Published: Apr 9, 2008
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio called on University of Tampa students to make a
difference in the world when she addressed them at the 2008 Leadership
Awards Night on April 8. Her keynote speech echoed a recurring theme of
the presidential election.
“Sometimes we wonder if we can
really bring about change in this world,” she said. “The story of our
country is all about change.”
Iorio recounted the story of
Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent figurehead of the Civil Rights movement
of the 1960s, whose lifetime of activism and resolve in the face of
adversity made her a symbol of the era. She noted that Hamer was among
many Civil Rights activists who were able to effect great change using
what little gifts and opportunities were afforded to them. Iorio called
on the student leaders in attendance to follow the same model.
“Go out and do something with those qualities,” she said. “You have
before you the opportunity to do so much good in the world. Believe in
yourself and your ability to make life better for others. With all the
talents and gifts you have been blessed with, you can effect positive
change in the world.”
The ceremony, which took place in the
Vaughn Center’s Crescent Club, honored students, campus organizations
and UT staff members who have made a distinguishing contribution to the
UT community in the past year.
With more than 20 different
awards issued to numerous students as well as faculty and staff, the
ceremony highlighted the best among UT’s leaders and their commitment
to volunteer service to the community.
Among the most
prominent of the awards were the Spartan Awards, which were given to 10
UT seniors who have exemplified school spirit, set a high standard of
academic achievement and have been student leaders of distinction.
Spartan Awards were given to:
Caroline Avery, Nicole Craig, Chris Janus, Alison Krause, Erika Hamel,
Alison Mathe, Nicole Murphy, Katie Seamands, Nadya Tilluckdharry and
Hillary Wild.
A collection of awards recognizing students
who have been active in volunteer service projects throughout the year.
These included the Marty Denoff Volunteer Service Award, given to
students Rebecca Palmer and Raina Armbruster; the Student Volunteer of
the Year Award, given to Byron Lee; and the Award for 100-plus hours of
community service, given to Michael Runyon, Katrina Vidal, Tiffany
Swanson, Rebecca Palmer and Raina Armbruster.
Other awards included:
- Dr. J. Richard Piper Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year Award – Dr. Jim Lee
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life – Dr. Martha Serpas
- Outstanding New Organization of the Year – Tampa Ad Council
- Most Improved Organization – Delta Sigma Pi
- Sorority of the Year – Alpha Chi Omega
- Outstanding Small Organization of the Year – H.O.L.A. (Hispanic Organization for Latin Americans)
- Outstanding Large Organization of the Year – PEACE Volunteer Center
- Student Employee of the Year – Erin Gallagher
- Outstanding First-Year Involvement – Bobby Winsler III
- Greek Woman of the Year – Lindsay Brewer
- Student Leader of the Year – Amber Rehman
- Who’s Who Among Students – Christopher Brown, Alison Krause, Alison Mathe, and Tena West