Maria Gianfilippo, a Communication and Science Disorders major, received the President’s Humanitarian of the Year award for the College of Communication and Information.  She was recognized for her outstanding leadership and commitment completing 200 hours of community service.

Maria began working with FSU Habitat for Humanity starting her freshman year.  From May 2011 through April 2012, she served as their Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator.  In this role, she communicated weekly with the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator to provide volunteers for various activities, such as home construction.  Maria also developed a tracking system to record about 2,000 service hours completed every semester by over 150 members.

After becoming the President of Habitat for Humanity in May 2012, Maria successfully fundraised $40,000 to build a home for a low income family.  This was the largest amount ever raised for FSU’s Habitat for Humanity.

Over the course of Maria’s presidency, she launched the “Neighborhood Revitalization” program.  This includes volunteers completing yard work outside of the houses of previous habitat owners.  Every holiday season, they offer to help them decorate and put up Christmas lights.

Maria assisted in planning the “Modestep Fundraiser” which was a concert at the Tallahassee night spot, Coliseum, in spring 2013.  She also coordinated several other fundraisers throughout the year.

While completing her undergraduate studies, most of her weekends were spent building homes.  During the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters, Maria consecutively volunteered 15 hours each week.

Maria graduated this spring with her Bachelor’s degree and Magna Cum Laude honors.  In the fall of 2013, she will continue her studies at the School of Communication and Science Disorders by pursuing her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology.