Abhimanyu Aggarwal named Ideal Bonaventure Student at St. Bonaventure University for the class of 2012

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Abhimanyu Aggarwal

ST. BONAVENTURE, NY (05/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Abhimanyu Aggarwal of Leesburg, Va., was named an Ideal Bonaventure Student during Commencement Weekend 2012 activities at St. Bonaventure University.

Also recognized as an Ideal Bonaventure Student (female) was Manuela Marin Salcedo of Weston, Fla.

Aggarwal was recognized on Saturday, May 12, at the university's Honors Ceremony and again Sunday, May 13, during St. Bonaventure's 152st Commencement Exercises.

The Ideal Bonaventure Students exemplify the spirit of St. Bonaventure and the ideals of St. Francis through community service and academic excellence. They are selected by a committee that considers nominations from the campus community.

Aggarwal, son of Drs. Rajiv and Madhu Aggarwal of Leesburg, Va., was a member of the Franciscan Health Care Professions Program, graduating with an honors degree in bioinformatics as well as an MBA.

Aggarwal is well recognized across campus as serving on a number of clubs and boards.

A four-year member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Aggarwal started the organization's technology empowerment program, which was charged with installing donated computers in schools in developing countries. He also was on the Student Activities Board for four years, including service as the treasurer, where he managed the financial budget for the organization and assisted in planning events for students.

School of Business faculty member and SIFE adviser Dr. Todd Palmer describes Aggarwal's work ethic among students as "legendary."

Last year, Aggarwal led an effort to place 150 computers in during SIFE's annual Bahamas trip. His work led to the creation of six labs in schools; five of the schools had no computer technology prior to Aggarwal's involvement.

"Whenever a project is brought up, his name is shorthand for the students in terms of getting something done effectively and efficiently," Palmer said.

And that passion is what led Aggarwal to run a successful startup business - processing medical billing - and led to consultations with small businesses and nonprofits to aid in setting up websites. In a recent consulting project with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Aggarwal redesigned the mission society's web presence and aided in rebranding efforts.

"Abhi is prominent in every single area that we hold important at this university – academics, service and spirituality. But it goes beyond this. Abhi is a person who has in his 21 years done more for his community and the world than most of us do in a lifetime. Yet the amazing thing is that Abhi is just getting started," Palmer said.

Aggarwal is a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Pi Mu Epsilon honor societies as well as the professional organizations the American Chemical Society and Mathematical Association of America.

As part of the university's combined degree program, Aggarwal plans to pursue a medical degree at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., this fall.

About the University: Inspired for more than 150 years by the Catholic Franciscan values of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them.