USF establishes new college with record-breaking $40M donation

After announcing plans to establish a college dedicated to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity last year, the University of South Florida has solidified the college’s name after receiving one of the largest donations in its 70 year history, according to a statement from the university. 

 The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is named for a $40 million gift from Arnold “Arnie” and Lauren Bellini of Bellini Capital in Tampa. 

“The future of warfare, economic power, and national security is digital. Cyberattacks are the new missiles, and AI is the arms race of our time,” says Arnie Bellini. “Right now, America is under siege in cyberspace every nanosecond of every day. We are failing to produce the talent and technology needed to defend ourselves. That changes today. Tampa and USF are stepping up to lead the charge in securing our nation’s future.”

Bellini, who received his MBA from USF, founded ConnectWise — an IT firm that was sold in 2019. Since the sale, he has focused his investment firm on building Tampa’s tech scene. “Lauren and I are committed to ensuring Tampa doesn’t just keep up with the AI revolution — we lead it,” says Bellini.

The university’s announcement says with its funding, the new college will offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs that fuse AI and cybersecurity into real-world applications — including AI-driven research to develop cybersecurity solutions, strategic partnerships with government agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies with a focus on ethical AI implementation and responsible digital governance.

In a drive to raise an additional $10 million, Bellini has agreed to match every dollar donated to the college up to $5 million. To learn more, go to USF.to/cyber.