A young woman smiling and wearing a black shirt with horizontal stripes.

A Lakewood Ranch High School graduate is making Manatee County proud once again — this time at the University of South Florida.

Reva Gandhi, a standout student in USF’s College of Public Health, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Golden Bull Award, one of the university’s highest honors recognizing students who embody leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Each year, this award celebrates graduates who truly represent the “spirit of USF,” and Reva’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

Driven by a passion for health equity, Reva played a key role in expanding access to care right here in Manatee County. During her internship with the county’s Community Health Program, she helped develop a fiscal reimbursement system and supported the launch of a mobile health clinic — bringing vital services directly to underserved communities.

Her commitment to service continued through her work with the USF BRIDGE Clinic, where she improved operations and patient care by creating a clinic status board that increased efficiency and helped serve more patients. Her innovation earned her the 2025 Patient Impact Award.

On campus, Reva also made her mark through the USF Honors College by producing a live podcast in partnership with the Columbia Restaurant, leading communications efforts, and connecting students through storytelling and global engagement.

A graduate speaking into a microphone Photo Credit: East County Observer

From her roots at Lakewood Ranch High as a Mustangs Ahead student journalist to receiving one of USF’s top honors, Reva Gandhi exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and make a difference. A graduate from the Class of 2022, she is earning a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences and Public Health.

Congratulations, Reva! Your Manatee County community is proud of you and inspired by the impact you continue to make.

This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was published by USF Student Affairs.