Recognize excellence: FSU class of 2025 graduates highlights

While the semester ends in spring 2025, Florida State University is preparing to celebrate the success of its recent graduate cohorts. This year's start is particularly important because the FSU will honor its largest final class in history. 8,926 degrees are expected to be awarded.

The ceremonies, which are planned in Donald L. Tucker Civic Center from 2nd to May 3, will be proof of the resistance and determination of these students, especially after the tragic events of April 17.

Despite the challenges, graduates have shown remarkable perseverance and commitment. From groundbreaking research projects to effective non -profit initiatives, they have made significant contributions both on and outside the campus.
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Marilyn Barnwells The way to promotion in educational management at Florida State University is proof of its resistance.

More than 20 years ago, Barnwell was inspired by the author Stephen Covey during his work at Merrill Lynch, “the 7 habits of highly effective people”. The book served as a motivation for 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 somehow gnawed at me – that I hadn't left and got this piece,” said Barnwell about her doctoral thesis. “It has always been a dream and a goal of mine. That made me go back.”

The street was anything but easy. Almost 18 months after her doctoral program began, her husband suffered cerebral bleeding and a stroke in December 2023 and remained in a coma for several months. It is currently in a minimally conscious state.

“I remember that I had to make a decision about how I had to continue what I have already started, because one that I know is that he doesn't want me to stop,” said Barnwell.

Barnwell remained committed to her goal. She bent her studies with her responsibility as a headmistress in the Duval County school system while taking care of her spouse. Your trip was supported by a strong network, including her daughter Kayla Barnwellwho concludes one master's degree in the curriculum and instructions on the Annes College and acquired her Bachelor's degree last year while taking care of her father.

“She ended her bachelor on time because I told her that this was a promise that I made her father. No matter what happened, I would make sure she made it,” added Barnwell.

Barnwell's dissertation focused on the Jacksonville Teacher Residency Program and shows the decisive role of relationships between mentor teachers in preparing beginner teachers.

“I was really interested in learning more about how the program really works,” said Barnwell. “I wanted to know more about how the program was structured, what expectations and how it helped the teachers to have a classroom.”

She recognized the strong support of her faculty at the FSU and noticed her help with her and the success of her daughter despite her challenges.

“The State Florida really wrapped around me and my family to make sure that my daughter and I were able to distinguish and that we could complete the trip we started,” she added. “I will be grateful for the State Florida forever.”

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Sahari Walker Von Lakeland, Florida, will complete her master in Science Planning with a specialization in the planning of the neighborhood and the development of the community from the FSU department for urban and regional planning.

“I decided to take part in the FSU because I did my students here and they really provided me with a lot of support and help,” she said.

As a first generation student, Walker's success is particularly important.

“It is important to me to be a leader and show people, no matter where you come from, you can achieve a university education,” she said.

During her time at the FSU, Walker was involved in various projects and internships. She worked as a project manager for Hillsborough County and helped updating her comprehensive plan and satisfying the needs of the community. She also worked with the city of Tallahasee on security and mobility problems in local districts.

Walker accepted a position at the Florida Division of Emergency Management. There she will be responsible for providing temporary apartments and protection during natural disasters.

“I want to help people really alleviate all the problems they do and only provide them with the resources to help them now,” she said.

Walker hopes to alleviate problems with which people may be confronted and provide them with resources to help them with challenging periods. Your goal is to offer hope and stability.

“I want people to know that even in the hardest moments they don't have to face alone,” she said. “It is strength to know that someone is there to support them, listen and help them to get forward.”

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Rodrigo Santa MariaA student from Rio de Janeiro has a degree with two deals in international affairs and public relations.

Santa Maria decided to come to the FSU because of his academic rigor and her social environment. He found a home that promoted both his professional goals and his personal growth.

Although he was passionate about global issues at a young age, Santa Maria sharpened his interest in classes in international affairs, history, economy and political science. He volunteered with the World Affairs program and helped to organize and lead Model UN conferences that combined students from various schools for debates with the selection of international topics.

Santa Maria chose public relations as the second main subject to develop his professional communication skills. For almost Two years, he worked as a news author for the FSU office for university communication. During his last year he was also a member of the School of Communication team.

“I wanted to learn how to use the written word to my advantage,” he said. “It turned out that I learned more than just that. My internship helped me to develop a variety of skills that will be useful in my professional life.”

Santa Maria's academic journey continues at the FSU, where he strives for a master's degree in international affairs. He will also act as a teaching assistant in the department for emergency management and home protection.

Santa Maria described his time as a student as transformative. He is looking forward to the graduate school and the associated opportunities.

“The FSU opened my eyes for many things, both personally and professionally,” said Santa Maria. “I prevent a completely different person than when I came to the FSU for the first time. I learned a lot and developed skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I am very proud to take a degree at a university that encouraged me to think critically, to express my opinion and to grow me as an individual.”

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Dylan BartonBorn from Sarasota, Florida, will complete a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Famu-Fsu College of Engineering. After applying for several competition programs, he ultimately chose the FSU for his inviting campus culture and the financial advantages of the stay in the state.

Barton's passion for chemistry, mathematics and physics led to his decision to pursue chemical engineering.

“I wanted to use all of these skills in a real, industrial environment,” he said.

During his time at the FSU, Beard was involved in academic and extra -curricular activities. He is an honorary student and carried out an independent research project as part of his honors in the major. Beard is also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), through which he presented his research at a national congress in San Diego.

BeardResearch on the use of plasma for the deterioration of harmful organic contamination such as per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, which are widespread in various industrial applications and represent considerable health risks, brought him third place in Aiche catalysis and reaction technology.

“These connections are very harmful to human health and are used in different products. Our goal is to find ways to worsen them,” he said.

Barton attributes to his main researcher, Bruce Locke, chairman and respected research professor at the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering.

“The support and motivation of my professors inspired me to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering with the hope of becoming a professor himself,” he said. “The recent events made it possible for me to celebrate the supportive community at the FSU, and I can only hope that I can experience the same sense of community as I follow my doctoral thesis.”

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Steven DecesareFrom Pensacola, Florida, graduating from biology. He chose the FSU because it offered a balanced mix of academic excellence and campus community, in which he could apply his curiosity about the study of the secrets of the natural world.

“I've always been interested in biology,” he said. “It is incredible to understand how the human body works.”

His passion for the topic has made him exceed his studies and pursue a career in medicine.

Decesare Moved to the FSU in the spring of his first year. He found the FSU the perfect place to grow both academically and personally, which benefited from its supportive culture and proximity at home.

During his time at the FSU, Decesare served the pre -medical brotherhood Phi Delta Epsilon, where he found mentoring and led the volunteer efforts of the community. Under his leadership, the fraternity organized voluntary efforts of the community and collected donations for the Miracle's Network of the children.

Decesare attributes the supportive community and the joint collaboration points at the FSU to help him achieve his goals and prepare for the next chapter in his medical career.

“If nothing else, the recent events have shown me that the FSU community has inherent resilience and bond, and I will be proud to be part of the seminole family forever,” he said.

Decesare plans to visit the healthcare system of the University of South Florida Morsani for Medicine to start his medical journey in autumn.