete in 11 different sports, 18 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference. The Bulls' athletic program is celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015 having started with a men's soccer contest in 1965. Nearly 500 student-athletes train and compete in the athletic district located on the east end of Tampa campus. The Bulls claimed eight conference titles in their first three seasons in The American. Nine USF programs reached NCAA post-season competition in the 2015-16 season as USF posted an 83 percent Graduation Success Rate among student-athletes, with 214 earning conference all-academic recognition.
– #GoBulls –
