VIRES Fall 2020

A Publication of the Florida State University Alumni Association

FALL 2020 Volume 12, Issue 2

Celebrating the Class of 2020

Dance Marathon 25 Years “For the Kids”

Presidential Scholars Karen Laughlin’s Legacy

COVID-19 Florida State’s Response

UNIVERSITY THE MOMENTNEWS

alumni.fsu.edu

VIRTUAL SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) addresses graduates during FSU’s virtual spring commencement ceremony, which was streamed on the university’s website, Facebook and YouTube channels May 2, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the four traditional spring commencement ceremonies held at the end of the spring semester. The virtual ceremony incorporated many of the traditional customs associated with the usual on-campus commencement while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer

FALL 2020 | VIRES 1

VIRES

UNIVERSITY NEWS®

PUBLISHER Julie Decker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelli Gemmer (B.A. ’14, M.S. ’18)

DESIGNERS Jordan Harrison Lindsey Masterson Sierra Thomas

COPY EDITOR Susan Ray (B.A. ’88)

CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Farina (B.S. ’20) Brian Hudgins Kendall McDonald (B.A. ’20) Shannon Turner (B.A. ’20) University Communications

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF alumni.fsu.edu/staff

View VIRES® Online alumni.fsu.edu/vires Contact Us vires@alumni.fsu.edu Submit Class Notes alumni.fsu.edu/class-notes Advertise & Sponsor alumni.fsu.edu/advertise Stay Connected alumni.fsu.edu/social

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Since the last issue of VIRES in February 2020, we could not imagine how the world would change, or how our daily interactions would be altered. From the ramifications of COVID-19 to confronting systemic injustices, 2020 has been a turning point in a myriad of ways. Many times, whether socially or ideologically distanced, it has felt like much separates us. This issue of VIRES comes to you as proof that for us, members of the Seminole family, there is so much good that brings us together.

This spring saw swift and drastic changes for students, especially the Class of 2020.

As the rising hope in a chaotic world, these seniors leaned into the challenges and finished strong – as Seminoles do. In the pages of this VIRES issue, you will find articles that are written by our newest alumni as their first “real world” job. And they were ready, thanks to the invaluable education and experiential learning they received at Florida State University.

Alumni have shown in these last five months that your degree takes you to the highest levels of leadership and service in hospitals, government, schools, businesses, and communities solving the world’s most critical problems and meeting the challenges of the day head-on. Florida State University graduates have stepped up to mentor, provide experiential learning opportunities, host Alumni Webinar Wednesday sessions, and more.

There are many questions yet to be answered on the full impact to our university.

Likely by the time you read this many things will have again changed the course of what we consider a normal fall. What will not change is that we have in common a love for FSU. What does not change is our respect for each other, our desire to see one another succeed, and our pride when we come together in the spirit of being heard and seen.

These are the common things that make the FSU experience so uncommon.

We believe in Florida State and the ability of this beloved institution to transform minds and lives. We know there is nothing like being together with fellow Seminoles recounting our FSU days and fondest memories. Those times will come again. The support of FSU’s alumni and friends are imperative to how fast we recover. Invite a friend to join the Alumni Association. Give to the area of campus you care about most. Hire FSU graduates. And when the time is right, come back to visit us.

Family is forever.

Seminoles Forever,

Julie Decker President & CEO FSU Alumni Association

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

FSU’s three torches represented in Heritage Tower. Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer

VIRES

FALL 2020 Volume 12, Issue 2

®

A biannual publication of the Florida State University Alumni Association. Named after the first torch in the university seal, VIRES represents strength of all kinds: physical, mental and moral.

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Dance Marathon: 25 Years Rebecca Farina (B.S. ’20), community outreach coordinator for FSU’s 2020 Dance Marathon, chronicles the program’s 25-year history.

Presidential Scholars: A Lasting Legacy Kendall McDonald (B.A. ’20), a Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 alumna, reflects on the late Karen Laughlin’s legacy on the program that she pioneered.

FSU Goes Virtual Jalaycia Lewis (B.S.W. ’20), Mark Zeigler (M.S. ’89) and Whitney Powers (B.S. ’09) share their virtual experience during FSU’s new era of remote learning and working.

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University News

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Catching Up With

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ON THE COVER: Ten Questions Row 1 (L-R): Shem Rivera (B.S. ’20),

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Association News

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Seminoles Forever

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Class Notes

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Parting Shot

Kirstyn Sarff (B.S. ’20), Justin Stow (B.S. ’20), Sabrina Mato (B.S. ’20), Toni Galeassi (B.A. ’20), Row 2 (L-R): Megan Lynn Turnage (B.S.N. ’17, D.N.P. ’20), Gary Corwin Shaw (B.S. ’20), Au’Bryanna Clayton (B.S. ’20), Demetrius Winn (B.S. ’20), Meneka Wijesiriwardena (B.S. ’20), Row 3 Natasha De La Cruz (B.S. ’20), (L-R): Kinord Cinord (B.S. ’20), Mirdens Lambert (B.S. ’20), Davilson Alfred (B.S. ’20), Carla Flores (B.S. ’20)

FALL 2020 | VIRES 3

UNIVERSITY NEWS

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

UNIVERSITY NEWS FSU at a Glance

ACC Champs FSU men’s basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton led the Seminoles to their firstever Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship in 2019-2020.

$250.1M IN GRANTS

Photo by Mitch White/FSU Athletics

Top 50 9 Students

EARN U.S. FULBRIGHT AWARDS Nine FSU graduate students and recent alumni will conduct research or teach English abroad during the 2020-2021 academic year as a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

PATENT-PRODUCING UNIVERSITY FSU ranked No. 43 for producing patents in 2019, a jump of 26 places in 2018, according to a new report from the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association.

$438,544

RAISED IN 24 HOURS FSU supporters across the country came together during FSU’s Great Give spearheaded by the FSU Foundation to raise funds for student relief on FSU’s Tallahassee and Panama City campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the more than 2,500 donors, 32% were Alumni Association members who accounted for 48% of the giving total.

FSU researchers received a record level of funding in the 2020 fiscal year, bringing in $250.1 million in grants from federal, state and private sources.

Michael Alford NAMED SEMINOLE BOOSTERS CEO Michael Alford was named the new CEO of Seminole Boosters, succeeding Andy Miller, who headed the organization for 45 years.

news.fsu.edu

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

TOP TOPIC FSU’s Virtual Commencements Florida State holds 2020 virtual commencement ceremonies As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread, Florida State University announced on March 17, 2020, that all academic courses would be delivered online for the remainder of the spring semester. That wouldn’t be the only 6 alumni.fsu.edu

major change, as it became clear a traditional spring commencement ceremony would not be possible.

President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) was disappointed that the class of 2020, including his own granddaughter, would not be able to celebrate as planned. “Seeing students that I have come to know over the years walk across the stage, meeting the loved ones who have supported them on their academic journeys is truly the best part of my job,” he said.

Instead of striding through the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center as university tradition dictates, the class of 2020 convened online on May 2, 2020, as the social distancing

↑ Carlecia Collins (B.S. ’18, M.S. ’20) toasts to her master’s degree with close friends while watching President Thrasher’s commencement speech.

practices necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic continued. Prior to the main commencement, the individual colleges held their own ceremonies via Zoom and video for a more intimate celebration with their students where the names of the graduates were read aloud.

The virtual commencement was streamed on the university’s website, Facebook and YouTube channels. Thrasher, who presided over the ceremony, stood on the stage of an empty

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Alongside him was Mark Zeigler (M.S. ’89), beloved teaching professor in the College of Communication and Information and the ceremony’s commencement speaker.

“We went through a whole ceremony with no feedback, no smiles, no vocal joy…only the idea that we hope it is happening wherever and whenever the graduates choose to watch,” said Zeigler. “We felt somber and hopeful while working on it, really wanting to capture how proud we are and how much each graduate means to FSU.” Zeigler admitted in the ceremony that he was more nervous to give this speech than any other, but those nerves did not show in his heartfelt and inspiring words to the graduates: “Please take this degree and find ways of making the world a better place. Develop the immunization, write the new symphony or novel, teach the new third-grader and counsel

the suffering. And be kind. Always be kind — to everyone — always.”

Social distancing and online learning continued into the summer semester. The summer 2020 commencement ceremony was held virtually on July 31, 2020, with FSU men’s basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton as the commencement speaker. Hamilton recently led the Seminoles to their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship after a thrilling season with an abrupt ending due to the pandemic.

Despite being unable to celebrate under the same roof, graduates are thankful for their time at FSU. “What we should focus on, at least what I’ve told myself to focus on, is the joy that I experienced during the journey,” said Danielle Foster (M.S.W. ’20). Rehka Shivcharran (B.S. ’20) added, “It was just an honor to become a Nole and have my time here, and I feel so blessed and just proud of myself.”

Graduates were recognized in their own unique way whether they held virtual parties with friends and family, drive-by celebrations through their neighborhood, or adorned balloons and banners in front of their homes for all to see. “I was happy to have a small virtual commencement celebration with some of my closest friends to celebrate me achieving one of my goals as a double Nole,” said Carlecia Collins (B.S. ’18, M.S. ’20).

A campus celebration for the spring and summer 2020 graduates will be held at a future date after public health officials determine it is safe to resume large social gatherings. gonol.es/spring20-commencement

↓ Michael Shapiro, College of Music specialist in the arts at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, works behind the scenes during FSU’s virtual spring commencement ceremony. Photo by FSU Photography Services/ Bruce Palmer

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

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CLASS OF 2020 1. Antonio Ortiz (B.A. ’20)

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2. Brenda Pedraza (B.S. ’20) 3. Cynthia Martinez (B.S. ’20) 4. Emily Colpack (B.S. ’20) 5. Evan Reed (B.A. ’20) 6. Fabuola Pierre (B.S. ’20) 4

7.

Jessica Schloth (B.S. ’20)

8. Jewel Breadmore (B.S. ’20) 9. Jorge Gomez (B.S. ’20) 10. J illian Conforti (B.S. ’20), left, and Emma McCarthy (B.S. ’20), right 11. Spencer Nowell (B.S. ’20), left, and Reagan Nowell (B.S. ’20), right 12. Malana Grimes (B.S. ’20) 13. Olivia Hopkins (B.F.A. ’20) 14. Stephanie Azan (B.S. ’20) 15. Stephen C. Newbold, Jr. (B.A. ’06, M.S. ’20) 16. Ty’Drick King (B.S. ’20) 8 alumni.fsu.edu

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

FSU COMMUNITY College of Medicine FSU’s College of Medicine announces Match Day results virtually For the Class of 2020, the traditional Match Day ceremony looked a little different this year. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual on-campus ceremony where medical students are notified about their residency training, was replaced with a virtual event. “Our students continue to match with wonderful programs in Florida and throughout the country,” said College of Medicine Dean John P. Fogarty. “While we were not able to celebrate this outstanding news as one big family the way we traditionally do, we are very proud of what our students have accomplished and believe they are well

Cassidy Haglund

prepared to enter a new and challenging medical landscape.” Follow #FSUMatch2020 on social media to see updates from the members of the Class of 2020 and their friends and family about where they’re headed for residency. gonol.es/fsumatch2020

Campus Recreation FSU Campus Recreation’s virtual classes allow students to be ‘Active Anywhere’ Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, FSU Campus Recreation has allowed students to be “Active Anywhere” by offering a variety of live fitness classes that students can access through their FSU Zoom accounts. Over a dozen classes are currently offered Monday through Friday including high-intensity

↑ Dr. John P. Fogarty, dean of the College of

Medicine, and Dr. Alma Littles, senior associate dean for Medical Education and Academic Affairs, watch the college’s Match Day Ceremony online. Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer

interval training, mat Pilates, yoga and others.

In addition to live classes, their website also includes a library of fitness classes, weekly challenges and other live opportunities to connect with students. Cassidy Haglund, a group fitness instructor and student leader at FSU, was excited to continue teaching her barre classes online. “I love that we have the opportunity to teach classes online,” Haglund said. “It gives students a way to stay active, which works toward the overall wellness, something that Campus Rec is always trying to accomplish. It also helps students stay connected and have a sense of community.” gonol.es/active-anywhere

FALL 2020 | VIRES 11

UNIVERSITY NEWS Career Center FSU Career Center goes virtual with services and resources

↑ Cathy Barrios (B.S. ’16), Career Liaison for the College of Arts & Sciences: English, History, Humanities, Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Religion, assists students and alumni from home during the period of remote working and learning.

Florida State University’s Career Center has continued its focus on providing career services to students, alumni and other members of the FSU community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by offering all of its services and resources virtually. During this online learning period, students have access to services such as virtual career advising, Zoom or phone mock interviews, virtual career fairs, document critiques, and much more.

