Arts and Sciences grads to be honored at FSU Alumni Awards ceremonies

This week, Florida State University will recognize alumni who have already made their marks in their respective fields through achievement, service and leadership involvement during the FSU Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Awards.

Six of the this year’s 22 alumni award recipients hail from the College of Arts and Sciences and will be among those honored at the Young Alumni Awards Thursday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m., and the Alumni Awards Gala Friday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. Both events will be held at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Conference Center, in Tallahassee.

“The Young Alumni Awards winners have represented their classes exceptionally well and are great examples for our current students,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Sam Huckaba. “It is a pleasure to congratulate them on their burgeoning careers.”

Four Arts and Sciences alumni will receive Young Alumni Awards, which include Notable Noles recognitions and the Reubin O’D. Askew Award. The FSU Alumni Association’s Notable Noles program, formerly called Thirty Under 30, was created to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of FSU’s young alumni.

Charles Ford III, an alumnus of the Department of Biological Science and Department of Psychology who earned dual bachelor’s degrees from FSU in 2018, will receive a Notable Nole award for his dedication to impacting lives as his path led him to earning his master’s degree in public health and becoming an infection preventionist.

Ellyn Marder graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2010 and will also be recognized as a Notable Nole for her contributions to the health field. Marder, who previously worked as a surveillance epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has served as the Washington State Department of Health’s senior epidemiologist for almost three years.

Jordann Wilhelm, an associate attorney at Radey Law Firm, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2014 before going on to earn a Juris Doctor from FSU’s College of Law in 2017. Wilhelm’s Notable Nole designation recognizes her success and expertise in the areas of administrative law, commercial litigation and class action defense, corporate and business law, and labor and employment law.

The Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon young alumni by the FSU Alumni Association. Named in honor of former Gov. Reubin Askew, this award recognizes his contributions to the State of Florida, the nation and the university. Young alumni who receive this award embody Askew’s legacy of outstanding accomplishments built on the foundation of an education from FSU.

Askew award recipient Alana Rawlinson, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida, earned a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Psychology in 2010 before going on to earn a doctorate from Auburn University in 2016. Since then, she has become one of her field’s most sought-after pediatric clinicians and academic mentors. In 2021, Rawlinson became the director of the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions honors program, crediting the strong mentorship she received in the FSU Honors Program for her desire to influence the next generation of pre-health students.

On Friday, two Arts and Sciences alumni will be presented with Circle of Gold Alumni Awards, an honor bestowed upon graduates who, through their service and achievements, personify FSU’s tradition of excellence.

Dazi Lenoir, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the Department of English in 2002 and a master’s degree in physical education (sports administration) from FSU’s College of Education in 2003 before completing a Juris Doctor at Florida Coastal School of Law, made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to be appointed chair of FSU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Dave Lane received a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Biological Science in 1991 and currently serves as president and chief operating officer of Terlato Wines, as school board president in Lake Forest, Illinois, and as chair of the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

“It is a proud moment for me to help celebrate the achievements of our remarkable alumni awards winners. I’ve gotten to know both Dave Lane and Dazi Lenoir over the past years through their board activities and have been so impressed by their dedication and commitments,” Huckaba said. “While their long lists of accomplishments speak for themselves, it is their advocacy for this institution that makes them so deserving of these awards.”

To learn more about the FSU Alumni Awards and ceremonies, visit alumni.fsu.edu/awards and alumni.fsu.edu/events.