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Florida State University will honor 15 remarkable alumni during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 31–Nov. 2.
“Our 2025 recipients exemplify the essence of being a Florida State University graduate,” stated Julie Decker, associate vice president for University Advancement, Alumni Engagement, and president of the FSU Alumni Association. “They motivate our students, embody the principles of leadership and excellence that characterize the Seminole spirit, and reflect the enduring connection shared with FSU. Through their accomplishments and commitment, these alumni continually bolster our university and enhance it every day.”
The FSU Alumni Awards gala will occur on Friday, Oct. 31, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens. The occasion will celebrate 11 exceptional alumni, featuring recipients of the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni, The Inspire, Circle of Gold, and The Bernard F. Sliger honors.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the FSU Homecoming Breakfast, organized in collaboration with the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), will commemorate four recipients of the Grads Made Good award at Bricks & Brass.
For further details and to register for the Alumni Awards and Homecoming Breakfast, visit gonol.es/alumniawards2025 and gonol.es/GMG2025, respectively.
FSU Alumni Awards — Friday, Oct. 31
The Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni aged 35 or younger whose accomplishments demonstrate exceptional professional success and a dedication to service. The 2025 Askew Award honorees are:
- Lauren Albaum (B.M. ’11) holds the position of vice president of student affairs at Florida Southern College, supervising over 100 staff members and 15 operational areas. A Distinguished Nole, she is acknowledged nationally for transformative leadership in higher education and widely celebrated for her civic involvement, including spearheading literacy initiatives and serving as president and CEO of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.
- Kenneth Cagnolatti (B.S. ’21) works as a private wealth client performance analyst at Wells Fargo Advisors, engaging with ultra-high-net-worth clients managing billions in assets. A Certified Financial Planner™, he is also deeply passionate about mentoring and community service, having launched Invest A Nole and led service initiatives through Kappa Alpha Psi and Progressive Black Men Inc.
- Terrence Williams Jr. (B.S. ’13, MPA ’14) serves as director of contracts at GE Aerospace, where he steers negotiations on multimillion-dollar defense contracts that bolster global security. As a first-generation graduate of FSU’s CARE program, he has thrived as a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow, mentor, and motivational speaker, continuing to influence future leaders through service and professional excellence.
The Inspire Award acknowledges alumni who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their fields while serving as exemplars for current and upcoming students. The 2025 Inspire Award recipients are:
- Ashlee Fontes (B.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’24) is a pioneering leader in the global soccer sector and an advocate for female participation in sports. She was the first woman of color to head a U.S. professional sports organization, co-founded the Girls Academy, and served as president of United Soccer Coaches, the largest coaching body globally. At FSU, she has taught sport management courses, guided students, and created partnerships to broaden professional chances for future leaders.
- Delores Spearman (B.A. ’98, M.A. ’08) has committed her career to service and philanthropy, making a significant impact on both her community and Florida State University. A founder
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of Project Hunger through the United Way of Brevard, she has assisted in supplying meals to over 1,600 kids weekly during the summer season. At FSU, she has participated in the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Seminole Boosters Board, and Presidential Search Committee, and alongside her husband, Guy, founded the Guy and Delores Spearman Endowed Professorship while also contributing to various scholarships and facilities.
The Circle of Gold celebrates alumni and supporters of the university who, through their contributions and accomplishments, embody the university’s legacy of quality. The 2025 Circle of Gold inductees include:
- Jennifer Collins (B.S. ’93, J.D. ’06), a dual FSU alumna, is a distinguished lawyer and committed graduate. She co-created and led the FSU Parent & Family Advancement Council and participates in the International Programs Council, promoting a spirit of generosity that enhances the university community. Collins commenced her legal journey as an assistant attorney general in Tallahassee before transitioning to private practice as a complex commercial litigator, where she gained acclaim for her tactical acumen and leadership. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, service, and a lasting influence on Florida State.
- Andrea Friall, M.D. (B.S. ’93) is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, medical leader, and passionate supporter of healthcare education. She was the inaugural female doctor at North Florida Women’s Care and currently holds the position of vice president and chief medical officer at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Her extensive roles at FSU encompass service on the Foundation Board of Trustees and participation in presidential and dean search committees. Additionally, she established the Walter T. King Scholarship for aspirant physicians.
