Honorable Mention Winner
Luis Maldonado
Stetson University
Senior in English & French
3.67 GPA
     "These experiences enable me to understand that my work is not in vain," says Luis Alfonso Maldonado, 22, about his interactions with students. "[They] make me aware that not only am I making a difference by providing a more culturally sensitive campus climate, but I’m also making a difference in people’s lives."
     The interactions Maldonado refers to are those between himself and students whom he inspires as president of Common Ground, Stetson University’s gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender-straight student alliance.
     Maldonado received an e-mail from a student who he met on campus, "[It meant so much] to me to see not only a gay man who is out and proud, but a Puerto Rican man who is comfortable about his sexuality … I just wanted to tell you that I see you as a role model and as a source of inspiration."
     His goal as leader of Common Ground is to combat "homophobia" not only on campus but also in the community. Through such events as "Meeting on Common Ground" and "Coming Out of Intolerance Month," Maldonado introduces the reality and existence of other sexual orientations to the university. "The events have enabled me to educate others about the historical significance of GLBT individuals and the discrimination they encounter," Maldonado says. "Similarly, by deconstructing negative stereotypes and providing anecdotes of personal struggles, I have brought GLBT issues closer to home, where the effects are certain to have a greater impact."
     "His work with Common Grounds – and his willingness to talk about his own sexual orientation when doing so would make a difference in the lives of other students – has changed the campus climate at this relatively conservative school," says Karen Kaivola, associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. "His leadership, in short, has been most uncommon."
     He also is involved in other campus organizations and activities. As president of Hispanic Organization for Latin-American Awareness, Maldonado educates the university about Hispanic culture through dance lessons, art lectures, and folklore presentations, while providing a welcoming organization for new Hispanic students at Stetson. He’s also a student representative for the Indian Student Association and Constitution Revision Committee Chair for the Multicultural Student Council. He’s received numerous academic achievements, scholarships, and awards.
     Through a research grant awarded through Stetson University Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program, Maldonado examined the power of language in Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. In March, he presented his project titled "Daniel Defoe’s Friday and the Power of Language" at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
     "On Stetson’s campus, Luis has already made a concrete difference in many lives through his commitment to promoting diversity," says Emily Mieras, assistant professor of American studies, "and he has also worked hard to reap the greatest possible benefits from his education."
     Scholarships, financial aid, loans, work-study and parental assistance help cover Maldonado’s expenses.
Contact Maldonado at lmaldonado@stetson.edu.