As Florida State University celebrates the summer class of 2025, more than 2,850 graduates are stepping into the next chapter of their lives, joining a global network of over 407,000 FSU alumni.
This summer, the university will award 1,692 bachelor’s degrees, 881 master’s and specialist degrees, 183 doctoral degrees, 4 Juris Doctor degrees, 93 Juris Master’s degrees, and 2 LLM degrees. Roughly 1,850 graduates will participate in person, marking a proud moment for the FSU community.
This summer’s graduates have had a variety of experiences, mentors and moments that shaped their individual academic journeys. From groundbreaking research to personal transformation, these stories reflect the resilience, curiosity and drive that define the spirit of FSU.
Miguel Garcia-Salas is graduating with a doctorate from FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders. His work focused on speech-language pathology with an emphasis on family-centered interventions.
During his time at FSU, Garcia-Salas published in top-tier journals, presented at national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) conferences, earned multiple awards and taught undergraduate courses.
A highlight of his research was the development of the DREAM Program, Dialogic Reading Education through Accessible Modules. This online initiative helps families implement dialogic reading, a proven technique that fosters language development through interactive storybook reading. Garcia-Salas piloted the program with 42 families and reported promising outcomes in his dissertation.
Beyond academics, Garcia-Salas raised his young family in Tallahassee, an experience he describes as deeply meaningful.
“This is all my family knows, this FSU community,” Garcia-Salas said. “The FSU Childcare and Early Learning Program, the Florida Center for Reading Research my school, the library and university grants have all played a role in helping me balance fatherhood and scholarship.”
After graduation, Garcia-Salas will join the University of Arkansas as an assistant professor. He plans to continue working with historically underserved families and community organizations to promote language and literacy development through home-based interventions.
Carlton Wier, a Marine Corps veteran born and raised in Tallahassee, is graduating this semester with a degree in interdisciplinary social science from Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.
Wier chose to attend FSU for its tradition, culture and the outstanding reputation of the Student Veterans Center.
“It is an honor to walk in this semester’s commencement ceremony and join close relatives as Florida State alumni,” Wier said. “The history, culture, tradition and the people I had the privilege to meet set Florida State apart.”
During his time at FSU, Wier found support through the Student Veterans Center, which he described as a model of integrity, inclusion and expertise in navigating VA benefits.
“The Student Veterans Center is an example of what selfless service truly means,” he said. “It improves character, performance and confidence in a veteran experiencing college life after and during military service.”
He said he will miss the staff, facilities, athletics, academics, professors, students and alumni most from his time at FSU.
After graduation, Wier plans to start a business or organization dedicated to supporting veterans, law enforcement, first responders and their families with a broader mission to serve the community in any way possible.
“I look forward to continuing to uphold the title and responsibility that comes with being a graduate of Florida State University,” he said. “Go Noles!”
Zahria Moore, a first-generation college graduate from Boca Raton, Florida, is earning 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 standout academic programs and vibrant campus life. Criminology, one of FSU’s top-ranked majors, caught her attention early on, but it was the university’s spirit and support systems that made it feel like home.
“My journey has been very unique and challenging,” Moore said. “Walking in this commencement ceremony is something I’ve always dreamt of, but never fully imagined happening until this week. Getting the email that I would graduate made my heart do a backflip.”
Throughout her time at FSU, Moore found a strong sense of community through the Unconquered Scholars Program and CARE (Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement). These programs provided her with more than just academic support—they gave her a village.
“These programs feel like drinking from a wishing well,” Moore said during her keynote address at the 2025 Unconquered Scholars Awareness Banquet. “Everything that I wanted, everything that I came to college looking for, I found in this remarkable program and these amazing people. My family, my home away from home, my safe space, my confidants.”
Moore’s proudest accomplishment was not only growing within the Unconquered Scholars Program but also helping it grow. Serving on the executive board became a defining part of her college experience.
“Joining the board was possibly one of the best things I could have done in my college career,” she said.
When she reflects on her time at FSU, Moore lights up at the memory of football season and spontaneous campus events.
“Something I love about FSU is the spirit of football season. It unites everyone—no matter who you are or where you came from,” she said. “And I’ll miss the random events on Landis. Waking up to a carnival being built genuinely made me smile.”
After graduation, Moore will begin her career as a youth counselor at a juvenile detention center in New Hampshire—her first step toward a long-term goal of positively impacting the criminal justice system.
“I earned this,” she said. “And I’m excited for everyone to see that.”
Alison Cole has always been drawn to the roar of engines. Growing up in Jupiter, Florida, she was captivated by a nearby facility that assembled and tested military helicopters.
