Honorable Mention Winner
Thomas Piccolo
University of South Florida/St. Petersburg
Senior in Economics/History
3.67 GPA

Diversity, dedication, diligence. These three little words sum up the tenure of University of South Florida—St. Petersburg's Student Government Association President Thomas Piccolo. Since his election last April, Piccolo, 21, has filled his nights and weekends with school and community responsibilities, never failing to deliver on his promises. James Stull, acting director of student life, commends the economics and history senior for his good will and hard work. "He gives of himself willingly, and he consistently demonstrates fairness and understanding," Stull says. "He's honest, candid, and does what he says he'll do."

Piccolo's busy schedule began one week after his classes started as a freshman. Becoming an SG representative was his first official taste of SG. During his first year on the housing committee, he helped finalize plans to construct the first residence halls on campus, which are set to break ground this April. As one of the youngest and smallest of the four USF campuses, USFSP also lacks a parking garage. Because of Piccolo's efforts, however, the campus will soon see its first one, along with a Barnes & Noble bookstore. But Piccolo was just getting started.

His productivity continued to skyrocket after he was elected SG treasurer. Fiscally responsible for $800,000, he increased funding for the campus clubs and organizations significantly—though it was his enthusiasm for SG that most notably spread to these groups. The number of clubs and organizations on campus increased during Piccolo's term, along with turnout for SG-sponsored activities and elections. His own presidential election would raise voter turnout by 31 percent.

Beginning his term as SG president, Piccolo sought to make a difference for all students at USFSP. He secured a bill to go before the Florida Legislature that would bring the St. Petersburg campus its first student union building. Its future presence already acts like a magnet for the school. "USFSP is seeing increased interest from high school seniors due to the arrival of housing and a student union," Piccolo says.

He isn't leaving minority students out of the picture either. To encourage diversity in SG, Piccolo proposed that $25,000 go to the Multicultural Affairs Office annually for diversity training programs and activities. Outside the office, he personally approaches minority students on campus and encourages their involvement in SGA activities and upcoming SG elections. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Charles Brown approves of Piccolo's inclusive stance as president. "He's always mindful of the importance of making sure that the voice of all students is heard by involving them in the solution process through dialogue and campus forums," he says.

When he's not improving the school for current and future students, Piccolo serves the needs of St. Petersburg's residents. As a volunteer at the Center Against Spouse Abuse and ALPHA House, shelters for abused women and children, Piccolo has organized Christmas donations for the women and helped refurbish their houses while supervising games and activities for the children. At the Ronald McDonald House, he helped cook dinners for families of terminally ill children. The volunteer also finds himself at the Northwest Complex in north St. Petersburg, where he's helped coach one of the youth baseball teams for the past year. Despite his extensive community involvement, he doesn't consider his outside responsibilities taxing. "Throughout my college career, I've always tried to keep a healthy balance between school and community involvement," he says.

Piccolo covers the majority of his expenses through scholarships, his job as SG president, and his two part-time jobs. His parents pay for the remainder —LH

Contact Piccolo at libertyIn76@aol.com.