FSU Alumni Association

Grads Made Good

Over 100 graduates of Florida State University have been recognized as Grads Made Good, a program honoring alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their community or chosen field. The Grads Made Good award, presented in partnership with the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their community or field and the accomplishments of notable alumni, faculty and staff who have secured their place in the history of Florida State University by pushing boundaries and redefining standards within their respective fields.

Nominations for the 2026 Grads Made Good will open Fall 2025.

2024 Honorees

Ryan Dorrell Headshot

Ryan Dorrell

(B.S. ’95)

College of Business

Lutz, Florida

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Ryan Dorrell began his professional journey at Arthur Andersen and PwC before co-founding AgileThought, a consulting company specializing in custom software solutions, in 2004. AgileThought has received multiple Best Places to Work awards, earned a No. 160 ranking on the Inc. 500 list in 2008 and has been recognized four times in the Seminole 100. After expanding from its three founders to over 400 professionals across four locations in three states, AgileThought was acquired in 2019. Dorrell also founded Fan Data Insights, helping collegiate athletic programs drive revenue through advanced data tools in collaboration with and input from early-adopter Seminole Boosters. Additionally, he co-founded Agile Open Florida, an annual technology conference. Through philanthropy, Dorrell has given back to his community and FSU, providing scholarships to business students and naming an office in FSU’s Legacy Hall. He also chairs the Business Analytics, Information Systems and Supply Chain Advisory Board for the College of Business. Dorrell was named CIO of the Year in 2014 by the Tampa Bay Technology Forum and recognized in the 40 Under 40 list by Gulf Coast Business Review in 2012. Dorrell earned his B.A. in management information systems from FSU in 1995.
Devonta Freeman Headshot

Devonta Freeman

(B.S.’22)

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

Buford, Florida

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Devonta Freeman’s love for football began at 3 or 4 years old when his mother gifted him his first football. It ignited a passion that fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the field. From humble beginnings in Miami, Florida, Freeman played for the Moore Park Generals starting in fifth grade, and from then on, he decided to dedicate himself to football and his academic studies. Freeman’s hard work and commitment led him to FSU, where he received a scholarship under Coach Jimbo Fisher. At FSU, he helped lead the Seminoles to a national championship during his junior season. After declaring for the NFL Draft, Freeman was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round. Freeman is grateful for the opportunities he has had to play for teams including the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. Each step of the way reinforced his belief in determination, resilience and the drive to succeed against all odds. While Freeman’s football career has brought him joy, his heart has always been drawn to giving back to the community. Supporting those in need and uplifting others has been a top priority, and he strives to make a positive impact wherever he can. Freeman looks forward to continuing to inspire and support others in our community.
Jared Lyon Headshot

Jared Lyon

(B.S. ’11)

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

Tampa, Florida

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Jared Lyon is the national president and CEO of Student Veterans of America, where he leads efforts to empower student veterans using the transformative power of higher education. Since taking office in 2016, Lyon has overseen SVA’s growth to more than 1,600 chapters, representing over 750,000 student veterans. He co-authored the National Veteran Education Success Tracker, a comprehensive study of the first 854,000 student veterans to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill. He led SVA’s commitment to pass the “Forever GI Bill,” the largest expansion of college aid for military veterans in a decade with an economic impact of $3.4 Billion. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Lyon served as a submariner and diver. He also held prior roles at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans and the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team. He is a member of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education, board of advisors for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, member of the President George W. Bush Institute Advisory Council, FSU Veteran Advisory Board and FSU Student Affairs Development Council. Additionally, Lyon was recognized as the grand marshal of the 2020 New York City Veterans Day parade, as a 2018 Presidential Leadership Scholar and 2011 SVA National Student Veteran of the Year. He holds an A.A. from Eastern Florida State College, a B.S. from FSU and an MPA from Syracuse University, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in social science.
Greg Thomas Headshot

Greg Thomas

(B.M. ’87)

College of Music

Nashville, Tennessee

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Greg Thomas is a vocal performance graduate of the University of Montevallo and FSU. He has appeared on stage in over 20 operatic and musical theater roles. An oratorio specialist, Thomas has been soloist in broadcast productions of Bach's B minor Mass, Handel's Solomon and Mozart's Requiem Mass. In July 2024, he sang as cantor at Wells Cathedral in England as part of a week-long residency by the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville. Thomas founded The New Cumberland Singers, which was featured on Michael W. Smith’s 2007 recording, “It’s A Wonderful Christmas,” among other credits. Thomas has also been a backup singer for Ben Folds, Amy Grant and Vince Gill. Additionally, Thomas has produced commissioned pen and ink portraits since 1984. His illustrations can be found in the poetry anthology “Celebrations” and the 2006 book “An Introduction to Systems Science” by Dr. John N. Warfield. Thomas also has over 30 years of experience in the data technology and securities sector, including his current role, leading the development of artificial intelligence integrations in the insurance industry. He continues to foster his passion for music through involvement in the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville choir.

