Category: 2014-2015 Honorees

Nearly every 25 Under 25 honoree has learned how to balance work, school, and life responsibilities. Alexandra Bogovic is no an exception. She has earned a 3.80 GPA as a full-time student who works part-time and juggles internships and increasingly responsible campus leadership roles.

Bogovic, who help led USF’s American Marketing Association to silver chapter status, is a well of energy. As a freshman, she helped plan the chapter’s case event with Chevrolet. She later co-directed an AMA campaign to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation amongst college students. Bogovic learned how to lead a project, start to finish, and was later AMAs lead on a partnership to create an awareness campaign for USF Botanical Gardens. Bogovic is now president of AMA, which was named a Top 15 chapter in 2015, besting more than 353 chapters nationally. Continue reading “Alexandra Bogovic, Marketing”

An international student from the African nation of Cameroon, Amanda Atanga has worked tirelessly to get the most out of her American college education.

Contrary to what Atanga says is the perception of education in Africa, she realized university education in the U.S. was about more than getting good grades: being involved outside of the classroom also mattered. Atanga originally attended a small private university in Virginia, where she worked as a student assistant for the school’s International Student Services office and served as treasurer for the international student organization. However, she had always dreamed of earning a degree from a large institution with a well-recognized accounting program. She transferred to USF in 2013, where she joined Alpha Kappa Psi and became a business calculus tutor at USF’s Academic Success Center. Continue reading “Amanda Atanga, Accounting”

Throughout her life, Amber West has filled her time with organizations such as 4-H and the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus. Looking back, she can see she wasn’t only learning about dog shows or proper singing techniques — she was developing  skills in leadership and communication that continue to serve her well.

A servant-leader at heart, West continues to volunteer with those same organizations, hoping to impart some of those same learning opportunities that were so meaningful to her. She is a member of the Hillsborough County 4-H Dog Project Committee and helps plan events, judge dog shows, and lead training seminars. Working with the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus, she used her business acumen to organize nearly three decades’ worth of sheet music into a searchable database. She has also been a worship team leader at Southside Baptist Church for the past three years. Continue reading “Amber West, Accounting”

Coming from a society where the expectation of women is to get married and have a family, Anika Hasan aspired to make a name for herself outside of “Mr. Hasan’s daughter.” At USF, as a senator, an honors student, a committee vice chairwoman, a mentor, and a teaching assistant, she has achieved that goal and many more.

Hasan, a native of Bangladesh, has pursued opportunities at the Muma College of Business that have helped her develop professionally, academically, and personally. She is a teaching assistant for a required business and economic statistics course, where she helps grade papers, deliver lectures, and proctor exams. As a USF Student Government Senator, Hasan is also vice chair of the senate committee for appropriations and audit and a primary voting member of another committee. Both are responsible for budgeting $14.6 million of student funds. She attended USF Day at the Capitol in 2014, when students went to Tallahassee to lobby for USF. Continue reading “Anika Hasan, Finance and Economics”

Ashley Pierson is only a sophomore, but she has already achieved higher levels of involvement than many students do in four years.

As part of her Business Honors Program service project her freshman year, she decided to volunteer with Junior Achievement, a Tampa nonprofit that helps low-income children reach their potential and teaches them economic principles and planning skills. She enjoyed working with the organization so much that she continued even after completing her service requirement. This fall, she recruited more than 70 students from USF to volunteer for Junior Achievement. Pierson says Junior Achievement opened her eyes to the fact that many children don’t see going to college — or even graduating from high school — as a reality. She says she has seen how three hours of time from a college student can change a child’s life. In addition, Pierson recently served as a site leader for a Bulls Service Break to New Orleans. Continue reading “Ashley Pierson, Accounting”

Bethany Dawson works hard to empower others. The Muma Scholar mentors first year students and encourages them to attend professional development events hosted by the highly selective Bulls Business Community. She says the BBC gave her opportunities such as a corporate tour at Deloitte, where she spoke with recruiters who gave her valuable career advice. Additionally, as a member of the Business Honors Program, Dawson was part of a committee to create a Casino Night charity event that raised more than $500 for the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

Dawson has always been passionate about community service. After her father conquered cancer, she participated in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society several times. Through her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, she volunteered at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, handing out medals and pink ribbons to survivors who crossed the finish line. Dawson contributed to her sorority’s annual “Stepping for a Cure” philanthropy event that helped raise more than $20,000 for breast cancer education and awareness. Continue reading “Bethany Dawson, Accounting”

A teenager working at his family’s handbag and diamond stores in Hong Kong might seem like a plot line from an exotic movie, but it was Bharat Tejwani’s life growing up.

