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As Florida State University honors the summer cohort of 2025, over 2,850 graduates are embarking on the subsequent phase of their lives, joining a worldwide community of more than 407,000 FSU alumni.
This summer, the institution will confer 1,692 bachelor’s diplomas, 881 master’s and specialist diplomas, 183 doctoral degrees, 4 Juris Doctor diplomas, 93 Juris Master’s diplomas, and 2 LLM diplomas. Approximately 1,850 graduates will engage in person, commemorating a moment of pride for the FSU community.
This year’s alumni have experienced a spectrum of encounters, mentors, and moments that sculpted their distinct academic paths. From pioneering research to personal growth, these narratives embody the tenacity, curiosity, and ambition that characterize the essence of FSU.
Miguel Garcia-Salas is graduating with a doctorate from FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders. His research centered around speech-language pathology with a focus on family-oriented interventions.
Throughout his tenure at FSU, Garcia-Salas contributed to prestigious journals, showcased his work at national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) conferences, received multiple accolades, and delivered undergraduate classes.
A significant achievement in his research was the creation of the DREAM Program, Dialogic Reading Education through Accessible Modules. This digital initiative assists families in practicing dialogic reading, a validated method that enhances language development through interactive storybook reading. Garcia-Salas tested the program with 42 families and documented promising results in his dissertation.
Beyond his studies, Garcia-Salas nurtured his young family in Tallahassee, a journey he regards as profoundly impactful.
“This is all my family knows, this FSU community,” Garcia-Salas remarked. “The FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program, the Florida Center for Reading Research, my college, the library, and university grants have all significantly contributed to helping me juggle fatherhood and education.”
Following graduation, Garcia-Salas will join the University of Arkansas as an assistant professor. He aims to persist in collaborating with historically marginalized families and community organizations to foster language and literacy development through home-based approaches.
Carlton Wier, a Marine Corps veteran who spent his early years in Tallahassee, is graduating this semester with a specialization in interdisciplinary social science from Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.
Wier opted for FSU due to its heritage, culture, and the commendable standing of the Student Veterans Center.
“It is a privilege to participate in this semester’s commencement ceremony and join close family members as Florida State alumni,” Wier stated. “The heritage, culture, tradition, and the individuals I had the good fortune to meet set Florida State apart.”
During his period at FSU, Wier found encouragement through the Student Veterans Center, which he described as a paragon of integrity, inclusion, and proficiency in navigating VA benefits.
“The Student Veterans Center exemplifies what selfless service truly embodies,” he commented. “It enhances character, performance, and assurance in a veteran transitioning to college life after or during military service.”
He expressed that he will miss the staff, facilities, athletics, academics, professors, students, and alumni the most from his time at FSU.
After graduation, Wier intends to establish a business or organization aimed at assisting veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and their families with a broader goal of serving the community in various ways.
“I am excited to continue to uphold the role and duty that comes with being a graduate of Florida State University,” he declared. “Go Noles!”
Zahria Moore, a first-generation college graduate hailing from Boca Raton, Florida, is obtaining her degree in criminology with a minor in African American studies from Florida State University’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Moore chose Florida State for its exceptional academic offerings and vibrant campus atmosphere. Criminology, one of FSU’s highly regarded majors, captured her interest early, yet it was the university’s spirit and support systems that made it feel like home.
“My journey has been quite unique and challenging,” Moore expressed. “Participating in this commencement ceremony is something I’ve always envisioned, but never fully believed would occur until this week. Receiving the email that I would graduate made my heart leap with joy.”
Throughout her journey at FSU, Moore discovered a strong sense of community through the Unconquered Scholars Program and CARE (Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement). These initiatives provided her with not just academic assistance—they offered her a community.
“These programs feel like drinking from a wishing well,” Moore stated during her keynote address at the 2025 Unconquered Scholars Awareness Banquet. “Everything I sought, everything I came to college for, I discovered in…
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this extraordinary program and these incredible individuals. My family, my home away from home, my safe haven, my trusted supporters.”
Moore’s greatest achievement was not only advancing within the Unconquered Scholars Program but also contributing to its growth. Her role on the executive board became a pivotal aspect of her university journey.
“Joining the board was perhaps one of the most rewarding decisions I made during my college years,” she remarked.
When she thinks back on her time at FSU, Moore beams at the recollection of football season and impromptu campus activities.
“What I cherish about FSU is the energy of football season. It brings everyone together—regardless of who you are or where you’re from,” she shared. “And I will miss the unexpected events on Landis. Waking up to a carnival being assembled truly brightened my day.”
Post-graduation, Moore will embark on her professional journey as a youth counselor at a juvenile detention facility in New Hampshire—her initial stride toward her long-term ambition of making a positive influence in the criminal justice system.
“I’ve earned this,” she stated. “And I’m eager for everyone to witness that.”
Alison Cole has always been fascinated by the sound of engines. Raised in Jupiter, Florida, she found herself captivated by a local facility that manufactured and tested military helicopters.
“I grew up just down the street from where they constructed the Blackhawks, and I’d often observe their testing; you could hear the engines roaring,” Cole recalled. “It was incredibly intriguing to me.”
This early fascination inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration at FSU, which she will complete this month. After graduation, she will join Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division in Orlando.
Cole attributes her success to the encouragement she received from her professors and mentors, particularly Larry Giunipero, one of the leading experts in supply chain management in the country.
“Without Dr. Larry Giunipero, I cannot imagine where I would be,” she expressed. “His connections and passion for the supply chain truly guided me in understanding my post-graduation path.”
Giunipero commended Cole’s intellect, business savvy, and determination, highlighting her capability to address intricate supply chain issues.
Cole noted that her MBA journey allowed her to grasp business dynamics and corporate strategy, equipping her with the instruments necessary to traverse the professional landscape.
Beyond her studies, Cole recently accomplished the London Marathon, a personal achievement she identifies as one of her proudest moments.
“It was probably the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced, but I take great pride in having completed it,” she said.
The post Celebrating excellence: FSU graduates reflect on purpose, passion and the path forward appeared first on Florida State University News.
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