New and returning Florida State University students are invited to participate in “Welcome FSU” summer, a series of events that kick off Friday, June 19, and continue through Saturday, June 27. The program highlights opportunities for students to get involved, build community and learn about campus resources.

Featuring social, well-being and academic activities, “Welcome FSU” serves as the university’s official welcome and start to each semester. Through events and activities, students can connect with one another and explore all FSU has to offer.

“No matter what semester a student arrives at Florida State, we want them to realize they are now part of an incredibly supportive community that cares about their well-being as well as their academic journey,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Our activities and programs offer a way to help students integrate and explore what FSU has to offer them.”

Below is a selection of “Welcome FSU” summer events. For the full summer schedule, visit  welcome.fsu.edu.

Start Strong at Leach

10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, June 19
Leach Recreation Center

Focus on your personal wellness and get in your first workout, play pick-up basketball, jog on our indoor track or play a few rounds of bingo while sipping boba from 4-6 p.m.

Lake Day

11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, June 20

FSU Lakefront Park

Visit FSU’s historic Lakefront Park and immerse yourself in a fun-filled day with free food and outdoor activities. Swim in the lake, kayak, canoe or paddleboard, enjoy volleyball, disc golf or scale the climbing wall, or simply soak in the sun on the sandy beach or relax in the shade of one of our many lakeside pavilions. All FSU Lakefront Park activities are free for students.

Find Your Classroom Tours  

9 – 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 21
HCB Atrium

Go on a brief, guided campus tour to see where your summer classes are located. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and leave every 30 minutes from the HCB Atrium; last tour leaves at 11:30 a.m.

Opening Floor Meetings

7 – 8 p.m., Sunday, June 21
Your Residence Hall Floor
Meet your RA and other members of your community at the Welcome Home floor meetings.

Cheers to the Next Few Years

8 – 9:30 p.m., Sunday, June 21
Azalea Magnolia Courtyard

Celebrate the start of your academic journey with games and food and toast to your future at Florida State.

First Day Photos

9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, June 22

Landis Green

Commemorate your first day of classes and take a photo to share with family and friends.

Course Registration Help Session

10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, June 22

Club Downunder

Drop in, ask questions, and get help with your Summer B class schedule. Staff can help you navigate Stellic and answer general questions. *Please meet with your advisor before attending.

Summer Sports Fest

7 – 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 23
Westside Courts

Interested in Intramurals during Summer B? Get a sneak peek into our offerings and kick off Campus Rec’s Summer Nights series. Join fellow students for pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball and learn about how you can register for this summer’s IM leagues. Attend four out of the six Rec Tuesday events to win a Summer Nights tank top!

Vision Boards at Strozier

2 – 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 24
Strozier Library

Stop by Strozier Library to grab a free 11×14 poster and create your own Summer Vision Board. Materials will be provided while supplies last.

Movie: Project Hail Mary

7 – 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24
Askew Student Life Center (ASLC) Theater

Watch this blockbuster movie starring Ryan Gosling for FREE with your FSUCard. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show begins at 7 p.m. (Also playing Thursday-Saturday nights.)

Summer B Block Party

7 – 9 p.m., Thursday, June 25
Union Green

Step out for the sizzling Summer B Block Party and meet campus partners and student organizations for an evening filled with music, activities, food and fun.

Summer Involvement Fair

4 – 6 p.m., Friday, June 26
Student Union Ballrooms

Learn about FSU’s many registered student organizations, meet with student leaders and explore ways to get involved.

Summer in the Union

1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Student Union

Escape the heat with an all-access pass to activities on the lower level and 2nd floor of the Student Union. Bring your FSU ID for karaoke in Club Downunder, bowling, billiards, food and a whole lot of fun!

About ‘Welcome FSU’

“Welcome FSU” is part of the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round “Hello FSU!” campaign, which highlights campus events, programs, activities and services for FSU students:

• The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)
• How To FSU – Connects students with how-to resources and online guides to help navigate various campus processes.
• Success Tips – Identifies resources and provides life management tips to help students succeed in and out of the classroom.
• Spotlight Stories – Feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.
• ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides additional reminders for key events or important actions.
• Always On – Highlights the many events happening on campus.
• Ready For – Provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of FSU experiences from getting ready for the first week of class to attending an FSU Noles Athletics event.

To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.