Employers and alumni have the opportunity to host virtual information sessions, recruit at virtual fairs, become a ProfessioNole Mentor and post opportunities online through NoleNetwork. In addition, ProfessioNole

Ready, The Career Center’s flagship online professional development series, has received national recognition for excellence in the field of career services from one of the industry’s leading organizations. During the online learning period implemented by FSU due to COVID-19, engagement for the program has increased by 173 percent. gonol.es/career-info

College of Nursing FSU nurse anesthesia program alumni work on COVID-19’s front line Alumni of the nurse anesthesia program at FSU’s Panama City campus have felt the call to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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↑ CRNA Laura Ketelsen (M.S. ’19), left, traveled to New York City in April to help treat moderate to severe COVID-19 patients.

As Stacey VanDyke, the program’s director, witnessed the spread of COVID-19 earlier this year and the respiratory distress it causes, she quickly realized that program graduates, certified registered nurse anesthetists, are tailor-made for this environment. Working long hours amid long weeks, there are numerous alumni on the front line, such as Laura Ketelsen (M.S. ’19), who left for New York to put her skills to use just days after her husband returned from a six-month deployment with the Air Force. “This is exactly what I was trained to do,” she said.

FSU has now added a new degree through the College of Applied Studies; the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program will be offered at the Panama City campus beginning in the summer of 2021. gonol.es/crna-covid19

Institute for Justice Research and Development Research center works to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals and their families The Institute for Justice Research and Development (IJRD), a research center housed in FSU’s College of Social Work, works to advance science, practice and policy to improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities impacted by criminal justice system involvement. Even before the renewed national consciousness about racial violence in our nation, IJRD has been at the forefront of addressing racial and economic disparities documented throughout the criminal justice system. The research center is also addressing the impact of COVID-19 on current research participants and ongoing projects. gonol.es/csw-ijrd

↑ Ebrahim Montazeri (M.S. ’19), a graduate assistant at the Innovation Hub, performs finishing refinements on the face shield brackets after they are printed.

Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT Innovation Hub FSU Innovation Hub builds face shields to protect local health care workers in COVID-19 fight The Innovation Hub at Florida State University has become the center of an effort to help outfit health care workers battling COVID-19. Instead of student projects, the printers are cranking out face shields that project organizers are donating to local medical facilities. The face shields consist of a 3D-printed visor made FALL 2020 | VIRES 13

UNIVERSITY NEWS according to a design that has been reviewed by the National Institutes of Health. A transparent plastic sheet attaches to the front of the visor, and a rubber band holds the headgear in place on the wearer. The shields can protect a health care worker’s face from coughs or splashes from potentially infected patients. gonol.es/innovation-hub-shields

College of Music Patricia Flowers steps down as the College of Music’s dean

Patricia Flowers (Ph.D. ’81)

The FSU College of Music hit all the high notes under the leadership of Patricia Flowers (Ph.D. ’81) as dean since 2013. She has stepped down from that position after helping build upon the college’s outstanding reputation for the past seven years. Under her direction, the college has raised more than $26 million dollars and opened 50 new funds for students, faculty, programs and facilities. Those funds have supported the purchase of new instruments for the Marching Chiefs, the creation of the Callaway Courtyard, setting the plan in motion for the new Rockwood organ, as well as numerous music scholarships and special funds to support student learning. Though no longer serving as dean, Flowers has returned to the college’s music education faculty. gonol.es/flowers-leadership

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Libraries FSU Libraries plays crucial role in remote learning Once thought of as a space limited to physical materials and in-person collaborations, Florida State University Libraries quickly pivoted to become a virtual hub for remote learning. With summer courses taught online and its physical locations closed, FSU Libraries has provided electronic resources, online structural support, open education resources, online tutoring and more services. While students always have online access to the extensive collection of books, journals and other media on their website, FSU Libraries has also established partnerships with publishers and vendors to gain temporary online access to various additional resources. For students who prefer physical copies, Strozier and Dirac libraries are offering curbside pick-up for materials. gonol.es/libraries-virtual

Undergraduate Studies Assistant provost expands role as dean of undergraduate studies

Joe O’Shea (B.A. ’08)

Serving as assistant provost since 2016, alumnus Joe O’Shea (B.A. ’08) has been appointed as the new dean of the Division of Undergraduate Studies.

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally McRorie is confident undergraduate students will be in great hands having known O’Shea since his freshman year at FSU. Before earning his bachelor’s degree in 2008, he was

elected as student body president in 2007 and served on the FSU Board of Trustees. O’Shea is a Truman and Rhodes Scholar and went on to receive his graduate degrees from the University of Oxford. In his new role, he will serve as academic dean for most freshmen and sophomores before they’re admitted to an upper-division major which includes overseeing more than a dozen departments and programs. He succeeds Karen Laughlin who passed away in May (see page 63). “The best way I know how to honor Karen is to champion the cause that motivated much of her career: Excellent undergraduate education at FSU, for every student,” O’Shea said. gonol.es/oshea-dean

University Advancement Tom Jennings steps down as VP for University Advancement Tom Jennings – who led FSU’s fundraising, alumni relations, advancement services and real estate activities since 2010 – has stepped down as vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation.

“Tom’s leadership in engaging alumni, donors and friends has been truly vital in elevating Florida State as a top-tier research university,” said FSU President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72). Andy Jhanji, executive vice president of the FSU Foundation, is serving as interim until the university’s national search for the next vice president for University Advancement is complete. gonol.es/jennings

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Theresa Van Lith

ACADEMICS Art Therapy FSU Art Therapy research team awarded NEA grant to study mental health An FSU research team has received a $99,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to study the arts as a proactive mental health strategy for Generation Z. The team, led by Theresa Van Lith, an associate professor in art therapy, will build on its previous research to identify specific factors that help contribute to client change within the mindfulness-based art therapy program. “We are very excited to begin thoroughly examining how art therapy impacts the biological aspects of stress and anxiety in college students, such as sleep and somatic issues, along with outlook and quality of life,” Van Lith said.

She noted that college student stress and anxiety is at an all-time high, and with the impact of this year’s unprecedented events, she expects to see students even more strained by the desire to perform well and live a balanced life. gonol.es/art-therapy-grant

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Michael Shatruk

↑ Ho Yong Chung, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, works with a bio-adhesive during an experiment.

Photo by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Biomedical Engineering FAMU and FSU researchers land $500K NSF grant for bio-adhesive study Florida A&M and Florida State universities are leveraging their unique partnership through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to create more learning opportunities for underrepresented students in engineering while also making improvements to existing

medical applications. Researchers from the college, in collaboration with the FSU College of Medicine, have received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new drug-loadable bio-adhesives, while also creating a new summer research program for engineering undergraduates at the college and local K-12 students in the Tallahassee area. “The project will give underrepresented students exposure to cutting-edge polymer research occurring at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, which we hope will motivate them to careers in biomedical research,” Chung said. gonol.es/bio-adhesive-study

Chemistry FSU chemistry professor teaches the science behind art Inspired by the science behind the history of the color blue, FSU Professor of Chemistry Michael Shatruk teaches students the science behind art in his course called “Chemistry in Art.” Originally an in-person course for the Valencia, Spain campus, Shatruk moved the course online due to COVID-19. In this course geared toward non-science majors, students learn about FALL 2020 | VIRES 17

UNIVERSITY NEWS

of the series, “The Future is Hers,” which recognizes women challenging how art is defined. She is one of 14 women featured in the series, which celebrates the power of women and girls around the world. Zollar is a renowned American dancer and choreographer who teaches in the FSU School of Dance. She is the founder of Urban Bush Women, a Brooklyn-based dance company that highlights stories of disenfranchised communities through dance from the perspective of a Black woman and a member of the African diaspora. Since creating the company in 1984, Zollar has demonstrated the power of performance and cultural expression to organize social change and drive conversation around controversial topics such as racism, sexism, abortion and homelessness. gonol.es/zollar-ford-foundation

Public Health FSU public health professor and students assist with statewide tracking effort Jawole Willa Jo Zollar (M.F.A. ’79)

elements on the periodic table and the relationship between color and light. They also learn how crystalline structures and chemical bonds play a role in ceramics and pottery, and why certain metals are used in jewelry and sculptures. “I try to teach chemistry while looking at different art forms,” Shatruk said. “You want to appreciate both.” gonol.es/chemistry-art

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Dance FSU dance professor recognized by the Ford Foundation Jawole Willa Jo Zollar (M.F.A. ‘79), Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor and Nancy Smith Fichter Professor of Dance, has been recognized by the Ford Foundation as part

Officials from Florida’s COVID-19 task force working to track the spread of the virus have recruited one of Florida State University’s very own. Alan Rowan (B.S. ’88, M.P.A. ’98) is a professor of public health and teaches courses on infectious and chronic disease and epidemiology in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Before lending a hand to the COVID-19 task force, he was the lead epidemiologist for the SARS pandemic for Florida in 2003. Rowan has assembled a team of FSU Master of Public Health students to work alongside him as they track the spread of the disease and collect crucial data to prevent further spread. gonol.es/rowan-tracking

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FALL 2020 | VIRES 19

UNIVERSITY NEWS

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RASHAD GREENE (B.S. ’20) Athlete, father and spring 2020 graduate

S

ix years ago, Rashad Greene — Florida State’s all-time leader in career receptions and receiving yards — was celebrating a national championship in football and heading to the NFL. This past spring, he graduated from FSU with his bachelor’s degree in sport management.

Greene, who spent four years with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, returned to Florida State University in January to complete his undergraduate degree. “I always wanted to get my degree and once time was available for me to finish, I planned to take full advantage being that I only had five classes left,” said Greene, who participated in FSU’s degree completion program that assists former athletes who wish to return to school.

Not only did Greene complete all 15 hours in one semester, but he also finished his major with a 3.25 GPA while being a husband and father. A typical day for Greene was no longer just football and school; he now had to factor in his oldest son’s school schedule and family time in the evenings. “Ever since his days as a player, Rashad has always been a devoted student,” said Kacy King, FSU’s associate athletics director for academics. “He’s worked so hard this last semester and has absolutely earned this degree.”

Though Greene was not able to walk across the stage for commencement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he did celebrate graduation with his family. Greene met his wife, Jasmine (B.S. ’13), at FSU. She received her degree in sociology and owns All About Me Childcare, a Tallahassee daycare center close to FSU’s campus. The couple just welcomed their third son. “The thing I want to show my boys is whatever it is that you want, you’ve got to make sure you put the work in to accomplish it,” he said.

When sports leagues resume, Greene will head to Canada to play football with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders with the hopes of one day coaching at FSU. Read more about Greene’s story: gonol.es/greene-degree FALL 2020 | VIRES 21

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25

Years

Dance Marathon

By Rebecca Farina (B.S. ’20) Community Outreach Coordinator for FSU’s 2020 Dance Marathon

Dance Marathon at FSU, an annual 40-hour event where students raise funds for children in need of specialized pediatric and medical care, celebrated its 25th anniversary March 6-8, 2020.

“For the Kids.” A statement that has echoed across Florida State University’s campus every year for 25 years. For one weekend each year, students and alumni join together for Dance Marathon (DM) at FSU, an annual fundraiser that culminates with a 40-hour event where participants stay awake — and on their feet — to raise money and awareness for children fighting with pediatric illness or injury. This year marked a special anniversary for the studentrun philanthropy who hosted its 25th consecutive event.

Twenty-six years ago, students on Florida State’s campus came together to create one of the founding Dance Marathon programs in the nation. Bryan

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Seaquist (B.S. ’97), a co-founder of DM at FSU, wanted to develop a new activity to bring the campus community together regardless of which organizations students were associated with. At the same time, Seaquist said the Children’s Miracle Network was trying to expand its reach into schools.

In 1996, after a year and a half of planning, DM at FSU held its first event inside Tully Gym. In its first year, DM at FSU raised $19,001.37. Little did the founding leaders know how much of an impact this movement would continue to make on Florida State’s campus for the next 25 years. The main event now takes place in the exhibition hall of the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center and has raised over $14 million for the kids in the community, including $2.2 million in 2019 alone.

Proceeds from the marathon and the related fundraisers are split evenly between the FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, the regional Children’s Miracle Network hospital for FSU.

DM at FSU 2020 total reveal signifying the $1,941,368.54 raised “For the Kids” during the 2019-2020 academic year. Photo courtesy of DM at FSU Creative Development Team

f Left: The inaugural DM at FSU event in Tully Gym. Right: Bryan Seaquist (B.S. ’97), top row second from right, with participants at FSU’s first annual Dance Marathon in 1996.

Photos courtesy of Bryan Seaquist (B.S. ’97)

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The 25th anniversary year officially kicked off in summer 2019 with many renewed traditions and new traditions.

“The 25th year is a really important year for an organization,” said FSU student Kayla Gallagher, external events chair for DM 2020. “That is a moment where you’re saying that this organization might last forever.”

The external events team is responsible for engaging the community in the months leading up to marathon weekend. DM at FSU hosts various events throughout the year including a check presentation at the FSU College of Medicine, a reception hosted by President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) and First Lady Jean Thrasher, fundraising push days, and mini marathons hosted by local middle and high schools.

