Even though we all walk fast in Vaughn Center going about our day in between classes and meals, I am sure you all have seen this week’s Campus Celebrity, Matthew Hartford, helping others at the Vaughn Information Desk.
Matthew, 20, is a junior coming all the way from Georgetown, Massachusetts to earn a degree in Criminology, and a minor in Government and World Affairs.
What you may not know about Matthew is how involved he is in the UT community. He is currently the Head Resident of the Vaughn Information Desk, President of the UT College Republicans, Vice President of Events for the Diplomats, Vice President of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), Criminology Club member, National Society of Leadership and Success member, Phi Eta Sigma member, and Delta Epsilon Iota member……you could say that he is a busy college student!
As the Head Resident of the Vaughn Information Desk, Matthew oversees a twenty-person staff that works 24/7, that he says he is proud to work with every day. As the President of UT College Republicans, Matthew connects students on the UT campus to political candidates, representatives, campaigns, and networking opportunities. The organization’s most popular event so far this semester was “Never Forget” which honored those who passed away on 9/11 by displaying flags around the campus. As the Vice President of National Residence Hall Honorary, Matthew is accountable of the pillar of recognition, which acknowledges faculty members, maintenance workers, desk and resident assistants, and students “who go above and beyond and are the leaders on our campus.” His responsibility as the Vice President of the UT Diplomats is to coordinate the organization to serve at events to benefit UT and the community as a whole.
Matthew is definitely a leader in his college community and articulates that, “My drive, and some call me a workaholic, stems from the feeling that I get when I know that I am using my time and my life to improve those of others.”
When Matthew has some free time during his busy schedule, he enjoys playing ping pong, cycling, running along Bayshore, and an occasionally taking part in a game of golf. When he is just chilling in his room, Matthew enjoys jamming out to music and singing along to throwbacks.
Before Matthew graduates in 2016, his goal is to climb the Minarets in Plant Hall. He expresses that the Minarets are a symbol of our university and the city of Tampa, and he is sure there is a spectacular view at the top!
Matthew is proud to be UT Spartan and appreciates how the university encourages students to become active members in their community outside of the classroom. Matthew has definitely succeeded in the UT community as he is an active member in multiple organizations on-campus and informs others why he “loves to live and learn” at UT.
If you would like to keep up with Matthew’s busy days, you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @MHthePresident.