For more “Welcome FSU” information and the full summer schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

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Eighteen Florida State University students will be studying abroad this summer and school year through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Gilman Scholarship provides undergraduate students with high financial need the opportunity to study or intern in a foreign country. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the scholarship gives students the chance to become global citizens and active participants in their international community while gaining critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Chelsea James, a junior majoring in social science education with a minor in child development, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU London Study Centre through FSU International Programs. The Broad Curriculum Program includes FSU courses that satisfy requirements for graduation, CoreFSU and some majors or minors while living abroad.

After graduation next year, she plans to pursue a career in school leadership and hopes to expand student opportunities and transform the education landscape.

“I am excited to go to London because it will allow me to experience a diverse global culture firsthand while gaining new perspectives that will shape my growth as a future educator and leader,” James said.

Lana Abboud, a sophomore majoring in international affairs with a minor in economics, will participate in the Intensive French program in Paris through FSU International Programs. Students are placed in a language course based on their level of understanding and are taught entirely in French by native French-speaking faculty.

“This experience will strengthen my ability to engage across cultures and operate in international settings, while building the communication skills essential for diplomacy and global policy work,” Abboud said.

After graduation next fall, Abboud hopes to attend law school or pursue a career as a U.S. diplomat. She is interested in the intersection of international law and foreign policy and how they drive global corporations.

Niki Navarro Gutierrez, a junior majoring in digital media production and minoring in Italian and film, will attend the University of Foreigners of Perugia in Umbria, Italy, through FSU Global Exchanges.

“I am extremely interested in the appreciation that Italy, and Europe as a whole, has for film and the resources that are put into it,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez has a passion for creating documentaries or fiction films that tell a story about the culture they portray. She says she will benefit from traveling abroad and learning from diverse communities.

“Ultimately, I hope to return from Perugia not only with greater fluency in Italian, but also with the personal insight and professional skills to pursue documentary filmmaking on an international scale,” Gutierrez said.

Giselle Martinez, a junior majoring in biological science, will participate in FSU’s Biology in London program with FSU International Programs. Martinez will take two courses: Walking in Van Leeuwenhoek’s Shoes: Rediscovering Cell Biology, where students recreate classical experiments that shaped understanding of the cell, and Investigating Questions in Animal Behavior, which examines how development, genetics, and physiology shape behaviors like communication, aggression and sociality.

After graduation next year, Martinez plans to continue studying medicine as a women’s health researcher focusing on endometriosis and other women’s health concerns.

“I want to contribute to the under-researched and underrepresented areas of medicine in which many women find themselves struggling,” Martinez said.

Zorianna Starks, a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in social welfare, will study abroad in London and Amsterdam this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange’s (CIEE) Comparative Public Health Systems program.

She plans to explore how cultural, social and economic factors influence the delivery of care and access to mental and public health.

“This experience will allow me to expand my perspective on mental health and public health systems while learning how different cultures address challenges in care and accessibility,” Starks said.

Starks also received funding through the Global Scholars Program, run by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement to support her study abroad experience.

“As someone pursuing a career in psychology and social work, it is important for me to understand diverse populations so I can better support and advocate for individuals from all backgrounds,” Starks said.

She plans to pursue a career as a child therapist, focusing on supporting underserved communities and addressing mental health disparities. Starks hopes this experience will strengthen her cultural awareness and provide insight that will help her make a meaningful impact in both clinical and community-based settings.

Silvia Rodriguez, a freshman majoring in economics, will participate in the Oxford University Consortium on Human Rights and New Technology in England with the FSU Honors Program.

During the consortium, she will present her findings about the impacts of artificial intelligence on the Florida criminal justice system. Her research focuses on predictive policing, sentencing algorithms and AI-driven immigration enforcement, and analyzing whether these technologies reinforce social biases in an international setting.

“Through the consortium, I will conduct interdisciplinary research on the ethical and legal implications of AI in the justice system and explore how policy can better protect civil rights in the digital age,” Rodriguez said.

After graduating from FSU, Rodriguez plans to attend law school.

Nashley Gabriel Cardenas, a junior majoring in accounting and minoring in criminology, will study abroad this summer in Strasbourg, France, through FSU Global Exchanges with a focus on business.

“This summer, I am looking forward to expanding my horizons and networking with students of different backgrounds,” Cardenas said. “Going abroad will give me the opportunity to understand how Europe approaches sustainability within business organizations with methods that I could apply to my business career.”

