FSU honors distinguished alumni during 2018 Homecoming activities

The very best qualities of Seminole spirit were on display as Florida State University honored six distinguished alumni — four from the College of Arts and Sciences — during its 2018 Homecoming Awards Breakfast on Oct. 20.

They were celebrated for the inspirational way they’ve lived. A dynamic mix of tenacity, courage and enthusiasm helped them build successful careers and indelibly touch the lives of others along the way.

Four alumni, including two from the College of Arts and Sciences, received the FSU Alumni Association and Omicron Delta Kappa’s Grads Made Good award, which honors those who have made a significant difference in successful careers.

The two Grads Made Good from the College of Arts and Sciences were:

Former Florida State head softball coach JoAnne Graf (B.S. ’75, Biological Science; Ph.D. ’92, Sport Management), who compiled more than 1,400 victories and was named ACC Coach of the Year six times during her tenure at FSU from 1978 to 2008.

Graf has been a shining example of the perseverance and passion that brings out the best in players and students.

“My career at Florida State University gave me a daily opportunity to challenge myself, my students and student-athletes to become better people,” Graf said. “They have the same love of Florida State as I do.”

Gene Stearns (B.A. ’66, General Studies; J.D. ’72), who led a successful law firm in Miami. “This university has been an important part of our family’s lives,” Stearns said. “We have a remarkable, caring faculty with an inspiring commitment to share their love of learning. They taught me that the meaning of life is learning from others and discovering what you can do for others.”

Other Grads Made Good were Sandra Barker (M.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’78, Education) and Nancy McKay (B.A. ’78,Social Sciences).

Mart Pierson Hill (B.A. ’42, English) was presented with the Bernard F. Sliger Award, the highest honor bestowed by the FSU Alumni Association. The award pays tribute to Hill’s invaluable contributions of time, talent and treasure to Florida State.

 “I first entered this university in 1938 — 80 years ago,” Hill said. “My wish for this university is that in the next 80 years we can come close to equaling the upward movement of our university toward greatness.”

 Diane Roberts (B.A. ’79, English; M.A. ’80, Creative Writing), a professor of English at FSU, received the University Libraries and Friends of the Libraries Alumni Award for Distinguished Writing.

 Roberts is an acclaimed author, columnist, essayist, radio commentator and reviewer. She earned her doctorate at Oxford University in England.