Honorable Mention Winner
Jason Guercio
University of Miami
Junior in Biology
3.91 GPA

When Jason Guercio, 20, was accepted into the six-year combined B.S./M.D. Honors Program in Medicine at the University of Miami, the school had no idea he would accomplish so much more than becoming a doctor.

Despite a heavy course load majoring in biology and minoring in both chemistry and religious studies, Guercio took on positions in his fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon such as chaplain and senior marshall.

Guercio also served as Student Government Chief of Staff-Internal Affairs. Through this role, he improved campus awareness of SG activities, planned the annual team-building retreat, and organized the end-of-year banquet. Guercio sat on the school’s Smoking Bill Committee and is now working to improve the university library policy.

As a Peer Educator for Alcohol and Drugs, Guercio educates his university peers as well as middle and high school students about the harmful effects of excessive drug and alcohol use. “The greatest and most proactive differences I’ve made at my college and in my community are a result of the time I have committed to meaningful one-on-one interactions with other students.” he says.

These one-on-one interactions continue in other roles that Guercio takes on in his community including tutoring students in Organic Chemistry, one of the school’s hardest science courses. Moreover, last fall he participated in the Crandon Park Beach Clean-up in Key Biscayne as well as the two mile American Heart Association Walk, and last spring he served as a “Funday” group leader—during which he led a group of fifty students and their mentally handicapped “buddies” on a special day. “He has a positive, cheerful personality and a ready smile, and he’s both liked and respected by his peers,” says Stephen Sapp, professor and chair of the religious studies department.

In 2002 Guercio was the winner and scholarship recipient of UMIQ Quiz Show—a program that tests UM students’ knowledge from all introductory level courses offered.

Guercio covers his school expenses almost completely with scholarships. His parents and his summer employment cover the remaining costs. –EG

Contact Guercio at j.guercio@umiami.edu.