She is most excited to create new connections and to make her own path while being exposed to different cultures, branching out of her comfort zone in a new place.

“I never thought I would leave the U.S. during my time studying, and this means I have the power to create my own experiences and learn how to overcome impostor syndrome,” Cardenas said.

Madison Mager, a senior biological science major pursuing veterinary medicine, will intern this summer in Costa Rica through Loop Abroad, an educational veterinary service organization. She will work at the Toucan Rescue Ranch in San José, the country’s capital, to learn how another culture engages in animal care.

“I’m especially excited to learn from a completely different veterinary environment and gain new perspectives on wildlife care and conservation medicine,” Mager said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories and experiencing another culture firsthand.”

After graduation, Mager plans to attend veterinary school and pursue exotic veterinary and conservation medicine.

Sophia Castro, a sophomore majoring in public health, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the Valencia Study Center in Spain through FSU International Programs.

“Studying abroad in Valencia will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking,” Castro said. “This experience will help me develop the cultural awareness and adaptability needed to better serve diverse communities and become a more well-rounded and compassionate provider.”

After graduation, Castro hopes to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a long-term career plan of owning a medical spa.

Lizzie Alba, a freshman pursuing a dual degree in psychology and human development and family sciences, will intern abroad in Madrid, this summer with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). She will work with the nonprofit organization YMCA to support parents and children in the community. She also received funding through FSU’s Global Scholars Program.

“As someone who aspires to become a marriage and family therapist, these interactions with both parents and children will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the field,” Alba said. “Through this experience, I hope to become even more culturally sensitive.”

Alba is excited about the opportunity to work with families in a new environment and learn about the cultural implications that come with a new domain.

Brianna Zapata, a junior majoring in environment and society and interdisciplinary social sciences, will participate in a language-intensive program in São Paulo, Brazil, this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

“During the program, I will be studying topics related to urban sustainability, culture and global perspectives while gaining immersive international experience through coursework and community engagement,” Zapata said.

Zapata also earned a Critical Need Language Award, a supplemental scholarship offered through the Gilman Program. After graduation, she plans to focus on sustainability and conservation and how they impact underserved communities.

To learn more about the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, students can email FSU’s Office of National Fellowships for an advising appointment. For more information about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. To learn more about Global Exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-programs.

This year’s Gilman Scholarship recipients, their destinations and majors are:

Yecenia Padron; Panama; Human Development and Family Sciences

Lana Abboud; France; International Affairs

Mya Ncastanedo; Spain; Media and Communication Studies

Nicole Navarro Gutiérrez; Italy; Digital Media Production

Chelsea James; United Kingdom; Social Science Education

Brianna Zapata; Brazil; Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Zorianna Starks; United Kingdom and the Netherlands; Psychology

Lizzie Alba; Spain; Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences

Giselle Martinez; United Kingdom; Biological Science

Yemaya Adams; South Korea; Information Technology

Silvia Rodriguez; United Kingdom; Economics

Nashely Gabriel Cardenas; France; Accounting

Sacha Chiche Gallardo; France; Behavioral Neuroscience

Madison Northcutt; United Kingdom; Communication Science & Disorders

Sophia Castro; Spain; Public Health

Madison Mager; Costa Rica; Biological Science

Gianna Spadafino; Thailand; Communication and Public Relations

Adwoa Birago Nsiah Ababio; Spain; Food Science and Nutrition

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Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 548 high-achieving graduates during the spring 2026 Medallion Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of some of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

The celebration included remarks by Associate Dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows D. Craig Filar and Dean of Undergraduate Studies DeOnte Brown.

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For international student athletes like Saofé Duval and Gabor Hornung, the transition to college in the United States involves more than practices and matches. It also means adapting to a new language, culture and academic system. 

Before arriving on campus, international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English through standardized testing. Undergraduate applicants are required to meet minimum score thresholds on exams such as the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test). Even with this foundation, adjusting to academic life in the US can present challenges — from navigating classroom discussions to understanding cultural nuances and expectations. 

To support this transition, Florida State University offers Academic English Skills for International Students (EAP 1850), a course designed to help undergraduate international students strengthen their academic English and communication skills after enrollment. This past spring, Duval and Hornung enrolled in the course. It also introduces students to U.S. classroom expectations, cultural norms and the wide range of resources available to help them succeed at FSU. 

