“Remember we all have the potential to be the Peter Pans of this world who never grow up and keep asking questions,” he said.

Hanna Franz, of Naples, Fla., Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a minor in earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences on Friday. She plans to attend law school next fall in hopes of a career in environmental law.

“Walking to this fall’s launching ceremony is a great way to wrap up the past three and a half years at Florida State,” said Franz. “With so much that we couldn’t go through during a pandemic, I’m glad we were able to have this ceremony.”

A native of Midland, Texas, Kile Carriger graduated with a master’s degree in accounting from the College of Business on Friday. A former member of the FSU swim team, she will begin her career with an accounting firm in Tampa next summer.

“These are definitely the people that I will miss the most (about FSU),” Carriger said. “I learned here that it really takes a village to be successful. All I have been able to accomplish here is thanks to the support of the teachers, coaches and spectacular friends that I have made. It’s a bit bittersweet and I’m disappointed to leave my friends, but at the same time I’m excited to open this next chapter.

A first generation student from Bhatkal, India, Fathima Kazia graduated from the College of Social Work in less than 3.5 years. She credits FSU with providing resources critical to its success, such as the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), which provides academic preparation and support programs to first-generation students.

“This launch ceremony is memorable for me and my loved ones,” Kazia said. “Coming from an immigrant family, I am a first generation student who will be the first college graduate in my family. Each step of the march of the opening ceremony of fall 2021 will be heavy with emotion for me. “

Kazia said FSU’s diverse student body was an integral part of his experience.

“With students from all over the world, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, FSU welcomes everyone with open arms,” she said. “The diversity at FSU leads to many great connections that last after graduation.”

LaQuanta Rosier is Deputy Director of Finance and Administration at FSU College of Medicine. She is also the proud owner of two graduate degrees from FSU after earning a Masters in Accounting to go with the MBA she obtained in 2015.