Honorable Mention Winner
Steven Cohen
University of Florida
Junior in Economics/Spanish
4.0 GPA

When most University of Florida juniors open their mailboxes, they don't see letters from past U.S. presidents. For Steven Cohen, 21, getting this level of recognition for a national organization he founded is a great perk. However, it's not the motivation that keeps him participating in four other organizations while maintaining a 4.0 every semester.

"In December 1996, my friend Daniel Heidenberg lost his life to acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of six," Cohen says. In response, Cohen organized "Friends for Life of America" when he was in high school to honor Daniel's memory, and now the memory will continue on as a national organization that's contributed $50,000 to help pediatric cancer patients and their families.

When Cohen first started his the group he did so to honor one friend, but he's honoring and helping people just like Daniel all around the world. After the club had been together for one year, Cohen took his idea to expand the club across America to his principal who called his idea compassionate yet grandiose. For Cohen, skepticism didn't matter, and now he and his organization raise money and awareness across the globe.

With his volunteer work given to the cause, it's no wonder major political gurus are writing congratulatory letters to him. "Friends for Life exemplifies what's best about this country—serving others," says former President George Bush. First Lady Laura Bush, former governor Lawton Chiles, and former President Bill Clinton also heaped on the praise. Gov. Jeb Bush recently honored Cohen with the "Governor's Points of Light Award," presented at the Governor's Mansion.

"Although the organization has changed since early 1997, Friends for Life of America stands as a testament that a little high school club really can make a dramatic impact in the lives of others," Cohen says. He's currently the chairman of the organization's national board.

Locally, Cohen received recognition such as the 2001 "University of Florida Student Volunteer of the Year" award. He holds two positions in the Jewish Student Union, communications vice president and executive vice president of koach, in which he promotes community projects that bring together groups of different faiths.

"Steven is living proof of the adage that one person can make a difference," says Lauren A. Bissonnette, UF undergraduate academic advisor. "He's the kind of person you meet one day, and the next morning you wake up wanting to be a better person."

Along with Friends for Life, numerous campus organizations are lucky to have Cohen participating, such as ACCENT, in which he acts as the assistant director of personnel, and Golden Key International Honor Society, in which he acts as director of honorary members.

Cohen has earned many scholarships, which along with the Bright Futures scholarship, pay for his tuition and books. The rest of his expenses are paid by full time summer jobs and small contributions from home. –LE

Contact Cohen at sdcohen@ufl.edu.