The University of Tampa Board of Counselors celebrated a tremendously successful year, raising more than $55,000 through gifts given directly by its members and through fundraising events held during the past academic year. The Board of Counselors is comprised of 103 individuals in the community, many of which joined this year as the group saw dramatic growth. Many of the Counselors are alumni, and many are not, but all are individuals committed to helping the University to further its mission and helping its students to be successful during and after college.

“Most of the Counselors are young up-and-coming leaders, which makes their accomplishment so especially meaningful,” said Gary Grant, vice president for development and university relations.

Fundraising events this past year attracted greater attendance than ever before and many more sponsorship’s. The members reached out to the local community, friends and colleagues to get them involved philanthropically at UT. As part of their mission, the Counselors believe that UT is one of the most important economic engines for the region and all appreciate the need to help students attend and thrive at the University.

Some of the funds raised are committed to providing support for student athletes. “We know that student athletes are often some of the most impressive and driven individuals. Supporting them is a way to thank them for their particular level of hard work and for representing UT competitively,” said Aakash Patel, the chair of the Board of Counselors.

“Aakash’s leadership has been outstanding. He has greatly raised awareness in the Tampa community of both the Counselors’ efforts and the University’s impacts. And he has attracted bright and talented volunteer leaders who will have increasingly significant impacts in the coming years. We have terrific momentum, thanks to Aakash’s leadership,” said Ron Vaughn, UT President.

In addition to fundraising, the Counselors also volunteer their time in other ways. For example, they provide mentoring, career coaching, and interviewing skill development for UT students.