FSU Honors Record-Breaking Graduating Class Amid Tragedy

Florida State University honored its largest graduating class in history just weeks after a tragic campus shooting, with university leaders and students emphasizing resilience and community support in overcoming adversity. FSU President Richard McCullough led moments of silence to remember the victims and highlighted the graduates' perseverance. At Ball State University, the commencement ceremony was moved indoors due to weather, and Broadway actor Kayla Davion praised graduates for their resilience, especially those who began their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Davion encouraged students to recognize their achievements and the challenges they overcame, while university leaders celebrated their determination and connection to purpose. Across both universities, commencement speakers and students underscored themes of perseverance, community, and hope as essential to their success.