At 6’5”, Stanley Bukowski, a 25-year-old Finance student, was head and shoulders above his fellow students in June at USF’s summer commencement ceremonies. In fact, his height paralleled his achievement — he was the only one out of 2,377 students to be named a King O’Neal Scholar, a title bestowed upon students who complete their USF coursework with a 4.0 GPA.

Presented by the university’s Alumni Association, the King O’Neal Scholar is named after Lucas King and Evelyn O’Neal and is presented at commencement by USF President Judy Genshaft. Bukowski received special individual recognition at commencement as John Harper, Executive Director of the Alumni Association, presented him with a certificate and a medallion of the University seal.

Bukowski is an excellent role model for College of Business students — and students in general. Even in his last semester as he juggled a full course load, a 50-hour workweek, and personal responsibilities, he still managed to come out on top.

Bukowski attributes part of his success to his professors in the College of Business. “Patrick Kelly was one of my favorite professors,” he said, “because he actually enjoyed what he did and he enjoyed helping others learn.” Bukowski appreciated Kelly’s enthusiasm and ability. The scholar also favored Ph.D. candidate Sanjay Kudrimoti, “because of his desire to help students learn the material, both in and out of class.”

Kelly, who has been teaching at USF for two years, wasn’t surprised Bukowski earned the King O’Neal award.
 

Stan Bukowski joins President Judy Genshaft at the recent commencement ceremonies.  Bukowski, a finance major, was the only student to be recognized as a King O’Neal scholar, an honor bestowed upon
those graduating with a 4.0
grade point average.
 

Born in Chicago, Bukowski and his family moved to Clearwater when he was a child. He decided to attend USF because of its location and reputation, saying, “I knew I would receive a good education here.” Bukowski says that he chose finance as his major because he has always been good with numbers and has a keen interest in working with them. Now an intern in the budgeting and forecasting department at Entegra Power Group, LLC., the top-notch student plans to return to school after gathering sufficient business experience. He said, “Hopefully schooling with work experience will enable me to open a successful business in the future.”

When it comes to business, Bukowski encourages students to start gaining experience as soon as possible. “Try obtaining a part-time job or an internship in the field you’re interested in to get any possible experience in the working world,” he advised.