The junior finance major, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, was provided with a strong foundation in sales and operations. That foundation has served him well in his business education. After high school, he worked at an import-export firm with operations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, but realized he was capable of achieving more. Hence, Tejwani decided to study at Pasco-Hernando State College and transferred to USF after earning his associate’s degree. Continue reading “Bharat Tejwani, Finance”

One of the most important aspects of college life is what students do beyond the classroom, particularly as it relates to self discovery. That is especially true for economics major Carl “Trey” Steinhoff.  At USF, he began to discover new disciplines. He connected with people who thought differently.  He enjoyed challenging discourses that caused him to rethink his position on hot topics. He joined Free Thinkers at USF, a society that promotes reason and understanding through dialogue. Soon, he found himself exploring the arts and learning to paint.  He joined a student organization that aims to educate people about renewable energy sources. He began to play intramural athletics.

It might sound as if Steinhoff was “trying to find himself” — and perhaps he was. It all came together when he took a creativity and innovation course. He realized he could blend the foundational knowledge that start-ups need with the arts and a free thinkers mindset. He connected with faculty who explained what it takes to turn creative ideas into scalable ventures. Continue reading “Carl “Trey” Steinhoff, Business economics”

Dakota Whaley is naturally inclined to get involved and give back. When she came to USF, Whaley jumped into professional development organizations that helped her develop leadership skills.

As a freshman, Whaley was accepted into the Bulls Business Community and the Business Honors Program. She says the BBC professional development programs helped her think on her feet, be more outgoing, and think analytically. This year, she returned to the BBC as a lead mentor to help motivate this year’s freshman to get involved. She has remained committed to service, co-founding the Random Acts of Kindness student service group in the Business Honors Service Association, part of the Business Honors Program, and helping to lead the soup kitchen volunteer group within the organization. Continue reading “Dakota Whaley, Accounting”

As a student leader helping international students acclimate to USF, Duy Nguyen understands how tough the transition process can be for students coming from other countries, as this is an experience he is very familiar with.

When he started his American journey three years ago, Nguyen says the experience was filled with awe. As a student leader with INTO, the pathway into USF for international students, he recalls that one of his favorite moments was planning a field day for the international students, getting to see remarkable teamwork as citizens from more than seven nationalities worked together to win a race. In over two years as a student leader, Nguyen has mentored more than 50 international students. Continue reading “Duy Nguyen, Management and Marketing with Supply Chain Concentration”

An active member of the invitation only Bulls Business Community and the Business Honors Program, Gabriela Garcia says she did not come to USF to simply get a degree, she came to transform herself into a professional who leaves her mark on the university, and make life better for herself and others in the process.

Garcia credits the BBC’s frequent networking opportunities and improve sessions for her understanding on how to work in a team and what it means to be a professional. A summer abroad experience with the Business Honors Program helped her better understand cultural differences and the importance of cultural literacy in international businesses. But the most important lesson she has learned, she says, is to say “yes” more often. Doing so has led her to leadership positions she never expected to hold. For the USF Residence Hall Association, she was a senator, director of programming, and then president, a position she currently holds. Garcia became a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and now serves as a member of its leadership team. These leadership roles have allowed her to meet the goal she set before she got here: to leave her mark on USF. Continue reading “Gabriela Garcia Ortega, International Business”

Harmelle Davis did not always want to become an accountant. However, when the Bahamian student took business classes in high school and excelled, her teacher encouraged her to enter a competition. As a result, Deloitte named her “Accounting Student of the Year” her senior year.

