By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing

USF St. Petersburg’s annual fundraiser, Bulls & Brews by the Bay, returns for a third year of community, connection and raising support for student
scholarships. 

A record crowd of more than 250 alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the university
are expected to attend the April 17 signature event on the campus’s waterfront. They
will enjoy live music from USF student musicians, elevated bar food, backyard games,
chance drawings and a curated selection of local craft brews, including pours that
highlight USF’s Brewing Arts program.

“Bulls & Brews is becoming not only a signature event for USF but a purposeful way
to bring together the greater community who really love this campus,” said E. Howard
Rutherford, the associate vice president of development on the St. Petersburg campus. 

All proceeds from the event directly benefit USF St. Petersburg’s general scholarship
fund, which offers much-needed financial support to students during the academic year.
The previous two Bulls & Brews by the Bay raised nearly $84,000 for student scholarships.

“This scholarship represents not only financial support but also the collective belief
of a community that invests in its students.”

Lucas Abreu, a USF conservation biology student and previous scholarship recipient

For the third year, USF Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the event. 

“Events like Bulls & Brews by the Bay reflect exactly what we stand for at USF Credit
Union — removing barriers and creating opportunities,” said USF Credit Union Senior
Vice President and COO Richard Sellwood. “When we invest in scholarships, we’re investing
in potential, futures and a stronger community for all. That’s Better Banking for
All in action.”

Other sponsors include Orlando Health, Bill and Ann Edwards, Turner Construction Company
and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. The Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Beacon are media
sponsors this year.

Participating breweries include 3 Daughters Brewing, Grand Central Brewhouse, Green
Bench Brewing, Mastry’s Brewing Co., USF Brewing Arts Program and Great Bay Distributors.
Non-alcoholic options are provided by Mother Kombucha.

Rutherford said the need for such a campus fundraiser is critical as demand for student
scholarships continues to increase. Before the inaugural Bulls & Brews by the Bay
in 2023, only five scholarships from the fund were awarded to students. Thanks to
money raised at the annual fundraiser, nearly 50 scholarships have been awarded from
this fund to USF St. Petersburg students.

“Our annual fundraiser has been a tremendous success, allowing us to reward more deserving
students with key financial resources so they can focus on their studies and continue
their educational dreams of attaining a college degree,” Rutherford said. 

Tickets still available for Bulls & Brews by the Bay. 

 

Testimonials from USF St. Petersburg scholarship recipients

Victoria Phan, Biological Health Sciences

“It was not just financial assistance, but a reminder that someone believed in my
potential and was willing to invest in my future.”

Gabriela Rodriguez, Criminology

“Although it may not seem like it, a donation, whether big or small, makes an immense
difference in a student’s life.”

Sydney Pelletier, Education

“Scholarships provided me the opportunity to continue my college career, which would
not have been financially feasible otherwise.”

Barrett Farrell, Integrative Biology

“The financial stability and freedom these scholarships provide allow me to invest
my energy in leadership, academic research and community service, which has been transformative.”

Leah Jackson, Health Sciences

“I hope to honor the generosity of our donors by becoming a compassionate nurse and
a strong leader who gives back to others.”