“We can do so much more if we’re working towards fundraising and growing our movement 52 weeks of the year 24 alumni.fsu.edu

instead of just one and I think it’s super important to keep our organization right in front of them to emphasize the yearlong movement aspect of our organization,” said FSU student Jamison Lake, a community outreach coordinator for DM at FSU. A new initiative created by the executive board for the 25th year was the implementation of the spring engagement campaign, Leave Your Legacy. Student leaders were inspired by the passion that came from Florida Statement, DM at FSU’s official fall fundraising push where students across campus came together to raise $414,594.36 in honor of funding one year for the child life programs at Shands.

“Year 25 offered the unique opportunity to look back at history, which we did for the majority of the year,” said Taylor Williams (B.A. ’20), the executive director of Dance Marathon at FSU 2020. “But towards the end of the year we took a step

forward and said, ‘what’s going to be our lasting impact,’ and I think that’s where Leave Your Legacy stemmed from.”

Leave Your Legacy had no monetary goal. The purpose of the day was to commemorate all the organization accomplished in the prior 24 years and help pave the way for new traditions in years to come. It was an opportunity for students to leave their mark both on campus and within the organization.

The milestone year concluded with the 25th Annual Dance Marathon at Florida State, which took place March 6-8, 2020.

If you walked into the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center that weekend, you might have been going to support the men’s basketball team as they celebrated a victory over Boston College to clinch the ACC Regular-Season Championship. However, just steps down the hall, students were dressed in colorful tutus and wigs, wearing themed outfits, standing on their feet and

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Dance Marathon participants pause for a photo in the 2010 Homecoming Parade.

Circle of Hope Ceremony Participants form around the Miracle Family at the end of DM 2016.

learning new dance moves to fight for the next generation and give the kids of today hope for tomorrow.

The 40-hour event is split into two 20hour shifts, garnet and gold, where dancers commit to being on their feet for 20 hours, standing for those who can’t. Dancers, volunteers, and local community members are entertained by local performing artists and student groups, sponsored theme hour activities, and by meeting local Miracle Families who have been directly affected by the funds raised through events such as DM at FSU. “My goal for the event was to make everything intentional leading up to the marathon,” said Landon Weeks (B.A. ’20), marathon director of DM 2020, speaking to the organization’s longstanding traditions.

“I wanted dancers to be able to see bits and pieces from year 25 and traditions founded in prior years at the event.” Sierra Camuto (B.S. ’20), the marathon experience chair, added,

“It was such a cool thing to see how the organization really emphasized this year that it is so incredible that we’ve been able to do this for 25 years; we really wanted to honor that and lay the foundation for the next 25 years.”

During the first shift known as the garnet shift, which began Friday evening, students heard stories from local Miracle Families and learned a line dance that would be performed every hour on the hour. This shift ended Saturday afternoon and the leadership team had just a few hours to get ready to do it all over again. The second shift, or the gold shift, took place Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Students who attended the event experienced hypnotists, dance groups and workout classes. Dancers were well fed with pancake breakfasts and meals from local Tallahassee sponsors. At the end of the marathon, the Florida State community had raised $1,941,368.54 in total throughout the year, all “For the Kids.”

Dance Marathon Traditions

Circle of Hope: A ceremony at the conclusion of each marathon signifying that while the marathon is over, the fight for the kids is never-ending.

Comma Club: Signifies when a dancer has reached a “comma” in their fundraising (ex: $1,000).

Community Marathons: Events with local high schools to raise funds “For the Kids.”

Florida Statement: DM’s fall fundraising event.

FTKolor: A powder paint party to celebrate all it means to be “For the Kids.”

Gong: Recognized as the heartbeat of the marathon, participants are invited and encouraged to hit the gong each time they raise $100.

Homecoming: A tradition where DM student leaders and Miracle Families walk in the annual homecoming parade.

Line Dance: A 7-minute long dance created by the Morale Team.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 25

A Message From Madison Faller DM 26 Director

Dance Marathon at FSU will host its 26th marathon March 5-7, 2021. In the upcoming year, participants can expect to see a change in how marathon weekend looks. “We notice a lot of our potential participants choose not to participate because they can’t commit to a 20-hour shift with reasons varying from class conflicts or work schedule to being a student athlete,” said Faller. “To target new participants while keeping everyone’s health and wellness in mind, DM at FSU will be restructuring marathon shifts.”

DM at FSU will still have two shifts for its marathon. The “Garnet Experience” will be 10 hours and take place on Friday. The second shift, “Gold Tradition,” will be the traditional length of 20 hours and take place from Saturday to Sunday. “Just as our world is constantly evolving, our student-body is evolving alongside it,” said Faller. “Knowing that we’ve had these two 20-hour shifts for 10 years, I think we have to evolve to what our student body wants. This has already been such a year of change and growth not only for Dance Marathon, but also for our world. I’m excited to see the fruition of our efforts in the year to come.”

Comma Club: Alex Jones (B.S. ’17) poses with the first “Wall of Fame” at DM 2016, an idea that Jones developed to recognize dancers for hitting fundraising milestones known as the Comma Club.

Dancers “take a knee” to show honor and support while a Miracle Family speaks.

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26 alumni.fsu.edu

Dance Marathon f

The recruitment team poses in front of the 25 years of Dance Marathon at FSU Timeline at DM 2020.

Key Historical Moments

1996 – First event is held on Florida State’s campus.

2000 – Name is changed to “Noles4Kids.”

2001 – Fundraising hits 6-digit mark raising a record breaking $107,768.55.

Throughout the years, alumni have played a vital role in the organization. Participants recognize that DM at FSU alumni have paved the way for what the organization is today and serve as a support system to encourage current members to keep fighting. As graduates, alumni can still be involved in the organization whether they were involved for all four years of their collegiate experience or never participated.

For DM at FSU, alumni play an integral role in the movement from fundraising to attending future marathon events as part of the DM Alumni Team. While many alumni enjoy returning to DM at FSU to dance, there are many other ways to get involved if they can’t make the trip back to Tallahassee. Niki Little (B.A. ’18), DM at FSU’s first dancer relations director in 2018, had the opportunity to participate as an alumna in 2019. However, after making a job change this year, she knew she had to support in a new way.

“After developing so many skills while working with Shands, I knew I wanted to give back,” Little said. She now supports the cause by sharing dancers’ fundraising pages and donating to participants’ links such as her sister, who just finished her first year with Dance Marathon in the freshmen leadership program that Niki helped develop just two years prior, the InspiratioNOLE Leaders.

Today, alumni have an even stronger connection through the creation of Team Marshal. Marshal was one of DM at FSU’s Miracle Children who unfortunately lost his battle to osteosarcoma in May 2018. FSU alumna Betsy Fisher (B.S. ’83), Marshal’s mom, thinks of the recognition as an incredible honor. “To me, he’s no longer here physically, just like the alumni who have graduated and left. It’s sort of out of sight, but never out of mind.”

There are also ways to participate through the FSU Alumni Association’s Seminole Clubs® and Chapters. “Partnering with your local Seminole Club® to make dancer care packages is a great way to show your support from afar and let dancers know you’re thinking of them,” said Alex Jones (B.S. ’17), DM at FSU executive director in 2017 and a current board member with the Twin Cities Seminole Club® in Minnesota. “I think it’s important for alumni to continue to look at what our university is doing for the community because it’s something to be really proud of. I think it’s a big deal when students are coming together to raise over $1 million, almost $2 million, For the Kids.”

FSU students are already preparing for DM at FSU’s 26th year despite not being physically on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am so proud of all the work this team has put in so far this year,” said incoming

2003 – FSU College of Medicine’s Pediatric Outreach Program is added as a beneficiary in addition to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

2005 – 10-year anniversary celebrating a decade of miracles.

2006 – Marathon is moved from Tully Gym to the Civic Center.

2010 – Transition from one 32-hour shift to two 20-hour shifts.

2012 – Fundraising surpasses the half million mark in with a grand total of $536,207.62.

2015 – Raises a record-breaking total of $1,100,645.52 surpassing the milliondollar mark.

2018 – Fundraising surpasses the twomillion-dollar mark raising $2.2 million.

2020 – Celebrate 25th anniversary year implementing many new traditions.

2021 – Transition from two 20-hour shifts to one 10-hour shift and one 20-hour shift.

executive director Madison Faller, an FSU senior in the combined B.S./M.S. Elementary Education program. “I am inspired by their bravery to virtually apply and step into their positions during the times we are living in.

No pandemic will stop this team from doing everything we can ‘For the Kids.’”

Learn more about Dance Marathon at FSU, including how to get involved: dmfsu.org FALL 2020 | VIRES 27

Jim and Martha Seneff with the inaugural cohort of the James M. Seneff Scholars.

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TEN QUESTIONS

James M. Seneff (B.S. ’68)

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n fall 2019, the College of Business welcomed its first cohort of top undergraduate business students in an elite honors program named in honor of alumnus James M. Seneff, founder and executive chairman of Orlando-based CNL Financial Group. The James M. Seneff Honors Program was established through a generous gift to the college by the CNL Charitable Foundation. We caught up with the College of Business alumnus to discuss his vision for the program.

1 What led you to create the James M. Seneff Honors Program?

I have been blessed to be able to support a wide range of charitable, civic and education causes for nearly 50 years. The CNL Charitable Foundation, my company’s foundation, and I are now focusing more time, energy and resources on proactive, strategic investments to influence the culture of capitalism through young leaders who will shape our culture and world for generations to come. The program will help the college move to the next level in its ability to attract the brightest students and provide them with an innovative and relevant education.

2 What do you hope Seneff Scholars will accomplish through the honors program?

The Seneff Scholars are remarkably bright and have demonstrated excellence in the pursuit of learning. We want them to go beyond traditional academic thinking as they approach issues and understand how to think horizontally, not just vertically. Through this program, they will strengthen their leadership abilities, develop entrepreneurial skills and forge lifelong professional connections. We want them prepared for whatever comes their way.

3 What do you envision for the future of the James M. Seneff Honors Program? I foresee it developing into a preeminent honors program that top high school students will see as a critical differentiator. Today’s students want more from college than four years of traditional classroom learning. I see our program as one that not only provides a creative, cutting-edge learning environment, but also one that continuously evolves with the demands of industry and society.

4 What do you enjoy most about interacting with the Seneff Scholars?

While many college students strive for academic achievement, our scholars are in search of much more. Spending time with them is personally rewarding but what I find most encouraging is to see their sincere desire to grow in all areas of their lives. Working with them gives me a great deal of optimism for the future.

5 What are two of the most important pieces of advice you can give students who strive to be leaders in their professional and personal lives?

First, expand your mindset beyond business and numbers. Today’s challenges require holistic thinking and openness to different ideas, perspectives and approaches. That is what drives innovation. Second, be grounded,

disciplined and take a long-term perspective in all that you do. Success is driven by philosophically understanding who you are and what you want to achieve, creating a plan to make that happen and then methodically and relentlessly working to bring that vision to life.

6 You are offering this year’s Seneff Scholars an experiential opportunity with CNL. What is your goal for students who participate?

We are offering a consulting project to explore the core tenants in many of the most cited books on business, economics and history. Specifically, we have asked the scholars to consider these concepts and explore how various external factors have impacted these ideas. We hope that by providing this real-world environment project the scholars will better understand how to use creative solutions to solve problems.

In addition to the Seneff Honors Program, you established the James M. Seneff Fund for Preeminence.

Why was it important for you to do this? The fund ensures the college can invest in the things that make a college great. These include enhanced student experiences, fulfilling faculty needs, strengthening existing programs and creating new ones. This discretionary support gives college leaders the flexibility to fund key initiatives that will ensure FSU remains competitive with other leading business schools.

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8 What role did FSU play in preparing you to create and take the helm of your hugely successful business? In my finance classes, I learned about compounding investment returns, which Einstein said was “the eighth wonder of the world.” I learned that in order for compounding to work for you it required protecting the downside and letting the upside take care of itself. I also learned that compound investing is a long-term process which inspired me to create a 50-year business plan that I created shortly after I left FSU. We overestimate what we can do in five years and underestimate what we can do in 50 years.

9 What are your fondest memories at FSU? I came from Indiana so I loved the wonderful weather in Tallahassee as well as night football games. I formed lifelong friendships while there that I still have to this day. I started a business after my sophomore year that I managed until I graduated so I loved going to my business classes to learn what I was supposed to do next in my business.

10 What engenders pride in your alma mater? It has been encouraging to see FSU’s continued focus and commitment to the College of Business, which is essential for the future of business growth in our state. I am impressed with the remarkable rise in national rankings FSU and the College of Business have achieved. These numbers reflect hard work and commitment to be recognized as the preeminent university and college they are.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 29

Members of the inaugural group of Presidential Scholars, from left, Will Boose (B.A. ’18), Olivia Bockler (B.S. ’18), Lindsey Stawowy (B.S. ’19), Ben Pifer (B.S. ’18) and Inam Sakinah (B.S. ’18).