Nomination Information

Requirements:
  • Hold an earned bachelor's or graduate degree from this institution
  • Have been in their career field for at least five years
  • Have accomplishments recognized at the national/international level
  • Must not be employed by Florida State University
A complete nomination includes:
  • Nomination form: Please provide accurate and current information for the nominee and the nominator.
  • Statement of nomination: Please provide a statement of nomination describing why you feel this individual should be considered for this award, including any known involvement related to FSU since graduation.
  • At least two letters of support: A completed nomination will include at least two Letters of Support. A strong nomination will contain at least one letter from a respected colleague in the nominee's area of professional distinction and a second letter from a current dean, chair or colleague from Florida State University.
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 will select the recipients of the Grad Made Good Award. Each year's recipients are notified upon approval of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors' Engagement Committee in Spring 2026. 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.


For questions, please contact Erin Sylvester Philpot, M.Ed, ODK faculty secretary, at 850.644.2775 or esylvester@fsu.edu.

Former Grads Made Good Honorees

1974

Honorable Reubin O ’D. Askew (B.S. ’51) d
Dr. H. Richard Blieden (Ph.D. ’62)
Thomas M. Hall (B.M. ’64, M.M. ’66)

1975

Ney C. Landrum (B.A. ’52, M.A. ’56)
Dr. Sean Patrick McGlynn (Ph.D. ’56)
Al (Albert L. Smelko) Stratton (’60)

1976

Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas (Ph.D. ’66)
Dr. David Ward-Steinman (B.M. ’57)
Robert M. Urich (B.A. ’68) d

1977

Dr. Jacqueline L. DuPont (B.S. ’55, Ph.D. ’62)
James B. Tippin, Jr. (B.S. ’50)
Philip G. Boggs (B.S. ’71) d

1978

Dr. Neil L. Frank (M.S. ’59, Ph.D. ’70)
Dr. Virginia Spencer Carr (B.A. ’51, Ph.D. ’69) d
William O. Cullom (B.S. ’58)

1979

Sister Mary Michelle (Patricia E.) Carroll (B.S. ’44)
Maj Gen Norma Elaine Brown (B.S. ’49) d
Justice Alan C. Sundberg (B.S. ’55) d

1980

Sir Jack D. L. Holmes, PhD, OIC (B.A. ’52) d
Bishop Marjorie S. Matthews (M.A. ’71, Ph.D. ’76) d
James C. Smith (B.S. ’62)

1981

Dr. Mostafa F. El-Sayed (Ph.D. ’59)
Dr. Jane Srygley Mouton (M.S. ’51) d
General William H. Ginn, Jr. (B.A. ’58) d

1982

Arnold T. Diaz (B.A. ’71)
Dr. Mark S. Wrighton (B.S. ’69)
Herbert F. Morgan (B.S. ’66) d

1983

Charles G. Rex (B.M. ’71, M.M. ’72)
Cynthia G. Taylor (M.S. ’76)
Dr. Norman Earl Thagard (B.S. ’65, M.S. ’66)

1984

Dr. Orrin H. Pilkey, Jr. (Ph.D. ’62)
Stephen J. Rothman (B.S. ’72, M.F.A. ’74)
Brigadier General Michael K. Sheridan (B.S. ’56)

1985

Richard D. “Dick" Howser (B.S. ’58) d
Dr. Willis W. Tyrrell, Jr. (B.S. ’52)
Dr. Douglas M. Windham (B.A. ’64, M.A. ’67, Ph.D. ’69) d

1986

Dr. Sylvia A. Earle (B.S. ’55)
Dr. Raul P. deGuzman (M.S. ’55, Ph.D. ’57)
Maj Gen Winfield S. (Scott) Harpe (B.S. ’59) d

1987

Dr. A. Hugh Adams (B.S. ’50, M.S. ’56, Ed.D. ’62) d
John J. (Joe) Gangloff (B.S. ’65)
Mary Anne Loughlin (B.S. ’77)

1988

Dr. Joseph W. Cullen (Ph.D. ’68) d
Thomas M. Culligan (B.A. ’73, M.P.A. ’77)
Dr. Howard L. Simmons (Ph.D. ’75)

1989

James L. Massey (B.S. ’65)
Gayle Sierens Martin (B.S. ’76)
Henry Polic, II (B.A. ’67, M.A. ’69)

1990

Davis P. Gaines (B.A. ’76)
Dr. Clyda Stokes Rent (B.A. ’64, M.S. ’66, Ph.D. ’68)
Dr. Isabel Wood Rogers (B.A. ’45)

1991

Admiral Paul D. Miller (B.S. ’63)
Dr. Alan R. Price (B.S. ’64)
Dr. Betty L. Siegel (Ph.D. ’61)

1992

Jennifer L. Howse (B.A. ’66, M.A. ’68)
Robert L. Ward (B.A. ’71)
William F. “Woody” Woodward (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’70)

1993

Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey (M.S. ’70, Ph.D. ’74)
Judy Patton Lotas (B.A. ’64)
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (B.M. ’60, M.M. ’62)

1994

Dr. Gwynn Collins Akin (B.S. ’61)
Lt. Gen. Charles J. Cunningham, Jr. (B.S. ’57)
Dr. Robert “Bud” Grace (B.S. ’65, Ph.D. ’71)

