Florida State University concluded its second annual Horizons Unlimited Conference for first-generation students with a keynote conversation between President Richard McCullough and FSU Trustee Maximo Alvarez.
Speaking Monday in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, McCullough and Alvarez shared personal stories, emphasized the importance of education and reflected on the paths that shaped their lives.
“This conference holds special meaning for me because, like you, I was a first-generation college student,” McCullough said. “I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with blazing that trail. And trust me, the hard work you’re putting in now will open doors you can’t even imagine.”
The daylong event reinforced FSU’s commitment to first-generation student success. Nearly a quarter of FSU’s undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college, with many finding support through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE).
“It’s great that FSU takes the time and resources to invest into this, because a lot of people are first-generation and also transfer students, so helping them navigate different circumstances that they wouldn’t have previously known because their parents didn’t go to university is a big deal,” said Leo Perez, a third-year finance student.
The conference shared resources and strategies for first-generation student success in college, graduate school and their careers. Specific sessions were geared toward freshmen, transfer students and student-athletes. Students also had opportunities to network with alumni, faculty and university leaders throughout the conference.
In the keynote conversation, Alvarez shared his journey as a young Cuban immigrant who became a successful entrepreneur and community leader.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Alvarez came to America at just 13 through Operation Pedro Pan, a program that provided refuge to over 14,000 children fleeing Cuba.
Despite the challenges of his early days in a children’s welfare home, Alvarez’s determination and resilience led him to Belmont Abbey University in North Carolina and later to Florida State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Alvarez’s career took off in the oil industry, where he built Sunshine Gasoline Distributors from four struggling gas stations into one of the largest independent fuel suppliers in the Southeast.
His legacy extends beyond business success. He serves as a trustee for the Pedro Pan Group, supporting immigrant children, and he has been instrumental in establishing a daycare center for underprivileged children.
For Alvarez, every generation should strive to be better than the last — a belief that drives his commitment to giving back and helping others succeed. Alvarez highlighted important lessons he has learned as he shared his emotional personal story:
- “Always try to be the best that you can, so when you go to sleep at night, you can say, ‘Well, I couldn’t have done more.’” Alvarez discussed his competitive nature, including competing with himself to be better than he was the day before. He recounted how as a car washer at 13 years old, he wanted to be the best car washer in the world.
- “I don’t believe in failure.” He spoke about how he views failure as a learning experience, with the ups and downs of life proving to be lessons and investments in your future self. Alvarez shared how he sees fear and failure as synonyms, and how by being confident in yourself you will accomplish things you never thought possible.
- “The common denominator of success is hard work.” Alvarez told the audience to take lessons learned as a way to never make the same mistake twice. He advised the audience not to be motivated by money, because in his experience, when you work hard and do your best, the money will follow.
- “Be grateful and be generous.”Alvarez tries to give back as much as he can in gratitude for all that he has been given by others throughout his life. He says he measures his success in how he is able to help others.
FSU First Lady Dr. Jai Vartikar ended the evening by reminding students to keep dreaming big, working hard and reaching for those unlimited horizons ahead of them.
“You have a community here at Florida State University that believes in you, supports you and will cheer you on every step of the way,” Vartikar said. “Being a first-generation student is a superpower. You are paving the way for your family and for future generations. And we are so proud of you.”
