Recent Gifts

 

Alumni Start Accounting Endowment

 

USF St. Petersburg alumni Teresa and Paul Mueller recently made a gift of $100,000 to create a scholarship endowment for USF St. Petersburg accounting students. Through its Trust Fund for Major Gifts, the State of Florida will match half of the donation to bring the size of the endowment to $150,000.

The Muellers were inspired to make their donation when Paul was browsing the University's web site and discovered that USF St. Petersburg campus had grown significantly and was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Paul Mueller said, "By starting the fund, Teresa and I felt it was an opportunity for us to demonstrate leadership and hope that it will encourage other alumni to give back to the university."

Leadership is an important topic for the Muellers. In their professional experience they have had to face ethical dilemmas and they want to be sure students entering the work force are able to speak up when faced with such situations. Because of this, the Muellers requested the University make leadership potential a criterion for eligibility.

Teresa Mueller said, "The requirements for CPA certification have increased, and we want students to be able to focus on their educational goals without having to worry about being able to finance their education."

"Gifts such as this one are the lifeblood of colleges and universities, making it possible for current and future students to attain their educational goals," Dr. Geralyn Franklin, dean of the College of Business, said.

Donors interested in the program of accountancy and scholarships offered at USF St. Petersburg College of Business should visit www.stpt.usf.edu/cob.