USF receives $40M gift for new AI, cybersecurity and computing college
USF received a $40 million donation – the largest gift in the school’s history – to help establish its new college focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing.
The donation came from Arnie Bellini, CEO of Bellini Capital, and his wife, Lauren. Bellini Capital is an investment firm focused on cybersecurity.
The new college, which will open its doors this fall, will be named the “Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.”
“There’s not really words that we can use to thank the Bellinis for how transformational this will be for the university,” USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford said Tuesday morning.
Related: USF’s AI, cybersecurity and computing college to be an example across the nation, leaders say
The college will be the first in the state to focus on cybersecurity and AI. Bellini said its goal is to educate and develop the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Bellini will also match donations up to $5 million.
Bellini said he wants the college to ensure Tampa’s global presence in the cybersecurity field.
“This new college is the final component of an ecosystem,” said Bellini, who also gifted the university $10.6 million in 2022 to establish the Bellini Center for Talent Development. “Tampa Bay will be the epicenter of excellence for cybersecurity.”
MacDill Air Force Base, which serves as a central operations hub for U.S. national defense, is home to one of several Tampa cybersecurity organizations.
The city also houses Cyber Florida, an organization focused on cybersecurity training and education for the government.
Related: USF Muma College of Business’ first STEM major merges business, AI
The college will give cybersecurity organizations in Tampa Bay a “pipeline” of top-tier candidates, Bellini said.
USF President Rhea Law said she is excited that Tampa could be a “global leader” in data protection.
“There is such an incredible need for artificial intelligence,” Law said. “This college will prepare our students for wonderful careers that they don’t have.”
Law said she is also excited for the ability to expand USF partnerships with cybersecurity organizations.
Brianna Deaubler is a junior studying cybersecurity and an establishing member of Women in Cybersecurity at USF, a group that looks to lessen the “gender gap” in data protection.
Deaubler said cybersecurity isn’t just a major, calling it an “ever-evolving field” that requires interdisciplinary knowledge, research and collaboration across multiple domains.
“It’s a bold move, and USF is leading the way,” Deaubler said. “I have no doubt other universities will soon follow.”
Deaubler looks to further her education in cybersecurity at USF and focus on risk assessment, compliance and policy.
“The steps we are taking now will define opportunities for students for years to come,” Deaubler said. “I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of that journey.”
Correction: This story has been updated to accurately reflect donation matching.
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