TAMPA 鈥� The 51在线鈥檚 Muma College of Business celebrated its
10th naming anniversary on Friday with bursts of green and gold confetti, a 15-piece
pep band, and heartfelt congratulatory speeches.
The college marked the 10-year milestone with remarks from USF leaders, the return
of former dean Moez Limayem, an appearance by mascot Rocky D. Bull, and the unveiling
of a new acrylic art installation honoring the college鈥檚 namesake, Pam and Les Muma.
Over 100 people attended the celebratory event with many of the speakers thanking
philanthropists Pam and Les Muma for their $25 million gift that named the college
in 2014 and shared how their generosity has benefited thousands of business students
over the past decade.
鈥淭his started with Les and Pam seeing a need and seeing that it was an opportunity
to make a difference. And they did,鈥� said USF President Rhea Law. 鈥淭hey made a difference
in a really huge way because they inspired others to have a culture of giving.鈥�
The 45-minute event also featured alumna Bethany Rodriguez, who received a full four-year
Muma scholarship to attend USF in 2012.
鈥淭he opportunities afforded to me through this scholarship have been life-changing.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude,鈥� she said. 鈥淧am and
Les, you have empowered countless students like me to pursue their dreams, overcome
obstacles, and strive for excellence.鈥�
In 2016, Rodriguez graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting. She currently
serves as a risk mitigation and controls manager at PwC and recently started teaching
as an adjunct professor in the USF Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy.
Rodriguez said she attended the 2014 naming announcement and often reflects on the
day with immense pride.
鈥淚 remember thinking, 鈥榃ow, this girl from the small town of Winter Haven is part
of something extraordinary. This very school of business I attend is now named after
the same people who believed in my potential and invested in my education鈥�,鈥� she said.
Over the years, the Mumas have celebrated major milestones with Rodriguez, including
her graduations from USF, landing a job at a Big Four accounting firm, and even attending
her wedding to her USF sweetheart.
鈥淚 stand here as a testament to the transformative power of education and philanthropy,鈥�
she said. 鈥淭hank you for your unwavering support and for believing in the potential
of students from all walks of life.鈥�
The Mumas ended the event by thanking everyone for helping make the college the success
that it is today.
鈥淢ost of all, this is all about relationships,鈥� said Pam Muma. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about the students
and to give back to the students. That鈥檚 where we get our joy, from knowing the students
and being part of their lives and seeing them grow.鈥�
Les Muma said they will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in a couple
of weeks. 鈥淲hen Pam and I got married, we didn鈥檛 even know what $25 million looked
like, and no way we thought we鈥檇 give that away.鈥�
鈥淚t feels so good to be able to give back,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we give. It feels
good for us. We鈥檙e doing great things for other people.鈥