University of South Florida breaks ground on $54M honors college

The building will bear the name of former USF President Judy Genshaft, who retired last year after leading the institution for nearly two decades.


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  • | 10:47 a.m. December 3, 2020
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Courtesy. An artist's rendering of the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF's Tampa campus.
Courtesy. An artist's rendering of the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF's Tampa campus.
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TAMPA — The University of South Florida broke ground Dec. 1 on the Judy Genshaft Honors College, a five-story, 85,000-square-foot addition to its Tampa campus that, according to a news release, will help USF attract the best students in Florida, nationally and internationally.

The project’s total cost is $54 million, of which $43 million has been funded by private gifts, the release states. Nearly half — $20 million — of the private funds came from a gift provided by Genshaft and her husband, Steven Greenbaum. Genshaft, who retired in July 2019, served as president of USF for nearly 20 years. 

Courtesy. Former USF President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steve Greenbaum, contributed $20 million to the cost of the new honors college building, expected to open in fall 2022.
Courtesy. Former USF President Judy Genshaft and her husband, Steve Greenbaum, contributed $20 million to the cost of the new honors college building, expected to open in fall 2022.

“The Judy Genshaft Honors College building will be a remarkable enhancement to our world-class honors college and will benefit USF, its students and its faculty,” USF President Steve Currall states in the release. “The new building will advance USF’s strategic goals and long-term aspirations to attract and support the success of Florida’s most accomplished students. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Judy Genshaft and Steve Greenbaum.”

The Judy Genshaft Honors College, the release states, will feature classrooms, study areas, faculty and advisor offices, event spaces, a computer lab, performance and creative areas and numerous other collaborative spaces. It’s being built on the recently renamed USF Genshaft Drive, formerly known as USF Maple Drive, and is expected to open in fall 2022. 

“President Emerita Genshaft’s and Steve Greenbaum’s philanthropy continues to transform USF,” USF Board of Trustees Chair Jordan Zimmerman states in the release. “On behalf of the board of trustees, we thank them for their steadfast commitment to student success and their vision that help propel the university to new heights.” 

 

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