FSU to recognize esteemed graduates during homecoming weekend 

Florida State University will recognize 22 of its most notable alumni at three different events during Homecoming weekend, which will take place Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24.

“Our remarkable alumni honorees demonstrate the value of a degree from FSU, and Homecoming is the perfect time to recognize them,” said Julie Decker, associate vice president of university advancement, alumni engagement and president of the FSU Alumni Association. “They exemplify what it means to be a graduate of Florida State. FSU educates students who go on to make an impact wherever they land. These alumni show us what is possible. We invite all alumni, students, parents and friends to join us in celebrating this happy occasion.”

On Friday, Nov. 22, the FSU Alumni Awards ceremony will celebrate 12 distinguished alumni, including recipients of the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni, The Inspire, Circle of Gold and The Bernard F. Sliger awards.

The FSU Homecoming Breakfast, presented in partnership with the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), will celebrate four recipients of the Grads Made Good Award on Saturday, Nov. 23.

On Sunday, Nov. 24, the Emeriti Alumni Society at FSU’s Induction Brunch and Award Ceremony will celebrate six honorees of the Commitment to Excellence, Conradi Lifetime Achievement and Dean Eyman Distinctive Service awards. All three events will take place at the FSU Alumni Center, 1030 W. Tennessee St.

For more information and to register to attend the FSU Alumni Awards event, Homecoming Breakfast and EAS Induction Brunch and Award Ceremony, visit gonol.es/alumniawards, gonol.es/hocobreakfast2024 and gonol.es/easreunion24, respectively.

FSU Alumni Awards—Friday, Nov. 22

The Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon young alumni by the FSU Alumni Association. The 2024 Askew Award honorees are:

Joanny “Joey” Arellano (B.A.’15, B.A. ’15)
Joey Arellano possesses a distinct expertise in public relations which spans the arts, corporate, health care, nonprofit sectors and more. He is the deputy director of communications for the Florida House of Representatives Office of the Minority Leader. In 2022, he received the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of contributions made in his previous role and to the community, and in 2024, he was recognized as one of Florida’s “Great Communicators” by Influence Magazine. Arellano was recently appointed to The Florida Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee. He earned dual degrees in international affairs and editing, writing and media, complemented by a disaster management and homeland security certificate from FSU.

Derrick Scott II (B.S ’16) 
Derrick Scott II is a strategic finance and management consulting expert. As the founder and CEO of CardinalWisdom Consulting, he guides middle-market companies toward operational excellence through transformative business strategies. Scott began his career at GE overseeing global financial reporting for its $7 billion power portfolio. His innovative finance data model significantly reduced aged accounts receivable balances by 80%, earning him the Servant Leader award. At Deloitte & Touche, he helped develop a predictive analytics dashboard that informed executive decision-making within Deloitte’s six major operating portfolios, becoming a standard tool across the firm. Committed to fostering inclusive environments, Scott relaunched Deloitte’s Black Employee Network and served as the youngest president of its southeast region. He was also a founding member of the Young Alumni Network at FSU and served as its president. A first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in finance, Scott continues to serve his community as an advisory board member for Inner Explorer, a College AIM mentor and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

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