Stepping up to lead the charge

Alums’ historic gift puts Tampa Bay at the forefront of US cybersecurity

uspense filled the packed atrium in USF’s Research Park. A tangle of media cameras focused on towers of green and gold balloons flanking the podium and the mysterious curtain behind it. A surprise was coming, and the presence of USF’s top leaders left no doubt: It would be big. 

Then came the dramatic words delivered by USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford: “It is my honor to announce the historic, $40 million gift to a new college, which will be named the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing!”

The curtain dropped on cue, revealing a new USF logo bearing the names of the couple seated in the front row — Arnie and Lauren Bellini, two proud USF graduates. They rose from their seats amidst cheers and applause. 

Arnie Bellini, MBA ’82, and Lauren Bellini, Marketing ’91, had just made the largest gift in USF’s history, distinguishing the university as the first in the nation to have a named college dedicated to the convergence of AI and cybersecurity.

Even more consequential, the Bellini College will take an unprecedented approach to preparing students to lead in protecting the nation while also leveraging AI potential. Unlike traditional cybersecurity programs, the college will intertwine the two fields of study, eventually housing faculty and students in one building. They will research and learn together — an integrated approach that recognizes AI as both the greatest enabler and greatest threat in the cyber landscape.

It also positions Tampa Bay — uniquely situated at the intersection of technology, military defense and global commerce — as the nation’s cybersecurity capital, “Cyber Bay.” 

“The future of warfare, economic power and national security is digital,” Arnie Bellini told the crowd at the March press conference. “Cyberattacks are the new missiles, and AI is the arms race of our time. 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.”

The Bellinis’ gift comes during an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks, AI-driven threats and global competition in digital security, which cost the nation more than $12 billion in 2023 alone. The new college, set to open in the fall, will address the shortage in cybersecurity experts while fortifying the country’s digital defenses by producing graduates ready and able to make a big impact.

“We are at a pivotal moment in history where AI and cybersecurity must evolve together,” said USF President Rhea Law. “This college will produce the talent and innovation needed to meet the escalating challenges of the digital era. We are proud to stand alongside the Bellinis in shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity.”

USF is already home to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, “Cyber Florida,” established by the state legislature in 2014 to position Florida as a national cybersecurity leader through education, research and outreach. The university also has strong ties to Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. 

Those relationships, coupled with the growth of AI, set the wheels in motion for USF’s 14th college. Law recognized the need for USF to be on the leading edge of AI and cybersecurity and began laying the groundwork. In 2023, USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra, who has expertise in mobile communications, cybersecurity and internet protocols, created a task force, developed a structure and recruited staff.

But a new college needs funding.

Enter Arnie Bellini, who in 2022 sold ConnectWise, the computer business he founded with brother David, for $1.3 billion. That year, Arnie and Lauren made an $11 million gift to USF to establish the Bellini Center for Talent Development through the Muma College of Business. The center equips students with the professional and technical skills they need to launch successful business careers.

The couple saw the impact — and the potential for more. 

“It has been an incredible honor working with Arnie and Lauren as they made this historic investment, which is a powerful demonstration of their belief in USF’s mission,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “I am inspired by their generosity and desire to encourage other business leaders and philanthropists to join them in supporting this vital college.”

For Arnie Bellini, it was a a matter of utmost national interest and important enough to announce that he and his wife will match additional donations to the college dollar-for-dollar to raise another $10 million.

“This new college makes Tampa Bay the center of excellence for cybersecurity,” he said. “We’re investing in the next generation of innovators and America’s security, and in our competitive edge for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This is how we keep America strong — not by waiting but by leading.”

Bellini has a strong record of technology leadership and vision. He and his brother founded ConnectWise, a pioneer management service provider, a year after IBM brought personal computers into the mainstream with the introduction of its IBM 5150. He resisted suggestions to move his business to Silicon Valley. “My feeling was, ‘No, everything I need is right here in the fertile soils of Tampa Bay,’ so that’s why I planted and grew ConnectWise here.”

USF also holds a special place in his heart. His Bulls family includes a son who earned an MBA in 2022.

“USF is the only preeminent university in Florida that’s in a major metropolitan area, so it fits the characteristics of Stanford, right?” he said. “And (since) the first investment we made here with the Bellini Talent Development Center, my goal has been — and still is — to turn the University of South Florida into the Stanford of the Southeast. I think we’ve made a great step toward that today.”

The college will put its graduates on both an essential and lucrative career path, Bellini said, noting that entry-level jobs in cybersecurity start at $60,000 and “go up to $120,000 very quickly and then $150,000. So you cannot think of a better career path and it will be here forever,” he said. “There will always be a need for digital warriors.”

A major reason is the lightning-fast pace at which AI is growing, currently with an IQ equivalent of 150, he said. It’s predicted to achieve artificial super intelligence levels soon. 

“This is a national security problem,” he said. “We have this new wave of technology, artificial intelligence, that has the ability to take us far into the future of prosperity, but it can also be destructive. So, the thing that we need to do in the United States is to be leading in artificial intelligence and then, very simply, protect that innovation by having strong cybersecurity.”

Bellini’s desire to give, protect and invest in education dates back to his 1980 graduation from the University of Florida with an accounting degree. At the time, Wall Street brokers were infamous for cutthroat tactics and a Wild West mentality. 

“I made a covenant with God that if He gave me power, I would never be corrupted,” he said. “And if He gave me wealth, I would share it with the community … Learn, earn and return has always been my philosophy. And Lauren and I are very excited to have the opportunity to return all the good fortune we’ve had to the community we love.”

-by Dave Scheiber