1995

Dr. Michael G. Berenbaum (Ph.D. ’75)
Antonio Busalacchi, Jr. (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’80, Ph.D. ’82)
Linda Zoghby (B.M. ’71, M.M. ’74)

1996

Clifford L. Freeman (B.S. ’63)
Dr. Robert C. Harriss (B.S. ’62)
J. Bailey White (B.S. ’73)

1997

Monsignor William A. Kerr (M.S. ’73, Ph.D. ’75)
Carolyn A. O ’Neil (B.S. ’76)
Willa Jo Zollar (M.F.A. ’79)

1998

Mark S. Ellis (B.S. ’79, J.D. ’84)
Barbara S. Harris (B.S. ’78)
Douglas W. Marlette (B.S. ’71) d

1999

Cdr. Douglas J. Allen (B.S. ’76)
Winston E. Scott (B.M.E. ’72)
Janet L. Stoner (B.S. ’70, M.S. ’72)
Charlotte West (B.S. ’54)

2000

Dr. Larry H. Crow (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’67, Ph.D. ’67)
Carolyn Spencer Griner (B.S. ’67)
Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan (B.A. ’66)

2001

E. L. (Chip) Chalmers (B.F.A. ’76)
Dr. Paul Robinson (Ph.D. ’67)
Dr. Suzan Zeder (Ph.D. ’78)

2002

Janice Huff (B.S. ’82)
Lynda Keever (B.A. ’69)
Hansel E. Tookes, II (B.S. ’69)

2003

Mel R. Martinez (B.A. ’69, J.D. ’73)
Dr. Diane Roberts (B.A. ’79, M.A. ’80)
H. James Towey (B.S. ’78, J.D. ’81)

2004

Raymond G. Hemann (B.S. ’57) d
Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder (B.M.E. ’68)
Reverend Glenda B. Hope (B.A. ’58)

2005

James L. Bacchus (J.D. ’78)
Dr. M. Dianne Murphy (Ph.D. ’80)
R. Eugene Taylor (B.S. ’89)

2006

Laird B. Anderson (B.S. ’58)
Max Mayfield (M.S. ’87)
Peter F. Romero (B.S. ’71, M.A. ’72)
Steven L. Sears (B.A. ’80)

2007

William D. Clay (B.A. ’71, M.S. ’74)
Charlie Crist (B.S. ’78)
Marvalene Hughes (Ph.D. ’69)
Mark H. Thiemens (Ph.D. ’77)

2008

Jonathan G. King (M.F.A. ’92)
Neil H. McKee (M.S. ’88)
Kathleen Parker (B.A. ’73, M.A. ’76)

2009

Carol J. Cooper (B.S. ’73, M.S. ’76, J.D. ’77)
Manuel H. Johnson (M.S. ’75, Ph.D. ’77)
Barry V. Qualls (B.A. ’67)

2010

Lt. General Franklin L. “Frank” Hagenbeck (M.S. ’78)
Dr. James H. Oliver, Jr. (M.S. ’54)

2011

Susan Hassmiller (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’79)
Mike Pate (B.S. ’68)

2012

Senator Bob Johnson (B.S. ’58) 
John Osterlund (M.S. ’90) 

2013

Judy Bense (B.A. ’67, M.S. ’69)
Jimi Cook (B.S. ’88)
Meg Crofton (B.S. ’74, M.B.A. ’75)

2014

Randy Hanna (J.D. ’83) 
Gail Skofronick-Jackson (B.S. ’86) 
John Thiel (B.S. ’83) 

2015

Dale Burton (Ph.D. ’81) 
Wendy Clark (B.A. ’91) 
Rodney Hero (B.S. ’75) 
J. Marshall Shepherd (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’99) 

2016

Marion Hargett (B.S. '93) 
Craig Nance (B.S. '91, M.S. '94) 
Montego Glover (B.F.A. '96) 

2017

Damon Andrew (Ph.D. '04) 
Dulcidio de la Guardia (B.S. '84) 
Sandra Dunbar (B.S. '72) 

2018

Sandra Barker (M.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’78) 
JoAnne Graf (B.S. ’75, Ph.D. ’92) 
Nancy McKay (B.A. ’78) 
Gene Stearns (B.A. ’66, J.D. ’72) 

2019

Arthur L Fleming (B.S. '81) 
Myrna Hoover (B.S. '83, M.S. '84) 
David James Kennedy (B.S. '99) 

2021

Inez Cohen (B.S. '74) 
Bruce McNeilage (B.S. '88) 
Neil St John Rambana (B.A. '92, M.A. '96) 

2022

Lisa Balskus (B.S.N. ’84) 
Jose B. Fernandez (B.A. ’70, M.A. ’71, Ph.D. ’73) 
Jocelyne Fliger (M.S.W. ’15) 
Sean Pittman (A.A. ’89, B.S. ’90, J.D. ’94) 

2023

Captain Julie Kim Moss (B.S. ’88)
Patricia Ragan (B.S. ’70)
Tevin Wooten (B.S. ’18)

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(d) denotes deceased