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A Lasting Legacy

By Kendall McDonald (B.A. ’20), Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 Since 2014, the Presidential Scholars program, pioneered by the late Dean Karen Laughlin, has gone beyond academic support to create well-rounded leaders who serve the campus and greater community. A Presidential Scholars alumna reflects on Laughlin’s legacy and the impact the or Indeed, it was program has had on students years one of Laughlin’s and alumni. prior to the relationships with alumni inception of the that allowed her to turn her Presidential Scholars program vision into a reality. She had an existing in 2013, the late Dean Karen Laughlin had a relationship with FSU alumna Linda Lewis vision for a scholarship program that would (B.S. ’65) and her husband Phil. Laughlin identify students who were not only strong shared her visions for the scholarship with academically, but who were also thought them, and together they crafted plans for the leaders and well-rounded individuals with Presidential Scholars program, with Phil and a diversity of ideas and experiences. She was Linda Lewis as the primary donors. “FSU adamant that if FSU was going to strive for was a game changer in my life,” said Linda a preeminent national ranking, it needed a Lewis. “It wasn’t intended that I should go to prestigious scholarship program that would college, but I earned my way through and was attract high-achieving students and encourage the first in my family to get a college degree, them to engage with the university, contribute so FSU opened to me so many opportunities to campus culture, and positively represent I wouldn’t have had otherwise. When Florida State. something happens that is that significant Katherine Cline (B.A. ’00), who was in your life, you want to give back so those Laughlin’s director of development during opportunities can still exist.” the creation of the Presidential Scholars To craft the program, Laughlin and her program, said Laughlin always emphasized colleagues took inspiration from similar the importance of investing in undergraduate programs that existed at other colleges, such success. “She felt that all alumni were as the Jefferson Scholars at the University of undergraduates at some point,” Cline said.

Virginia and the Foundation Fellowship at “She tirelessly fought for undergraduate the University of Georgia; however, it was studies to be at the table, and she was one of important to them to create a program with the first deans to understand the importance its own FSU spirit. “There’s something about of private fundraising…that it was important the FSU spirit we like,” said Craig Filar (M.M. to build relationships with alumni and ’00, Ph.D. ’05), director of the Presidential supporters of the programs.”

Scholars program and the Office of National

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FALL 2020 | VIRES 31

The Presidential Scholars class of 2023 with President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) at the Presidential Scholars Leadership Summit.

Fellowships. “When people come to campus they either get it or they don’t, but when they get it they say, ‘that’s where I need to be.’”

It was also important to Laughlin and Phil and Linda Lewis that the scholarship candidates be evaluated on more than just their written applications. Scholarship finalists are invited to an interview weekend on Florida State’s campus, where they take tours; meet professors, administrators and current Presidential Scholars; and interview in front of a panel. “I think you get a better sense of who they are and not just whether or not they look strong on paper,” said Cline.

“Something that was really fundamental to Presidential Scholars was the global citizens they were beyond making good grades and good test scores.”

32 alumni.fsu.edu

The program’s benefits include institutional scholarship money; a stipend for educational enrichment activities such as international experiences and research projects; automatic entry into the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program; faculty mentoring and leadership training. The program also waives out-of-state tuition for selected students who are not from Florida, which helps the program attract top-tier students from different states and countries.

For some students, Presidential Scholars was the deciding factor in their choice to come to FSU. “It wasn’t just a scholarship in terms of finances, but it was also a program with mentoring, activities, and attention to the community,” said Mae Espinosa (B.S. ’19, B.A. ’19), an alumna from the class of

2019 who now attends Yale Law School.

“I thought, ‘college is a formative time in anyone’s life, and it can’t hurt to have a program where I’m one of 25 students getting this individual attention.’ It was very rewarding, and I got much more out of it than I could’ve imagined.”

Many scholars emphasize the value of the social connections the program provides.

“The program thrives on people with different attitudes, interests and opinions coming together for a common good to help each other,” said Ben Pifer (B.S. ’18), an alumnus from the first class of Presidential Scholars who now attends Pitt School of Medicine.

“Getting used to embracing others’ ideas and opinions early on and coming together to make something bigger than myself — it’s

↑ Linda and Phil Lewis ← Abril Hunter (Presidential Scholars class of 2023) ↓ From left to right: Sophie Rottenberg (B.S. ’18), Amanda Schell (B.S. ’17, M.S. ’18) and William Boose (B.A. ’18), alumni from the inaugural class of Presidential Scholars and co-founders of the Academic Recruitment Organization (ARO).

what you have to do every day in medicine. So having four years of experience — it’s helped me every single day.”

For Amanda Schell (B.S. ’17, M.S. ’18), another alumnus from the program’s inaugural class, this social support was a catalyst for her success as a campus leader. “I would not have been as involved in FSU if not for other Presidential Scholars,” she said. “They brought me into SGA and other organizations where I could be involved. It showed me how capable I was of excelling in multiple areas.” Since graduation, Schell earned a master’s degree in applied statistics at FSU and served as the deputy chief of staff for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. She now works as a data scientist for the federal government.

Schell, William Boose (B.A. ’18) and FALL 2020 | VIRES 33

Darasa Board from left to right: Alexandra Erickson (B.S. ’19), Olivia McConnell (B.S. ’19), Samantha Kunin (B.S. ’19), Molly McQueeney (Presidential Scholars class of 2021) and Margarita Martinez (B.S. ’19).

Sophie Rottenberg (B.S. ’18) — all alumni of the first class of Presidential Scholars — co-founded the Academic Recruitment Organization (ARO) in 2015. ARO, one of the first campus organizations founded

by Presidential Scholars, helps FSU recruit high-performing students from high schools nationwide through student outreach and personal connection. It now has hundreds of student members and has contributed to FSU’s recent rise in national rankings.

Schell said Laughlin’s support was integral to the creation and success of ARO. “She was such a big advocate for us having something innovative we wanted to do and allowing us to experiment,” Schell said. “We were in our early twenties. We thought we knew what we were doing but we really didn’t, so she helped us find our best track.”

The Presidential Scholars program also inspires scholars to push themselves and pursue new opportunities. “It’s pushed me to find the confidence and knowledge in myself to do new things,” said Abril Hunter, a current FSU student and class of 2023 Presidential Scholar. “I never expected myself to do a fellowship my first summer but one day after talking to Craig and another professor in Honors, I decided to talk to the Office of National Fellowships about applying for the Tyson Undergraduate Research Fellowship at Washington University. I applied and 34 alumni.fsu.edu

actually got the fellowship. That’s something I wouldn’t have accomplished without Presidential Scholars pushing me to do it.”

The Presidential Scholars program requires each class to create and implement a public service initiative that serves the Tallahassee community. The scholars in each class have freedom in deciding which issues to address and in creating the service initiative, encouraging them to collaborate to solve an open-ended problem. According to Filar, the nature and design of the project challenges students to grow. “You have a dynamic group of people who are used to doing well because they’re used to following directions, then they get directions that are more nebulous by intention to push them to solve the problem,” Filar said. “It’s learning to navigate the space of excelling and recognizing that when you strive for great things, learning to manage the setbacks is just as important.”

One Presidential Scholars public service initiative led to the creation of Darasa (a Swahili word meaning “classroom”), a nonprofit organization that supports successful resettlement and integration of refugees by providing tutoring to migrant and refugee students. The organization — co-founded

by Samantha Kunin (B.S. ’19) and Olivia McConnell (B.S. ’19) from the Presidential Scholars class of 2019 and current FSU student Molly McQueeney from the

Samantha Kunin (B.S. ’19)

Presidential Scholars class of 2021 — grew out of their group’s public service initiative to become a registered student organization, and eventually a 501(c)(3). Over 200 FSU students are now involved in Darasa, and the organization serves almost every public school in Leon County.

“It re-affirmed that public service is forever ingrained in my lifestyle,” said Kunin, who was recognized as a Rhodes finalist in 2018

→ The first class of Presidential Scholars at the 2018 Senior Scholars graduation brunch. ↘ Dean Karen Laughlin in the 2018 Homecoming Parade.

and now attends law school at Florida State. “I recently discovered an interest in tax law through one of my classes, and I want to find a way to work with low-income families on tax returns and financial solutions.”

According to Filar, the impact of the Presidential Scholars program goes beyond the achievements of the scholars themselves. “Even students who interview but don’t get in are impacting the campus in significant and surprising ways,” he said. “It’s a rising tide. It’s not just the students who are selected, but the idea of what the program says about the caliber of all our students.”

Laughlin’s involvement, advocacy and legacy left a significant impression on the Presidential Scholars program and the campus as a whole. “She had a genuine love and appreciation for the work students were doing,” said Cline. “She felt a lot of pride in helping to create and champion a program that was allowing students to thrive not just in Presidential Scholars, but also undergraduate research; the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE); the FIG program; and the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House.”

Presidential Scholars alumni emphasized Laughlin’s passion and appreciation for students. “Talking to her was like peering into a well of wisdom — you could tell it was deep, but not quite how deep,” said Pifer. “I was writing a rough draft of my personal statement for medical school and I asked if she could look it over, and we went paragraph by paragraph about my points and what I was trying to convey. On multiple occasions sitting and talking with her, not a point stands out that wasn’t fantastic.”

Boose remembered running into Laughlin at the 2019 homecoming game. “It was awesome to catch up with her, and to see that even with me having graduated she was just as interested as always in what I FALL 2020 | VIRES 35

36 alumni.fsu.edu

was up to, and how me and my family were doing. That always impressed me — that she cared about all of her students’ and colleagues’ loved ones.”

Amanda Schell and a few other women from the inaugural class of Presidential Scholars once hosted Laughlin for dinner before they graduated in 2018. “She talked to us for over an hour about her career and what mattered most to her and her hopes for our futures as we graduate,” Schell said. “To have someone so high level in FSU administration talk to us that way was always cherished.”

As the Presidential Scholars program prepares to welcome its seventh class of students in the fall, the program remains in a constant state of growth. The program, which initially accepted 25 students per year, recently expanded to accept 30 per year. Over the years, the program has used feedback from students, faculty and community partners to make collaborative improvements. It has also shifted focus slightly to recognize the importance of discussing setbacks and resilience in an environment that is geared toward achievement.

No matter how the program may change, its environment of support and inspiration for scholars remains constant. “Being surrounded by so many people who are ambitious and have big goals pushes me to dream big,” said Jalisia Goodman, a current FSU student and Presidential Scholar from the class of 2022.

“It’s kept me motivated and looking to the future, because I see what everyone else is doing in this incredible group.”

To learn more about the program and see the full list of past and present Presidential Scholars, visit presidentialscholars.fsu.edu.

Ben Pifer and parents with Karen Laughlin

Jalisia Goodman

Dr. Craig Filar (M.M. ’00, Ph.D. ’05), director of the Presidential Scholars program and the Office of National Fellowships, with Mae Espinosa (B.S. ’19, B.A. ’19) at FSU’s spring 2019 commencement ceremony.

The Presidential Scholars program relies on private funding.

To support the program through a financial gift, visit gonol.es/pres-scholars-gift.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 37

38 alumni.fsu.edu

GOES

FSU

VIRTUAL Illustration by Lindsey Masterson

F

lorida State University began a new chapter in its history Monday, March 23, 2020, when the entire campus moved remote in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In just two weeks, FSU transitioned about 42,000 students, 3,000 faculty and instructors, and 6,500 full-time staff into this new era of remote learning and working.

We asked an FSU student, faculty and staff representative a few questions about their virtual experience.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 39

Student

Jalaycia Lewis (B.S.W. ’20)

Jalaycia Lewis graduated from Florida State in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She served in various leadership roles across the university including 2018-2020 FSU Student Alumni Association president, 2018-2019 Alumni Relations chair with the CARE Leadership Council and 2018-2020 ex-officio with the FSU Student Foundation. Lewis will be returning to FSU in the fall to pursue her graduate degree in the area of macro social work and nonprofit management.

Faculty

Mark Zeigler (M.S. ’89) Mark Zeigler, teaching professor in the College of Communication and Information, has been teaching public speaking to Florida State students for more than 20 years. Zeigler, who was inducted into the FSU Alumni Association’s Circle of Gold in 2014, has announced graduates’ names at FSU commencement ceremonies since 2009. Though graduates’ names were not individually announced during FSU’s Spring 2020 virtual graduation, Zeigler still played an integral role in the ceremony as keynote speaker.

Staff

Whitney Powers (B.S. ’09) Whitney Powers serves as director of alumni programs and outreach at the FSU Alumni Association. She has been managing the Alumni Association’s events since 2010, creating gatherings for FSU alumni all around the world. Powers is a Florida Panhandle native who enjoys all things Florida, especially sunshine, the beach and camping at local state parks with her daughter (FSU class of 2034) and husband.

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Q&A

What were some of the changes you made in your day-to-day routine during this virtual transition?

Jalaycia Lewis: Since the virtual transition was so swift, immediate changes were essential. My routine completely changed to creating an office space at my dining table, establishing times to go outside and bask in the sun, and I even had the opportunity to binge watch Netflix and Hulu shows, without feeling too guilty.

Mark Zeigler: All lectures became Zoom meetings, but we kept it synchronous. My goal was to keep the same schedule even though everyone had left campus and were all over the world. The Fundamentals of Speech course, by nature, requires human interaction.

