Florida State University (FSU) announced Monday that it received a $65 million philanthropic investment from Dr. Herbert Wertheim, the largest endowment contribution in FSU history and the second-largest philanthropic gift the university has ever received.
Following the investment, FSU will rename its business college as the Herbert Wertheim College of Business and its new facility as the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence. The investment arrives as FSU’s College of Business moves into its new building south of the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and marks its 75th anniversary as a standalone academic unit. College officials also expect record enrollment of about 10,000 students in the spring semester.
“My belief in the transformative power of education and healthcare inspires me every day, and I am truly excited to partner with Florida State University to help lift the College of Business to new heights,” Wertheim said. “Together, we will empower students and future leaders to drive meaningful progress, advance innovation in healthcare and business, and create lasting opportunities that benefit our communities and the world.”
Beyond naming rights, the funding establishes multiple endowed funds supporting faculty development, undergraduate and graduate scholarships, student professional development, and research into emerging business trends. A key component of the gift is the creation of a new Business of Healthcare Initiative, aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.
The donation also creates two endowed chairs focused on healthcare operations and workforce leadership, aligning with FSU’s broader Health initiative and a new MBA concentration in healthcare administration.
Wertheim is a self-made billionaire optometrist, inventor and entrepreneur who founded Brain Power Incorporated, a global manufacturer of optical tints. He is widely known for large-scale philanthropic investments in higher education, healthcare and the arts, with named colleges and schools at institutions including the University of Florida, Florida International University, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego.
University leaders said the gift strengthens FSU’s efforts to elevate its national profile, expand research capacity and attract future philanthropic investment, while positioning the College of Business at the intersection of business education and healthcare innovation.
“We are extremely grateful and humbled by the incredible generosity of Dr. Wertheim,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This transformational philanthropic investment will propel the college forward and empower generations of future leaders in the global marketplace.”
