Our hope is that more international students like Alberto want to attend college in America. We will all be better for the experience.

Alberto C. Biojo

2005 Phi Kappa Phi Artist of the Year

At age 17, alone and without financial resources, Alberto Biojo left his family home in Colombia to attend college in America. He considers the move to be a major life accomplishment. We agree, however, looking back on his academic accomplishments, it’s evident that he did not rest upon it.

Upon arriving at Florida State University in 2003, he began working on a double major—Studio Art and Art History—and has maintained a grade point average of 3.8. Consequently, he became a recipient of two grade-based scholarships awarded by FSU’s International Center. His high marks also brought him an invitation to join the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

This rhythm of winning continued. In 2005, Phi Kappa Phi honored him with “Artist of the Year,” an award judged by a panel of faculty. The faculty of the College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance also honored him with its “Faculty Painting Award.” For two consecutive years, he had exhibitions in the Oglesby Union Gallery: “Self existent” and “Subjugation and conception.”

Though English is not his native language, he chaired the publications committee in 2004 for FSU’s Art Students League, which, in addition to publishing a magazine, organizes art shows and hosts special events. Somehow he found the time to join the student’s Art History Association, volunteer at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts as a docent, and assist with the renovation of the bachelor of fine arts’ gallery warehouse, the Red Door Gallery.

Our hope is that more international students like Alberto want to attend college in America. We will all be better for the experience.