![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Fall-2025-Graduation-Spotlight-1.3F.jpg\")
(L to R, top then bottom): Jada Llerena, Bolade Olateju, Olivia DeForest, Nicolas Monteagudo, Jocelyn Mu\u00f1iz, Max Allen, Joanna Chowdhury and Mckenzie Simon will earn their degrees this fall.\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t(L to R, top then bottom): Jada Llerena, Bolade Olateju, Olivia DeForest, Nicolas Monteagudo, Jocelyn Mu\u00f1iz, Max Allen, Joanna Chowdhury and Mckenzie Simon will earn their degrees this fall.\t\t<\/p>\n
Florida State University will celebrate the achievements of its newest alumni Friday as the fall 2025 semester draws to a close. FSU will award 2,982 degrees, and more than 2,000 graduates are expected to participate in commencement ceremonies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. President Richard McCullough will preside over all three events: a doctoral hooding ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by ceremonies for bachelor\u2019s,\u00a0master\u2019s\u00a0and specialist degree recipients at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Featured speakers include Florida State Rep. Lawrence McClure and retired FSU head men\u2019s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton.\u00a0<\/p>\n
FSU\u2019s fall graduates are putting their education to work in fields from health care to the arts. The students featured here have strengthened the university through their research, service and leadership and are ready to do the same beyond FSU.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bolade-Olateju-341x300.jpg\")
Bolade Olateju will earn his doctorate in exercise physiology with the FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Science. (Bolade Olateju)<\/p>\n
Lagos, Nigeria\u00a0native Bolade\u00a0Olateju\u00a0is on the verge of reaching another personal milestone as he earns his doctorate in exercise physiology with the FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Science.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Following graduation, he plans to continue his work in biomedical research with a focus on preclinical and translation studies aimed at cardiovascular and metabolic health.\u00a0Olateju\u00a0values the significant work he has\u00a0accomplished\u00a0while mentoring his students at FSU.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDuring my time at FSU, I have been fortunate to build a diverse and impactful record of academic research and leadership accomplishments,\u201d\u00a0Olateju\u00a0said. \u201cI have trained and mentored numerous students, supported multiple federally funded research projects, and contributed to several publications focused on\u00a0sarcospan, cardiac remodeling and cardiometabolic disease.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Olateju chose FSU\u2019s Exercise Physiology Ph.D. program \u201cbecause of its strong reputation in integrative human physiology and translational research.\u201d Searching for a program that would accelerate his research \u2014 particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases \u2014 Olateju is thankful for the challenge FSU provided.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted a program that would challenge me, support my growth as a scientist and allow me to conduct meaningful research,\u201d\u00a0Olateju\u00a0added. \u201cFSU provided exactly that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Jocelyn Mu\u00f1iz,\u00a0a\u00a0graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student,\u00a0was recently promoted to program administrator of the Public Health Dental Program at the Florida Department of Health.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Public Health Dental Program guides the Florida Department of Health\u2019s initiatives to strengthen and protect oral health across the state. The program has an incredible impact across Florida, managing statewide dental health data,\u00a0setting\u00a0policy priorities, supporting education and prevention\u00a0programs\u00a0and providing direct dental services.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n As the program administrator, Mu\u00f1iz oversees dental health plans to increase access to oral health services, promote preventive\u00a0care\u00a0and improve outcomes across diverse communities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWorking at the Florida Department of Health, I already feel like I\u00a0apply\u00a0my education to my job,\u201d Mu\u00f1iz said. \u201cBeing a public health major really helped me understand the inner workings of policy and the reasons that health\u00a0and health-related issues\u00a0are in the state that they are. Knowing the system and its influencing factors\u00a0impacted\u00a0my desire to make a change from within.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Mu\u00f1iz\u00a0is a Tallahassee native\u00a0and\u00a0earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in public health<\/a> from FSU\u2019s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) in 2023.