The College of Communication and Information students, faculty, and alumni are leading change in the Florida State University community and beyond.
Take a look at some of the ways that CCI has fostered change and created leaders that are helping to better the world around us.
Eleven CCI Students Inducted into the Torchbearer 100
The Torchbearer 100 is the recognition of the most outstanding students who have made a significant impact on student life at Florida State because of their service and leadership. This year, CCI had 11 students inducted into the Torchbearer 100. CCI students who received this award include Brandon Gabay, Cameron Bickley, Cammy Park, Emma Bonney, Julia Ann Cuthbertson, Leah Abounader, Lindsey Wood, Luke Weaver, Mary Hannah Williams, Melissa Garcia, and Rachel Hester.
Dr. Chris Constantino Represents CCI at TEDxFSU
Dr. Constantino is an expert in the field of communication sciences and disorders. He is one of two faculty members chosen to speak at the TEDxFSU event that was held on April 6, 2022. The majority of his expertise revolves around stuttering; more specifically, how stuttering feels to the speaker. Through his work, he hopes to help develop therapies that make the experience of stuttering more joyful.
As the war in Ukraine continues, many locals are stepping up to support the Ukrainian people. One such local is School of Communication Visiting Faculty Dr. Svitlana Jaroszynski, a Ukrainian herself who is working with others throughout the Tallahassee area to implement a collection drive. Jaroszynski expressed her gratitude for the support she and other Ukrainians have received from FSU and the Tallahassee community. “Small businesses have helped to ship collected items by offering discounts. People honk when they pass near the Capitol on Saturdays where we get together for rallies,” said Jaroszynski. “This feels amazing and we always post about it on social media so that our friends in Ukraine know that people in Tallahassee think about them.”
Tally Job Hop Connects Current Students with Local Tech Companies
On February 2nd, 2022, students from FAMU, FSU, and TCC (including many FSU ICT and IT majors), attended the Tally Job Hop. This semester’s event focused on the tech industry, and gave students a unique opportunity to visit multiple tech companies in the Tallahassee area. Students at the event spoke with employees, managers, owners, and FSU alumni from each company to learn more about company culture, current developments in the tech industry, and potential job/internship opportunities.
CCI Hosts 9th Annual Women in Leadership Conference 
Hosted on March 8th, 2022, by the College of Communication and Information, the conference featured notable female leaders from Florida and beyond. Many of the speakers are FSU and CCI Alumna. The goal of the conference was to connect female students and alumna with mentors who can help them develop the necessary leadership skills to succeed. The conference hosted over 175 participants in the FSU Turnbull Center.
Our Faculty Are Being Recognized
After nearly 18 years of service with the Special Olympics, Dr. Selena Snowden, Director of Audiology Services at the FSU Speech and Hearing Clinic, received the Golisano Global Health Leadership Award which “honors health champions and their extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Special Olympics global health program.”
Associate Professor Malia Bruker (School of Communication) was recently recognized with the Outstanding Teaching in the Major Award at the Undergraduate level. The cornerstones of her teaching philosophy include growth, critical thinking, and collaboration.
At this year’s Kentucky Conference on Health Communication (KCHC), iSchool researchers, Dr. Mia Lustria and Obianuju Aliche, received two poster awards for their submissions, including the Top Poster Award for KCHC 2022.
CCI Students Speak to High School Students in Panama City and Fort Walton Beach
On April 18 and 19, 2022, three CCI students (Dakota Lewis, Corbin Haney, and Lauren Scala), along with Associate Dean Ebrahim Randeree, attended Fort Walton Beach’s Choctawhatchee High School, Panama City’s Bay High School, and North Bay Haven Charter Academy. CCI students talked to over 200 high school students about their post-graduation plans and answered questions that they had about going to college.
Garnet and Gold Scholar Society Inducts 11 CCI Students
11 CCI students were inducted into the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society in late April as a part of the Spring 2022 inducted class. The Garnet and Gold Scholar Society facilitates involvement and recognizes engaged, well-rounded undergraduate students who excel within and beyond the classroom in the areas of International Experience, Internship, Leadership, Research, and Service. An undergraduate student who meets the criteria in three of the five areas, has their area reflections approved, and completes a Synthesis Reflection will qualify to graduate as a member of the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society. CCI students who were inducted include Leah Abounader, Casey Chapter, Katherine Gibson, Breeana LaQuea, Emily Leto, Jessica McCormick, Heather Peebles, Kiera Rendon, Viviana Smith, Kendall Vuocolo, and Luke Weaver.
Digital Media Production Students Gain Hands-On Experience Through “Three Torches”
Introducing Three Torches, a news show made for FSU students, by FSU students. Students in the Advanced Feature and Reporting class worked to create this monthly feature intended to highlight our exceptional university community. While instructors provide support and guidance, the program is primarily student-produced. Check out Episode 1 below!
Our Alumni Are Being Recognized
Janice Jones graduated from Florida State in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the School of Communication. She went on to broadcast for numerous years, then began her own company in 2012, CycleHere Media.
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Alumna Dr. Jennifer Brown was recently recognized by the University of Georgia for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Dr. Brown received the Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching on April 18th, 2022. The Russell Awards were created to honor outstanding educators early in their careers. Dr. Brown is one of three recipients chosen.
School of Information Alumnus Yevgeny Senkevich is making fresh, healthy food easily accessible with ROBOjuice. ROBOjuice is developing a solution for juice bar operators. The device is a self-service beverage kiosk that automates juice, smoothies and other specialty drinks. The kiosk, powered by robotics and A.I., can create a personalized beverage order-to-sip in just 60 seconds, using fresh ingredients, contactless service, and a small footprint.
The College of Communication and Information is very proud to have a group of students, faculty, and alumni that strive to make a difference across our campus community and outside of Florida State University.