Florida State University will award more than 2,800 degrees during summer commencement Aug. 2. Graduates have worked hard to reach this milestone, and all have unique stories about their time at FSU. From research to community involvement, their experiences have shaped who they are and prepared them for what’s next. Florida State University News spoke with a handful of graduates about their journeys and what the future holds for them.
Will Myers
Will Myers of Orlando is graduating from Florida State University’s MBA program specializing in real estate after earning an undergraduate degree from FSU last year.
Walking in this semester’s commencement ceremony holds special significance for Myers. He says he is proud to follow in his father’s footsteps by earning an MBA immediately after completing his undergraduate degree. This achievement is particularly meaningful as his father passed away earlier this year.
“It feels great to be graduating with a master’s degree within four years,” he said. “It is one of the benefits of combined pathways and going to high school in Florida. The foundation I have received from FSU is stronger than I could’ve ever imagined, and I’m excited to use my knowledge in the real world.”
One of Myers’ proudest accomplishments at FSU was his work as the lead fund manager at the FSU Real Estate Investment Fund. Setting up the fund was a learning experience for him in preparing the next management team for the future. Developing relationships with fellow students and staff was a highlight of his time at FSU.
“FSU has provided a ton for me,” Myers said. “Whether it was academically or socially, I have FSU to thank for many of the consistent components in my life.” After graduation, Myers will work at Truist Securities as an investment banking analyst in Miami.
Coretta Doss
After a distinguished career in the U.S. Military Academy , Coretta Doss is graduating with a doctorate in Reading and Language Arts from Florida State University’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Doss, a native of Brooksville, Mississippi, chose FSU for its renowned reading research program, which aligned with her extensive background and passion for education, especially in reading. As an R2D2 OSEP Fellow at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), her research concentrated on enhancing teacher professional development, supporting struggling readers and implementing evidence-based practices in K-12 education.
“The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree focused on reading research with FCRR faculty felt like a tailor-made fit for me,” Doss said. “Overcoming my fears, I decided to pursue this unique opportunity.”
Doss cherishes the collaborative and supportive environment at FSU, particularly the strong bonds she has formed.
“I will miss the camaraderie with members of my cohort,” she said “It reminds me of my time in the military, where we bonded with fellow soldiers as we trained for a common cause. I have been fortunate to find that same sense of unity with different individuals in our program.”
Doss strives to advance the science of reading through research and translate that research for pre-service and in-service teachers after graduation.
“I aim to develop validated instruments that provide insights leading to tailored professional learning opportunities for teachers, ultimately improving the learning and achievement of all students,” she said.
Taylor Caswell
Tallahassee resident Taylor Caswell achieved her lifelong dream of attaining a bachelor’s degree from the College of Nursing this semester.
Caswell said FSU was the perfect choice for her academic and professional journey.
“My proudest accomplishment at FSU is carrying on the alumni tradition in my family, which has deepened my connection to the university and its community,” Caswell said. “I will miss the supportive environment, the sense of belonging, and the chance to connect with so many incredible people who have enriched my journey.”
Caswell served as a student nurse ambassador for the College of Nursing, a role in which she supported and guided her peers.
“Serving as a student nurse ambassador for the College of Nursing has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to enhance my networking and communication skills while supporting incoming groups,” she said.
After graduation, Caswell will begin working at the Trauma Burn ICU at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medical.
“I aspire to work in high-pressure environments like the Trauma Burn ICU at UAB Medical, where I can utilize my skills to provide exceptional care to those in critical need,” Caswell said. “By combining my clinical expertise with a deep commitment to empathy and holistic care, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of my patients and the nursing profession.”
Jaylan Gainey
Jaylan Gainey, a former student-athlete on the FSU Men’s Basketball team, is graduating from the Sport Management master’s program.
Gainey, from Greensboro, North Carolina, chose FSU because of the family-like atmosphere he experienced when he arrived on campus. The welcoming nature of everyone, even those not associated with basketball, made him feel at home.
“I love the family atmosphere that FSU brings, from the students to the staff; it’s always very warm and welcoming. Everyone wants everyone to succeed here,” Gainey said.
For Gainey, walking in this semester’s commencement ceremony symbolizes the end of a long journey filled with challenges and hard work. He previously earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University in business economics and a graduate certificate in athletic coaching from FSU.
Gainey faced numerous physical and mental challenges during his collegiate career, including three knee surgeries in the past two years. His determination to graduate and finish his collegiate basketball career amid these obstacles stands out as his greatest achievement.
“I want to find ways to give back to the game of basketball because it has opened up so many opportunities in my life,” Gainey said.
While exploring various career paths, Gainey aspires to play professional basketball after graduation.
Humberto Messeguer
Orlando native Humberto Messeguer’s passion for technology and helping others led him to pursue a master’s in information technology from the School of Information (iSchool).
“No matter where I go or what I do, it’s to bring others together to be able to accomplish great things,” he said. “I’ve grown so much as a person and professional while obtaining this degree and have been able to develop my skills, take care of others and, most importantly, make an impact within the FSU family.”
During his time at FSU, Messeguer engaged in projects that allowed him to apply his technical knowledge to real-world problems. He participated in collaborative initiatives, working alongside peers and faculty to develop innovative solutions that addressed community needs.
After graduation, Messeguer hopes to pursue a career in IT security. He is particularly interested in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of digital systems.
“Being able to make a positive impact in the lives of others is one of my proudest accomplishments and will be something I continue doing after graduation,” he said.
Messeguer’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond his professional aspirations. He plans to remain actively involved in community service and outreach efforts, using his skills to benefit those around him.