Whitney Powers: Within a few days my role of wife, mother and professional quickly transformed into newly defined roles. Professionally, I worked with my team to discover our new way of communicating and working with each other through virtual platforms. I empowered my team to think about rebuilding a schedule that prioritized work-life balance. Personally, I realized I too needed to be flexible in my schedule, accepting that each day multi-tasking can look completely different.

What were some challenges you faced in this virtual space?

Jalaycia Lewis: The drastic change in routine increased my anxiety and fear

significantly throughout the transitioning stages; however, my greatest challenge was a lack of motivation. I was drained leading up to graduation and post-grad life has not been easy either. I felt that I had failed even as I celebrated one of the most important days of my life.

Mark Zeigler: The main challenges involved the giving of speeches. We allowed students to upload a tape of their speeches, but other students were required to watch the recordings and give feedback to their classmates.

Many students were very creative with these and some even approached them as “on location” news reports. We also gave them the option of giving the speeches live in their regularly scheduled Zoom small group meetings. None of this would have been possible without the eight absolutely wonderful graduate student teaching assistants (TA) with whom I work in the School of Communication.

Whitney Powers: Before COVID-19, our primary engagement was in person.

For the first time ever, we quickly developed a virtual engagement strategy and best practices. We identified new avenues of engaging with our 367,000 alumni by creating programs such as Webinar Wednesday, Never Miss a Monday workout series and Student Alumni Association Speaker Series. Learning these platforms and implementing our new strategies within weeks of working

remote proved to be a rewarding challenge. Through this experience, we are engaging alumni who we never have before.

Is there anything you learned or gained from the remote experience that will enhance your in-person interactions from now on?

Jalaycia Lewis: This experience has challenged me to draw new connections, analyze my thoughts differently and expand my concept of grace within my relationships. These items have already enhanced my in-person interactions. It is my hope to make lasting changes as I continue to evolve professionally and personally.

Mark Zeigler: What I learned is that I cannot wait to get back into the classroom. In the case of the pandemic, it was fine. But there were so many exchanged messages — from student to student, student to TA, professor to TA, TA to student — about how much we miss each other and how much we miss the in-class experience.

You choose Florida State because of superb undergraduate classroom experiences. When you take those away, FSU changes. It is our strength; it is why many of us choose to be at FSU. Whitney Powers: Through this experience I was able to identify new skill sets within myself and my team. The virtual setting allowed for their strengths to shine in a new way that enhanced our programming. The planner in me

This experience has challenged me to draw new connections, analyze my thoughts differently and expand my concept of grace within my relationships.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 41

Student Focused.

Innovation Driven.

Take the next step in your career with a degree or certificate from the Florida State University College of Education. Online options available.

Start your journey at education.fsu.edu.

42 alumni.fsu.edu

learned that it is OK to feel comfortable with uncertainty. While we won’t always know what is right around the corner, we do know we are in this together.

How did your view of remote learning/working change because of this experience?

Jalaycia Lewis: Leading up to this moment I had never been too fond of online courses. In fact, I have avoided them. This experience has altered my personal view of remote learning/working because I now see it as an additional, efficient tool to be transformed into workplaces and institutions.

Technology and virtual tools are being embraced in a way that we have never seen before.

beginning. This transition, coupled with a virtual commencement, has been difficult. But in unprecedented times, the Seminole family has stepped up and shown what being a part of this family truly means.

Mark Zeigler: I do have a deeper appreciation of FSU students and the university.

We changed everything in a matter of days. We had so many students not missing classes, turning in excellent work, writing and speaking well, and still engaging with each other. What I

learned is that FSU students and faculty are deeply committed to each other, to learning, and to FSU. That is what I learned, that is what I already knew.

Whitney Powers: Some of my fondest memories working in alumni relations is seeing the Seminole family united at an alumni event. The pandemic has taught me how precious in-person engagement is and the importance of human connection. I will always appreciate the spirit of the Florida State family, rain or shine.

Mark Zeigler: My view of remote learning did not change.

It will work in a pinch. It is not the best way to learn communication; it is a way to learn communication.

Whitney Powers: I am pleasantly surprised that this challenge did not slow our team down and provided more space for us to think creatively. We quickly adapted to working remote while learning new technology and virtually enhancing relationships with alumni and friends.

How has this transition allowed you to have a deeper appreciation for Florida State University?

Jalaycia Lewis: During March, I remember allocating a folder in my Outlook account for the email communications we were receiving from administration.

I understood that March was just the

Illustration by Lindsey Masterson

Stay up to date with Florida State’s Fall 2020 plan: fall2020.fsu.edu

FALL 2020 | VIRES 43

ASSOCIATION NEWS

ABOUT

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The FSU Alumni Association serves the university’s more than 367,000 alumni, including our 26,000 members. Your Alumni Association membership helps connect Seminoles all across the country, shape the future through student leadership development, provide scholarships each year, and strengthen alumni programming.

Our programs, events and services do more than bring alumni together to share memories and good times.

They strengthen our university’s traditions and the Seminole spirit that resides in every graduate of Florida State University. Whether an alumnus, friend or fan of FSU, we’re all #SeminolesForever.

Committed to supporting current students and future alumni, the FSU Alumni Association and its volunteers provide student scholarships through its networks, clubs, legacy alumni and Board of Directors. The Association’s most prestigious scholarship, the Alumni Ambassadors program, is funded by gifts to the FSU Alumni Association by current and former members of the National Board of Directors and given to one student each year who demonstrates commitment, vision and potential for lifelong leadership and innovation in their communities and the world.

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1. Abigail Engleman, a doctoral candidate in marine biology and 2019 Ambassadors Award recipient, shares how the scholarship has impacted her this past year: “Receiving the Alumni Ambassador Award was an incredible honor, which escalated my academic and professional success. The prestigious award allowed me to better engage with the FSU Alumni Association, supported the completion of my dissertation research, and funded a trip to present my work at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. The FSU Alumni Association’s kindness and generous support for students at the university highlight our alumni’s dedication to Seminoles’ success.

It is a gratifying reminder that the FSU community supports me, is here for me, and wants to help me achieve my goals. I look forward to continuing this tradition and remaining an active member of the FSU community after I graduate. Upon graduation this fall, I plan to enter a career translating science into large-scale corporate sustainability practices that motivate change and make the world a better place.”

ASSOCIATION NEWS

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ALUMNI PROGRAMMING The Alumni Association hosts events and programs annually to engage alumni around the world and strengthen the Seminole spirit that resides in every FSU graduate. At the onset of social distancing in mid-March, the Association shifted from in-person events to digital engagement opportunities, acknowledging the needs of alumni and friends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

While it is uncertain when the Association can safely resume inperson events, digital events and webinars will continue monthly.

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Stay up to date with future events at gonol.es/events Watch past Webinars at alumni.fsu.edu/webinarresources

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1. Members of the FSU National Black Alumni at the Orlando Alumni Wine Mixer in early February 2020. 2. Alumni Association members at the Orlando Alumni Wine Mixer. 3. The Webinar Wednesday series that launched in April 2020 features alumni from varied professional backgrounds presenting on practical and relevant information related to health and wellness, art therapy, career resources, leading through uncertainty, and more. 4. While gyms were closed across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alumni Association hosted the Facebook Live workout series, Never Miss a Monday, featuring alumni trainers like Bill Fredericks (B.S. ’00, M.S. ’08), owner of Frequencyxp Exercise Physiology, and Maria Whitaker (B.S. ’99, M.B.A. ’02, M.S. ’10), an instructor at Orangetheory Fitness.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 45

ASSOCIATION NEWS

ALUMNI NETWORKS

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Alumni Association, chartered affiliate groups called Alumni Networks serve and represent FSU’s diverse alumni population.

These volunteer-led groups create avenues for alumni to connect with one another based on the mission to sustain each network through meaningful programming, mentoring and scholarships for students while advocating for representation and professional development opportunities.

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THESE SEVEN ALUMNI AFFINITY NETWORKS INCLUDE • Emeritus Alumni Society (EAS) • FSU Asian American Alumni Network • FSU Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Network (HLAN) • FSU National Black Alumni (FSU BA) • FSU Pride Alumni Network • Veterans Alumni Society • Young Alumni Network

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gonol.es/networks 1. Members of FSU BA during the National Black Alumni Summit, which they hosted for the first time in February 2020. This conference brought together 25 colleges and universities across the nation to inform and inspire the work of Black alumni groups, associations and networks. 2. Members of HLAN, which was officially approved at the February 2020 National Board of Directors Meeting, met virtually for their inaugural board retreat in June. 3. In June 2020 during Pride Month, the Alumni Association officially relaunched the FSU Pride Alumni Network led by Network President, Donald Post (B.S. ’07). 4.

In March 2020, EAS implemented a bi-weekly newsletter as a way to connect with its members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The newsletter includes news and resources, a feel-good story of the week and a look into the archives.

46 alumni.fsu.edu

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SEMINOLE CLUBS® AND CHAPTERS

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The Alumni Association’s network of Seminole Clubs® and Chapters unite alumni, friends and fans of FSU in certain geographic areas, fostering a continued bond of collegiate fellowship and connection to Florida State University. Volunteer-driven and alumni-oriented, they offer year-round programming and alumni engagement opportunities throughout the country such as game-watching parties and networking events.

SEMINOLE CLUBS® ALSO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS In 2019-2020, 27 Seminole Clubs® gave 84 students scholarships totaling $104,553.

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Learn more about these scholarship opportunities at gonol.es/clubs-scholarships.

5 1. Members of the Los Angeles Seminole Club on set during Wheel of Fortune’s rival week, which aired Nov. 27, 2019. A member of the club who made it on the show went up against a University of Florida Gator and beat their opponent! 2. The Seminole Club of Broward County, Miami Seminole Club and Palm Beach County Seminole Club with the Florida Panthers ice hockey team for an Alumni Night event in February 2020. 3. The Nashville Seminole Club during their Seminole Service Day where they provided tornado relief in the area on March 7, 2020. 4. The Seminole Club of North Texas help with landscaping and beautifying their local park recreation center as part of their Seminole Service Day on March 7, 2020. 5. Members of the Pinellas Seminole Club make food for their local shelter during their Seminole Service Day on March 6, 2020.

gonol.es/clubs Facebook.com/SeminoleClubs Instagram @seminoleclubs

FALL 2020 | VIRES 47

ASSOCIATION NEWS

STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a student organization that fosters spirit, tradition and pride throughout the university. Comprised of current undergraduate and graduate students, it provides activities and programs that assist its more than 3,000 members in their development as leaders, scholars and future alumni. The FSU Alumni Association supports SAA’s membership, activities and events such as the Homecoming Parade and Court, 100 Days Until Graduation, and Speaker Series.

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SUPPORT SAA

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You can support SAA by signing your student up anytime throughout the year or by sponsoring the Speaker Series or Beat T-shirts. Learn more at gonol.es/saa-sponsorships.

gonol.es/saa Facebook.com/FSUSAA Twitter @FSUSAA Instagram @fsu_saa

3 1. From left, D’Vodrek Ponder, Stephanie Garcia and DiDi Francois at the February 2020 SAA Legacy Forum: A Professional Networking Event with Students. 2. From left, SAA members Ivy Van Dyke, Jasen Louis, Kenneth Cagnolatti, Christelza Janvier and Alice Mathieu at the 2020 Seminole 100 reception recognizing the 100 fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses. 3. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SAA hosted its SAA Speaker Series via Zoom, which included alumni guest speakers speakers Nathan Molina (B.S. ’17), Daniela Wojtalewicz (B.S. ’15) and Derrick Scott II (B.S. ’16).

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Cement Your Place in FS

U HISTORY

Buy a Commemorative BRICK at WESTCOTT PLAZA Visit gonol.es/bricks20 to get started.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 49

ASSOCIATION NEWS FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS The National Board of Directors is the chief governing body of the FSU Alumni Association and represent the interests of the association’s members and constituents. The board is comprised of a group of distinguished alumni and staff who give back to the university with their time and talent, to support Alumni Association initiatives.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee B. Dan Berger (B.S. ‘89), Chair Scott Wiegand (B.M. ’90), Chair-Elect Dazi Lenoir (B.A. ’02, M.S. ’03), Vice Chair Altony Lee III (B.S. ’02), Secretary Jeanne Curtin (B.S. ’92, M.B.A. ’99, J.D. ’01), Treasurer Samuel Ambrose (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’92), Immediate Past Chair Melinda Benton (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’78), At-Large Andy Jhanji, FSU Presidential Designee Julie Decker, Alumni Association President & CEO Kyle R. Doney (B.S. ‘07), Board of Trustees Chair Designee Joshua Tyler (B.S. ’02), At-Large Kevin Adams (B.S. ’94) Les Akers (B.S. ’73) Javi Borges (B.S. ’97) Chris Bosler (B.S. ’83) Cyd Bougae (B.S. ’75) Jeffrey D. Boykins (B.S. ’92, M.S. ’93) Stephen T. Brown (B.S. ’68) Kenneth Cagnolatti

View board member bios at gonol.es/board

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4 Eleanor Connan (B.S. ’63) Staci Cross (B.S. ’04) John M. Crossman (B.S. ’93) Susan Delgado (B.S. ‘91, M.Acc. ‘92) Ashley Folladori (B.S. ’04) Zach Heng (B.S. ’07) Cecil Howard (B.S. ’81) Benjamin McKay (B.S. ’91) Bruce W. McNeilage (B.S. ’88) Jeanne Miller (J.D. ’95) Colleen Dean Miller (B.S. ’02) Rose M. Naff (B.S. ’80) Mahogany Newell (B.S. ’02) Joe Paul (B.S. ’02) Alexander Quince (B.S. ’92) Laura C. Russell (B.S. ’05) Anne Smith (B.S. ’87) Michael Stephens (B.S. ’91) Jessica Washington (B.A. ’04) Charee L. Williams (B.S. ’06) Allisson Yu (B.S. ’00)

1. From right, National Board of Directors Zach Heng, Maura Hayes, Dazi Lenoir and Sam Ambrose participate in the February 2020 Legacy Forum moderated by Young Alumni Network President Herneshia Dukes (B.S. ’08), far left. 2. Florida State Head Football Coach Mike Norvell addresses the National Board of Directors at the February 2020 full board meeting held in Longmire Building’s Beth Moor Lounge. 3.

