University gift comes in bitcoin

Lest you think bitcoins are financial ephemera, consider that Florida Gulf Coast University is happy to accept them as a currency.

Atilus, a Web design and marketing firm based in Bonita Springs, recently pledged $25,000 to Florida Gulf Coast University. Half of that sum will be in bitcoin, that virtual currency that can be exchanged or converted into cash.

FGCU says this is the first time anyone's made a gift to the school in bitcoin. Atilus President and CEO Zachary Katkin and Director of Operations Harry Casimir are both FGCU alumni of the young university in Fort Myers.