The Florida State University (FSU) Black Alumni presents awards of distinction during its Black Alumni Reunions or other designated times established by the National Board of Directors. These awards represent the highest honor bestowed upon FSU Black alumni, faculty/administrators, and students by the FSU Black Alumni.
Now Accepting Nominations: 2025 FSUBA Awards of Distinction
The Florida State University Black Alumni (FSUBA) is proud to open nominations for the 2025 Awards of Distinction, our highest honors celebrating the achievements, leadership, and service of our alumni.
The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have made significant achievements and contributions to their communities, professions or countries since their graduation from FSU. They may have excelled in their respective careers, given immensely of themselves to their communities, or have been great role models for other alumni and students to emulate.
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The James “J.T.” Thomas Heart of a Champion Award honors former student-athletes who, through their involvement in communities or countries, or through specific acts, have served as noteworthy examples of good citizenship and activism. The “Champion” must have been a varsity letter award winner during the period he/she was enrolled at FSU, and (1) has consistently demonstrated good sportsmanship outside of a sports competition setting, (2) has consistently demonstrated good sportsmanship and ethical conduct in his/her participation in college and professional sports, or (3) is currently involved in one or more non-profit community outreach initiatives on behalf of youth, families, education, health care, economically disadvantaged communities, physically/mentally challenged, abused and neglected individuals, or others.
This year, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new category—the Rising Star Award— created to celebrate the next generation of leaders making a meaningful impact early in their journeys.​
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The Rising Star Award recognizes recent graduates of Florida State University who have achieved remarkable success in their professional field while exemplifying the values of leadership, service, and dedication. This award celebrates alumni who have made a meaningful impact both within their industry and in their communities, serving as an inspiration to others. Nominees must be FSU Black alumni who graduated within the last 10 years and have demonstrated notable success, innovation, or leadership in their chosen field of work. They should have made significant contributions to FSU through activities such as participating in alumni initiatives, mentoring students, or supporting university programs. Also, nominees must have shown a strong commitment to service and created a positive influence within their local communities.
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The Outstanding Student Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated the utmost in leadership and advancement of student causes, service to FSU and/or the Tallahassee community, academics, and university spirit within the past two years. This student must have presented himself or herself as being genuinely interested in the welfare of students and the development of the university as a whole. This student may have also demonstrated achievements, which may lead to a promising future.
The Outstanding Faculty/Administrator Award is presented to an FSU faculty member or administrator who has gone above and beyond the call of his/her normal university duties, and has given unselfishly of his/her time and talents in shaping and molding the minds of students, or has made professional contributions that have had an enduring and substantive effect on the quality of Black life at FSU. This award is given to an individual for being a counselor, mentor, and friend to students, faculty/staff members, or alumni; and for providing guidance and assistance to help students make a smooth transition to university life and/or the professional world after college.
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For questions or concerns, e-mail: scholarship@fsublackalumni.org.
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​All award nominations will be accepted through Monday, July 1, 2025, and recipients will be honored during our annual awards ceremony on Friday, October 3, 2025, during the FSUBA Reunion Weekend.
To nominate a candidate, please complete the nomination form below.
The Florida State University (FSU) National Black Alumni, Inc. will present awards of distinction during its 2025 Black Alumni Reunion Weekend, in Tallahassee, Florida. These awards represent the highest honor bestowed upon FSU Black alumni, faculty/administrators, and students by the FSU National Black Alumni.
Award recipients must be present at the FSU BA Reunion Awards Program