The course is taught by Patrick Kennell, director of the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES). Founded in 1980, CIES provides English language instruction for international students preparing to study at U.S. universities and operates within The Graduate School at FSU.  

“This is one of my favorite courses I’ve ever taught,” Kennell said. “It’s developing their English, but it’s also developing their cultural knowledge and helping them navigate their way through their first semester here at Florida State.”

Duval, a freshman on the nationally ranked beach volleyball team, came to FSU from La Couarde-sur-Mer, a seaside village located in the center of the Île de Ré in southwestern France. She’s already noticed asignificant improvement in her English skills.  

“I was pretty bad at English when I came, but now I feel more comfortable,” she said. “I can say, ‘I don’t understand, so please can you repeat?’”  

Hornung, a freshman on the men’s tennis team from Budapest, Hungary, grew up in the smaller town of Kapuvár. Having already competed in professional tournaments, he remained focused on earning an international degree in the U.S. Now at FSU, he said the course is helping him strengthen his English communication skills. 

“This class is very helpful,” Hornung said. “When I speak to Americans, they don’t care if I make a mistake, they understand what I mean, but I want to speak perfectly. I don’t want to make mistakes. And with Dr. Kennell, we consider every little mistake that I make.” 

International student athletes bring elite technical skills shaped by different training environments around the world, and that impact is already evident in competition. Hornung opened his first season at FSU with a three-set single victory over the University of Florida’s Andreas Timini, while Duval began her collegiate career with a win on court two alongside sophomore teammate Gella Andrew against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Between competitions, both students continue to balance academics while adjusting to life in the U.S.; a process Kennell said requires more than language development.

“I’m so amazed by these students,” he said. “They’re managing their classes and Division I athletics, where the pressure is on them to perform. They’re high-achieving personalities who want to do their best, but they also need to learn about self-care and mental health, so we talk about that, too.” 

For Duval, the course has strengthened not only her language skills but also her understanding of American culture.

“This is so important,” she said. “It’s not only the language, even if the language is the most difficult part, but it’s also about the culture and why people are acting like that here, because it’s so different from France.”

For Hornung, the first Hungarian native to play tennis for the Seminoles, the impact of the course will extend far beyond his time at FSU.

“I will think about this class my entire life,” Hornung said. “It’s made a huge impact on me.”For more information about CIES, visit cies.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University has announced it will offer a new admissions plan to prospective undergraduate students applying for the summer and fall 2027 entering class.

FSU’s Office of Admissions will introduce a binding Early Decision option for domestic first-year applicants, expanding opportunities for students who have identified the university as their unequivocal first choice. Applications open Aug. 1.

After a record year of nearly 100,000 applications and a 48% increase in first-year applications over the past five years, Early Decision will allow more students to receive an admissions decision earlier in their senior year of high school.

“Each year, more students tell us that FSU is their top-choice university, and they want to know how to indicate that on their admissions application,” said Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions. “Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express that preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

The significant rise in applications coincides with recent record-breaking student success at FSU. The school recorded a 97% first-year retention rate last fall, which placed it at No. 4 in the nation among public universities, and a record 78% four-year graduation rate, placing it at No. 9.

Within the state of Florida, FSU ranked No. 1 among public universities for student satisfaction and best value by The Princeton Review, No. 1 for best first-year experiences by U.S. News & World Report, and No. 1 among honors programs by College Transitions.

“I am grateful for all that our faculty, staff and students have done to make FSU such a special place and one of the most sought-after universities in the country,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “Early Decision builds on that momentum by giving students who already know FSU is right for them another admissions option.”

“Early Decision is a clear, transparent way to allow students to express [their top-choice] preference while giving them the benefit of an earlier admission decision and a streamlined application process.”

– Hege Ferguson, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions

Early Decision is a binding plan, requiring that applicants not apply Early Decision to other institutions. FSU will require a written agreement signed by the student, a parent or guardian, and the student’s high school counselor.

Early Decision will run concurrently with FSU’s existing non-binding Early Action option, which remains available exclusively to Florida residents. Both Early Decision and Early Action will share an Oct. 15 application deadline, with decisions released on Dec. 17.

Students admitted through Early Decision must withdraw all other college applications and submit their enrollment deposit to FSU by Jan. 15, 2027.

Students applying early will remain eligible for need-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. FSU’s Office of Admissions says students considering Early Decision should use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and financial aid eligibility. Financial aid information will be shared shortly after admission decisions are released to support informed family decision making, provided students complete the FAFSA by Dec. 1.

