(Sarasota, FL, May 3, 2004) – A special group of USF Sarasota-Manatee students took a break from final exams on April 30 and were honored at the annual Student Affairs Awards Banquet. Also, in a first for this annual event, the incoming 2004-2005 Student Government Association (SGA) board was inducted following the awards presentation.

“We look forward to our annual banquet when we can acknowledge the outstanding contributions our students make in the community on behalf of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Many of our students fill jobs in the area when they graduate, and we feel confident these students will remain involved in community organizations and public service,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Pamela Doerr.

Fall 2003 awards went to the following: Douglas Carroll, Outstanding Graduate Student; Ann Marie Galle, King O’Neal Scholar; Troy Lim, Golden Bull Award; Vincent Recca, Outstanding Senior; Nancy Williams, Outstanding Service to Education.

Spring 2004 awards went to the following individuals: Darren Gambrell, Student Government Association Image Award; Sandra Rocafort, Helping Hand Award; and Elizabeth Ziegelbauer, Outstanding Organization Member.

The Accounting Society was recognized as the Outstanding Organization. Circle K received an award for Community Involvement. Hugo Mazzoli and Francena Richardson were honored as staff members who made outstanding contributions to students of USF Sarasota-Manatee.

After students, faculty and guests enjoyed a delicious buffet catered by Café of the Arts, and following the awards presentation, Coordinator of Student Affairs presided over the induction ceremony of the 2004-2005 SGA executive board. The new executive board members are: Sean Grasso, president; Darren Gambrell, vice president; Sophia Wu, treasurer; Latrele Barfield, secretary; and Melissa Kojic, senate chair.