Finalist
José Montalvo
Hillsborough Community College
Junior in International Business
3.74 GPA

“He has been an outstanding student in the Honors Institute,” says Karen R. Linsky, professor in the Honors Institute. “He commits himself to something and does it because he feels that it’s important, not because he has to or because he’s required to.” Because of an uncertain work schedule, Montalvo signed up for two class sections, attending both until his job situation was settled. When that happened, he remained in both classes “because he felt an obligation to his group. I’ve never had another student do that,” she says. “His willingness to give double time and effort to his service learning projects speaks volumes about his leadership qualities.”

Honors Institute Director Dr. Lydia Daniel agrees: “Jose has been an outstanding student.”

When speaking of honors, Phi Theta Kappa comes to mind, which Montalvo serves as vice president of the Phi Chi Chapter at HCC’s Dale Mabry Campus. His list of contributions and activities are endless, organizing the “Christmas Toy Drive,” founding the “Fix and Feed Feline Feral Fund,” and organizing and chairing the “Water Conservation Symposium.” He has attended both the Florida Regional and National Conventions. Competition and newsletter artwork, poetry, writings—you name it, he’s done it, even writing an essay to help Phi Chi win the 2001 Florida Regional “Most Improved Chapter” award. “It’s very difficult to reach the five-star level,” Montalvo says. “We did that at regionals.” Through PTK, he’s been committed to “promoting diversity and understanding and tolerance of one another.”

“Outgoing, hardworking—he would be the best of the best,” says Thomas M. Klee, Phi Chi advisor. SGA gives out awards to the clubs, two of which Klee presents. Last year, he awarded Montalvo one in service and this year one in leadership. Also, Klee nominated him to be on the 2002 All-Florida Academic Team as well, where Montalvo was selected to "First Team," and received the team medallion.

Montalvo also serves as treasurer for the Student Government Association at Dale Mabry. Through that, he co-chaired SGA’s Student Lounge Committee where he oversaw picking out the architectural design and furnishings for a new “cyber café.”

Off-campus, he mentors high school students through ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education) on the importance of a college education and arranges for local high school tours of HCC.

“I recall speaking to students about my involvement in [college]…when a young man in the tour stated, ‘Wow, you must be very smart.’ My response was, ‘No smarter than any of you are.’ The students looked at me and smiled,” he says. “I continued by stating that in high school I was an average student; and although I struggled at times, I continued to study and do my best. By believing in myself, I was able to graduate from high school and eventually enter college. This profound experience allows me to continue speaking passionately to high school students on the many benefits of my college experience.”

Montalvo was introduced to ENLACE by its director, Salvador Torres, who invited him to speak to about 50 Hispanic/Latino students at a local high school. “Profoundly affected by Mr. Torres and my experience on the first tour that I directed, I began to think personally about my father, who never learned to read,” Montalvo says. “His experiences gave me an outlet to share his story with other Hispanic/Latino students, for it is unfortunately a common theme within the Hispanic community, a theme that I intend to change through my speaking engagements and college tours.”

“That’s probably my greatest accomplishment, the thing I’m most proud of—making younger students realize that they need to go to school now, to get things done now,” Montalvo says. “I emphasize education all the time. Literacy is important to me. My dad is illiterate; that’s why I feel passionate." Montalvo's father had to forgo pursuing an education in order to care for his family. "The reason I am the man I am today is because both of my parents instilled in me the importance of education, family, and community service."

Montalvo also created and organized “Homeless Not Hopeless,” a leadership community service project in which students helped feed 250 people; participates in “Paint Your Heart Out Tampa;” is an active member of Club Arriba which shares the Hispanic/Latino culture with the college; and is in the process of organizing the Lucha Latin Club which promotes cultural exchange. “I’m into community service,” he says. “I’m into fellowship events where students get together and have fun.”

Stay committed, serve, be dedicated, and have fun along the way: That’s what makes Montalvo tick. “I’ve been told that as a leader I get students motivated,” he says.

He is “a very dedicated, hard-working leader,” says Ken Turley, student activities director and SGA advisor. “He will also take a back seat if he has to. He doesn’t always have to be in the forefront.” He says Montalvo helps at SGA meetings and events in any way needed and even one time initiated giving extra food to local park kids who didn’t have any.

“His leadership style was never pushy or demanding,” Linsky says. “Rather, he led by example—his hard work and enthusiasm having a contagious effect. Jose is skilled at making other people feel as if they are part of a team and that they are important contributors to it.”

Montalvo wants to continue his major in International Business but minor in social work or serve in that way. Most of his schooling is paid for through his job and a small part through scholarships.

“He is polite, personable, and very eager to learn; his dedication to education is obvious,” Linsky says. “Jose has set high goals for himself and is willing to work wholeheartedly to achieve them.” VAB