The College of Communication & Information (CCI) was well represented at Florida State University’s (FSU) annual Honors Medallion Ceremony, where students are recognized for earning University Honors, Honors in the Major, and Outstanding Senior Scholar distinctions. 

This year, FSU awarded 548 medallions to graduates for their academic milestones completed during their college career.  

Among the recipients in the ceremony, CCI was represented with over 20 students from the college receiving recognition. The honors program provides a space to intellectually challenge students and provide professional growth. CCI student Sydney Sherry reflects on how the experience helped her grow. 

“Professionally, I learned time management, how to have impactful conversations, and how to engage with people who are very academically motivated,” said Sydney Sherry, a Spring 2026 graduate in Media Communication Studies and Social Work, who received recognition in University Honors. 

While in the honors program, students must meet a series of requirements based on a points system to receive their recognition. This system is designed to academically challenge honors students and give them a space to display their commitment to academics. 

“You had to receive 18 points to receive recognition, so each honors course and augmented course was three points, and you could also receive credit for service hours,” said Vega Scholpp, a recent honors graduate in media communication studies. “I gave up time and struggled, but I never gave up when I was tired, and at the end of the day I can be proud of myself.”  

The rigor of the honors program and its extensive requirements make this recognition a significant achievement for graduating students. As the University continues to grow academically and attract increasingly competitive applicants, honors students distinguish themselves through their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. 

“During the fall semester, I was applying to graduate school, working, and taking 16 credit hours, all while working on my honors thesis, making it very difficult to find the motivation to prioritize my thesis,” said Jenna Ostrom, a graduate in communication science and disorders, receiving recognition in Honors in the Major. “I constantly reminded myself of how proud I would feel when I was finished and how all of my hard work would pay off in the future.” 

The honors program awards students much more than recognition for their academics and projects; it offers them experiences that allow them to learn more about themselves and the world around them.  

“I learned a lot from the coursework and what it required of me. I remember taking an environmental justice class, and even though that isn’t what I ended up majoring in, I still got so much out of that class,” said Sherry. “I learned work ethic, how to communicate on sensitive topics, and how to be self-motivated.”   

Through the program, students fulfill requirements that serve as stepping stones toward their personal and professional aspirations. These experiences encourage them to explore different opportunities, develop valuable skills, and build meaningful relationships that extend well beyond their time at the University. 

“Similar to my study abroad experience, the Honors Program further strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in speech-language pathology and introduced me to some of my best friends,” said Ostrom.  

For many students, the Honors Program leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond graduation. Their achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also a commitment to growth, leadership, and lifelong learning.