17 minute read
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH
Hosted 40+ virtual, in-person and hybrid events
average age of attendees was 35 Developing programming, hosting events and honoring alumni and friends of FSU are integral parts of accomplishing our mission of enriching the lives of the Seminole Family.
1. A Spring Homecoming 2021 webinar lead by University and Heritage Archivist Sandra Varry, on the history of FSU's campus. 2. Young Alumni Network President Herneshia Dukes (B.S. ’08), speaking at TEDxFSU in 2021.
With COVID-19 restrictions limiting in-person events, the programs and outreach team faced the challenging task of reimagining our approach to alumni programming. We received praise from constituents on our wide selection of both entertaining and educational virtual offerings and were grateful to have the ability to recognize notable alumni through our annual award ceremonies that were adapted to virtual and hybrid formats.
Events and Programs
KICK OFF LUNCHEON
For nearly seven decades, the Alumni Association’s Kickoff luncheon has been a much-anticipated event heralding the upcoming FSU Football season. In order to keep the spirit alive amidst the pandemic, in 2020 our programs and outreach team transformed the event into a virtual presentation, while honoring the traditions of previous in-person luncheons. Voice of the Seminoles Gene Deckerhoff served as master of ceremonies and the luncheon included a segment with FSU Head Football Coach, Mike Norvell where he provided a sneak peek into the upcoming football season and star players.
WEBINARS
The Webinar Wednesday series continued to engage alumni by featuring presentations from experts within the university community. These professionals provided viewers with valuable information on timely and relevant topics within their chosen field.
In partnership with Academic Affairs, the Association launched The Three Torches Webinar Series to highlight faculty and alumni from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, FSU Dedman College of Hospitality, and the College of Fine Arts.
VIRTUAL NETWORKING
With few in-person networking opportunities available amidst the pandemic, the Association provided multiple virtual networking opportunities allowing alumni and friends to connect in a digital space. The events featured unique topics such as Networking Responsibly with Alcohol and Virtual Networking Tips.
TEDXFSU
In April 2021 the Alumni Association co-sponsored TEDxFSU, a program encouraging conversation and the sharing of ideas, and hosted the hybrid event in the association’s grand ballroom. The space had a limited capacity of 50 people to allow for social distancing and was live-streamed to all other registrants. The Association was exceedingly proud that Herneshia Dukes (B.S. ’08), Young Alumni Network president, was a chosen speaker at the event.
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH
CLASS OF 2020 CELEBRATION
FSU’s Class of 2020 endured many hardships as their college experience was interrupted by the pandemic. When they graduated in 2020, the commencement celebration took place virtually, but in May 2021, they were invited back to campus to finally celebrate their graduation in person.
To complement the commencement ceremonies, the Alumni Association partnered with the Division of Student Affairs to hold a series of celebrations throughout the weekend. The Alumni Association hosted a happy hour in the Alumni Center Courtyard that was attended by 345 people. The event culminated in a traditional champagne toast to salute the Class of 2020 on becoming official Florida State University Alumni. Making for a sweet ending to a beautiful weekend, on Commencement Day, the Division of Student Affairs hosted Diplomas and Doughnuts, inviting the Class of 2020 and their families to take graduation photos at the iconic Westcott Fountain.
EVENTS SNAPSHOT
HIGHEST EVENT ATTENDANCE 345
Class of 2020 Alumni Happy Hour
7
Webinar Wednesday webinars
3
Three Torches Speaker Series webinars
2
virtual Alumni Networking Hours
2
1. Class of 2020 alumnae toast their accomplishments at the Alumni Happy Hour event on May 21, 2021. 2. A champagne toast in the Alumni Association Courtyard to salute the Class of 2020.
