FSU celebrates Summer Class of 2026 as speakers urge graduates to carry the unconquered spirit forward

FSU Student Body President Ian Seibert congratulated graduates and reminded them that the resilience they demonstrated during their time at Florida State would continue to serve them well beyond campus.

“As you step beyond campus, carry that unconquered spirit with you,” Seibert said. “Tough moments will come. Plans will change. Things will not always go your way. But perseverance is what will set you apart.”

The afternoon ceremony featured Florida State alumnus Allen Durham, whose lifelong commitment to preserving one of the university’s most cherished traditions made him a fitting commencement speaker during Florida State’s 175th anniversary year.

A 1993 graduate of FSU, Durham earned a bachelor’s degree in risk management before going on to earn a law degree.

The son of Bill Durham, who created the Osceola and Renegade tradition in 1978, Allen Durham served as the eighth student to portray Osceola before assuming leadership of the program in 2007. Since then, he has mentored generations of student riders and worked closely with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to preserve one of the university’s most recognizable traditions with dignity, respect and collaboration.

In his remarks, Durham centered his message on the “power of three,” encouraging graduates to draw inspiration from Florida State’s guiding values of Vires, Artes, Mores while identifying the priorities that would shape their own lives and careers.

“Hopefully the skills you develop here will establish a lifelong journey in learning, creating and innovating,” Durham said. “You’re not just done yet. You’re only just starting.”

He encouraged graduates to embrace change, persevere through challenges and never stop learning, reminding them that success is built over a lifetime.

“Go out and make your lives awesome,” Durham said. “Make us proud here at Florida State.”

The evening ceremony featured FSU Professor Brad Schmidt, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, neuroscientist and chair of FSU’s Department of Psychology. Schmidt holds the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professorship, Florida State’s highest faculty honor recognizing excellence in teaching, research and service.

Drawing on decades of research in psychology and neuroscience, Schmidt shared lessons for building a meaningful life.

“You are not finished becoming who you are,” Schmidt said, explaining that one of neuroscience’s most important discoveries is the brain’s ability to continue changing throughout life. “Your diploma is not a receipt for a completed self. It is evidence that you know how to become.”

Schmidt encouraged graduates to recognize that emotions provide valuable information but should not dictate their decisions.

“Listen to your emotions. Respect and reflect on them,” he said. “But don’t hand them the steering wheel.”

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He closed by encouraging graduates to build lives defined not simply by achievement, but by service and purpose.

“A good life is not built only by chasing happiness,” Schmidt said. “It is built by becoming useful in ways that are aligned with your values.”

Throughout the day, members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida Fire Rescue and Police Departments served as the Color Guard, reflecting Florida State’s longstanding partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. McCullough thanked the Tribe for its continued partnership and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to representing the Seminole name, imagery and traditions with dignity and respect.

As the ceremonies concluded, McCullough reminded graduates that they would always remain part of the Florida State community.

“With more than 420,000 living alumni, no matter where you go, chances are you won’t be far from a fellow FSU graduate,” he said.

To view commencement webcasts, visit commencement.fsu.edu.

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