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As the spring 2025 term approaches its conclusion, Florida State University is gearing up to honor the accomplishments of its newest group of graduates. This year’s graduation is particularly noteworthy as FSU will recognize its largest graduating cohort in history, with 8,926 degrees anticipated to be conferred.
The ceremonies, set for May 2-3 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, will represent the resilience and tenacity of these individuals, particularly following the unfortunate incidents of April 17.
In spite of the obstacles, graduates have shown extraordinary determination and commitment. From innovative research endeavors to meaningful community engagement projects, they have made notable impacts both on and off campus.
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Marilyn Barnwell’s path to achieving her doctorate in educational leadership at Florida State University exemplifies her tenacity.
Over 20 years ago, while employed at Merrill Lynch, Barnwell found inspiration in author Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The book motivated her to pursue a career in education at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College).
“It was something that constantly nagged at me — that I hadn’t returned to earn that degree,” Barnwell expressed regarding her doctorate. “That’s always been a dream and an objective of mine. That’s what motivated me to return.”
The journey was far from straightforward. Nearly 18 months into her doctoral program, her spouse experienced a cerebral hemorrhage and stroke in December 2023 and was in a coma for an extended period. He is currently in a minimally responsive state.
“I recall needing to decide how to proceed with what I had already begun, because one thing I know is he would not want me to cease,” Barnwell remarked.
Barnwell stayed devoted to her aspirations. She managed her studies in conjunction with her role as a principal in the Duval County School System, while also tending to her partner. Her journey was bolstered by a supportive community, including her daughter Kayla Barnwell, who is completing a master’s in curriculum and instruction at Anne’s College and earned her bachelor’s degree last year while looking after her father.
“She completed her bachelor’s on schedule because I promised her dad that, regardless of what occurred, I would ensure she achieved it,” Barnwell shared.
Barnwell’s dissertation concentrated on the Jacksonville Teacher Residency Program, emphasizing the vital importance of mentor-teacher relationships in nurturing novice educators.
“I was genuinely curious to learn more about how the program operates,” Barnwell stated. “I wanted to grasp how the program was organized, the expectations, and how it prepared teachers to effectively manage a classroom.”
She recognized the substantial backing from her faculty at FSU, remarking on their support in her and her daughter’s achievements amid their trials.
“Florida State truly embraced my family and me to ensure that my daughter and I could thrive, enabling us to complete the journey we initiated,” she mentioned. “I will be eternally grateful to Florida State.”
Sahari Walker from Lakeland, Florida is set to receive her master’s in science planning, focusing on neighborhood planning and community development from FSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.
“I chose to attend FSU because I completed my undergraduate studies here, and they provided me with a wealth of support and assistance,” she remarked.
As a first-generation college graduate, Walker’s accomplishments hold particular importance.
“It matters to me to be a figure of leadership and demonstrate that regardless of your background, you can pursue higher education,” she affirmed.
During her tenure at FSU, Walker engaged in a variety of endeavors…
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projects and internships. She served as a project supervisor for Hillsborough County and contributed to revising their extensive plan while addressing community requirements. Additionally, she partnered with the City of Tallahassee to tackle safety and mobility concerns in local neighborhoods.
Walker has taken a role with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. In this position, she will oversee the provision of temporary housing and shelter during natural calamities.
“I aspire to assist individuals, genuinely alleviating any challenges they may be facing, by equipping them with the necessary resources that can aid them immediately,” she remarked.
Walker aims to ease the difficulties that individuals encounter and supply them with the tools to navigate through tough times. Her objective is to instill hope and security.
“I want individuals to realize that even in the most challenging times, they are not alone,” she stated. “There’s power in understanding that someone is available to support you, to listen, and to guide you forward.”
Rodrigo Santa Maria, a scholar from Rio de Janeiro, is completing his studies with dual degrees in International Affairs and Public Relations.
