Judy Genshaft already had a legacy: the longest serving president in the history of USF. It’s also worth noting that USF has made significant strides on her watch in research and fundraising and checked off the boxes for “pre-eminent” status and a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Genshaft was also a regional economic player. She understood the catalytic role of a major, urban, research university. It transcended academics. It was part of Tampa Bay’s ever-ratcheting synergy.
But even those not among Genshaft’s most ardent supporters would have to agree that endowing USF with a $20 million departure gift–to build a new honors college–was something extraordinarily generous and special. She had always wanted to elevate USF–in resources, impact and stature. She did that–and then doubled down on the way out: a legacy like none other.