Honorable Mention Winner
Bruce Haupt
Brevard Community College
Sophomore in Chemistry
4.0 GPA

Bruce Haupt, Jr. of Brevard Community College is a stellar Student Government Association president—he’s intent on making grassroots changes to improve the organization, yet still devotes time and energy to projects and individuals outside of it. Haupt, 21, has proven his leadership as SGA president, as a student ambassador, as vice president of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa, and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Brevard County chapter of the American Red Cross.

As SGA president, Haupt worked to increase membership in the organization as well as in all campus clubs. “Largely because of his efforts, SGA increased student participation at least 100 percent by any reasonable measure,” says James C. Heck, dean for educational services. Haupt also planned a new student recreation center and coordinated weekly activity days to enhance BCC’s sense of community. “Bruce’s boundless energy and genuine concern for the student body benefit not only his contemporary peers but also future students,” says Sharon M. Gillette, SGA sponsor.

Haupt made grassroots change in SGA by drafting a new constitution and bylaws. “It’s met approval thus far, and I’m optimistically waiting for it to sift through the bureaucracy,” Haupt says. “It helped me further define how I wanted to lead.”

Outside of SGA, Haupt offers his time and talents to other organizations. As a student ambassador, Haupt gives campus tours and serves as a representative for BCC at school-sponsored events. “Mr. Haupt is recognized as an outstanding student ambassador and in this capacity has been one of our most effective public relations spokespeople. He’s bright, articulate, and friendly whenever representing BCC,” Heck says. Haupt also served as vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, helping with recruitment and acting as his chapter’s spokesperson.

Haupt particularly remembers his experience at a leadership-development retreat he helped plan for the local chapter of the American Red Cross. He served as a senior counselor at the weekend event, which focused on enhancing leadership in youth and providing training in CPR, first aid, and water safety. While there, Haupt thwarted a plan concocted by a few of the children and counselors to inflict bodily harm on another camper. “Though I can’t see his future or whether I truly impacted it, I did inspire myself,” Haupt says. “Often what makes a leader is having the guts to step out and make a decision, to believe in something, especially oneself. I refuse to deviate from my ethos. A leader’s integrity is sacred.”

Academically, Haupt maintains a 4.0 GPA, was named to the All Florida Academic Team, and was nominated to the All USA Academic Team in fall 2002.

Haupt meets expenses through scholarships and a part-time job. –AT

Contact Haupt at bhaupt@cfl.rr.com.