Brunch on the Bay: A delicious way to celebrate students

• Andrea Knies
• March 23, 2026
• Events

The sounds of sizzling skillets, clinking glasses, and lively conversations filled the beautiful Nixon Courtyard on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus as community members gathered for the 31st annual Brunch on the Bay. Tents were sprinkled throughout the space where local restaurants served elevated brunch dishes and drinks to hundreds of hungry guests.

"At USF Sarasota-Manatee, everything we do begins with one central focus - student success." Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker

Since its founding in 1994, more than $1.3 million has been awarded to over 2,600 local USF students through this annual fundraising event. For the past several years, USF Credit Union has proudly served as the title sponsor of this beloved community tradition, reflecting the strong bond between USF Sarasota-Manatee and its region. The spirit of generosity continued this year, with funds raised through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships supporting scholarships for USF students in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

As attendees savored their lobster tails and mimosas, Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker spoke of the distinct qualities that make the Sarasota-Manatee campus special. "Faculty, staff and students here benefit from an environment that encourages connection, mentorship and engagement," said Kemker. "Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships and community partnerships that allow them to apply what they are learning in meaningful, real-world ways."

USF President Moez Limayem beamed with gratitude as he attended his first Brunch on the Bay. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the community's support of the students. "An investment in these students today comes right back to this community," said Limayem, "in the form of talent, leadership and innovation. That is the power of education."

As much as Brunch on the Bay guests enjoyed the culinary treats, they were equally impressed with the USF students that they met throughout the day. A hallmark of this event is the student speaker who has been impacted personally by generous donors supporting scholarships.

This year, USF Sarasota-Manatee's Student Government Lieutenant Governor Dennis Kukharenko shared his journey. Kukharenko is a senior who will graduate with a degree in accountancy and analytics in May 2026. During his years at USF, Kukharenko embraced the close-knit Sarasota-Manatee campus and proudly advocates for his peers.

"Serving in Student Government has not only allowed me to give back to the university community," says Kukharenko, "but has also shaped my passion for service-driven leadership."

Kukharenko is grateful to the generosity of the community for giving him the flexibility to lead. "Because of this support, I have been able to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and service to the student body without the added burden of financial stress," said Kukharenko.

Brother and sister Luke and Dr. Jennifer Bencie co-chaired the 2026 Brunch on the Bay, uniting their shared commitment to education, public service and community engagement to support scholarships that change lives.

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 healthcare 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.

Although they admitted that, as siblings, they don't always agree on everything, they both believe that supporting education is one of the best community investments.

Photos by Kim McDonald and Harry Sayer