Sept. 26 event will recognize Jeff and Penny Vinik’s commitment to USF’s Sport & Entertainment Management program and to the university
TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2017) – Jeff and Penny Vinik’s generous commitment to the University of South Florida and the family’s ongoing support of a USF Muma College of Business program will be recognized this week as the university will rename its dual-degree, sports-focused graduate program the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program.
Jeff and Penny Vinik, USF System President Judy Genshaft, Dean Moez Limayem and USF Foundation CEO Joel Momberg will all participate in a formal event to name the program beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in the Muma College of Business Atrium. Parking for attendees, including media, will be available in Lot 22D of the USF Sun Dome. A campus map is available here.
In 2012, the Viniks and the Tampa Bay Lightning helped launch the USF graduate program, which stresses the business fundamentals found in MBA courses in management, finance, marketing, information systems and accounting. Students also take courses that focus on the sport and entertainment industry.
The family’s support helps the Muma College of Business remain focused on student success and job readiness, keeping them on a professional development track from their first moments at USF. Contributions from the Viniks also place an emphasis on faculty development and engagement with the region’s business community.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, established in 1956 and located in Tampa, is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success. The USF System includes three, separately accredited institutions: USF; USF St. Petersburg; and USF Sarasota-Manatee. Serving more than 49,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget of $1.6 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF is ranked in the top 30 nationally for research expenditures among public universities, according to the National Science Foundation. In 2016, the Florida Legislature designated USF as “Emerging Preeminent,” placing USF in an elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
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