\u00a0Mu\u00f1iz credits her time at COSSPP with helping her build the strong professional network that opened doors and propelled her toward her dream career.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n When asked what aspect of FSU has left a lasting impact on her, Mu\u00f1iz said, \u201cDr.\u00a0(Deanna)\u00a0Barath\u00a0has had the biggest influence on me as a student and as an individual in the field of public health. Not only does she give me feedback on my classwork, but she also provides guidance on my professional career, helping me build my r\u00e9sum\u00e9, serving as a reference, and offering insight into the public health system and how it functions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Joanna Chowdhury,\u00a0a\u00a0graduating Master of Public Health\u00a0(MPH)\u00a0student and two-time COSSPP\u00a0alumna,\u00a0was named Northwest Regional Health Manager for Special Olympics Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n In this position, Chowdhury works closely with clinicians and students, training them to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role is hands-on and collaborative, supporting work with volunteers for health education classes at partnered community facilities and coordinating noninvasive health screenings at sporting events and partner sites.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes this role so special is that I get to do something I absolutely\u00a0love, bridging\u00a0the clinical side of health\u00a0care with public health in a way that genuinely makes a difference,\u201d Chowdhury said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Chowdhury chose to attend FSU because of the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE)<\/a>,\u00a0which\u00a0provides first-generation students with academic preparation and support through programming\u00a0and\u00a0advising to\u00a0face\u00a0challenges due to educational or economic circumstances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the deciding factor for me, and looking back, it completely shaped the trajectory of my education and career,\u201d Chowdhury said. \u201cCARE gave me access to resources I didn\u2019t even realize I needed to be successful in college:\u00a0life coaching, case management, university housing\u00a0and a support system that showed up for me consistently.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Through CARE, Chowdhury learned about COSSPP\u2019s Combined Pathways program, which allowed her to blend two of her interests \u2014 public health and social sciences \u2014 while saving time and money. The pathway helped her transition\u00a0from her dual bachelor\u2019s degrees (B.S. Public Health and Interdisciplinary Social Science) into the MPH\u00a0program, giving her a clear direction toward the field she now works in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Chowdhury\u2019s dual degree\u00a0shapes her understanding of both fields. Taking\u00a0courses\u00a0such as urban and regional planning and public administration\u00a0influenced her perspective on policies that\u00a0impact\u00a0health care. \u201cIt taught me to view public health as a connected system where history, policy\u00a0and environment all\u00a0shape\u00a0outcomes,\u201d\u00a0Chowdhury said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The support\u00a0from FSU\u00a0aided her academic and personal development. One professor, specifically,\u00a0Ladanya\u00a0Ramirez Surmeier,\u00a0made a lasting impact during Chowdhury\u2019s most difficult moments.\u00a0After the death of her father,\u00a0Ramirez Surmeier encouraged her to seek mental health support.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cShe reminded me that I could not advocate for others if I was not willing to advocate for myself,\u201d Chowdhury said. \u201cHer advice became the missing piece in my healing.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Chowdhury is and has been involved in several organizations and programs, including Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., CARE, FSU University\u00a0Housing\u00a0and the Master of Public Health Student Association. These organizations\u00a0provided her with community, mentorship,\u00a0friendships\u00a0and opportunities for professional development.\u00a0<\/p>\n After graduation\u00a0Chowdhury hopes to continue advancing health equity and mentoring future public health professionals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Jada Llerena, of Stuart, Florida, is graduating\u00a0summa cum laude\u00a0with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She credits the FSU community and curriculum with strengthening her commitment to service and equipping her with the confidence to succeed.\u00a0<\/p>\n During her time at the College of Nursing<\/a>, Llerena researched GABA migration in the developing brain\u00a0after\u00a0nicotine exposure. However, one of her most meaningful experiences was serving as an ACE Learning\u00a0Tutor.