Siblings chair 2026 USF Sarasota-Manatee Brunch on the Bay

• Molly Urnek, University Advancement
• November 12, 2025
• Campus News

A dynamic duo is stepping forward to champion student success at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Brother and sister Luke and Dr. Jennifer Bencie will co-chair the 2026 Brunch on the Bay, uniting their shared commitment to education, public service, and community engagement to support scholarships that change lives.

"Brunch on the Bay is a wonderful opportunity to see our community come together to invest in USF students - and in Sarasota and Manatee's future," Jennifer says. "Every scholarship makes a difference in helping students stay in school, graduate, and go on to serve our region."

Since the event began in 1994, donors have enabled more than $1.2 million in scholarships to support over 2,500 USF Bulls - many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, are balancing jobs and family responsibilities, or are preparing to fill critical workforce needs across health care, business, education, hospitality, and public service.

Longtime champions of USF, the Bencie siblings have seen the impact of that investment firsthand. Jennifer is a member of the USF College of Public Health Advisory Council and regularly connects students to professional experiences that launch their health-care careers. Luke has mentored USF students for more than a decade, and helped create the Security Training Collaborative - a hands-on program that connects students with national security careers.

"USF has always felt like a second home to me," Jennifer says. "When donors support USF, they are directly contributing to a stronger, healthier, more innovative Sarasota-Manatee."

This year's event, presented in partnership with longstanding champion and partner USF Credit Union, will once again bring the community together for a celebration of local restaurants and caterers - with every ticket, table, and sponsorship helping to fuel scholarships for deserving students.

"This is like the taste of Sarasota," Luke says. "But more importantly, it's a reminder that our community shows up for its students. The impact lasts far beyond one afternoon."

Luke and Jennifer look forward to welcoming the community to the 2026 Brunch on the Bay on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Visit the ticket and sponsorship information page for details. Join us and help open doors for the next generation of USF leaders!

Photography by Yadyra Guzman, Kimberly McDonald, Najat Yennes University Communications and Marketing