USF alumnus and supporter Lynn Pippenger donates $10M to School of Accountancy

The University of South Florida (USF)announced today that itsSchool of Accountancywill be named for Lynn Pippenger, an MBA alumnus and long-time supporter, following a $10 million donation. The change was made official this morning by a vote from the USF Board of Trustees.

The Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, within the recently named Muma College of Business, recognizes the retired Raymond James executive for her latest gift of $10 million to the school. The announced gift is part of the $1 billionUSF: Unstoppable Campaign.

“Gifts like the one announced today are at the heart of what donors to the USF Foundation are doing through this campaign,” stated USF Foundation CEO Joel Momberg. “We’re grateful to Lynn for her longstanding generosity. Over the life of our Unstoppable Campaign, Lynn has given more than $22 million to USF, of which $21 million has been to the Muma College of Business. We know the faculty and students of the school share our gratitude.”

“We are so pleased to bestow this honor on our great friend and true USF success story, Lynn Pippenger,” said USF System President Judy Genshaft, in a statement. “Lynn’s gift will enhance the academic opportunities provided to students and faculty for generations to come, and that is why we are celebrating and recognizing her today.”

Pippenger started working at Raymond James in 1969, eventually serving as chief financial officer and treasurer of the firm. When she retired three years ago, Pippenger had occupied a seat at Raymond James’ executive table, leaving the company as senior vice president. Now, she’s working to ensure that USF business students get the education that could further their own career growth.

“It has been something I have thought about for more than 20 years,” Pippenger said. “I just finally decided to speak up … inspired by Pam and Les Muma’s gift to the College of Business.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, representing an additional 190,700 jobs. Pippenger’s gift will help USF prepare more students to take the CPA Exam or to earn additional accounting credentials. Additional scholarships will be available for accounting majors and will provide stipends for students who participate in internships, as well as supporting the school’s infrastructure.

“Ms. Pippenger has provided scholarships to help students study abroad and now she is doing so much more,” stated Moez Limayem, dean of the USF Muma College of Business. “She is helping to create a center of excellence and our students will have a much better educational experience because of this.”

For more information on the Lynn Pippenger School, head to USF's sitehere.

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