Early Decision will not be available to those applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program.

Regular Decision and rolling deadlines will continue to be available for students who prefer greater flexibility. A full list of the 2027-2028 application plans, dates and deadlines can be found on the FSU First-Year Dates & Deadlines page.

All applicants, regardless of application plan, will continue to be evaluated through FSU’s holistic review process. The Office of Admissions considers all aspects of an applicant’s record, and no single criterion guarantees admission.

Visit the FSU First-Year Decisions page for eligibility guidelines, timelines and frequently asked questions.

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A Florida State University master’s student and Presidential Scholar was accepted into a highly competitive national fellowship program for emerging civic leaders.

Ella Garcia, who is working toward her master’s degree in public administration, was accepted into the Coro Fellows Program housed at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The Coro Fellows Program was founded in 1947 in San Francisco to train young World War II veterans in civic leadership skills. It now operates four centers in St. Louis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, where it serves to advance civic engagement and accelerate the careers of those in public affairs.

As a Coro Fellow, Garcia will live in St. Louis and participate in a full-time, graduate-level leadership training program that includes seminars, interviews with local leaders, opportunities to learn about regionally specific topics, and placement in organizations across nonprofit, business and government sectors.

“I’m excited because it’s going to be very fulfilling to focus on the aspect of public administration that’s about giving back, not just pursuing my own professional goals, but learning how I can better the communities around me,” Garcia said. “It’s one thing to study administration and government in a theoretical way, but it’s another to apply what I’ve learned hands-on. It’s what I feel like I’m called to do.”

From Mount Dora, Florida, Garcia is a member of FSU’s Presidential Scholars Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and will graduate with her master’s degree this summer with support from FSU’s More in Four program, which helps high achieving students complete a bachelor’s degree in three years and continue immediately into a master’s degree.

Professors and mentors say Garcia’s involvement at FSU has prepared her well for the Coro Fellows Program. That includes her participation in FSU’s Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program, in the Department of Political Science, where she was able to intern for a state representative and a member of U.S. Congress.

“Ella has used her time at FSU to gain extensive hands-on government experience and advanced analytical skills, with the aim of driving informed, community-oriented public service,” said FSU professor Amanda Driscoll, cofounder of APPLE and one of Garcia’s mentors. “The Coro Fellowship will provide her with additional public service experience and practical leadership training to deepen her impact and professional growth. I am confident that she will translate her established civic commitments into effective, real-world solutions, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish next.”

Garcia’s interest in policy work extended beyond U.S. government last summer, when she traveled with a group of FSU Honors Program students to the Oxford Consortium of Human Rights workshop at the University of Oxford in England.

“Ella is among the finest students I’ve worked with at Florida State,” said Ross Moret, who led the trip to Oxford and serves as an associate teaching professor in the FSU Honors Program. “She is dedicated, responsible, insightful and caring. She will make an outstanding Coro Fellow.”

As a Presidential Scholar, Garcia said she enjoyed mentorship and a peer community that helped motivate her to reach her goals.

“FSU and the Presidential Scholars Program specifically have been instrumental for me,” she said. “It’s really shaped who I am, as a leader and as a person.”

To learn more about student support for pursuing national fellowships, visit the Office of National Fellowships and the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

Visit the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy website to learn more about the college, department and programs.

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Florida State University’s Career Center recently honored its final group of Garnet & Gold Scholars, culminating 16 years of student achievement and impact. Thirteen students were inducted at a ceremonial celebration breakfast.

Established in 2010, the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society was created to recognize students who engage in meaningful experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Since then, experiential learning has become a defining component of the undergraduate experience and has been integrated into the CoreFSU curriculum for all students.

Reflecting on the legacy of the program, Li P. Pon, senior assistant director for Experiential Learning, emphasized the collective commitment and success of the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society. Its prominence is a result of the efforts of its founders, current leadership, overall program advisors, area contacts, area approvers and FSU Career Center’s Experiential Learning team.

“The Florida State University Career Center extends its sincere appreciation to those whose dedication has sustained the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society throughout the years,” Pon said. “We are deeply grateful to our administrators, campus partners and colleagues for their commitment to undergraduate student success.”

Each student received a medal and was celebrated for their honorable level of dedication and discipline for international experience, internship, leadership, research and service beyond the classroom.

