Brunch on the Bay Committee Letter

It is with a great deal of pride that we celebrate leadership in philanthropy at our annual University of South Florida Brunch on the Bay held this November 2, 2008, on the lawn of the Crosley Estate adjoining our University Campus.

It has become apparent through this annual Celebration of Leadership that the University of South Florida helps shape the communities we serve. Those community leaders present, who receive well-deserved recognition, are there because they know that USF produces well-educated graduates who become leaders in our community, our nation and our world.

Since the founding of USF Sarasota-Manatee in 1974, the University of South Florida has served our community as an indispensable asset in economic and human development through higher education. We value academic excellence, professionalism, and continuous improvement through integrity, collaboration, diversity, and leadership. In response to a growing need, we continue to expand and invest our resources in bringing valued faculty, developing high-quality, accessible programs, and supporting students in attaining their highest potential by nurturing leadership, critical thinking, and an appreciation for learning.

Our vision of providing a student-focused learning environment--a "university" atmosphere conducive to social, cultural and leadership development and intellectual growth--is supported by our scholarship fundraising efforts. Since 1994, we have raised over $1.5 million for the Brunch on the Bay Scholarship Endowment. This year, as in previous years, gifted funds will be matched with State funds, which will increase our impact even further.

The value provided by your donations to Brunch on the Bay Scholarship Endowment is priceless. Each semester, students who receive scholarship support are impacted in a way that cannot be perceived at the time of their graduation. Their recognizable value to whatever they endeavor is influenced by the reputation of the University of South Florida, which has a global impact. USF is classified by the Carnegie Foundation in the top tier of research universities. And it is one of only 39 U.S. public colleges and universities, the only one in Florida, to be recognized as "Community Engaged."

We reach out to you, our business, foundation, and government leaders to become partners with us in this enterprise.

Please consider an annual gift or multi-year pledge at one of the levels listed on the following page of this letter. Together with your distinguished colleagues, neighbors and friends, your gift will provide financial access to higher education for more local USF students. And through the Brunch on the Bay Scholarship Endowment, we help students to graduate from one of the top research institutions in our nation. We cannot do less.

A USF Sarasota-Manatee volunteer or staff will call you soon. We hope you decide to be a partner with us this year, leaving your legacy of education for generations to come.

Dr. Arthur M. Guilford

Vice President and CEO Chair

Lemuel Sharp III

President

W.G. Mills, Inc.