The Inspire Award recognizes alumnae 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.
Nominations and applications for the 2025 Inspire Award will open Fall 2024.
Please join us in congratulating our 2024 Inspire Award honorees!
Nomination Information
- A woman who has “shattered the glass ceiling” in her career, demonstrated success in her profession, risen “in the ranks” in her field or created her own exceptional opportunity.
- A woman who has proven to be a mentor to others or served as a volunteer or mentor in her profession
- A woman who has given of her time, talents and treasure back to FSU, served on her college board or other FSU board, demonstrated philanthropy to FSU or volunteered to speak to classes or mentor students
- A woman who is a leader in her community, served on community boards or promoted/ inspired others during her career
- 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.
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.
- November 22, 2024 - Nominations open
- February 9, 2025 - Nominations close
- Late January-February - Verification and review process
- Spring/Summer 2025 - Honorees are notified
- Fall 2025 - 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, she 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 Recipients of the Inspire Award
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)