Members of the National Board of Directors attend the FSU men’s basketball game versus Syracuse, closing out the February 2020 board meeting. 4. Joshua Tyler, left, with student mentee and SAA ambassador, Cannon Randle, at the SAA Legacy Forum held in Dodd Hall’s Heritage Museum.

ASSOCIATION NEWS MEET YOUR 2020-2021 CHAIR OF THE FSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD B. Dan. Berger (B.S. ’89) Alexandria, Virginia B. Dan Berger, president and CEO of National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), brings more than 30 years of government relations and political affairs experience to his post. For 18 consecutive years, he has been listed as one of the most influential lobbyists in Washington D.C. by The Hill newspaper. Berger is a commentator on CNBC, Fox News and CNN, and is quoted regularly in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and numerous financial services publications. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. Berger also serves on the board of directors of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, a conservation organization.

MEET THE NEWEST DIRECTORS OF YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The 13-member governing board for the university Edward E. Burr, Chair Maximo Alvarez Kathryn Ballard William Buzzett Eric Chicken Emily Fleming Duda Jorge Gonzalez Jim W. Henderson Jonathan Levin Craig Mateer Bob Sasser Brent W. Sembler John Thiel

Thank you to the following FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors who concluded their service on the board in June 2020: Mike Griffith (B.S. ’76) Ritesh Gupta (B.S. ’98) Jennifer Guy-Hudson (B.S. ’97) Maura Hayes (B.S. ’82) Clay Ingram (B.S. ’00)

Cyd Bougae (B.S. ’75) West New York, New Jersey

Eleanor Connan (B.S. ’63) Tallahassee, Florida

Ashley Folladori (B.S. ’04) Ponta Verda, Florida

Mahogany Newell (B.S. ’02) Jupiter, Florida

Alexander Quince (B.S. ’92) New York, New York

Michael Stephens (B.S. ’91) Atlanta, Georgia

Max Oligario (B.S. ’99)

Jessica Washington (B.A. ’04) Woodstock, Georgia

FALL 2020 | VIRES 51

#SEMINOLES

FOREVER

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida State alumni across the nation have been finding ways to support their communities. Their unwavering dedication is what makes them #SeminolesForever.

nguez onald and alumnus Daniel Domi fsualumni Professor Ian MacD FSU Innovation Hub to make face (B.S. ’15, M.S. ’18) are using the masks and shields.

by FSU Innovation Hub

ed by Andrew Parker (B.S. ’10) is fsualumni Papa, a company found i community, has since grown and to help older adults in his Miam during COVID-19. Austin L. Burch now helping members in 20 statesoyee at Papa and helped start the (B.S. ’17), right, was the first empl company.

fsualumni Alumna Nico le Hubbard (B.S.N. ’98) captured this viral pho while working on the COV to ID-19 Airway team at Tam pa General Hospital.

by Nicole Hubbard ’18), ’18) and fiancé Michael Abreu (M.S. fsualumni Taylor Englade (M.S. D-19 patients thetists, are helping to treat COVI certified registered nurse anes at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL gonol.es/social

52 alumni.fsu.edu

SHARE YOUR FSU STORY AT

#SeminolesForever

lar former NFL star and Rhodes Scho fsualumni Two-time alumnus, is a fourth-year resident in the Harvard ral Myron Rolle (B.S. ’08, M.D. ’17) Gene etts achus Mass at am Medical School neurosurgery progr Hospital.

Thank You

to Our Newest Life Members The following alumni and friends recently* became Life Members of the FSU Alumni Association. Their support creates opportunities for our students, alumni and members who are and will always be #SeminolesForever.

Find out more about alumni membership: alumni.fsu.edu/join.

Terri S. Aldridge Lawson (B.S. ’99) and Jeffrey G. Lawson (B.S. ’06) Emma Y. Amadeo (B.S. ’81) Damon P. Andrew (Ph.D. ’04) and Tera H. Andrew Ryan L. Baker (B.S. ’05) and Shannon L. Baker (B.S. ’05) Jill M. Bisco (M.S. ’08) Natalie E. Blackwell (B.S. ’00) and Chris Blackwell Michael J. Bosco (B.S. ’94) and Melanie A. Bosco (B.A. ’95) Karen N. Bradley (B.M.E. ’69) Richard H. Brodeur, Jr. (B.S. ’82) and Susan W. Brodeur Richard R. Buck (B.S. ’93) and Margaret E. Buck (B.S. ’92) Carol A. Capanna (M.S. ’76) and Amy J. Young Kelly S. Carlson (B.S. ’91) and James C. Carlson (B.S. ’92) Carlecia S. Collins (B.S. ’18, M.S. ‘20) Eva M. Crooke (B.A. ’04) and James H. Crooke, III (B.S. ’04) Staci L. Cross (B.S. ’04) Phillip T. Crow, Sr. (B.S. ’62) and Muriel J. Crow Rafael S. Del Valle (B.S. ’00) and Nicole Del Valle (B.S. ’02)

Craig A. Dewhurst (B.S. ’91) and Michelle L. Dewhurst Sheldon L. Dodson (B.S ’93) and Katherine L. Dodson (B.S. ’88) Rebekah L. Dorworth (B.S. ’10) Sarah P. Gatewood (B.A. ’04) Jean Harvell Goodin (B.S. ’78) and Gordon A. Goodin Michael Grosh (B.S. ’08) and Daniel C. Grosh (B.S. ’08) Lindsay W. Hager (B.S. ’70) and Alfred B. Hager (B.M. ’68) Kevin J. Hallahan (B.S. ’78) and Mary A. Hallahan Kayla M. Hill (B.S. ’12) Gregory R. Hohman (B.S. ’83) and Yumiko Hohman Kendall I. Holysz (B.M. ’83) and John V. Holysz (B.S. ’83) Samuel L. Johnson, Jr. (B.S. ’85) and Jarrett Johnson Christopher M. Johnson (B.S. ’20) Joseph G. Joyner (B.S. ’77) and Susan S. Joyner (B.S. ’77) Kelly Keith (B.S. ’20) Timothy D. Kerns (B.A. ’65) and Shirley F. Kerns (B.S. ’84) Stephanie A. Lenz (B.A. ’93) and Patrick K. Lenz

Richard H. Mansell, Jr. (B.S. ’71) Justin S. Martin (B.S. ’87) and Niki P. Martin Carley M. Mullen, I Robert J. Murphy, Jr. (B.S. ’91) and Heather A. Murphy (B.S. ’88) Christopher J. Murtha (B.A. ’88) Bryan R. Neil (B.S. ’94) Amy F. Objartel (B.A. ’97) and Jason C. Objartel Max J. Oligario, Jr. (B.S. ’99) and Amy D. Oligario Frances P. Overdyke (B.S. ’74) and Frank Overdyke (B.S. ’72) Genevieve A. Ozark (B.S. ’14) and Damian M. Ozark Sara C. Pankaskie (B.M. ’63) Joseph G. Paul (B.A. ’02) and Placide Paul Cynthia A. Powell (B.S. ’83) and Hannah M. Powell (B.S. ’18) Danielle C. Redmond (M.S. ’14) and Danny Redmond Gina Rico (B.S. ’90) and Paul M. Hromadka (B.S. ’89) Darla D. Samuelsen (B.S. ’02) and Chad L. Samuelsen (B.S. ’02) John S. Schrader (B.S. ’11) and Taylor Schrader

Paul A. Schwindt (B.S. ’89) and Rochelle A. Schwindt Peter J. Scott (B.S. ’87) Kerry A. Shad (B.S. ’85) Ian H. Shiell (B.S. ’00) and Shannon L. Shiell (B.S. ’01) Mary Page W. Slovak (B.S. ’57) and Gerard P. Slovak Linda D. Storey (B.S. ’70) Joanne B. Sullivan (B.S. ’72) Christine Terribile (B.S. ’98) Laura A. Thead (B.S. ’03) Christopher P. Thomson (B.S. ’99) Joshua M. Toman (J.D. ’01) and Savannah R. Toman Martha A. Werner (M.S. ’98) Darren K. Whiddon (B.S. ’94) and Michelle R. Foley (B.S. ’99) Bobbie M. Whiddon (B.S. ’68) Stephen T. Wild (B.S. ’95) and Terra P. Wild N. Tiffany Wilkes (B.S. ’97) Samuel R. Wirth (B.S. ’20) Ronald H. Wisneski (B.S. ’81) and Jonica L. Wisneski (B.S. ’83) Thomas E. Wofford (B.S. ’80) and Lyn E. Wofford (B.S. ’79)

*This list includes individuals who joined the FSU Alumni Association as Life Members between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020.

#SEMINOLES

FOREVER FALL 2020 | VIRES 53

CCLLASSSS NNOOTTESS

Mary Tanzy Nielsen (B.A. ’73) began a new position as associate provost of academic affairs at Dalton State College.

Gail Morgan (B.S. ’74) was elected president of Film Florida, a nonprofit statewide entertainment industry association.

Indicates FSU Alumni Association Life Member Indicates FSU Alumni Association Member

EMERITUS ▼ Mark Hillis H. Britt Landrum Jr. (B.S. ’59, M.S. ’69), founder and former CEO of Pensacola-based LandrumHR and current chairman of the family board of Landrum Human Resource Companies Inc., released a memoir and history of the company, “Working a Better Way: A Fifty Year History of LandrumHR.” Landrum Jr. turned the reins over to his son, H. Britt Landrum III, upon retiring from the company in 2017. Landrum III’s son and Landrum Jr.’s grandson, H. Britt Landrum IV (B.M. ’19), is a fellow Florida State alumnus who graduated with a degree in music.

Mark Hillis (B.S. ’64) was selected to serve on the Seminole Boosters Board of Directors, Big Bend Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees, and Truist Tallahassee Community Board of Advisors.

John T. Foster Jr. (B.S. ’68, M.S. ’71, Ph.D. ’78), professor emeritus at Florida A&M University, wrote several books that correct Florida’s history and prove that Florida’s tourism industry started with H.B. Stowe and abolitionists, not Henry Flagler as historians previously claimed.

1970s

▼ Elizabeth B. Goldsmith

H. Britt Landrum Jr.

Elizabeth B. Goldsmith (B.A. ’71), FSU College of Human Sciences professor emerita, was interviewed at the Florida Historic Capitol and Museum by The Florida Channel for the documentary film titled “Presidents Visiting Florida.”

▼ Ron Risner

▼ Georgiana Fry Vines

Georgiana Fry Vines (B.A. ’61) wrote her first book, “East Tennessee Newsmakers: Where Are They Now?”

54 alumni.fsu.edu

Ron Risner (B.A. ’72, M.B.A. ’83), president of Risner Consulting Group, was elected chairman of the Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame Committee. He also donated 160 Florida landscape paintings to the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.

▼ Terry “Ted” Newton

Terry “Ted” Newton (B.S. ’74, B.S.N. ’80) was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit at Fort Gordon, Georgia, for his contributions to the Army Medical Department both during his 20 years as an officer in the U.S. Army and in the 11 years in the civil service as a nurse epidemiologist in Infection Prevention and Control.

Caroline Alexander (B.A. ’76), FSU’s first female Rhodes Scholar, returned to her alma mater for Classics Week, an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the study of classical antiquity.

Lettie J. Bien (B.S. ’76), retired U.S. Army colonel, was hired as the first defense affairs program coordinator for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is an Iraq War veteran, served 30 years in the Army and Army Reserve, and is a longtime community advocate working with military organizations, soldiers and veterans.

Mary Perrone Davis (B.S.N. ’76), a nurse by profession, published five children’s books: “Mary’s Butterfly Garden,” “Mary and the Fireflies,” “Mary Loves to Sing,” “Mary Visits a Farm,” and “Mary and the Little Lamb.”

Daniel D. Desjardins (B.S. ’77) authored the book “Oscar Wilde and the Art of Lying.”

