Honorable Mention Winner
Paul Trusik
University of Tampa
Senior in Communications & Business Administration
3.65 GPA
     "There are a lot of sacrifices and responsibilities that come with being a student leader," says Trusik, 22. "However, the rewards that I have received from my involvement at the University of Tampa remain limitless."
     During Trusik’s tenure as president of Student Productions, the largest student-run entertainment board on UT’s campus, attendance at the organization’s events has increased by more than 50 percent. "Our success, however, is not solely through the increase in student population, but by new techniques in making our events appeal to the students," he says. Each semester Trusik oversees the programming of more than 20 events funded by a $143,000 budget from Student Government. Recently, he’s worked on showing The Matrix with a faculty panel discussion, having a "Casino Night" complete with more than $3,000 in prizes, and planning a trip to Cirque du Soleil in Orlando. "I have to make constant executive decisions regarding the logistics of our events and troubleshooting for unexpected problems we may have," he says.
     Trusik is most proud that he could "transform the look of our organization to appeal to a new generation of students," he says. Using his graphic design talent, he created a new logo, alternative print advertisements, and T-shirts for Student Productions. "These have caught the eye of students who desire a more ‘professional’ approach to programming," says Trusik.
     Currently, Trusik creates "in-house" advertisements for a local restaurant; edits Respondez, the school’s honors journal; interns with an internet marketing group; works on campus at UT’s public information office; and submits photographs to UT’s literary magazine, The Quilt. He also is a University Diplomat, representing UT at community-related and school-related functions, including freshmen orientation, board of trustees events, and society dinners with Tampa’s community leaders. "We’re a liaison to the community," he says. But, according to Robert Ruday, dean of students, Trusik’s "true niche is in student activities and programming. He works well with students, student leaders, faculty, and staff."
     "One of the challenges student programmers face is ethical spending of student activities fees," says Stephanie Russell, director of student activities. "Paul has really worked to revise the spending procedures of the board and has been forced to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the student body but have been hard to sell to the board."
     "Through some decision making, I’ve faced aversion and hard personalities," Trusik says. "There are constant roadblocks to being a student leader. I’ve learned to balance academics, make priorities, manage time, and most important, be a visible and active leader on campus, serving as a role model to many."
     Trusik funds his education and supports himself through loans and scholarships, part-time jobs, including his Student Productions job, and parental support.
Contact Trusik at  agent654L@aol.com.