Honorable Mention Winner
Viancca Burger
University of Tampa
Junior in Government and World Affairs
3.30 GPA

Freshmen sometimes have a hard time adjusting to college; more specifically, they may shy away from getting involved in college organizations or campus activities. Viancca Burger, 20, however, saw her freshmen year as an opportunity to transfer the leadership roles she held in high school to the grown-up world of the University of Tampa.

“Since high school, I knew I was a born leader,” says Burger. She admits she was intimidated with being a college leader. Although most students allow those feelings of fear to overwhelm them and keep them from leadership positions in college organizations, Burger did just the opposite. She jumped at every chance to get involved with Student Government, the Homecoming Committee, and several other organizations.

Burger’s sophomore year at UT, however, allowed her leadership abilities to really shine through. SG had gone through some reorganization; some positions were eliminated and others added. Burger was elected for the new position of director of public relations. “I had serious reservations about this position, thinking that it would be a meaningless one, but Viancca proved me wrong,” says Bob Ruday, dean of students. “She did an outstanding job and exceeded everyone’s expectations.” Burger’s hard work promoting SG activities paid off. Not only did attendance increase at meetings, but Burger also was voted the most outstanding and most dependable executive member that year.

“[Burger] is always striving to improve the organization and she is never satisfied with the status quo,” says Stephanie Russell, director of the Vaughn Center and student activities. “If there is a better way out there to do something I can guarantee you that Viancca will find out what it is.” Burger currently serves as SG secretary and has served as a Homecoming Committee chair.

Every summer since she was in high school, Burger has also made a difference in her community through the National Conference for Community and Justice Anytown Camps. The program’s goal is to encourage understanding and collaboration among delegates from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. “After attending a week at Anytown that summer, I knew I couldn’t stay away because it was the best and biggest life-changing experience of my life,” Burger says. “I decided I would make it a special mission in my life to be a counselor at Anytown. The following summer, I made that mission a reality.” Burger has been a counselor for five Anytown summer camps, two in 2000 and three in 2001.  “Being able to reach out to students and helping them make a difference in their schools makes me feel like I am definitely doing something to help them,” Burger says. During the fall and spring semesters, Burger serves as a coordinator for Gateways Mentor and as vice president for the UT Diplomats.

Burger’s many leadership roles and her involvement with the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority led to the position of Panhellenic Association president. Although she has only been president for a few months, Burger has made a personal commitment to unify Greek organizations at UT. Burger and other committee members are drawing up a proposal that will bring IMPACT—a program that helps fraternities and sororities develop, strengthen, and maintain a positive Greek image—to UT.  “I am hoping that my year in office will help [the Panhellenic Council] run smoother and will elevate the image of Panhellenic,” says Burger.

Burger’s academic and personal expenses are covered by two part-time jobs, scholarships, loans, and grants. MCB

Contact Burger at viancca@hotmail.com