2026 Garnet & Gold Scholar Society Honorees
(listed alphabetically by last name):

Marcy Bedaw, Biological Science, Palm Harbor, FL

Jude Bogusz, Nursing, Orlando, FL

Constanza Cescato, Behavioral Neuroscience, Rosario, Argentina

Patrick “Joey” DeMarco, Exercise Physiology, Jacksonville, FL

Grace Elliott, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clearwater, FL

Mia Gold, Biological Science; Russian, Tampa, FL

Richard “Richyie” Gonzaga, Psychology, Miami, FL

Isabelle Krukoski, Editing, Writing, and Media; Media and Communication Studies, Montverde, FL

Amber Losciale, Cyber Criminology, Inverness, FL

Rachel McCann, Finance; Marketing, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Marissa Rouse, Information Communication Technology; Digital Media Production, Cincinnati, OH

Emma Sag, Behavioral Neuroscience, Wellington, FL

Hannah Squier, Biological Science; Economics, Stuart, FL

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A Florida State University student has been selected for a national civil rights and public policy program, joining a network of emerging leaders committed to advancing social change.

Shiv Patel, a sophomore majoring in exercise physiology on the pre-med track, is one of five undergraduate and five graduate students selected from around the country as a scholar in this year’s cohort of the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program.

The program brings together student leaders for a yearlong experience centered on civil rights, public policy and community engagement. Scholars participate in immersive programming, including fully funded trips and a Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, where they explore key sites of the Civil Rights Movement and engage with leaders in government, business and nonprofit sectors.

The program is named for the late Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights leader known for his lifelong commitment to nonviolent activism and public service.

“A lot of my passion came from growing up in the capital, being around healthcare legislation and knowing people that are affected by it.”

– Shiv Patel

At FSU, Patel has built a strong foundation in both research and public health leadership. He serves as president of the Student Health Advisory Committee and as health services director within Student Government. In these roles, he works to promote student wellness initiatives and improve access to health resources on campus.

Patel has also conducted oncology research under the mentorship of Jerome Irianto, assistant professor at the College of Medicine, and has worked as a medical assistant in Tallahassee, including at FSU PrimaryHealth and at Florida Cancer Specialists, where he gained experience serving underserved populations.

A Tallahassee native, Patel credits his upbringing and exposure to healthcare systems in the region as key influences on his career goals.

“I was a medical assistant with FSU PrimaryHealth, a clinic that serves underserved communities, and working with them gave me a lot of direct exposure to patients in underprivileged conditions,” Patel said. “A lot of my passion came from growing up in the capital, being around healthcare legislation and knowing people that are affected by it.”

Through the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program, Patel will engage in a project and collaborate with peers and mentors across disciplines. He plans to focus his work on improving healthcare access in rural communities and exploring how clinical innovation and policy can reduce disparities in care delivery.

“The program focuses on civil rights and policy activism. We will go on a pilgrimage to different cities in the Southeast to learn more about the legacy of Congressman Lewis and his opinions on activism philosophy,” Patel said. “They also put us in contact with their alumni network, which has done a lot of things both in terms of public policy and healthcare policy. There’s been physicians who have been Lewis Scholars and have focused their advocacy around non-violent principles, specifically on civil rights.”

Patel also was one of four FSU students to recently receive the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national honor recognizing outstanding sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in the science, engineering and mathematics fields.

After graduating, Patel plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician-scientist focusing on improving access to equitable care through healthcare technologies and policy solutions.

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At Florida State University, learning extends beyond the classroom, with international experiences bringing academics to life on a global stage. 

Through international internships and other hands-on experiences, students gain practical skills, strengthen cultural competency and expand their worldview. These opportunities offer a powerful pathway for both personal and professional growth. Programs offered through the FSU Career Center, International Programs and other campus partners are just a few ways students can access opportunities tailored to their academic and career interests.  

For many, these experiences are defining moments. Across industries and continents, the following FSU students have built confidence, grown professional networks and discovered clarity in their career paths through international experiential learning.  

Aman Myrsten, France 

Aman Myrsten, a junior double majoring in French and sociology, spent eight and a half weeks in Aix-en-Provence, France, interning with a local nonprofit through CEA CAPA Education Abroad, a leading provider of international study and internship programs. 

