Rick El-Rassy is a Senior at the University of Florida studying Business Administration and Italian.
Having immigrated to the United States from Brazil at a young age, Rick has learned from both personal experience and through the example of his parents that hard work and determination can get you anywhere you want to go in the United States. It is his goal to spread the conservative ideals of limited government, free enterprise, and a strong national defense among his peers. Rick has furthered his understanding of conservative principles and government through internships with the Office of Senator Marco Rubio, the U.S. State Department, and The Heritage Foundation.
Through his involvement on campus as Chairman of the UF College Republicans and as the Chaplain of Pi Kappa Alpha, he has had the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with others on campus that do not normally hear from conservatives. Rick believes that it is important to engage those on both sides of the aisle to demonstrate to them what it truly means to be a conservative, both through conversation and serving the community. He has expanded his reach to students beyond his campus while serving as Treasurer of the Florida Federation of College Republicans.
Rick believes that the mark of a true gentleman is his willingness to serve others and not himself. He could not think of a group of people who illustrate this more than the men and women of the law enforcement community. If chosen as College Gentleman of the Year, Rick would like the donation to go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.