“I grew up down the street from where they built the Blackhawks, and I’d always watch them get tested, and you could hear the engines going,” Cole said. “It was just really fascinating to me.”
That early fascination led her to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration at FSU, which she will receive this month. After graduation, she will work in Orlando for Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control department.
Cole credits her success to the support she received from professors and mentors, especially Larry Giunipero, one of the nation’s top supply chain experts.
“Without Dr. Larry Giunipero, I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “His connections and his love of the supply chain really helped me focus on where I wanted to go after graduation.”
Giunipero praised Cole’s intelligence, business acumen and drive, noting her potential to help solve complex supply chain challenges.
Cole said her MBA experience helped her understand business dynamics and corporate strategy, giving her the tools to navigate the professional world.
Outside of academics, Cole recently completed the London Marathon, a personal milestone she describes as one of her proudest accomplishments.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve probably ever had to accomplish, but I’m really proud that I did that,” she said.
Brody Green, a native of Lake City, Florida, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in psychology from FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Originally a finance major, Green discovered his calling in psychology after an introductory course at FSU sparked a deeper interest. Inspired by his mother, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, he shifted his academic focus to address mental health challenges he believes are often overlooked.
“At FSU, I discovered that I could make a meaningful difference in the world by supporting others, raising awareness about the impact of mental health and advocating for those who may not yet recognize the resources available to them,” Green said.
Green credits his success to the support he received throughout his time at FSU, from professors and counselors to fellow students and the broader university community. He also explored additional areas of study, including Italian, which enriched his academic experience.
He fondly recalls moments that made his time at FSU unforgettable, from cheering on the Seminoles during football season to walking past the iconic baseball field on his way to class.
“As I prepare to graduate, I’m grateful for the strong support system that helped me grow,” he said. “FSU and Tallahassee truly became a home.”
Green plans to continue his education and clinical experience, with a goal of making a lasting impact in mental health advocacy.
Danielle Morabito is graduating with a doctorate in clinical psychology from FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
As a first-generation college student, Morabito has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and served as principal investigator on a prestigious National Institute of Mental Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) grant. Her dissertation, “A Multi-Method Investigation of Tonic Immobility and Implications for Trauma-Related Disorders,” reflects her commitment to advancing trauma research.
She completed clinical training at FSU’s Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic and Psychology Clinic and in 2024 was one of just four FSU students to receive the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Scholar Award, a national honor recognizing academic achievement and leadership among women pursuing doctoral degrees.
Morabito also served as outreach co-chair for the Graduate Student Ambassadors, developing programs to help undergraduates explore graduate school pathways.
Before entering FSU’s doctoral program, she earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminology from the University of Miami and worked for three years at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD.
“This journey has been shaped by incredible mentors, meaningful research, and a passion for supporting others through science and service,” Morabito said.
She is currently completing a clinical internship at the VA Boston Healthcare System and will join the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, later this year as a tenure-track assistant professor of clinical psychology.
Grace Bayliss, originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, will graduate with her Master of Science in Information Technology from the College of Communication and Information. This degree makes her a two-time FSU alumna. She received her Bachelor of Science in Information, Communication and Technology in 2023.
“As a freshman, I remember there were many opportunities to participate and meet others through campus activities,” Bayliss said. “The university did a good job of fostering community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an effective balance of keeping everyone safe while providing opportunities for students to connect with others.”
Her decision to combine communication and technology was inspired by a guest speaker during a Freshman Interest Group (FIG) meeting. Her peer leader hosted a panel of various degrees and career options, and Bayliss realized it would be a good fit to mix her love for communication with her side passion of technology to create an ideal career choice.
Bayliss furthered her involvement in the field when she interned with Information Technology Services (ITS) at FSU. Through this internship, she gained real work experience in a professional setting, learned the importance of being a contributing team member and tied together the concepts she learned in class to real projects.
Bayliss said the internship allowed her to find “passion for the people side of technology,” and soon applied for a full-time job within ITS. As she worked full-time in her role, Bayliss challenged herself to pursue her master’s degree.
“I had great mentors who encouraged me to grow both personally and professionally,” Bayliss said. “As someone who is committed to the principle of lifelong learning, I have continually sought opportunities to challenge myself and advance in my career.”
Bayliss also credits her involvement in Phi Sigma Phi, an honors fraternity that is open to all majors and her involvement with the FSU Student Union Art Center, which rounded out her experience and helped her feel part of the FSU community.
After graduating, Bayliss plans to continue working in the technology field and is dedicated to lifelong learning.