Having previously spent the Summer 2024 semester in France through FSU’s Intensive French Program in Paris, Myrsten wanted to deepen her language skills and cultural understanding. In Aix-en-Provence, a city in southern France just north of Marseille, sheworked full time with Le Relais des Possibles, a nonprofit supporting women’s rights and domestic violence prevention.  

“Doing an international internship felt like it would be a great continuation [of my studies]— something that would be good for my resume and an incredible learning experience overall,” Myrsten said. 

CEA (Cultural Experiences Abroad) was originally founded as a study abroad organization for university students, and CAPA (The Global Education Network) is a provider focusing on global education and internships. Together, they merged to form CEA CAPAEducation Abroad, offering a combined 75 years of experience in creating academic, career and internship programs abroad.  

Through CEA CAPA, students can participate in various internships in eleven different cities across Europe and Australia, providing placements in a variety of fields from urban planning to fashion. 

In her role as an advocacy and cultural development intern, Myrsten ran workshops for mothers escaping domestic violence and delivered community outreach in underdeveloped neighborhoods. She also took a six-credit International Internship course at InstitutAmericain Universitaire (IAU), an American style university that partners with CEA CAPA and acts as a host institution for CEA CAPA internship and study abroad students.  

“I just found a lot of fulfillment in my job, and that’s something that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find in many settings,” Myrsten said.  

Mia Hicks, Semester at Sea 

Mia Hicks, a senior majoring in Finance, spent spring 2025 traveling the world through Semester at Sea, a study abroad program where students live and attend classes on a ship, traveling to various continents and participating in immersive cultural learning.  

Aboard the MV World Odyssey, Hicks traveled with 500 classmates to 13 countries in less than five months while taking courses ranging from psychology to international issues in recreation and tourism. While it’s not an internship, Semester at Sea gives students the unique opportunity to merge academic studies with hands on cultural experiences, demonstrating the power of immersive international learning. 

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One hundred Florida State University students were inducted into the 2026 Torchbearer 100 program by the Division of Student Affairs on April 13.

The longstanding program recognizes undergraduate students across all FSU colleges for their exceptional leadership and notable impact within the FSU community.

“Thank you for all you do to make FSU so special,” Brandon Bowden, associate vice president for Student Affairs, said at the event honoring the students. “Your dedication to creating a legacy has made an impact greater than the sum of its parts. Thank you for giving Florida State a part of your heart and for letting our great institution be a part of your story.”

Inductees become part of a network representing leaders of change, devotion to FSU and the promise to continue making a notable impact after graduation. Each student received a special Torchbearer 100 medallion to wear at commencement and was celebrated for being a testament to FSU’s legacy of leadership within the student body.

The Torchbearer 100 selection process begins with application submissions in September; interviews are conducted in November. A selection committee chose the 100 students who best exemplified and inspired excellence, transformative daring, responsible stewardship and community engagement.

Bowden shared that this was an incredibly competitive year, with applicants reflecting a greater representation of majors, colleges and organizations than ever before.