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFSU taught me that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared, a lesson that continues to guide me as both a student and a future nurse,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Llerena also notes that the faculty\u00a0played an instrumental role in her development\u00a0by\u00a0challenging and supporting her growth.\u00a0After\u00a0graduation, she will begin her career at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She will work in the Neuro and Vascular Intensive Care Unit at the Level 1 trauma center, where she hopes to mentor other\u00a0nurses\u00a0and\u00a0continue\u00a0the cycle of guidance she found at FSU.\u00a0<\/p>\n Max Allen, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Theatre<\/a>, with a dual track in performance and directing. Drawn to FSU for its renowned arts programs and the ability to\u00a0utilize\u00a0the Bright Futures Scholarship, Allen said the campus environment was a major draw.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d\u00a0known FSU for a long time.\u00a0It has\u00a0very strong\u00a0arts programs with a lot of supportive\u00a0faculty, and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0really glad\u00a0I made the decision,\u201d Allen said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Allen\u2019s undergraduate career was defined by high-level research. Through the IDEA Grant and the Honors in the Major program, he developed\u00a0projects and attended graduate-level\u00a0seminars,\u00a0opportunities rarely\u00a0afforded to\u00a0undergraduates. He credits mentors such as Kris Salata, chair of the School of Theatre, and Assistant Professor Sarah Fahmy for guiding his journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n Allen plans to pursue a\u00a0doctorate\u00a0in theater to continue his work as a director,\u00a0performer\u00a0and scholar.<\/p>\n Mckenzie Simon, of Broward County, Florida, has made a lasting impact on campus through extensive service and leadership. A member of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, Simon served as a Summer Bridge Ambassador, supporting first-generation college students during their transition to campus life.\u00a0<\/p>\n Simon also served as an ambassador for the College of Nursing and a \u201cTake Stock in College\u201d student ambassador, mentoring students across Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cObstacles aren\u2019t stop signs, they\u2019re invitations to push harder,\u201d Simon said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Beyond his ambassador roles, Simon gained clinical experience as a nurse extern at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He was also a featured speaker at the Horizons Unlimited Conference, where he offered advice to incoming nursing students.\u00a0<\/p>\n After graduation, Simon will join the Cardiac Surgery ICU at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He plans to gain critical care experience before pursuing certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.\u00a0<\/p>\n At just 19 years old, Nicolas Monteagudo is graduating\u00a0summa cum laude\u00a0with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.\u00a0<\/p>\n Monteagudo\u2019s time at FSU was marked by academic distinction and advocacy. He was inducted into Phi Kappa\u00a0Phi\u00a0\u2014\u00a0becoming one of only two nursing students in his cohort selected for the nation\u2019s oldest collegiate honor society,\u00a0and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Nursing Honor Society.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jocelyn-Muniz.jpg\")
Jocelyn Mu\u00f1iz is a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student and program administrator of the Public Health Dental Program at the Florida Department of Health. (Jocelyn Mu\u00f1iz)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Joanna-Chowhurry.jpg\")
Joanna Chowdhury is a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student and two-time COSSPP alumna. She was named Northwest Regional Health Manager for Special Olympics Florida. (Joanna Chowdhury)<\/p>\n![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jada-Llerena-4-512x512.jpg\")
Jada Llerena is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. (Jada Llerena)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Max-Allen4-512x512.jpg\")
Max Allen is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Theatre, with a dual track in performance and directing. (Max Allen)<\/p>\n![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Mckenzie-Simon-graduation-512x512.jpg\")
After graduation, McKenzie Simon will join the Cardiac Surgery ICU at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. (McKenzie Simon)<\/p>\n![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Nicolas-Monteagudo-Photo-512x512.jpg\")
Nicolas Monteagudo is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. (Nicolas Monteagudo)<\/p>\n
![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Olivia-DeForest.jpg\")
Olivia DeForest will receive her Bachelor of Science in Finance. (Olivia DeForest)<\/p>\n