The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy participated in FSU’s Annual Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 21.
Colleges, departments, and programs from across Florida State University tabled inside the Capitol building, getting the chance to speak with legislators, alumni, and the public.
Outside the Capitol building FSU alumni and friends gathered for a pep rally celebrating FSU’s academic and athletic successes.
The Marching Chiefs provided the soundtrack for the celebration, while FSU President Richard McCullough and Florida Chief Financial Officer and COSSPP alumnus Jimmy Patronis gave remarks. Patronis is just one of many COSSPP graduates who serve the citizens of Florida.
Currently, there are 22 FSU alumni and friends serving in the legislature, 10 of whom studied in COSSPP with nine holding degrees:
- Dennis Baxley, B.S. Psychology and Sociology ‘74
- Demi Busatta Cabrera, B.S. Social Sciences ‘12
- Hillary Cassel, B.S. Political Science ‘03
- Dan Daley, B.S. Political Science ‘10
- Philip ‘Griff’ Griffitts, Jr., B.S. Social Science ‘93
- Daniel Perez, B.S. Political Science ‘09
- Bobby Powell, M.S.P. Urban and Regional Planning ‘06
- Michele Rayner-Goolsby, B.S. Political Science ‘03, M.S. International Affairs ‘06
- Jason Shoaf, Political Science
- Tyler Sirois, B.S. Political Science ‘06
COSSPP alumni can also be found in the highest staff positions in the legislative process.
“It’s remarkable when you consider the deep imprint that FSU alumni have on the legislative process in Florida,” FSU Masters of Applied American Politics & Policy (MAAPP) Program Director Bradley Kile, Ph.D., said. “These include our graduates from the MAAPP program, whom include Katie Betta, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications in the Office of the Senate President, and Amelia Angleton, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Office of the Speaker of the House.”
At the end of the celebration, these alumni, along with the rest of the legislators were recognized for the role they have played in helping FSU get to where it is today.
“Without the support of the Florida Legislature and the Office of the Governor, we would not be able to be as successful as we have been,” President McCullough said.