Eric Biel, CBCS Graduate Profiled by USF Office of Student Success
Eric Biel, who graduated with distinction from the USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences in May 2013, has been profiled in the USF Provost Office publication, Fulfilling Hopes and Dreams: Stories of Student Success.
"The undergraduate and graduate students profiled demonstrate what can be accomplished when an institution is determined to create and sustain an environment in which expectations are high and students are provided with both the opportunities and the support they need to succeed," wrote Ralph C. Wilcox, PhD., Provost and Executive Vice President in the introduction of the publication.
"Like so many of the students we serve at USF, they are a diverse lot, representing a broad range of interests, backgrounds, and career aspirations. Some are the first in their families to attend college. A number are military veterans. Others have international roots. And several have overcome economic disadvantages, learning or physical disabilities to achieve their goals."
Since his schedule didn't permit him to go to school full-time, Eric participated in many service activities, ranging from his work with the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) in the Department of Child & Family Studies; volunteering on his local elementary schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA), though he has no children; tutoring his fellow students in various courses; and serving as a manager for softball and travel-ball teams. During a hitting practice with his players, Biel suffered an injury that cost him his left eye. His injury did not stop him, and he graduated from Hillsborough Community College only five months later and transferred into USF, where he not only excelled academically while working full-time, but continued volunteering his time – including serving as a faculty advisor for the Skimboarding Club.
“I think it’s absolutely accurate to say that I feel like USF has been an active partner in helping me toward my educational goals,” said Biel in his profile piece. “Everyone here is always trying to make students aware of the opportunities available to them. Everyone is always so positive. I don’t know how much I would have wanted to continue with school without all of that encouragement and support.”
"Few universities in the country have made such a deep institutional commitment to student achievement, a fact reflected by the establishment of USF’s Office of Student Success in 2010 and the ongoing work of the Student Success Council, which helps oversee and coordinate the university’s many initiatives to increase and improve academic resources," said Dr. Wilcox.
To view Eric's profile, download the pdf here.
Visit the USF Office of Student Success for additional information.