At USF, the 19-year-old double major has a 4.0 GPA, and she has already been a collegiate intern with Deloitte, serving as junior analyst for an audit of the Social Services Department in Nassau, Bahamas. She says working with the audit team taught her the importance of systems and processes. Davis plans to intern with the Big Four firm again this coming summer and eventually hopes to work in its financial analysis area. Continue reading “Harmelle Davis, Accounting and International Business”

Provost Scholars Program participant John Lindsey likes to challenge himself. Lindsey not only committed to graduate in three years, but plans to do so with honors and as an active and engaged student who does more than just study.

The USF Honors College student and Bulls Business Community resident is part of the Business Honors Program and studied abroad with the honors program in Florence, Italy. Additionally, he is involved in Beta Alpha Psi and four honor societies.

Lindsey, who has a 3.93 USF GPA, will graduate in December with two internships under his belt.  He recently finished an internship with Ernst & Young, working in the Big Four accounting firm’s assurance unit, where he helped with audit procedures, prepared client communications, and tested controls. Last summer, Lindsey served as an intern for Kawasumi Laboratories America, a medical device provider. There, he helped the firm’s controller with accounts receivable, prepared expense statements, and handled cash receipts. Continue reading “John Lindsey, Accounting”

Venezuelan native José Alvarez is determined to become an international investment banker. That decision led him to USF even though, he admits, he knew that it would not be an easy journey.

Alvarez understood the difficulty of becoming an investment banker, so he actively pursued internships each summer. In 2012, he interned with Linio.com.ve, a start-up retailer. In 2013, he participated in a rotational program at Banco Venezolano de Credito. And in 2014, he served as a campus ambassador for Bloomberg LP, introducing the Bloomberg Aptitude Test to USF. Continue reading “José Alvarez, Finance”

While he is proud that he will graduate from USF magna cum laude in just three years, Joseph Marquis wishes he had another year at USF because of the extracurricular opportunities. Marquis has lived in the Bulls Business Community, studied abroad twice, conducted several undergraduate research projects, participated in two internships, co-founded a student organization, led efforts to raise money for cancer research, and served as treasurer of two different student organizations.

The USF Honors College student interned for Kelly Ford’s finance team for a semester in 2012, verifying customer and vehicle data in the firm’s system. A year later, he spent a semester as an intern with Barndollar Financial Services, where he researched investments in asset classes and promoted financial planning seminars. Continue reading “Joseph Marquis, Finance”

Joseph Nestor knows what it means to face adversity. Despite a healthy past, he experienced a lung collapse three times in two months and had half a lung removed in what he sees as a “defining moment.” The lessons he learned from this moment helped him during stressful times as a student and reminded him of the importance of facing adversity head on, cherishing the support of others, remaining calm during times of duress, and building a diverse support network.

Nestor built that network in the Bulls Business Community, the Business Honors Program, and the Honors College. During his junior and senior years, he was a resident assistant, a job that led to service as vice president of the National Residence Hall Honorary Society. Additionally, he took part in on-campus service events through the Bulls Business Community, which led to his participation on a Bulls Service Break trip to aid homeless people in Washington, D.C. Continue reading “Joseph Nestor, General Business”

Joycelyn Alleyne has her eyes set on a prize many students never dream of during their college career: USF’s King O’Neal award. This designation recognizes those who graduate with a perfect GPA. The junior who is double majoring in marketing and management — with a minor in leadership — has yet to earn even an A-minus!

Alleyne says that her quest for this honor is fueled by the knowledge that academic excellence is her passport out of Barbados and into America. The recipient of many scholarships, Alleyne understands that higher education is a luxury that not everyone can afford. Continue reading “Joycelyn Alleyne, Marketing and Management”

Kevin McKeon admits that he initially measured his success as programming director for USF’s Center for Student Involvement, basing satisfaction on attendance levels for events he helped plan on a budget — everything from homecoming balls late-night programing series, where guest counts ranged from 100 to more than 2,700. He unexpectedly learned along the way that he should measure success by focusing on the opportunities to help connect students with their university in a meaningful way. Continue reading “Kevin McKeon, Marketing”

Lauren Alford seizes opportunities that come her way, developing a well-rounded resume while maintaining academic excellence.