Philippe Jeck (B.S. ’77), the managing partner of the law firm of Jeck, Harris, Raynor & Jones, was selected to be a member of the corporate board of Jupiter Medical Center.

CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S 1980s

Benjamin Crump (B.S. ’92, J.D. ’95)

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI WRITER: Branko Milanovic (M.A. ’80, M.S. ’80), a Serbian-American economist best known for his work on income distribution and inequality, received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Writing from Florida State University Libraries in conjunction with delivering the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Broad Lecture on International Affairs. This annual award recognizes a living and renowned FSU graduate for a distinguished and influential body of published work.

Branko Milanovic

LIVE! FROM YOUR LIVING ROOM: Anthony “Tony” E. DiResta (J.D. ’82) and his partner Terrance Mason answered the call when the Palm Beach Symphony asked for entertaining, educational and engaging videos for the organization’s community outreach. DiResta on piano and Mason on vocals recorded the video in their living room. Mason was part of the group Rolling Stone and DiResta is familiar with the power of online engagement, serving as general counsel and director of regulatory affairs to the nation’s premiere advertising trade association.

Anthony “Tony” E. DiResta, left, and Terrance Mason

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ttorney Benjamin Crump did not have much evidence to go on when he made a crucial decision – but Florida State University had presented a strong case.

“I had a chance to visit Florida State and I fell in love with the university life,” Crump said. “Then I got a scholarship to Florida State. Coming from humble means, that was just a life-changing moment. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Since then, Crump’s career has placed him in venues where he is building the case. His early interest in personal injury cases is rooted in a broader mission focused on civil rights. A fierce advocate for justice, equality and civil rights, Crump is the attorney for the family of George Floyd – the Minnesota man whose death while in Minneapolis Police Department custody on May 25, 2020, sparked protests nationwide and abroad. He has taken up the George Floyd case, along with the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, to drive a movement toward equality, police reform and justice for communities of color.

This is not Crump’s first high-profile civil rights case. Seven years ago, he represented the family of Trayvon Martin. “A 17-year-old African-American killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer,” Crump said. “That was Trayvon’s life and nobody was putting anything on it. Trayvon’s parents called me along with Daryl Parks (J.D. ’95), a former law partner who also graduated from the FSU College of Law. We were going to say Trayvon Martin’s life matters.”

As Crump combs through particulars of the Floyd case, one stark difference separates it from the Martin case: the videos of Floyd’s arrest and death. Crump cites video technology as “a game changer.”

Fighting for justice on behalf of the marginalized is Crump’s calling. “It really is one of the greatest responsibilities you can take on when the George Floyd family says, ‘Help us achieve justice for George Floyd.’” Crump said.

Read more about Benjamin Crump: alumni.fsu.edu/ben-crump-class-notes

FALL 2020 | VIRES 55

CLASS CLA TES SS NO NOTE S Mark Cecil (B.F.A. ’80), CEO of Dataworks, paddled the Ultimate Florida Challenge, a 1,200mile unsupported kayak expedition race, beginning and ending in Tampa, Florida.

Steven Rothman (B.S. ’81, J.D. ’85), litigation shareholder at Jones Foster, was accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates, the prestigious national association for experienced trial lawyers and judges.

Photo by Chase S. Reynolds

Frank Cuevas (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’93, Ed.D. ’10) was named vice chancellor for student life at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He previously served as assistant and then associate vice chancellor for student life.

Shannon Hartsfield (B.A. ’92, J.D. ’95), executive partner of Holland & Knight’s Tallahassee office, co-authored “HIPAA: A Practical Guide to the Privacy and Security of Health Data, Second Edition.”

▼ Judkin Browning Judkin Browning (B.A. ’96), professor of history at Appalachian State University, co-authored “An Environmental History of the Civil War” with Timothy Silver.

Charles Suhor (Ph.D. ’81) authored “Creativity and Chaos: Reflections on a Decade of Progressive Change in Public Schools, 1967-1977.” The 2020 book describes innovations in K-12 schools during the nation’s turbulent years of social change.

Sheila Bolin (M.S. ’83), CEO of The Regal Swan® Foundation, was named one of the world’s top 31 conservationists in 2020 by the prestigious Indianapolis Prize. ▼ John Crossman

1990s Jeffrey Spiro (B.A. ’90), a nationally recognized school leader and professional developer, became the chief academic officer (assistant superintendent) for the Lee County School District.

John Crossman (B.S. ’93), FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors member, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hallmark Awards Luncheon hosted by the Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® for his work inspiring the next generation by mentoring students and providing exposure and opportunities for diverse students to pursue careers in commercial real estate.

▼ Shannon Carlton Shannon Carlton (B.S. ’96) authored her first book, “Manifest Your Vision with Grace, Gratitude and Growth: Women Entrepreneurs’ Guide to getting unstuck and creating the life you desire using Vision Boards.”

Cheri Husney (B.S. ’93) was named chief marketing and business development officer at Littler, a law firm headquartered in California that focuses on labor and development law.

Martin A. Fitzpatrick (J.D. ’94) was appointed a magistrate judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division. ▼ Kelly O’Keefe Kelly O’Keefe (B.S. ’90, J.D. ’94), outreach chair of the FSU Law School Alumni Board from 2006 to 2009, was featured in the 2020 edition of Florida Trend as an inductee of the magazine’s Florida Legal Elite Hall of Fame.

▼ Lynne M. Whately Lynne M. Whately (M.S. ’96) was promoted to vice president and senior associate at TranSystems, a national engineering and architecture consulting firm. ▼ Reid Rushing

Frank Cuevas

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Reid Rushing (B.S. ’95), president of insurance at Beck Partners, was selected to the Florida Association of Insurance Agents board of directors.

Tara Reynolds (B.A. ’97) was honored with the Florida State University Mary B. Coburn Faculty Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Florida State and the Tallahassee community.

Jammie Treadwell (B.A. ’95), co-owner of Treadwell Farms alongside her father, Glen Treadwell, recently launched a CBD product line after receiving one of the first hemp cultivation licenses issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Gigi Rollini (B.A. ’97, M.P.A ’03, J.D. ’03) was selected as a 2020 honoree for the Tallahassee Community College Women’s History Month celebration, recognized in the 2020 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite, and named one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Super Lawyers magazine.

CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S BLOW US ALL AWAY:

Brandy Stinson (B.S. ’05, M.S.W. ’07)

Montego Glover (B.F.A. ’96) performed with the Chicago Company of “Hamilton” in the role of Angelica Schuyler. She has also headlined Broadway musicals such as “The Color Purple,” “Memphis,” “It Shoulda Been You,” and “Les Misérables.” Her performance in “Memphis” earned her a Tony Award® nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical and winning nominations for both the Outer Critics’ Circle and Drama Desk Awards.

Montego Glover

Kelly Asper (B.S. ’98) co-developed Veraki, a new personal growth app that offers visualizations and vision boarding, mindfulness exercises and selfimprovement tools.

Chrys Egan (Ph.D. ’98) was promoted to associate dean of liberal arts at Salisbury University in Maryland. She earned awards for President’s Diversity, Outstanding Faculty, Alumni Faculty Appreciation, Outstanding Research Mentor, Excellence in Mentoring, and Maryland Top 100 Women awards.

Allison Turnbull (B.S. ’98, J.D. ’01) joined the law firm of Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman P.A. as a shareholder.

Chris Caiaccio (B.S. ’99) joined Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton as counsel on the labor and employment team in the firm’s Atlanta, Georgia, office.

2000s Bradley J. Edwards (J.D. ’01), a trial lawyer specializing in the representation of crime victims and survivors of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits, released the book “Relentless Pursuit: My Fight for the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein” detailing his decade long battle for justice on behalf of Epstein’s survivors.

Samuel Davis Jr. (C.P.M. ’02), general manager and CEO of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, was selected as one of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2020 CEOs of the Year.

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tlanta-based alumna Brandy Stinson’s FSU education prepared her for these tumultuous times. She graduated with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminology and a master’s degree in social work, and between the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks by the Atlanta Police Department, her skills are in need and in demand.

“There has been an increase in people reaching out to me, as well as me reaching out to colleagues and friends who can be an ally,” said Stinson, founder of Stinson Counseling Services and Pearls of Esther Inc. “It’s opening dialogue with people we have known but did not have this conversation.”

Stinson provides mental health counseling in both private and correctional settings.

In addition to her private practice, Stinson is a re-entry specialist in the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, educating veterans who have been incarcerated about housing, employment and mental health resources available.

“I am assigned to most of the prisons in Georgia,” Stinson said. “I go to prisons and also reach out to incarcerated veterans through the mail.”

FSU’s inclusive atmosphere gave Stinson a sturdy foundation for working in Georgia’s urban and rural environments. “FSU taught me how to be open and accepting of dialogue with individuals who come from different backgrounds,” she said. “Having an understanding of how those backgrounds shape beliefs and views is important.”

Stinson’s original goal at FSU was to become an attorney or a forensic psychologist, but over time her interest in counseling and psychology grew. Colleagues informed her that getting a master’s in social work was a viable route to feed that interest. “I doublemajored in psychology and criminology,” Stinson said. “I was having conversations about the justice system. Here I am in 2020. What can my role be helping to make a difference?”

FALL 2020 | VIRES 57

CLASS CLA TES SS NO NOTE S Chima Chikazunga (B.S. ’05) wrote the winning play from the Norman Hall Memorial Playwrights contest, “Echoes of a Lost Son.” Samantha Duke (B.A. ’05) was elected a partner with RumbergerKirk at the firm’s Orlando, Florida, location.

▼ Tamisha Norris

Fadia Patterson (B.S. ’05), a television reporter in New York, won an Associated Press Award and the Medaille College’s Award for Excellence in journalism.

Tamisha Norris (B.S. ’02), lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, served as the chief of information operations at Army South Command in San Antonio, Texas.

Traci Brimhall (B.A. ’03), a creative writing professor at Kansas State University, authored “Contender,” which was published in the Winter 2019-20 issue of Ploughshares, an awardingwinning journal of new writing.

Natasha DeHart (B.S. ’03), founder of BENDT Distilling Co. and one of few female distillery founders and whiskey blenders in the U.S., created the first ever blend of five small batch Texas whiskeys sold throughout Texas.

▼ Bryan L. Paschal Bryan L. Paschal (B.S. ’07), a partner at Rivero Mestre LLP, was recognized as a 2020 On the Rise honoree by the Daily Business Review. He will be honored at the publication’s Professional Excellence Awards event this fall.

2010s ▼ April C. Smith April C. Smith (Ph.D. ’05), president of In Situ Explorers, edited “Thirty Great North Carolina Science Adventures” with assistant editor Sarah J. Carrier.

Tara Travieso (B.S. ’06) published a children’s book, “Billie and the Brilliant Bubble,” that explains social distancing in a fun and cheerful tone. She appeared on “LIVE with Kelly and Ryan” on July 7, 2020.

▼ Keerti Dantuluri

▼ Melissa Gomberg Melissa Gomberg (B.S. ’03) was elected to the partnership at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough.

Adam Kincaid (B.A. ’03) was named one of the American Association of Political Consultants’ 40 Under 40 for 2020.

▼ Kristin Wilson Kristin Wilson (B.S. ’06, M.S. ’19), a teacher at Florida State University Schools, was named a finalist for the 2021 Florida Teacher of the Year.

▼ Andrew Layden ▼ Allison Crume Allison Crume (Ph.D. ’04) was named associate vice president and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida.

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Keerti Dantuluri (B.S. ’10, M.D. ’14) received her Master of Public Health degree from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in epidemiology in May. She will be employed as assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology in Levine’s Children Hospital at Charlotte, North Carolina, this fall.

Andrew Layden (B.S. ’07), a partner at BakerHostetler Bankruptcy and Restructuring Team, was ranked as a Star Associate by Chambers USA for 2020.

▼ Michael Feibus Michael Feibus (B.S. ’10) joined the Houston office of the national law firm, Chamberlain Hrdlicka, as an associate in the Commercial Litigation practice.

CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S James McAllister (B.S. ’06, M.A. ’16)

Michael Grgas (B.S. ’10), senior manager of Launch Vehicle Assembly at SpaceX, was instrumental in the Falcon design.

▼ Jamal J. Myrick Jamal J. Myrick (B.S. ’10) earned his Ed.D. in higher education leadership and earned membership into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Brett Carey (J.D. ’11) was elected a partner with RumbergerKirk at the firm’s Orlando, Florida, location.

▼ Melanie Leitman Melanie Leitman (J.D. ’11), an attorney at Stearns Weaver Miller, was named to the 2020 class of 25 Women You Need to Know by the Tallahassee Democrat.

Lauren Thomas (B.A. ’11), a singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York, released her debut music video and single, “Home is Where You Are.”

J

ames McAllister embraced a leadership role early in life. When he was a child, his parents provided opportunities for him to explore when they visited museums.

He seized them – half the time, he jokingly led the museum tours.

