USF Credit Union Brings Community Leaders Together for Conversation with USF President Moez Limayem

USF Credit Union hosted community leaders, elected officials, and key partners at its New Tampa branch for a special conversation with University of South Florida President Moez Limayem about the university’s next chapter and its impact on the Tampa Bay region. 

During the reception, President Limayem laid out USF’s next chapter - one centered on research, student success, and preparing graduates to lead in an AI-driven, rapidly changing world.

“When I think of USF, I see the backbone of this community and this state,” said President Limayem. “ People always ask about my vision for USF, but it shouldn't just be my vision—it should be our vision. We need the courage and audacity to think big.”

Building a University for the Future

President Limayem is rethinking higher education in the modern age, asking: “If we were starting USF today, knowing what we know about artificial intelligence and modern systems, how would we do it?”

His answer: build an institution specifically designed for tomorrow’s challenges. That bold approach includes:

• Pioneering Innovation: Advancing research in artificial intelligence and intelligent systems.
• Hands-On Experience: Expanding experiential learning so students graduate with real-world skills.
• Cross-Disciplinary Thinking: Cultivating problem solvers who can cross traditional academic boundaries.
• Civil Discourse: Fostering a culture rooted in respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives.

President Limayem emphasized that USF’s trajectory is directly tied to the success of the Tampa Bay region. “The biggest challenges we face today can’t be solved by business people, engineers, or life scientists,” he noted. “It’s putting everything together- that’s the strength of USF.”

A Partnership Driven by “Crazy Good” Ideas

For USF Credit Union, hosting these conversations reflects a core mission: bringing together people who share a commitment to regional progress.

During his remarks, President Limayem highlighted the deep collaboration between the university and the credit union, lightheartedly recalling his early meetings with USF Credit Union President and CEO Richard J. “Rick” Skaggs.

“When I first met Rick, we quickly became known as the two most dangerous people in Tampa Bay,” Limayem joked. “Because we came up with crazy ideas—crazy, but crazy good.”

One of those ideas was an innovative, student-centric credit union branch on campus. The location not only delivers seamless financial services to campus but doubles as a training ground for students to gain hands-on career experience before graduation.

“The connection between USF and USF Credit Union is a model partnership,” Limayem added. “It goes far beyond business. It spans our colleges, USF Health, USF Athletics, and everywhere in between.”

Investing in Our Shared Future

For more than 65 years, USF Credit Union has been proud to serve USF students, faculty, staff, and the broader Tampa Bay community.

“This event is about more than just a conversation- it’s about strengthening relationships and bringing together the people who are shaping the future of our university and our region,” said Rick Skaggs. “Our partnership with USF has always been built on a shared belief that collaboration creates real opportunity.”

At USF Credit Union, we believe financial institutions should do more than just manage money. We are here to spark connections, support innovation, and invest in the people and places we serve.

Because when our university and community succeed, we all succeed.