1. Alumni Association President and CEO Julie Decker records a welcome for the virtual Alumni Awards Gala. 2. 2020 Circle of Gold Honoree Christopher Iansiti (B.S. ’92, M.S. ’94) and Georgia Hiller (J.D. ’94) preparing to watch the virtual Alumni Awards Gala with a celebratory bottle of champagne. 3. Freddie Groomes-McLendon (Ph.D. ’72), recipient of the 2020 Bernard F. Sliger Award, holds her medallion. M
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2020 HONOREES:
Jean Accius (B.S. ’02, M.S ’03)
B. Dan Berger (B.S. ’89) Christopher Iansiti (B.S. ’92, M.S. ’94) Karen Laughlin (presented posthumously) Bill Montford (B.S. ’69, M.S. ’71)
Bernard F. Sliger Award
Named for the 10th president of Florida State University, the Bernard F. Sliger Award recognizes a member of the university community who has made a major contribution toward the fulfillment of the mission of Florida State University.
2020 HONOREE: Freddie Groomes-McLendon (Ph.D. ’72)
Awards and Recognitions
THE ALUMNI AWARDS GALA
At the ceremony, the association inducted new members into the Circle of Gold, a prestigious group of individuals who uphold the university traditions through their service and noteworthy achievements, as well as presented the single highest honor given by the association, the Bernard F. Sliger Award.
In the fall of 2020, the second annual Awards Gala was presented virtually to ensure that these distinguished honorees were celebrated.
Circle of Gold Award
The FSU Alumni Association’s Circle of Gold recognizes alumni and friends of the university, who, through their service and achievements, personify the university’s tradition of excellence.
SPRING ALUMNI AWARDS
The inaugural event, in 2021, was presented in a hybrid format. At the ceremony, the FSU Alumni Association recognized the accomplishments of notable alumni, faculty and staff who have secured their place in the history of Florida State University by pushing boundaries and redefining standards within their respective fields.
The Spring Alumni Awards honored the Grads Made Good, Ross Oglesby and Alumni Ambassadors Award Scholarship recipients.
Grads Made Good
The award recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their community or chosen field. The Florida State University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, which originated the program in 1974, joins the FSU Alumni Association to co-present the award.
2021 HONOREES:
Inez Cohen (B.S. ’74)
Bruce McNeilage (B.S. ’88) Neil St. John Rambana (B.A. ‘92, M.A. ’96)
Ross Oglesby Award
The award, which originated in 1973, is given each year by Florida State’s Garnet and Gold Key Leadership Honorary to a faculty or staff member who has, for 10 years or more, exemplified the highest order of integrity, service and commitment to the university and its students.
2021 HONOREE: Leonard Hamilton
The Spring Alumni Awards also honored the recipients of the 2021 FSU Alumni Ambassadors Scholarship, FSU students Madison Fitzpatrick and Chris Hagemeyer.
THE INSPIRE AWARDS
Since 2016, the award has recognized alumnae who have distinguished themselves as leaders within their industry and whose hard work and determination has served as an inspiration to current students and young alumni at Florida State University. The 2021 event was presented virtually and included a panel featuring the award recipients that was moderated by Jacey Hanley, president of the Student Alumni Association.
2020 HONOREES:
Cecelia Bonifay (B.A. ’71, M.S. ’76, J.D. ’85) Marion Hargett (B.S. ’93) Dr. J’Tia Hart (B.S. ’02)
Nan Casper Hillis (B.S. ’76)
From L to R: President John Thrasher (B.S ’65, J.D. ’72) with Grads Made Good honorees Neil St. John Rambana (B.A. ’92, M.A. ’96), Inez Cohen (B.S. ’74) and Bruce McNeilage (B.S. ’88), a member of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors, with Board Chair B. Dan Berger (B.S. ’89) and President and CEO of the FSU Alumni Association Julie Decker.
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH >> STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
““Being a member of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) has been one of the most impactful and enriching experiences of my collegiate career. SAA positions students to create meaningful connections with their peers, our vast alumni network, and the
Seminole Family as a whole. Leading the organization has assisted me in navigating complex decisions regarding my academic and professional career while feeling supported every step of the way.”