2026 Torchbearer 100 Honorees
(listed alphabetically by last name):

Danny Alex

Autumn Alfred

Saumil Amradkar

Josh Benalcazar

Sindhu Bilapati

Blake Bole

Savannah Boutwell

Destinee Britto

Emma Brown

Sydney Burton

Kailen Christian

Donwon Cooley

Elizabeth Cordero

Tafari D’Aguilar

Carson Dale

Hugo Davies

Emma Dimassa

Kate Eason

April Edwards

Amanda Fronczak

Tatiana Garcia

Caroline Glock

Natalie Gonzalez

Megan Hallman

Alexa Hymes

Susanna Inguanzo

Sophia Inguanzo

Karlie Jackson

Sarah Grace Jaffe

McKenzy Jie-a-fa

Salena Kahassai

Anne Kallis

Tyler Knight

Morgan Krause

Joud Kurdi

Faisal Lalani

Delaney Lento

Isabella LoBianco

Lucie Grace Lovato

Jaclyn Madson

Madeline Mason

Samantha Mason

Grace Massari

Gilberto Mattei-Fernandez

Jasmine Max

Margot McFadden

Alyson Mizanin

Jaylene Molina

CJ Morales

Jibril Mustafa

Olivia Nicholson

Ashley Oliveira Andrade

Megan Olivero

Payton Palmer

Jacqueline Patino

Grace Patterson

Andres Perez

Breanna Prieschl

Olivia Prieto

Samantha Randall

Abigail Rios

Josiah Rivette

Alyssa Robinson

Landon Rodriguez

Liliana Salazar-Juarez

Jasmeen Santos-Ramirez

Madeline Schmidt

Vega Scholpp

Allan Shakhinovich Nabiev

Sydney Sherry

Drake Shook

JJ Sigurani Rivera

Sydney Simon

Charly Slager

Geetanjali Srivastava

Jadyn Stringfellow

Gwyneth Sturm

Tristny Ta

Sofia Tascon

Sela Teplin

Hailey Thompson

Jacqueline Tinoco

Emily Tully

Matthew Turner

Michael Turner

Victoria Valko

Caden Vandermeulen

Kaylee Vasquez

Christian Velazquez

Adrian Vivas-Nambo

Sydney Wald

Jack Wemm

Tripp Weston

Orie White

Ashley Wong

Emily Woo

Erica Wyatt

Joanna Zequeira

Janet Zhang

Phoebe Zucker

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International Programs at Florida State University has named Ed Holroyd Pearce as the new director of the FSU London Study Centre.  

Pearce, who has more than 20 years of international leadership experience in higher and international education, begins the role Monday, April 20. 

“We are excited to welcome Ed to FSU London,” said Louisa Blenman, executive director of International Programs. “His extensive experience in international education and his commitment to expanding global opportunities for students make him an outstanding fit to lead the centre into its next chapter.” 

Pearce will lead FSU London’s efforts in strategic planning, program development and academic oversight. He will work closely with faculty and staff to enhance student experiences, expand partnerships and develop academic programs, providing high quality learning opportunities for students studying abroad at FSU London.  

“FSU has clear momentum in study abroad and international collaboration, and I’m excited to work with colleagues to build on that success — delivering an even stronger experience for students and faculty, and reinforcing the university’s global standing,” Pearce said.   

Christina Carroll, associate director of International Programs, served as interim director of FSU London since 2024 after former director Kathleen Paul’s retirement. According to Blenman, her work was critical for a successful director’s search and FSU London’s sustained excellence. Carroll will continue to provide guidance and support to FSU London.  

Pearce brings more than two decades of experience in international education to the role. He is the co-founder of several successful study abroad companies, including CRCC Asia and Virtual Internship Partners. From 2012 to 2018, he served as director of Transforma Travel Group, which offers educational tours worldwide. Pearce has served as chief product officer at Learning Unleashed since 2024, where he develops edtech products designed to enhance schools’ ability to facilitate meaningful exchange experiences.  

Throughout his career, Pearce has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to expanding access to international education. Founded in 2006, CRCC Asia pairs students with award-winning global internship programs in places like Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and Berlin. As the company’s co-founder and director, Pearce managed study abroad operations, facilitating placements for thousands of students and developing more than 60 partnerships with universities and government programs around the globe.  

Pearce also co-founded Virtual Internship Partners in 2018 to connect educators and employers worldwide to provide access to guaranteed internship opportunities. At both Virtual Internship Partners and Learning Unleashed, Pearce expanded global internship opportunities and led the development of educational technology platforms. 

Across these roles, he has helped lead global programs serving more than 20,000 students. 

“Having worked across global education, partnerships and program development, I’ve seen what it takes to make international experiences truly effective,” Pearce said. “I’m looking forward to applying those insights at FSU London — enhancing academic quality, strengthening partnerships and ensuring students get the most out of their time abroad.” 

Pearce holds an MBA with distinction from Bayes Business School at City, University of London and an MSc in international management (merit) from SOAS, University of London. He also earned an MA in East Asian studies from the University of Cambridge. 

FSU London gives students the chance to live and learn in the heart of London’s vibrant Bloomsbury district. Within walking distance of landmarks like the British Museum, the Houses of Parliament and the West End Theatre District, the centre blends history with modern amenities, including housing, classrooms, computer labs, a library and 24/7 staff support and security. 

For more information about the FSU London Study Centre, visit the International Programs website at international.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit the FSU Global website at global.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University students, employees and student organizations were honored for their commitment to student success at Leadership Awards Night on Tuesday, April 7.

The awards, hosted by the Office of Student Organizations and Involvement, are an annual recognition for campus members that epitomize the definition of leadership through achievement, service or organizational involvement.

The evening was accompanied by performances from two student organizations, the Acabelles at FSU and the Belly Dancers at FSU.

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