President's Message
When we envision the future of UTampa, we imagine spaces that do more than house learning. We imagine places that spark curiosity, fuel discovery and prepare students to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
That vision is becoming reality with the approval of a new Science Center, a transformative addition to our campus that will elevate learning, research and innovation in the life and physical sciences for generations to come. Within its walls, students will experiment, collaborate and explore ideas that do not yet have names, and they will be guided by faculty who are shaping the future of their fields.
This extraordinary project is made possible through the generosity of the Dickey family, whose longstanding commitment to UTampa reflects a deep belief in education and opportunity. We are profoundly grateful for their leadership gift and for the trust they have placed in the University. Their support ensures not only the creation of a remarkable facility, but also an enduring investment in the student experience.
Importantly, the Dickey family’s gift, in addition to helping construct the building, will create an endowment that will sustain the Science Center in perpetuity — providing resources to maintain the building and support hands-on learning, experimentation and innovation year after year. It is a powerful reminder that philanthropy at UTampa is not about a single moment or milestone; it is about opening doors for students today and for those who will follow decades from now.
Many of our alumni remember the people, places and experiences that shaped their own journeys here. Giving back through an endowed gift, or another form of support, is a way to extend those opportunities to future Spartans. Every gift, regardless of size, has the potential to create lasting impact when it is guided by purpose and vision.
As you read more in this issue about the Science Center and the generosity behind it (see page 4), and about Stephen, Marsha, and the entire Dickey family, notably Jason, a UTampa MBA alum (see page 46), I invite you to reflect on how your own UTampa story might help shape what comes next. Together, we can ensure that the promise of discovery, learning and opportunity continues in perpetuity.
It is an exciting time at the University of Tampa, and I am pleased to share this momentum with you.
Go Spartans!
Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, Ph.D.
President