Formerly UMatter, the program’s official name is now The Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program.
Courtesy of UMatter
By Molly Ryan
UMatter, an inclusive postsecondary education program at USF St. Petersburg, received a $1.2 million gift from the USF Foundation, according to a university press release on Sept. 30.
As part of the College of Education, the program provides students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to partake in higher education and campus life.
With the donation, the St. Petersburg-based program and its services will be available at all three USF campuses.
Upon receiving the gift, the program’s official name became The Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program in recognition of its donors Andrew and Eileen Hafer.
“The significance of what UMatter can mean for a student with intellectual disability as well as our wider community is very much part of [the Hafers’] value system,” Lyman Dukes, co-principal investigator of the program, said in an email to The Crow’s Nest. “Our intent is to grow the UMatter program by extending the opportunity to pursue a college experience across all the USF campuses.”
“We are profoundly appreciative of the Hafer’s generosity and are excited to welcome them to the UMatter team,” Dukes said.
Last year, the program was set in motion after the St. Petersburg campus received a $900,000 grant from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and introduced its first group of seven students this fall – with the support of professional staff and student mentors, participants are given an authentic college experience by living on campus and auditing classes.
“The University of South Florida is proud to host the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program and to provide opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to excel in a university setting,” Interim President Rhea Law said in the press release. “We are incredibly grateful to Andrew and Eileen Hafer for their generous support of this program and the students who will benefit from this life-changing experience.”
Both Andrew and Eileen Hafer are USF alumni and have an extensive history with the university.
This year, Andrew became a Doctor of Business Administration through USF’s Muma College Business. He has served in various leadership positions for the university for nearly 30 years.
Earning her bachelor’s degree in education from USF, Eileen worked as a gifted education teacher in science for nine years
“We couldn’t be happier to be part of the USF UMatter program as it pioneers new strides in inclusivity,” Eileen Hafer said in the press release. “At its core, UMatter is relational. It helps to remove obstacles that allow division based on human differences.
“I believe this program promotes a perspective and empathy for all those involved and strengthens the diversity of our USF community overall.”
