University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Give Now
By Marc R. Masferrer, University Communications and Marketing
Dr. George Thomas and his wife Mariamma immigrated to the United States from India more than 50 years ago so he could continue his medical training. They eventually settled in Bradenton, where Dr. Thomas co-founded and led Bradenton Cardiology and became a leader in the local and statewide medical communities.
Now retired, the couple has turned to creating new opportunities for graduates of Manatee County high schools, by endowing two scholarships for students who continue their education at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
The Thomases’ gift of $100,000 will support a student in the College of Education and a student majoring in a STEM field — like biology or biomedical sciences, which are favored by many pre-med students — offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. George and Mariamma Thomas
Dr. Thomas said he hopes the gifts, which will be awarded to students starting in fall 2025, can serve as an example for others in the community similarly “blessed” with the means to invest in Sarasota-Manatee students as they pursue their educational and career goals.
“USF Sarasota-Manatee is very important for this community,” Thomas said. “We hope these scholarships bring big dividends again and again for a long time to come. If more people could support the campus, the results would be unbelievable.”
The Thomases drew some inspiration for their support for USF from close friends and fellow Indian immigrants, the late Kailash and Mona Jain. Mona Jain was a USF alumna, as is the couple’s daughter, Dr. Anila Jain, co-chair of the Sarasota-Manatee Campus Board.
Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker said the Thomases’ generosity highlights the essential role that the community’s financial support plays in the success of USF Sarasota-Manatee and its students.
“The Sarasota-Manatee community has repeatedly enjoyed the benefits of its investments in our campus and in our outstanding students. Our graduates are teaching in our public schools and leading our businesses, career accomplishments that for many would not have been possible without the support of donors like George and Mariamma Thomas,” Kemker said. “I am confident their scholarships will have a monumental impact on the lives of our students.”
Priority for the scholarships will be given to graduates of Title I high schools in Manatee County, which have a high percentage of students from economically challenged families.
“These high schools graduate many outstanding students, but the resources for college are not always available to them,” Dr. Thomas said. “Hopefully, these scholarships will provide the support they need to complete their studies and maybe after they graduate, stay and succeed in the community.”
Return to article listing
Campus News
Campus News, Research, Events, and Student Life from around the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
941-359-4200
Copyright © 2025, University of South Florida. All rights reserved.
This website is maintained by USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of South Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). The accreditation of this USF branch campus is a part of and depends on the continued accreditation of the University of South Florida.