Santa Maria chose FSU due to its rigorous academics and inviting social atmosphere. He found a place that encouraged both his career ambitions and personal development.
Although he had a strong interest in global matters from an early age, it was at FSU that Santa Maria honed his passion through coursework in international affairs, history, economics, and political science. He volunteered with the World Affairs Program, assisting in the organization and execution of Model UN conferences that brought together students from different institutions for discussions surrounding global issues.
Santa Maria opted for public relations as his secondary major to enhance his professional communication abilities. For nearly two years, he functioned as a news writer for FSU’s Office of University Communications. He was also a participant in the School of Communication’s news writing media team during his final year.
“I aimed to understand how to leverage the written word effectively,” he stated. “Ultimately, I discovered that I learned much more than that. My internship allowed me to cultivate a diverse skill set that will be beneficial in my career.”
Santa Maria’s educational journey will carry on at FSU, where he plans to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs. He will also assume the role of a teaching assistant in the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Santa Maria characterized his undergraduate experience as transformative. He is eager about graduate school and the prospects it will bring.
“FSU broadened my perspectives significantly, both personally and professionally,” Santa Maria remarked. “I am graduating as a much-changed individual compared to when I first arrived at FSU. I acquired extensive knowledge and developed skills I will utilize throughout my life. I take immense pride in graduating from a university that encouraged me to think critically, express my views, and allowed me to evolve as a person.”
Dylan Barton, a resident of Sarasota, Florida, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. After applying to several competitive programs, he ultimately selected FSU for its friendly campus environment and the financial advantages of remaining in-state.
Barton’s enthusiasm for chemistry, mathematics, and physics influenced his decision to pursue chemical engineering.
“I aimed to apply all those skills in a practical, industrial context,” he noted.
During his tenure at FSU, Barton has engaged in academic and extracurricular initiatives. He is an honors student and has embarked on an independent research project as part of his Honors in the Major. Barton is also affiliated with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), through which he showcased his research at a national symposium in San Diego.
Barton‘s research on utilizing plasma to break down harmful organic pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, common in various industrial uses and present substantial health risks, earned him third place in the AIChE catalysis and reaction engineering section.
“These compounds pose significant threats to human health and are incorporated in numerous products, so our objective is to discover methods to decompose them,” he stated.
Barton credits his principal investigator, Bruce Locke, chair and esteemed research professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, for guiding him through the research journey.
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“The encouragement from my educators has motivated me to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering, with aspirations of becoming an instructor myself,” he expressed. “The recent occurrences have provided me an opportunity to appreciate the nurturing community at FSU, and I can only wish to encounter that same camaraderie as I embark on my Ph.D.”
Steven Decesare, hailing from Pensacola, Florida, is completing his undergraduate studies in biology. He selected FSU for its well-rounded combination of academic distinction and campus life, where he could channel his curiosity into exploring the enigmas of the natural realm.
“I’ve always had a profound interest in biology,” he mentioned. “It’s fascinating to comprehend how the human body operates.”
His enthusiasm for the discipline has propelled him to excel in his educational journey and aim for a career in medicine.
Decesare transferred to FSU in the spring of his first year. He discovered FSU to be the ideal setting for both academic and personal development, enjoying its supportive environment and proximity to home.
During his tenure at FSU, Decesare held the position of president for the pre-medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, where he received guidance and spearheaded community service initiatives. Under his direction, the fraternity coordinated community service projects and generated funds for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Decesare attributes the encouraging community and collaborative atmosphere at FSU for enabling him to reach his aspirations and prepare for the forthcoming phase of his medical journey.
“If nothing else, recent happenings have demonstrated to me that the FSU community possesses an innate resilience and connection like no other, and I will always take pride in being part of the Seminole family,” he remarked.
Decesare intends to enroll at the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine to commence his medical career this autumn.
The post Recognizing excellence: FSU’s class of 2025 graduate highlights appeared first on Florida State University News.
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