Inspire Award

The Inspire Award recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves as leaders within their industry and whose hard work and determination serve as an inspiration to current students and young alumni at Florida State University.

Current Honorees

Ashlee Fontes Headshot

Ashlee Fontes
B.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’24

Delores Spearman Headshot

Delores Spearman
B.A. ’98, M.A. ’08

Nomination Information

Requirements:

  • A graduate who has “shattered the glass ceiling” in their career, demonstrated success in their profession, risen “in the ranks” in their field or created their own exceptional opportunity.
  • A graduate who has proven to be a mentor to others or served as a volunteer or mentor in their profession
  • A graduate who has given of their time, talents and treasure back to FSU, served on their college board or other FSU board, demonstrated philanthropy to FSU or volunteered to speak to classes or mentor students
  • A graduate who is a leader in their community, served on community boards or promoted/inspired others during their career

A complete nomination includes:

  • Nomination form: Please provide accurate and current information for the nominee and the nominator.
  • Narrative Responses: Please answer our five (5) short narrative responses (1,000 words or less) about why you feel this individual should be considered for this award.

Nominations:

Nominees must be placed in formal nomination each year with a completed online nomination form. Nominations can be made by anyone. Nominations will be solicited through the Florida State University Alumni Association’s newsletters, social media and alumni chapters and networks. All nominations must be received by the Alumni Association upon the designated due date each year.

Important Dates:

  • October 31, 2025 - Nominations open
  • March 20, 2026 - Nominations close
  • Late January-February - Verification and review process
  • Spring/Summer 2026 - Honorees are notified
  • Fall 2026 - Honorees are recognized during Homecoming

Process: A committee appointed by the Alumni Association National Board of Directors selects the recipient of the Inspire Award. Each year’s recipient is notified upon approval of the Engagement Committee in Spring 2024. If a nominee is not selected in a particular year, they may be re-nominated in succeeding years.

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Florida State University Alumni Association reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the final list.

Previous Honorees

2016 Inspire Recipients

Wendy Clark (B.A. ’91)
Maura Hayes (B.S. ’82)
Nancy McKay (B.S. ’78)
Nada Usina (B.S. ’93, M.S. ’94)

2017 Inspire Recipients

Stacie Bene Harris Cox (B.S. ’02, J.D. ’05)
Melanie Shoemaker Griffin (B.S. ’02, J.D. ’05)
Susan Ann MacManus (B.A. ’68, Ph.D. ’75)
Judy A. Schmeling (B.S. ’82)

2018 Inspire Recipients

Dr. Loretta Jackson Brown (B.S.N. ’87)
Julie Dunn Eichenberg (B.S. ’94)
Joy Lynn Fields (B.S. ’86)

2019 Inspire Recipients

Naomie Baptiste (B.S. ’06)
Anne Hamilton (B.S. ’79)
Heather Pinder Rodriguez (B.A. ’95, B.S. ’95, J.D. ’98)
Jennifer N. Hanson (B.S. ’01)

2020 Inspire Recipients

Cecelia Bonifay (B.A. ’71, M.S. ’76, J.D. ’85)
Marion Hargett (B.S. ’93)
J’Tia Hart Ph.D. (B.S. ’02)
Nan Casper Hillis (B.S. ’76)

2022 Inspire Recipients

Linda Alexionok (B.S. ’77)
Lisa Brock (B.S. ’80)
Melissa Van Dyke (B.S. ’90)
Karen Walker (B.S. ’87, M.S. ‘88)

2023 Inspire Recipients

Alison Curdt (B.A. '05, B.S. '05)
Dena Jalbert (MBA '10)
Jennifer Engel (A.A. '97)

2024 Inspire Recipients

Michael Saunders (B.S. ’64)
Leticia “Tish” (Garcia) Stropes (B.A. ’95, B.S.’95)