Florida State University graduates shine in 2024

As the fall 2024 semester draws to a close, Florida State University celebrates the achievements of its graduates, each with a unique story that highlights their journey. From groundbreaking research to impactful community involvement, these students have worked tirelessly to reach this moment.

Amari Riley grew up in a military family and lived around the world before settling in Navarre, Florida. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from FSU’s College of Business. Riley chose FSU for its commitment to student success and school spirit, particularly enjoying game days and the university’s resources.

During her time at FSU, Riley served on the executive board of FSU’s National Council of Negro Women and mentored first-year students as an Engage 100 leader. She said being accepted into the prestigious James M. Seneff Honors program in the College of Business stands out as a highlight.

“Through this program, I have had the chance to build upon my skills and meet amazing people,” she said. “Being a Seneff Scholar has also pushed me outside of my comfort zone, ultimately helping me work toward becoming the business leader I aspire to be.”

As she prepared to graduate, she reflected on the significance of this milestone in her academic journey.

“Walking across the stage at commencement will be the culmination of all my collegiate accomplishments and serve as the perfect close to an incredible journey,” Riley said. “FSU has given me beautiful memories and impactful opportunities that have helped me achieve all my goals. Now, as I’m about to graduate a semester early, I feel that everything has fallen into place.”

Riley is pursuing a career in the field of data and technology and has been hired as a technology consultant with Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Anie Delva of Miami is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University’s College of Nursing. As a first-generation college student and Haitian American, she chose FSU because of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, which provided her the opportunity to pursue higher education on a full scholarship.

“Being the first in my family to attend college — and doing so on a full-ride scholarship — has been a tremendous honor,” she said. “I am proud to be graduating from FSU with my bachelor’s in nursing, a milestone that reflects both my hard work and the unwavering support of my family and community.”

Delva, who secured her first nursing job at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, shares the achievement with her family.

“It represents the sacrifices we’ve made and the barriers we’ve overcome,” she said.

Looking ahead, Delva’s goal is to become a skilled and compassionate nurse, and she aims to inspire future generations of nurses by emphasizing the importance of representation and holistic patient care.

“In the future, I hope to work in a setting where I can make a tangible difference in patients’ lives, especially in critical care,” she said. “Whether in a cardiac unit, emergency room, or other specialized areas, I want to be a nurse who listens to her patients and addresses their concerns holistically.”

Anthony Archer from Richmond, Virginia, is receiving his doctorate in higher education from the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. He came to FSU to pursue his master’s degree in 2001, graduated in 2004 and has worked for the university in various capacities since.

Archer recognizes FSU’s employee tuition scholarship, which provides six hours of coursework per semester at no cost, as one of the greatest benefits of working at the university.

“This particular scholarship has been so transformational for so many, and I am proud to work at an institution that values, encourages and supports its employees’ educational development and success,” Archer said.

His proudest accomplishments at FSU are the relationships he has built.

“My former professors are now my co-authors, and my former classmates are now my colleagues,” he said. “The way FSU infuses collaboration into its curriculum has deepened my appreciation for the importance of community in academia.”

He will miss the frequent “aha” moments that come with doctoral coursework and the growth they represent.

Archer has dedicated his career to the service of public higher education institutions and plans to continue working full-time at FSU. His hope is that his doctorate will allow him to help the university address the myriad of challenges public institutions face.

Wonmin Song of Busan, South Korea, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. She chose FSU for its strong math and physics programs and opportunities for research and involvement.

“I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and data science, and FSU’s supportive environment has helped me explore those interests in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” she said.

Song’s proudest accomplishments as an undergraduate have been serving as the president of the Society of Undergraduate Mathematics Students, mentoring students as a Learning Assistant and participating in math and nuclear physics research projects. She also worked with the Visually Impaired and Blind Students Framework Development Team, helping to develop guidelines for supporting visually impaired students in math courses.

Song will miss collaborating with peers in challenging classes, getting advice from professors and attending the student organization events that have made her feel like she belonged at FSU.

“This ceremony isn’t just about finishing college but also about honoring the incredible journey FSU has given me and looking forward to the next steps in my career and life,” she said.

After graduation, Song will work as a data analyst. She wants to work on projects that use data to solve real-world problems, from optimizing business strategies to tackling challenges in health and environmental sustainability.

Maria Cristina Gullesserian is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Growing up in San José, Costa Rica, she was influenced by a culture that celebrates close-knit community connections, an experience for which she remains grateful.

The welcoming environment was important in her decision to attend FSU.

“Moving to a different country with a different set of customs and culture was an enriching experience with many new opportunities; however, I still missed the close-knit environment I had grown up with back home,” she said. “Not only was I instantly enamored by the beautiful nature around campus, but witnessing the welcoming environment fostered by FSU became a deciding factor in the decision to pursue my undergraduate career at this university.

She worked as a lab manager for the Motivated Social Cognition Lab and as the undergraduate coordinator for an NSF-funded virtual reality study in the FSU March Research Laboratory. She also valued her time as a member of RENEW (Realizing Everyone’s Need for Emotional Wellness), an organization that collaborates with FSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Through RENEW, she had the opportunity to present topics on wellness and mental health to various campus organizations.

Gullesserian hopes to earn a doctorate in social psychology, secure a position at a research-oriented institution and eventually lead her own research lab. Specifically, she is interested in researching the effects of attitudes and behaviors during intergroup interactions.

“Being the first person in my family to earn my bachelor’s degree is a testament to their years of support, guidance and encouragement,” she said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be in the fortunate position I am in today, graduating from a well-renowned institution and applying to doctoral programs.”

First-generation student Roodens Benjamin is graduating from Florida State University’s College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Originally from Deerfield Beach, Florida, Benjamin chose FSU for its challenging academic environment and the strong support system provided by its dedicated professors.

Benjamin said FSU helped him grow as a person and become more resilient, compassionate and confident.

“Throughout my journey of becoming a nurse, I always wanted a school that would challenge me academically and provide a strong support system of professors who truly care for their students’ success,” he said. “Attending Florida State University has allowed me to have a variety of opportunities for me to excel in my career. The camaraderie of my professors and colleagues is truly amazing and I am blessed to have the chance to be in a profession where I can make a change every day.”

Walking in the commencement ceremony is especially meaningful for Benjamin as a first-generation graduate.

“Being a first-generation graduate is a powerful symbol of accomplishment, growth and transition,” he said. “Walking in this ceremony represents the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and personal development.”

Benjamin plans to become a certified nurse anesthetist and would like to eventually own a clinic. His primary goal is to provide exceptional patient-centered care to ensure every patient feels supported, informed and safe.

“My path was challenging, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, but it ultimately shaped me into a more resilient, compassionate and confident individual,” he said.

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