Honorable Mention Winner
Richard Dudley
University of South Florida
Senior in Marketing Management
3.57 GPA

The term “frat boys” is often associated with an elite group of partiers and most often Jon Belushi’s character in the movie Animal House. However, Richard "Pocket" Dudley, 22, has been a driving force in breaking down that stereotype at the University of South Florida.

As president of Beta Theta Pi two years in a row, Dudley influenced his fraternity brothers in becoming more involved with the community.  While president, Dudley required each member to serve at least 10 hours of community service each semester. Dudley’s encouragement benefited the community and his leadership won the fraternity the “Most Improved Organization” award, “Campus Involvement” award, and the “Greek Participation” award.

“I’ve been able to influence [members] to actually want to volunteer now, rather than feeling obligated or forced to by their organization,” Dudley says. Dudley himself has given more than 160 hours of community service to the Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Service for Sight, the Children’s Burn Awareness Program, Hillsborough County Services, Paint with Pride, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, and several others. He now serves as an active advisor to Beta Theta Pi.

“The [fraternity] has experienced a great deal of growth and success under his leadership, as well as improved chapter programming, operations, and general management due to his organization skills and eye for detail,” says Michael Farley, coordinator of Greek life and leadership development.

Dudley has changed the Greek stereotypes through being a positive role model and urging his fraternity brothers to get out and get involved. Dudley says he has excelled “academically, athletically, and socially in a mature and responsible way that has changed many perceptions at USF. Many people have told me how differently they view Greeks…because of what I've done.”

Dudley also has helped new students adjust to the college environment. For the past seven semesters, Dudley has volunteered for all the new student orientations that take place during winter and summer breaks. There are as many as 15 orientations during the summer and a couple during the winter break.  Not only does he ease new students’ worries, but those of their parents as well. Dudley has helped students with their schedules, recommended teachers and courses, and has even helped them move into their dorms. “I still have students approach and thank me for just being there for them three years [ago],” Dudley says.

Aside from academic and community involvement, Dudley plays on intramural sports teams such as football, wrestling, basketball, track, soccer, and softball. In 2001, Dudley won USF’s “Strongest Bull” title, a weightlifting competition. He has also been a member of the USF Rugby Club.

“As faculty, we search for students who make a lasting contribution to USF,” says Jill Solomon, marketing professor. “Richard is one of those individuals who will leave USF better off than when he entered.”

Most of Dudley’s expenses are paid through scholarships, but he works as a marketing manager for a promotions company to cover the rest. MCB

Contact Dudley at pocket140@aol.com