TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2024) –The University of South Florida today announced a $1 million gift which will go toward the university’s new on-campus stadium. This significant financial investment comes from the Gonzmart Family Foundation, just one day before the university breaks ground on the transformational project.
The Gonzmarts, who are committed to education and ensuring all students have opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom, believe this gift is in perfect alignment with that goal.
The family foundation’s officers are brothers Richard Gonzmart and Casey Gonzmart Sr., Richard’s daughter Andrea Gonzmart Williams and Casey’s son, Casey Gonzmart Jr. They represent the fourth- and fifth-generation owners of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, which includes the historic Columbia Restaurant.
“The Gonzmart family has contributed to the University of South Florida in so many ways, and we are truly grateful for their generous gift to the on-campus stadium project, which will significantly enhance the gameday experience for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members alike,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Their family’s impact in the Tampa Bay region is immeasurable, and we greatly appreciate their continued support.”
For Richard Gonzmart, the gift is a symbol of his family’s support of initiatives that bring positive change for the community.
Richard learned the importance of giving back from his parents. Through the Gonzmart Family Foundation and additional funding provided by Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams, the family has established three endowed funds and supports dozens of students each year through USF’s Latino Scholarship Program. In addition to their scholarships, the Gonzmarts have a long history of supporting USF Athletics; both Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams are Iron Bull supporters.
Richard Gonzmart is an emeritus member of the USF Foundation Board of Directors and serves on a number of boards in the Tampa Bay community. In 2022, USF awarded him an honorary doctorate in business administration. His daughter, Andrea Gonzmart Williams, is a 2001 graduate of USF and currently serves on the USF Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Latin Community Advisory Council Presidential Advisory Committee.
“It has been wonderful to see the growth of our city and the University of South Florida,” Richard Gonzmart said. “This new on-campus stadium will deepen that connection and provide a world-class experience for students, alumni and the Tampa Bay region. Our family believes in USF’s mission and is thrilled to help positively shape the future.”
The on-campus stadium is set to open in 2027 and will provide a unique, vibrant, shared campus experience that will contribute to the culture, spirit and connectedness of the university. The Gonzmart Family’s gift is helping to bring that vision to life.
“The Gonzmart family has always stepped up to support the Tampa community, including USF,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “This gift to the on-campus stadium is a continuation of that legacy, and we are thankful for their commitment to this transformative project that will positively and forever change the landscape of our university.”
To view this story on the USF Newsroom website, click here.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Across campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for six consecutive years and, for the second straight year, as the best value university in Florida. In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States and Canada. With an all-time high of $692 million in research funding in 2023 and a ranking as a top 15 public university for producing new U.S. patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
