FSU commencement honors resilience and record-breaking class

Florida State University honored its largest graduating class in history over the weekend and celebrated the resilience and achievements of more than 7,100 students who earned nearly 9,000 degrees. 

The six commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center came just over two weeks after a shooting on campus left the community grieving but united in strength. 

FSU President Richard McCullough began each ceremony with a moment of silence in memory of Robert Morales, a longtime FSU employee, and Tiru Chabba, a visitor from South Carolina, who were killed in the April 17 attack at FSU’s Student Union. 

“We cannot begin today without acknowledging the loss our community has suffered,” McCullough told the crowd. “Just over two weeks ago, a tragic act of violence struck our campus. We lost Robert and Tiru. Multiple others were injured. In the days since, we’ve witnessed the best of FSU: compassion, courage, and an outpouring of support from around the world.” 

He asked attendees to honor the lives lost, to support those still recovering and to recognize those who responded with care and urgency.  

McCullough said the weekend was a time to honor perseverance, community and hope. 

“These graduates have overcome so much — not only in the past few weeks, but over the years they’ve worked toward this day,” he said. “This is the largest graduating class in Florida State’s history. That alone is reason to be proud. But it’s their resilience that makes this moment even more meaningful.” 

FSU awarded 8,926 degrees in total over the weekend, including 6,862 bachelor’s degrees, 1,558 master’s and specialist degrees and 247 doctoral degrees.  

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