Pictured Above: “I admire how deeply committed (Kunkle) is to her job, school and her friends. She strives to see the good in people no matter what,” Kayla Hopper said.
Courtesy of Savannah Kunkle
By Molly Ryan
From the beginning of Savannah Kunkle’s time at USF St. Petersburg, she knew she desired the community engagement and networking that the Harborside Activities Board (HAB) had to offer.
Kunkle, a senior history major, told The Crow’s Nest that it was former HAB President Noah Miller who encouraged her to join the organization.
“(Miller) was my campus tour guide and suggested that I got involved with HAB as a volunteer,” Kunkle said. “In my freshman year, it was a really great way to meet people and be involved…”
As a major player in student life, HAB calls for students like Kunkle seeking a say in activities and resources that can be offered to fellow Bulls.
“HAB is really just one big family,” Kunkle said. “It’s a really strong team and I’m proud of how we all come together.”
Now as a senior, she is the Director of Traditions and takes on the responsibility of keeping campus-wide legacies alive.
“When I became the Director of Traditions, I immediately loved the role because I was in charge of planning these important events and traditions… because these events… connect us to our legacy at USF as well as to the community as a whole,” Kunkle said. “These are the events that students will really remember.”
A premiere event that Kunkle tasked with managing is Homecoming, as well as its corresponding festivities and events.
“Homecoming week is one of the most important traditions we have on campus and I really wanted to be able to give back to the students and the community here – especially since the community here at USF St. Petersburg is so strong,” Kunkle said.
As a signature starter to the academic year, Homecoming served as a perfect opportunity for Kunkle to show where she shines despite the obstacles put in front of her.
“My parents taught me to be a multi-tasker,” Kunkle said. “That’s really helped in terms of all the things I’ve had to plan — even just in this past week.”
While Homecoming has gone virtual, Kunkle’s efforts to make the event special are not compromised.
“I was able to bring in a fortune teller from California as well as a musician from Maryland – both obviously would not have been able to come had the events been in-person,” Kunkle said.
On top of overseeing this major event, Kunkle balances a history major, an art history minor and is the president of the campus’s photography club.
“Being creative has not only allowed me to come up with original ideas but it has also helped with my art history studies,” Kunkle said. “And being president of the photography club… has helped me to market visually and has given me the opportunity to work alongside the director of design.”
Family and friends recognize Kunkle’s efforts in both her studies and extracurriculars.
“Savannah has always been set apart from others by her level of dedication and determination,” Kunkle’s mother, Angie, said. “She has the ability to achieve absolutely anything she puts her mind to. I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”
Kayla Hopper, Kunkle’s best friend and former roommate, describes her as “extremely intelligent, caring, witty and committed to her passions.”
At home, Kunkle and her family are competitive in fantasy football.
“Some of my best memories with Savannah center around football,” Angie Kunkle said. “In 2017, we were fortunate enough to attend the Pro Bowl practice session when Justin Tucker, who is known to be Savannah’s secret weapon in fantasy football, kicked an impressive 75 yard field goal right in front of us. She reminds us of this amazing moment several times each season.”
Kunkle’s attitude inspires those around her.
“She always looks on the bright side of things,” Hopper said. “That is something that seems to be in short supply these days.”
In the future, Savannah hopes to be able to travel the world – either to study abroad or to see all of the art she’s studied.
“I want to travel to Old Europe and see some of the classical architecture there,” Kunkle said. “One day, I hope to be a museum curator.”
Savannah has always been a creative accomplished person even as a small child. I am so proud of her and also can’t wait to see what her future brings. I’m sure it will be very bright and well deserved.