Now McAllister, an FSU history doctoral candidate, handles the collections of the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. He maintains, catalogs, and studies objects and papers housed permanently or on loan. That includes stabilizing objects, bringing in specialists to make repairs or fighting the daily battle to protect objects from temperature, humidity and light. “You have to take a long-term view of these objects,” McAllister said. “Even if you work somewhere for 40 years, you’re only a temporary custodian. The goal is to preserve them for hundreds of years.”

While working full-time, McAllister has completed all his doctoral requirements and is working on his dissertation. His research fields include American history through the Civil War and public history, both of which align with his museum work.

Katherine Mooney, associate professor of history at FSU, is McAllister’s dissertation adviser. “We both work on how regular people were caught up in huge world events, like the Civil War, and figured out what those big changes meant for their lives,” Mooney said.

McAllister’s work examines how former slaves, particularly women, test what “freedom” means in real life by performing actions and activities they were unable to engage in during slavery and asserting historical behaviors that had gone unchecked were actually criminal offenses against human dignity.

The combination of FSU research and museum experience has given McAllister a truly physical connection to the past. “Working in collections means I have the opportunity to handle objects and papers created by people I’ve studied for so long,” McAllister said. “It has been truly rewarding.”

Read more about McAllister: gonol.es/james-mcallister

FALL 2020 | VIRES 59

CLASS CLA TES SS NO NOTE S Charles J. Abrams (J.D. ’12) was elevated to shareholder at global law firm Greenberg Traurig P.A.’s West Palm Beach office.

▼ Pablo Correa

Pablo Correa (B.A. ’12, M.A. ’14, Ph.D. ’18) accepted a new position as the founding director of digital media and communication at the University of Saint Joseph.

Maureen C. Malles (B.A. ’13) joined Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney PLLC in Lexington, Kentucky, as an associate in the firm’s Government and Municipal Law practice group.

MISS MUSIC: Ashia Miller (B.A. ’12) was crowned USOA Ms. Georgia 2020. She received her bachelor’s degree in general music after receiving a full-ride scholarship to FSU for French horn performance. “Ever since my brother also played horn and inspired me to do the same, music has always been at the centerpiece of my life,” said Miller. “As fate would have it, the same nonprofit that paid for my music lessons, I am now a music teacher for them.” She was also crowned Miss Georgia United States 2016 and uses her FSU education in pageants for the talent portion: classical music.

Jonathan Wallace (B.S. ’13), former offensive tackle on the FSU 2013 National Championship football team, became a partner and executive vice president at 925 Partners Insurance Agency based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rose Luzader (B.S. ’15. M.S. ’17) completed the Presidential Management Fellowship while working in Washington, D.C. for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Andrew Ferguson (B.S. ’12) was promoted to associate accountant at James Moore & Company P.L. in the Tallahassee, Florida, office. ▼ Alec Pappas

Jessica M. Icerman (J.D. ’12), a former Leon County assistant county attorney, joined Stearns Weaver Miller firm in Tampa, Florida.

Alec Pappas (B.S. ’15), a doctoral candidate in FSU’s College of Business, created a photobook highlighting Florida State’s campus beauty and architecture. Some of the photos from his book can be found at his website: alecpappas.myportfolio.com.

Megan Bailey (B.A. ’16), associate at Botanical Designs, helped the company launch new segments designed to promote employee well-being and productivity in the transforming workplace through living plant designs.

Lindsey Gregory (B.S. ’17) and Joseph Michael Yuhas (M.Acc. ’17), staff accountants at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., received their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

▼ Ezra Kramer Ezra Kramer (B.A. ’12), adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, joined Foundry Legal, an expansion of Moye White LLP.

Ashia Miller

Evan Grills (B.S. ’17), petty officer third class and aviation survival technician, participated in his first rescue mission saving two fisherman who were stranded at sea after their ship sank in Alaska.

Brianna Biancardi (B.S. ’18), production coordinator at Nickelodeon, was part of the team working on the children’s show “Bubble Guppies,” which was nominated for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

William Fargason (Ph.D. ’19) wrote the 2019 Iowa Poetry Prize winning collection, “Love Song to the Demon-Possessed Pigs of Gadara.”

Maureen C. Malles

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Jonathan Wallace

Sophia Hernandez (B.S. ’19) was named 2019 Anchor of the Year by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.

CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S CHAMPION OF PRIDE:

Lauren “Ren” Borg (B.S. ’15, B.S.N. ’17)

Christian Williams (M.S. ’16) was selected for the Advocate’s Champions of Pride list for 2020. The list spotlights leaders championing the rights of LGBTQ+ and intersectional groups from each state, and Williams was chosen as the selection from Delaware. “So much of who I am as an educator is because FSU and the College of Education’s higher education program gave me the space to learn and lead, in the classroom and doing the work,” Williams said.

W

Christian Williams

2020s DaShawn Dilworth (M.S. ’20) published an article in the Journal of Student Affairs at New York University titled “Elephants in the Room: Examining and Understanding the Black Assembly Line.” The article explores the recruitment effort to hire more Black student affairs professionals at universities and recognizes the underrepresentation of Black employees across campuses.

Sarah Gray (B.S. ’20) was accepted into graduate school at FSU for integrated marketing communication and began an assistantship with the FSU Alumni Association Seminole Clubs team.

Aaron Redda (M.S. ’20) graduated with his master in information technology from FSU and will be continuing his education at the University of South Florida with a concentration in cyber security.

hen Ren Borg battled intense fear, a mentor from Florida State helped her forge a path to New York City.

Borg — a Naples, Florida, native who earned a bachelor’s degree in family and child sciences before she obtained an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing — works as an intensive care unit nurse specializing in neurological and cardiovascular medicine.

A chance to work at New York University’s Langone Health during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a variety of emotions, including fear — fear for her own safety.

“For a moment, I let that fear sit in the front seat and drive,” Borg said. “Almost every individual I spoke with initially was hesitant about my desire to go to New York, except for one person.”

Theresa Winton (B.S.N. ’99, D.N.P. ’12), a faculty member in the FSU College of Nursing, had served as Borg’s professor. “She encouraged me to explore my feelings why I had such a strong desire to explore this opportunity,” Borg said. “She encouraged me that I would make the best decision if I followed my heart.”

Borg’s heart led her to NYU. As employees expressed gratitude that Borg and other nurses had come to help, they “fit-tested” Borg for proper N-95 equipment. Borg’s home unit was the hospital’s basement (formerly the medical school research library) that was repurposed into an intensive care unit. “Prior to entering, you had to gown up with all your personal protective equipment, which you wear during the remainder of your 12-hour shift,” Borg said. “This resulted in pressure ulcers, that I still have on my face today. I found something very beautiful about them. They became my battle wounds and I wear them proudly.”

As each patient required multiple medication infusions, teamwork took on even greater importance. “It was no longer ‘my’ patients,” Borg said. “They became ‘all of our patients.’ That shift is unique and doesn’t happen often. One of the most rewarding things I experienced in New York was a sense of purpose and community.

Absolute strangers became friends in this fight. I would not have been given this opportunity to experience such a life-changing journey without Florida State University.”

FALL 2020 | VIRES 61

CLASS CLA TES SS NO NOTE S I N ME MORI A M of the Baptist Student Union, he received his master of divinity at New Orleans Theological Seminary and served in ministry for 60 years.

In Memoriam | 1960s George M. Camp (M.A. ’62) passed away March 30, 2020, at the age of 81. Camp worked diligently and patiently to improve correctional systems throughout the United States.

CLASS NOTES _ _ _ _ _ _ _ IN ME MO RIAM In Memoriam | 1930s

▼ William “Theo” Proctor, Jr.

Lyman Fletcher (B.A. ’64, J.D. ’69) passed away February 11, 2020, at the age of 78. During his time at FSU in 1968, Fletcher — a veteran, law student and the student body president — led a free speech student effort that resulted in the state of Florida eliminating its in loco parentis regulatory doctrine for the universities.

William “Theo” Proctor Jr. (B.S. ’53) passed away June 15, 2020, at the age of 88. He was chairman of Seminole Boosters. in 1968 and one of the builders of the FSU Athletics program. FSU football was a family tradition for Proctor Jr. and his wife, Leon High School sweetheart Martha Anne Goode. gonol.es/proctor-jr

Kitty Hoffman at a special Emeritus Alumni Society Coffee Chat on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, celebrating her 100th birthday.

Bernhardt “Bud” Leynes Jr. (B.S. ’54, M.S. ’59) passed away July 3, 2020, at the age of 87.

Leynes Jr. earned his bachelor’s degree in math at Florida State in 1954 and then served in the Air Force until 1956. He returned to FSU to earn his master’s degree in geography. ▼ Ann Kendall Ray Ann Kendall Ray (B.A. ’64) passed away March 3, 2020, at the age of 77. She majored in music performance at FSU and lived out her passion for music as an accomplished cellist and musicologist.

Katherine “Kitty” Hoffman (B.S. ’36) passed away July 18, 2020, at the age of 105. Hoffman dedicated over 85 years to the university as a student-athlete-scholar at the Florida State College for Women and later as faculty member, administrator and distinguished alumna. She was a pioneering scholar and chemistry professor at the university during a time when there weren’t many women in high-profile positions in science. In 1996, she received the Bernard F. Sliger Award, the single highest honor given by the FSU Alumni Association.

In Memoriam | 1970s Charles “Chuck” Dabney Jr. (B.S. ’70) passed away March 26, 2020, at the age of 71. He cultivated a lifelong love of classical music at an early age, and was an active member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League.

gonol.es/kitty-hoffman

In Memoriam | 1950s James Kinsey, Sr. (B.S. ’50) passed away May 18, 2020, at the age of 91. He was a member of Florida State’s first varsity football team in 1947.

Jean Kathryn Martin Fernald (B.S. ’52) passed away June 26, 2020, at the age of 88. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and Baptist Student Union at FSU.

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▼ Fredrick “Bill” Chapman Fredrick “Bill” Chapman (B.S. ’56) passed away June 9, 2020, at the age of 85. He attended Chattahoochee High School alongside Sandy D’Alemberte, former FSU president, who were teammates on the school’s football team. After graduating from FSU where he served as president

Kent Portney (Ph.D. ’79) passed away June 13, 2020, at the age of 69. Dr. Portney was a professor at the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service.

In Memoriam | 1980s Tommy K. Johnson (Ed.D. ’83) passed away April 21, 2020, at the age of 83. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and the National Guard,

CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S IN MEMORIAM and had a distinguished career as an educator and administrator with the federal government, local colleges and high schools.

In Memoriam | 1990s Yusra Visser (M.S. ’98, Ph.D. ’03) passed away May 19, 2020, at the age of 45. Throughout life Yusra was seen by many as someone who was ready to make things easy for others and provide comfort to many, without expecting anything in return.

In Memoriam | Faculty/Staff K. Anders Ericsson passed away June 14, 2020, at the age of 72. He was an internationally renowned psychologist who pioneered the concept that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. The Conradi Eminent Scholar and Professor of Psychology spent much of his career studying what makes the world’s top athletes, chess players, musicians and others the best in their fields. gonol.es/anders-ericsson

From left, Karen Laughlin and Kitty Hoffman, co-chair of FSU’s sesquicentennial celebration, lighting the torches on the steps of Westcott on Jan. 24, 2001.

Karen Laughlin passed away May 4, 2020, at the age of 70. Laughlin was an influential, tireless and dedicated educator who, for almost four decades, helped define the very nature of an undergraduate education earned by countless FSU students. For the past 17 years, she led the Division of Undergraduate Studies as dean but also held a tenured position as associate professor of English. As dean, Laughlin focused on boosting retention and completion rates by making sure students were supported and connected to the university. Most recently, she joined President Thrasher to confer more than 5,600 bachelor’s degrees to spring 2020 graduates during FSU’s virtual commencement ceremony. Read more: gonol.es/laughlin

View the full “In Memoriam” list at gonol.es/in-memoriam.

SHARE NEWS WITH THE FSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ▼ James P. “Jim” Jones James P. “Jim” Jones passed away June 20, 2020, at the age of 89. A retired distinguished teaching professor in the Department of History, Jones fascinated generations of Florida State University students with his astonishing knowledge of the American Civil War and World War II. Jones began his teaching career at Florida State in 1957 as a “temporary acting instructor,” and over the next 57 years taught history to more than 21,000 FSU students. gonol.es/jim-jones

You may submit: Career milestones | Publications | Awards/honors | Alumni who have passed away Updates may also be featured in FSU publications and social media channels. Due to space limitations, submission does not guarantee inclusion in VIRES magazine.

To submit news for Class Notes, fill out the online form at alumni.fsu.edu/class-notes or email vires@alumni.fsu.edu.

View Class Notes Stories at gonol.es/class-notes-stories.

FALL 2020 | VIRES 63

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CLASS NO CLASS TES NOTE S

VIRTUAL SUMMER COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Florida State University men’s basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton headlines FSU’s virtual summer commencement ceremony as the keynote speaker. The ceremony was streamed on the university’s website, Facebook and YouTube channels and simulcast locally on 4FSU the evening of July 31, 2020. Hamilton recently completed his 18th season as FSU’s men’s basketball coach, leading the Seminoles to their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship. Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer

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Order your ring today gonol.es/Rings

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