FSU to celebrate 2024 summer commencement Aug. 2

Florida State University will hold its summer commencement ceremonies on Friday, Aug. 2. Distinguished speakers Charlie Ward and Tim Cerio will address the graduates.

The day will begin with a doctoral hooding ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by two ceremonies — at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — for bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees. President Richard McCullough will preside over all three ceremonies, which will take place at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St.

Charlie Ward, former FSU quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and NBA player, will address graduates at the 2 p.m. ceremony. This ceremony will include students from the Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, College of Applied Studies, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Social Sciences & Public Policy, College of Business, College of Music, and College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

Ward is a legendary figure in FSU athletics. He led the Florida State Seminoles football team to its first national championship in 1993 and was awarded the Heisman Trophy the same year. After his college career, Ward played in the NBA for over a decade. Since retiring from professional sports, Ward has dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Tim Cerio, president, CEO and executive director of Citizens Property Insurance, will speak at the 7 p.m. ceremony. Graduates from the College of Medicine, College of Motion Picture Arts, College of Fine Arts, College of Communication & Information, College of Law, College of Nursing, College of Criminology & Criminal Justice, College of Social Work, and College of Arts and Sciences will be recognized during this ceremony.

Cerio has built a career in both private practice and public service. He has served as general counsel to the governor of Florida, as a member of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and currently sits on the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System of Florida.

FSU expects to award 2,834 degrees: 1,693 bachelor’s, 882 master’s/specialist degrees, 187 doctoral degrees, 3 Juris doctor degrees, 66 Juris master’s degrees, and 3 LLMs. Nearly 1,900 students are planning to participate in the ceremonies. Every FSU graduate is automatically recognized as a member of the FSU Alumni Association; no dues are required. Alumni are encouraged to participate and get involved at alumni.fsu.edu.

For more information and live streaming links, visit commencement.fsu.edu.