Jacey Hanley
2021 SAA President
STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AT A GLANCE 2,445 SAA Members
FOUR YEAR 2,307 ONE YEAR 138 41 student volunteers in leadership roles
Hosted 9 events for members and FSU students
Student Alumni Association
The Student Alumni Association (SAA)’s mission is to foster spirit, tradition, and pride throughout the university. Composed of current undergraduate and graduate students, it provides its members, poised to become accomplished alumni, with activities and programs that promote leadership development, scholarship, and peer engagement.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
SAA leadership developed creative strategies to support its members and build relationships among them during an era of virtual learning and social distancing. In addition to a few in-person events, SAA hosted multiple virtual programs such as a LinkedIn workshop, a resume and cover letter workshop, an etiquette dinner, and a Q&A with alumni. These events provided opportunities for professional development and building connections with alumni to these budding leaders.
SPRING HOMECOMING & HOMECOMING LIVE
In Fall 2020, the University Homecoming Committee made the difficult decision to move all Homecoming programming to Spring 2021. The SAA Executive Board dedicated their Spring semester to crafting a meaningful Homecoming Court experience in a virtual world and planning a “Reverse Homecoming Parade”.
1. Soon-to-be alumni celebrating their accomplishments at the Countdown to Graduation photo station on Landis Green. 2. Students pick up their SAA swag bags full of graduation essentials during the Countdown to Graduation event. 3. From L to R, Hannah Kelsey and Andres Salas, during Homecoming Live at Doak Campbell Stadium, where they were announced as Spring 2021 Homecoming's Chief and Princess.
While the Reverse Parade was canceled due to severe weather, the announcement of Homecoming Chief and Princess at Homecoming Live, held outdoors at Doak Campbell Stadium, was an electrifying experience for the members of the Spring Homecoming Court.
CLASS OF 2021
After a year of virtual learning, the Class of 2021 was able to come back to campus and celebrate their upcoming commencement.
SAA and the Senior Class Council co-hosted Countdown to Graduation in January of 2021. The grab-and-go event on Landis Green provided essential information for students graduating in Spring 2021 and featured snacks, giveaways, and a celebratory Class of 2021 photo station.
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH >> STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
At the SAA Senior Send-Off in April 2021, graduating students were invited to the Alumni Center for sweet treats, a graduation themed photo station and to learn about opportunities for staying connected to FSU after graduation. Representatives from the FSU Career Center, FSU Bookstore, Alumni Networks, Seminole Clubs®, and the Alumni Association were on hand to answer questions and provide resources to the soon-to-be alumni.
Co-hosted with the Division of Student Affairs, SAA kept the FSU Ring Ceremony tradition alive by hosting a festive ring pickup event at Westcott Plaza where students could pose for their first class ring photo and dip their rings in the fountain, a much-loved tradition at FSU.
Student Scholarships and Awards
14 legacy scholars awarded $2,000
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2010, the Legacy Scholarship is available to freshman applicants to encourage them to carry on the legacy of the alumni in their family by attending FSU.
FALL 2020 RECIPIENTS:
Morgan Bentley, The Jim & Carole Smith Family Scholar, Melbourne, FL Bella Bozied, The Jim & Carole Smith Legacy Scholar, Tampa, FL Mark Chin-Lenn, The Yvonne & Stephen Brown Legacy Scholar, West Palm Beach, FL Remington Draney, The Diane Andrews Legacy Scholar, Summerfield, FL Elizabeth Ferguson, The Tri-Eagle Sales Scholar, Winter Park, FL Anna Klostermann, The Tommie Wright Legacy Scholar, Breese, IL Emma Kornatowski, The Ray & Charyl Schroeder Family Scholar, St. Petersburg, FL Abigail Melvin, The Colonel Richard Erickson Legacy Scholar, Ormond Beach, FL Julia Moffa, The Gilbert S. Chandler Legacy Scholar, Coral Springs, FL Emily Orchard, The Chairman’s Scholar, Tampa, FL Kelsey Pemberton, The Joanos Family Legacy Scholar, Largo, FL Ella Rodriguez, The Raymond & Stella Cottrell Seminole Alumni Scholar, Maitland, FL Brayden Rowell, The Charles N. & Donna M. Kauffman Legacy Scholar, Destin, FL Gabrielle Wiggins, The Les and Ruth Akers Legacy Scholar, Temple Terrace, FL
THE ALUMNI AMBASSADOR AWARD
The development of future leaders is a priority of the FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors, which recognizes that leadership is inspired by an outstanding educational experience. To that end, the Board established the Alumni Ambassadors Award. The scholarship offsets recipients’ academic expenses in pursuit of their life-long leadership goals. This year's recipients, Madison Fitzpatrick and Chris Hagemeyer were each awarded $5,000.