In 2014, as a freshman, Alford entered the USF Muma College of Business Elevator Competition, where students give a one-minute pitch to an executive to develop their speaking and interviewing skills. She earned second place in the competition. Not even an accounting major, Alford participated in the regional Deloitte FanTAXtic Case Study Competition after her accounting professor noticed her interest in the course. She gathered research about the specific tax topics that were assigned, and collaborated with her teammates to design a presentation. She has also maintained a 4.0 GPA. Continue reading “Lauren Alford, Marketing”

Marcus Ellis defines resiliency and does not let his obstacles hinder him. When he enrolled in community college after high school, his family could not afford to pay for his classes. He worked as a part-time cashier at Wal-Mart, and was offered a full-time management position. He declined the offer.  His mother, an elementary school teacher, instilled the importance of education in him, so he transferred to USF and majored in accounting to prepare himself for a corporate job in an industry he enjoyed.

At USF, Ellis joined the National Association of Black Accountants, the International Students Association, the Student Advisory Board for the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, and the accounting honor society Beta Alpha Psi. Continue reading “Marcus Ellis, Accounting”

Michael Malanga’s friends sometimes refer to him as an international student because of his unique perspective and distinct accent. Far from overseas, the New Jersey native has excelled as a leader during his three years at USF. He now prepares to transition to his newly elected position as the second most powerful leader on USF’s campus. As student body vice president, Malanga will establish and oversee a $14.5 million budget, hire student government staff and promote the university statewide.

Malanga’s leadership experience at USF began early. He became a Green and Gold Guide his freshman year and credits the experience for his outstanding public speaking skills. Through the Bulls Business Community, the Business Honors Program and its service association, Malanga worked on community service projects with thirty students who raised thousands of dollars for charities such as Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Continue reading “Michael Malanga, Accounting”

Nikolas Alfonso and his father are the first father/son pairs to have ever played for the USF baseball team. But beyond the baseball field, Alfonso’s father was a businessman who introduced him to another field – financial services and investing.

While Alfonso wanted to play baseball in college, he ultimately chose USF because of its business school and finance program. He made it onto the USF Baseball Team as a walk-on, where he plays and practices six times a week, as much time as other students might spend at a part-time job. That same work ethic has assured his success in his business classes, and he made the Dean’s List and the Big East/American Athletic All-Academic team three years in a row and has received scholarships from the business school. Continue reading “Nikolas Alfonso, Finance”

While studying abroad in Qingdao, China, Ryan Gandolfo immersed himself not only in Chinese language but also in the emerging nation’s ancient culture and traditions. Because he had previously lived in Shanghai for two years, his classmates from USF frequently looked to him for help when having trouble during the program. Those experiences shaped his career goals:  he dreams of becoming an influential representative who works to forge strong relationships between the United States and China.

Later, Gandolfo was chosen to participate in the U.S. Japan Council’s Building the TOMODHACHI Generation project, which connects U.S. and Japanese students. This allowed him to collaborate on projects that benefit the Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and present the group’s ideas in front of a panel of judges. Continue reading “Ryan Gandolfo, Economics”

The reasons Colombian native Santiago Iguaran, who will soon be the first person in his family to earn a college degree, came to the United States to study are straightforward.  He wanted opportunities that weren’t available to him in South America and dreamed of providing his parents with a better lifestyle..

When he arrived in America six years ago, Iguaran, then 18 years old, spent hours in the library, teaching himself English, reading textbooks, listening to audiobooks.  After two years, he passed the English proficiency test and began working toward an associate’s degree at  St. Petersburg College.  Even though he had passed the proficiency exam, language barriers proved troublesome.  But he remained focused on his goals and earned an associate’s degree magna cum laude. Continue reading “Santiago Iguaran, Finance”

It can be overwhelming to balance work, school, and family obligations along with social and community service work. Shayda Milani exemplifies what it means to balance these activities proficiently. After two years at USF, Milani applied and was accepted to the University of Southern California’s accounting school and received its highest merit based scholarship. She decided to stay at USF to seek out more opportunities the university has to offer.

Milani feels passionate about culture and had manifold global experiences. She studied abroad at the Florence University of the Arts and traveled to more than 25 cities in Europe. Last summer Milani studied Farsi, the native language of Iran, in the George Washington University’s language immersion program. Continue reading “Shayda Milani, Finance”