- Zach Heng (B.S. ’07) is an innovative HR executive, nonprofit board member, entrepreneur, community advocate, and speaker. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the FSU Asian American Alumni Network and has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Acknowledged nationally for his leadership, Heng continues to promote diversity and community involvement while supporting students and alumni through mentorship.
- Mary Katherine “Cricket” Mannheimer (BFA ’81, M.S. ’94) has committed nearly four decades to enhancing FSU’s School of Dance. As co-founder and long-time leader of Friends of Dance, she was instrumental in establishing the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography and has provided opportunities for students, faculty, and the arts community.
- Bob Sasser (B.S. ’73), the previous CEO of Dollar Tree, guided the organization’s expansion into a Fortune 200 enterprise. A member of the FSU College of Business Hall of Fame, former member of the FSU Board of Trustees, and altruistic benefactor, Sasser has made significant investments in Legacy Hall and student achievement.
The Bernard F. Sliger Award, the Alumni Association’s top accolade, is named in honor of FSU’s 11th president and acknowledges a lifetime commitment to the university. The 2025 recipient is Guy Spearman.
- Guy Spearman (MSW ’75) is the founder and president of Spearman Management in Cocoa, Florida. A previous legislative aide in both the Florida House and Senate, he established a well-respected government relations firm that has represented clients across sectors for years. Spearman has devoted much of his life to promoting Florida State University, serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Seminole Boosters Board, and the College of Social Work Advisory Council. He also contributed to the selection of the university’s 15th president as a member of the Presidential Search Committee. Together with his wife, Delores, he founded the Guy and Delores Spearman Endowed Professorship and has provided support for scholarships, facilities, and athletic programs, ensuring opportunities for countless students. His leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to FSU embody the essence of the Bernard F. Sliger Award.
FSU Homecoming Breakfast—Saturday, Nov. 1
The Grads Made Good Award honors alumni who have made remarkable contributions in their professions. The 2025 Grads Made Good
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Awardees are:
- James “Chef” Barlow (B.S. ’95) is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter aviator and business owner who revolutionized military instruction. He launched Blue Air Training Corp., which was at the forefront of utilizing contracted pilots and planes to teach joint terminal attack controllers and fighter aviators, establishing a new international industry. The enterprise has conducted over 45,000 airstrikes, trained allied forces globally, and saved taxpayers in excess of $1 billion. Under his guidance, Blue Air Training garnered repeated accolades on the Seminole 100 list and merged with Top Aces Inc. to become the world’s preeminent provider of contract air services.
- Larry Hogan (B.S. ’78) held the position of governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023 and is regarded as one of the most admired bipartisan leaders in the nation. He reduced taxes for eight consecutive years, transformed a $5.1 billion deficit into a historic surplus, and chaired the National Governors Association, where he spearheaded national initiatives on infrastructure and the COVID-19 crisis. Hogan also served as chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and co-chair of No Labels.
- Eduardo Pérez (B.S. ’89) is a pioneer in marketing and an entrepreneur. He co-established PM3, a nationally acclaimed Hispanic advertising agency that was acquired in 2021, and has been a prominent advocate in multicultural marketing. He currently invests in startups, including EQUIHEMP, a rising leader in hemp-derived animal health solutions. Pérez participates on advisory boards for FSU’s College of Communication and Information and the Center for Hispanic Marketing. A lifelong athlete and dedicated Seminole, he continues to champion entrepreneurship and inclusivity.
- Leslie Webber (BSN ’99) serves as the director of nursing for pediatric emergency services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where she oversees the emergency, ECMO, and flex teams. She has been recognized as one of the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida and received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Under her supervision, Wolfson’s emergency department was awarded the 2024 Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association, one of only 15 pediatric emergency rooms in the nation to earn this distinction. A nurse for over 25 years, Webber has progressed from bedside caregiver to executive leader while guiding the next generation of nurses.
About the FSU Alumni Association
The FSU Alumni Association aims to forge meaningful connections between alumni and Florida State University, enhancing the alumni network and assisting students on campus every day. All graduates of FSU are part of the FSU Alumni Association; there are no membership fees. Alumni are encouraged to remain engaged through the Alumni Association’s career resources, networking opportunities, mentorship initiatives, travel advantages, and more.
Discover more at alumni.fsu.edu.
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