Madison Fitzpatrick
Madison is a student in the College of Communication and Information and is working on a combined pathways master’s degree in Communications and Media studies. Additionally, she is captain of the #2 nationally ranked FSU Beach Volleyball team.
Chris Hagemeyer
Chris is a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical sciences. He plans to also pursue an M.D. to increase his capacity to help those affected by cancer. His research focuses on pediatric brain cancer, and he is funded under a grant from the Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation.
CARE SCHOLARSHIP
The FSU Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) contributes to the successful retention and graduation of traditionally underrepresented students who have been disadvantaged by virtue of economic or educational circumstances.
As part of the FSU Alumni Association’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the National Board of Directors approved the First-Generation CARE Scholarship in October 2020. Spearheaded by Board Chair B. Dan Berger, the scholarship will provide funds to CARE students to offset costs associated with advancing their education. “ “I am truly grateful to be a recipient of the prestigious and competitive Alumni Ambassador Scholarship.
This scholarship has not only fueled my ambition of being a leader in my community but has financially supported my research on pediatric brain cancer called DIPG. The impact of this award on my life is a true testament to the unparalleled generosity and involvement of our FSU Alumni community.”
Chris Hagemeyer (B.S. ’21) 2021 Alumni Ambassador Award scholarship recipient
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH >> ALUMNI NETWORKS
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affinity networks 125+ volunteers hold leadership positions on networks’ boards and councils
$22,375 was raised in support of affinity network projects during 2021’s Great Give event. FSU National Black Alumni: $10,135 FSU Black Alumni Scholarship
FSU Pride Alumni Network: $9,330 Supporting Pride on Campus
FSU Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Network: $2,910
FSUBA's Black History Month spotlight post on writer, producer and actress Vanessa Baden-Kelly (B.S. ’08), pictured here accepting her 2019 Daytime Emmy Award for her performance in "Giants".
Alumni Affinity Networks
The FSU Alumni Association is proud to serve and represent our diverse alumni population through our eight alumni affinity networks. These volunteer-led networks create avenues for connection between alumni and the university. The networks support and sustain relationships with their members through meaningful programming, mentoring, scholarships for students, advocating for representation, and professional development opportunities.
The Networks
Emeritus Alumni Society (EAS) | FSU Asian American Alumni Network (FSU AAAN) | FSU Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Network (HLAN) FSU Jewish Alumni Network (JAN) | FSU National Black Alumni (FSU BA) | FSU Pride Alumni Network | Veterans Alumni Society Young Alumni Network
THE YOUNG ALUMNI NETWORK
The Network launched its Young Alumni Webinar Series in October 2020, with a special webinar on mindfulness and meditation. The series included topics such as taxes and financial planning and how to navigate complex relationships through the holidays.
Young Alumni Awards
The event honors alumni under 35 who exemplify outstanding professional and personal development. The incoming class of Notable Noles is recognized and the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Awards are presented during the ceremony. In the Fall of 2020, the event was held virtually, but to continue its customarily celebratory nature, the Programs and Outreach team encouraged at-home watch parties and provided a virtual toolkit with decorative backgrounds and other special touches to ensure a memorable event.
NOTABLE NOLES The designation of Notable Nole is awarded by the FSU Alumni Association to young alumni who have made outstanding achievements and significant contributions to their profession, community, society or the university.
