Ex-UF President Ben Sasse spending on catering included $38,610 sushi bar

The lavish spending of former University of Florida president Ben Sasse has raised eyebrows as records show he disbursed over $1. 3 million on private catering during his brief tenure. Among the notable expenses was a holiday party that featured a sushi bar costing $38,610, making up nearly 15% of his total catering expenditure. In comparison, Sasse's predecessor, Kent Fuchs, averaged about $476,892 in annual catering costs over eight years, highlighting the stark contrast in spending. The university has strict guidelines about catering expenses, including a ban on using state funds for alcohol and a recommendation to keep meal costs under $75 per person.

Sasse's resignation after 17 months in office adds a layer of complexity to the scrutiny surrounding his financial decisions, which also included multimillion-dollar consulting contracts. Questions remain about whether taxpayer dollars or donor contributions funded these lavish events, as the university maintains strict rules for approved caterers. The implications of Sasse's spending extend beyond just financial mismanagement, raising concerns about accountability and governance within the university. As the university seeks to restore trust, interim president Kent Fuchs will need to address these issues moving forward.