A College of Social Sciences and Public Policy scholar has been recognized as Florida State University’s 2025 Humanitarian of the Year, being one of 16 candidates nominated for this esteemed accolade.
Arantza Caudillo-Alvarez has been identified as FSU’s 38th Humanitarian of the Year due to her dedication to human rights initiatives.
Established in 1988, the Humanitarian of the Year accolade highlights FSU’s pledge to contributing positively to the community. Each academic college designates one student as its Humanitarian of the Year, while a university-wide panel chooses one student who exemplifies a commitment to service as the overall Humanitarian of the Year.
“Through collaborations with public and private sectors, Florida State University aims to enhance scholarship, research, and creative endeavors while improving curriculum, teaching, and learning,” stated Brandon Bowden, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “Such engagement equips students to become informed and active citizens, bolsters democratic principles, and fosters civic duty.”
Desiring to delve into human rights advocacy outside of the classroom, Caudillo-Alvarez interned with the International Rescue Committee during the summer of 2023, where she shadowed caseworkers and provided translation services for Spanish-speaking clients involved in the anti-trafficking program. Following this, she became a legal assistant at FSU’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, where she continued her work on pro bono immigration cases, including status adjustments for refugees, asylum petitions, and temporary protected status submissions.
For her honors thesis, Caudillo-Alvarez conducted three months of research in the Eastern Mountain Range of Hidalgo, Mexico, in association with the nonprofit Psychology and Human Rights. During her time there, she organized sewing workshops for local women, honoring her grandmother, a seamstress with whom she cherished many summers sewing together.
The 15 honorees, along with the overall recipient, will be celebrated for their contributions and endeavors during the annual Leadership Awards Night hosted by the Division of Student Affairs.
The 2025 Humanitarian of the Year Honorees include:
- Rebecca Chuhak, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
- Amber Wilkinson, College of Applied Studies
- Maiya Johnson, College of Arts & Sciences
- Hannah Harring, College of Business
- Paige Elkin, College of Communication & Information
- Simran “Simmi” Purohit, College of Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Cate Calvert, College of Fine Arts
- Emelia LaCognata, College of Medicine
- Finley Stein, College of Motion Picture Arts
- Riley Murray, College of Music
- Nikki Fitzgerald, College of Nursing
- Claire Sciandra, College of Social Work
- Jaclyn Madson, Dedman College of Hospitality
- Saiabhinav Devulapalli, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
- Lauren Gaston, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
Discover more at thecenter.fsu.edu/HOY.
The article FSU names 2025 Humanitarian of the Year awardee and honorees originally appeared on Florida State University News.