2020 HONOREES:
Alvan Balent (J.D. ’10) | Law Lauren Borg (B.S.N. ’17) | Nursing Michael Burgess (M.S. ’13) | Criminology & Criminal Justice Diego Corzo (B.S. ’12, B.S. ’12) | Business, Communication & Information Qaree Dreher (B.A. ’16, M.A. ’18) | Communication & Information Christherson Jeanty (B.A. ’08, M.S. ’09) | Social Sciences & Public Policy Ryan Kitchens (B.S. ’10, M.A. ’17) | Criminology & Criminal Justice, Social Sciences & Public Policy Robyn Metcalf (B.S.W. ’13, M.P.A. ’15, M.S.W. ’15) | Social Work, Social Sciences & Public Policy Jesse O’Shea (B.S. ’11, M.D. ’15) | Arts & Sciences, Medicine Jonathan Putney (B.S. ’07) | Criminology & Criminal Justice Kristine Ramos (B.S. ’08) | Engineering Alexander Ronzino (B.S. ’16) | Business Breonni Sawyer (B.S. ’14) | Business Zhiqiang Shu, Ph.D (M.B.A. ’16, PhD ’17) | Business, Arts & Sciences Erin Simmons (B.S. ’08, M.S. ’11) | Arts & Sciences Larry Weru (B.A. ’14, B.S. ’14) | Fine Arts, Art & Sciences Antwan D. Williams (B.S. ’12) | Business Charee Williams (B.S. ’06) | Business
REUBIN O’D. ASKEW YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD The Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon young alumni by the FSU Alumni Association. We are proud to highlight our best and brightest young alumni, who continue Governor Askew’s legacy of outstanding accomplishments built on a solid education from Florida State University.
2020 HONOREES:
Michael Burgess | Ryan Kitchens | Kristine Ramos | Charee Williams
FSU ASIAN AMERICAN ALUMNI NETWORK
The FSU Asian American Alumni Network hosted two virtual events to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May of 2021. In celebration, they held a virtual networking event and a panel discussion that included highly accomplished Asian American Alumni in conversation about the lack of diversity in the workplace.
PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH >> ALUMNI NETWORKS
FSU PRIDE ALUMNI NETWORK
The network hosted Pride Night! in June of 2021 in celebration of Pride Month. The network hosted a panel of FSU Faculty, alumni, and authors who discussed the challenges the transgender community faces and how to enact change through taking small steps. The panel also focused on the importance of inclusivity and the significant impact of human connection on all of us. The event ended with a beautiful entertainment performance by Ms. Serena Cha Cha (B.F.A. ’12).
FSU HISPANIC/LATINX NETWORK
The FSU Hispanic/Latinx Network celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in October 2020 by hosting a virtual trivia night for alumni and friends.
FSU JEWISH ALUMNI NETWORK
Our newest alumni affinity group—the FSU Jewish Alumni Network, launched in October 2020. Led by President Jared Ross (B.A. ’99, J.D. ’06), the network provides Jewish Alumni with a connection to the university and an opportunity to elevate the Jewish experience at FSU. The Hebrew phrase and Jewish custom, l’dor v’dor, or passing along traditions and values “from generation to generation,” serves as JAN’s guiding principle. For its first function, the network hosted a virtual networking event in May of 2021 to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month.
FSU NATIONAL BLACK ALUMNI
Every day in February, in celebration of Black History Month, the network used social media to share alumni accomplishments in a series called FSU Black Alumni Spotlights. See all 28 profiles on Black Alumni’s Instagram @FSUBA. The network was active during the year by hosting three DEI focused webinars, a Voter Awareness Webinar and other events such as a Virtual Networking Hour with students. “ “The Alumni Association offers so many opportunities for graduates and supporters of Florida State to be engaged and involved. The Jewish Alumni Network was started because we saw a need to support
FSU’s Jewish community. We realized in creating this network the impact we could have on students, alumni and friends of the university. I am proud to be part of such an important FSU network and encourage everyone who has the opportunity to join a network to do so.”
Jared Ross (B.A ’99, J.D. ’06) Jewish Alumni Network President “Being a part of the Asian American Alumni Network (AAAN), along with the FSU Alumni Association as a whole, has helped me to bridge the gap from college into the ‘real world.’ Through the AAAN, I have developed many relationships with my fellow alumni that I wouldn’t have met without this organization - and I hope to provide the same opportunities for others. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of anti-Asian rhetoric proved how important our community network is to support each other and validate our experiences.”
Katrina Pitt (B.S. ’15) Asian American Alumni Network President
