Honorable Mention Winner
Brianna Holmes
University of Tampa
Senior in Marketing
3.67 GPA

Most people see a slim, pretty brunette nominated for homecoming queen and probably expect a girly space cadet. The University of Tampa’s Brianna Holmes, 22, proves them all wrong by powerfully commanding over 100 army cadets as the Battalion Commander of the Army ROTC. Appointed to the highest office of the organization, Holmes implemented a restructured physical regiment required of all cadets that includes an 8.5-mile run on Mondays and Thursdays. This resulted in the overall physical fitness of all cadets increasing by five points from the beginning of the school year. Last summer, after being invited to attend Airborne Training in Fort Benning, Ga., Holmes, a senior, is now a paratrooper for the U.S. Army.

“Cdt. Holmes is my seventh cadet leader that I’ve worked with, and I would consider her my number-one cadet since I’ve been at the University of Tampa,” says Deirdre Dixon, department head and professor of military science.

As a part of the Army, Holmes has to stay in top shape. But she doesn’t view this as a bad thing since she enjoys physical activity, especially sports. In 2003, she participated in UT’s intramural sports as co-captain of a softball team and a member of an all-women soccer team. When Holmes found out there wasn’t a flag football program on campus, she organized one and integrated it into the intramural sports department. Holmes also runs her heart out to support her favorite philanthropies. She participated in the Gasparilla 15K road race, the Ryka Race for your Heart, and the Hops Marathon by Tampa Bay. The McNiff Fitness Center at UT employs Holmes as an aerobics instructor because of her expertise in athletics.

Even during spring break, Holmes is on a mission. Last year, she volunteered her entire break to assist the handicapped at the Roosevelt Institute in Warm Springs, Ga. This year, she offered to plan the trip herself and made its focus the elderly in New Orleans.

“I planned this year’s alternative spring break so students will have the opportunity to touch the lives of the elderly in our community. This will help the elderly see the difference college students can make in their lives,” Holmes says.

The PEACE Volunteer Office, which directly deals with all aspects of UT students’ service projects, selected Holmes to be its student coordinator. In the office, she’s responsible for supervising the staff, running weekly meetings, managing the office’s budget, and organizing various volunteer events.

“Through her numerous leadership roles in campus organizations, she provides an excellent example for other students to follow,” says Robert Ruday, dean of students. “She works with students so that they understand the purpose of their tasks, which encourages completion and devotion to their work. She consistently demonstrates maturity beyond her years.”

Among Holmes’ awards are the Martin Denoff Volunteer Service Award and the Special Forces Leadership Army ROTC award.

“Making a difference is one of the ultimate goals of a campus leader. My will and determination led me to make a difference in my campus and community,” says Holmes. “As a leader, if you cannot impact, why lead?”

Holmes’ Army ROTC scholarship pays for her tuition and books and provides enough to cover her personal expenses. UT and Florida Bright Futures Scholarship pays for her room and board, and she holds an on-campus job. –JT

Contact Holmes at blholmes@ut.edu.