CSX Commits $10 Million Donation to the University of Florida Graduate Center Project in Jacksonville

Historic Investment Reinforces CSX’s Dedication to Serving its Hometown Community

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSX (NASDAQ: CSX), one of Jacksonville’s largest employers, today announced a landmark $10 million contribution to the University of Florida (UF) to support the future graduate center, which is poised to redefine the landscape of downtown Jacksonville. The charitable investment will be distributed over five years and solidifies CSX as the leading private funding partner of this transformational project.

“We are proud to partner with the University of Florida and the City of Jacksonville on this ambitious project to establish a world-class graduate center in the city’s urban core,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and chief executive officer. “Investing in education is an investment in the future, and we believe this contribution will have a lasting impact on the region by fostering innovation, economic development, and creating bold new opportunities. This project will yield countless benefits for our community, including an influx of top-talent, which will help shape the future of Northeast Florida for generations to come."

Earlier this year, the University of Florida and local city leaders announced a partnership to explore creating a new graduate center in Jacksonville. This graduate center will create a space in Jacksonville that will shape the state’s future workforce and build a pathway for high-skilled, high-tech employees.

“Gator Nation is excited and grateful to be engaged in this work with our extraordinary state, local, and philanthropic partners,” UF President Ben Sasse said. “We’re putting our shoulder to the wheel and pushing hard in the same direction to create a space in Jacksonville that will shape the state’s future workforce and build a pathway to prepare the high-skilled, high-tech employees of tomorrow. UF is ready for the next phase of this work and to lead the way toward making this shared vision a reality.”

Service is a guiding principle for CSX, as evidenced through the company’s commitment to its customers, current and future employees, and the communities where it operates. CSX’s signature philanthropic initiative, Pride in Service, supports hundreds of thousands of military, veteran and first responder service members across 26 states, while also representing the pride the company takes in serving its own local community. Supporting the economic growth and educational advancement of Jacksonville is a natural extension of this mission.