Florida State University celebrated some of its most resilient students at an annual banquet for students who come to FSU after experiencing homelessness, foster care, relative care or ward of the state status.
The Unconquered Scholars Program Awareness Banquet honored graduating seniors and other students from the Unconquered Scholars Program, a part of FSU’s Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), on March 30 at the FSU Student Union Ballrooms.
“Our mission is to provide students with guidance, mentorship, advocacy, security and a voice to ensure they can achieve academic success and long-term independence,” said Shannon Shannon, assistant director of student development in CARE. “Tonight we celebrate not only our graduating class, but every Unconquered Scholar who is one step closer to their degree.”
Keynote student speaker Vamaria Joe shared details about her journey before coming to FSU, describing a childhood that involved lots of moving, rotating through different caretakers and family arrangements, navigating instability and facing some deeply scary moments. She said that despite carrying “anger and resentment,” she found a path to higher education thanks to the help of a teacher who taught a college-preparation class.
Now, she is studying human development and family science with a minor in chemistry, with plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant after graduating from FSU.
“I am proud to be part of the Unconquered community – a space that didn’t just give me resources, but gave me belonging,” said Joe, who became the first grandchild of 10 in her family to attend college. “My goal is to build a community of my own, one rooted in care, understanding and support, so I can help others who are walking the same path.”
The Unconquered Scholars Program offers students one-on-on advising, financial assistance and advocacy, tutoring, access to a state-of-the-art computer lab and study spaces, mental health counseling, academic and skills workshops, volunteer opportunities and enrichment events.
“I am proud to be part of the Unconquered community – a space that didn’t just give me resources, but gave me belonging. My goal is to build a community of my own, one rooted in care, understanding and support, so I can help others who are walking the same path.” — Vamaria Joe
There are currently 144 students in the Unconquered Scholars Program, with 14 expected to graduate this spring, seven this summer and four in the fall.
The program began in 2012 with a cohort of 20 students. Since then, it has served hundreds of students, building a community that provides academic support, guidance, leadership opportunities and a sense of belonging.
“Programs like ours do not exist on their own,” said Michael Turner, the secretary of the Unconquered Scholars Program student advisory board. “They exist because there are leaders across this university who believe that every student deserves the chance to succeed and who work to make sure the right resources and support systems are in place.”
FSU has garnered national attention for its commitment to first-generation students, students receiving Pell Grants and those who have overcome additional obstacles. The university was named a First Scholars Institution in 2023 by FirstGen Forward, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
That year, FSU rolled out the new invitation-only QUEST Scholars Program to support first-generation students and expanded its Illuminate Program and Scholarship, for students who have received a Federal Pell Grant.
Through those programs and other transition and enrichment programs, such as Summer Bridge and Student Support Services, CARE is currently serving 3,556 students across FSU. Nearly a quarter of FSU’s students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
In March, FSU held its third annual Horizon’s Unlimited Conference, an initiative led by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar to celebrate and support first-generation students, alumni and university leaders. Vartikar also launched Dr. Jai’s First-Gen Explorers, which supports experiential learning beyond the classroom, such as internships or study abroad.
CARE recently launched its new Global Learning Community, which will send 10 CARE students to South Africa this summer for eight weeks of internships, Zulu language classes and cultural immersion.
The Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) named FSU the winner of its 2021 Degree Completion Award, recognizing and rewarding the institution for its work to improve graduation rates among underrepresented groups.
“At Florida State University, we know that every student has the talent and potential to succeed in their pursuit of higher education,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies and acting director of CARE. “We are committed to ensuring that each student has the opportunities, support and community necessary to thrive while they are here.”