Honorable Mention Winner
Bijal Chhadva
University of South Florida
Senior in Computer Engineering
4.0 GPA

You may have seen him on television, although it’s unlikely that you would recognize him on the street. When Bijal Chhadva appears on screen, he lets his school spirit literally shine through in bands of green and gold. As a member of Beef Studs, Chhadva, 21, paints his body with school colors in support of the University of South Florida Bulls, earning the group publicity and media coverage and winning the “Fan of the Game” award on his very first paint-in.

“I wanted to be a part of them, and I was invited to paint up with them for our final home football game last fall. And I had so much fun!” Chhadva says. “School pride and school spirit are very contagious. It creates a desire in other students to paint or dress in green and gold too.”

Chhadva’s heartfelt dedication to the school that he loves led him to become a leader in more than just sports cheers. As a Student Government senator for the college of engineering, Chhadva has dedicated himself to addressing student concerns, increasing SG visibility on campus, and working so that the students he serves know that their voices count.

Coming to the United States after graduating from high school in Bombay, India in 2001, Chhadva worked full-time for a year at Old Navy in order to save money for college. He chose to attend USF for its excellent engineering program, its genial urban location, and its potential for growth.

“Our school has been growing so quickly, and I wanted to be part of that growth and help USF be the best school in Florida,” Chhadva says.

True to his word, Chhadva has spent his time at USF leading his fellow students, easing communication between the student body, administration, and surrounding community through his activities as a USF ambassador. He’s a member of the Students of India Association and was part of 2003’s Multicultural Week of Welcome committee. He also serves as a member of the Honors College Council and participated in the Army ROTC program.

Chhadva is a founding member and entertainment chair of USF’s Dance Marathon, a fundraising event where students dance for seven hours non-stop for the All Children’s Hospital. He’s a site leader for Alternative Spring Break, where students are sent all over the country to serve as volunteers. Also, in 2003, he participated in Alternative Spring Break by volunteering at Clay County Association for the Retarded, a workplace for mentally challenged citizens.

Chhadva values his role as mentor within the campus community. For two years, he’s worked as a resident assistant, befriending and advising the 40 student residents in his hall in an effort to be a role model for his charges.

“As an RA, Bijal works to ensure his residents feel comfortable in the residence hall, and he provides them with programming to teach his young women and men the value of community, professional, and ethical responsibilities,” says Ashton Gunn, community manager for Fontana Hall.

An encounter with a graduate advisor introduced Chhadva to the Victim’s Advocacy Program, where he volunteered as part of a date rape awareness program. His involvement led him to pursue the Crime Prevention Training Program, where he received information and honed skills that he deems fundamental to helping him deal with delicate situations as an RA.

“Bijal holds people accountable for their actions and isn’t afraid to step down from a line of reasoning he finds morally unsound,” Gunn says.

Chhadva is entirely self-sufficient and pays for school through his position as an RA, part-time seasonal employment, scholarships, and a Stafford Loan. –MDJ

Contact Chhadva at bjalbgk@hotmail.com.