The President's Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award is a prestigious award that recognizes students who exhibit tremendous commitment to service. Each school or college selects one student to be the Humanitarian of the Year, and generally, students are then recognized at an awards luncheon hosted by FSU President Richard McCullough. The student who best exemplifies a commitment to service is named the President's Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year. This year's students are being recognized virtually.
2022 Humanitarian of the Year Honorees
Amy Hayes, College of Applied Studies
Amy Hayes is a sophomore majoring in Professional Communication within the College of Applied Studies at Panama City. Amy is minoring in Public Administration. Amy has been recognized as the Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta at FSU Panama City. After graduation, Amy will continue to work for the Department of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives at Gulf Coast State College.
Jessica Dixon, College of Arts & Sciences (overall winner)
Jessica Dixon is a senior double majoring in Cell & Molecular Neurosciences and Statistics within the College of Arts & Sciences. Jessica is double minoring in Mathematics and Chemistry and will be receiving a SAS Programming & Data Analysis certificate with honors. Jessica has been recognized with both the Goldwater Scholarship and the Scott and Ina McNichols Undergraduate Research Award. As an FSU Presidential Scholar, Jessica has been recognized as an “Outstanding Senior Scholar.” After graduation, Jessica will be continuing her education by joining Harvard’s Neuroscience program as a PhD student and as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellow.
Charlie Doane, College of Business
Charlie Doane is a junior majoring in Business Management within the College of Business. Charlie is minoring in Business Analytics. Charlie has been recognized as a leader and speaker by several organizations, including: Omicron Delta Kappa, the FSU Student-Athletic Advisory Council and FSU Softball, ACC Unity Week, the FSU College of Business, and the Disability-NextGen Leadership Initiative. After graduation in 2023, Charlie will use his experiences as a Nike Intern at the World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Emily Abreu, College of Fine Arts
Emily Abreu is a senior majoring in Communication Science and Disorders within the College of Communication & Information. Emily is minoring in Psychology and will be receiving certificates in Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and Bilingual Services. After graduation, Emily will be continuing her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh.
Madelyn Perera, College of Fine Arts
Madelyn Perera is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Studio Art within the College of Fine Arts. Madelyn has been recognized with the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Cup, leadership award. Madelyn dedicates her service to the giving voice through art to marginalized communities, especially youth on the autism and related disorders spectrum. After graduation, Madelyn will be continuing her education by pursuing a graduate degree for Art Therapy.
John Suarez, College of Human Sciences
John Suarez is a senior majoring in Athletic Training within the College of Health & Human Sciences. John is minoring in Chemistry. John has been recognized as a Silver Knight Award finalist. John dedicates his service to the same cultural communities that provided support and encouragement to himself. After graduation, John will be continuing his education by pursuing a medical doctorate with the hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Benjamin Linkous, College of Medicine
Benjamin Linkous is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences-Clinical Professions within the College of Medicine. Benjamin has been recognized with the College of Medicine’s Academic Leadership Award and the Patricia First Memorial Scholarship. After graduation, Benjamin will continue his education by pursuing a medical doctorate at Florida State University.
Tess Vreeland, College of Music
Tess Vreeland is a senior majoring in Music with an emphasis on Music Therapy within the College of Music. Tess is minoring in Psychology and will be receiving a certificate in Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Tess has been recognized as a member in both Sigma Alpha Iota and Pi Kappa Lambda. After graduation, Tess will continue her education by pursuing professional certification in Music Therapy.
Madelyn Johnson, College of Social Sciences & Public Policy
Madelyn Johnson is a senior double majoring in International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies within the College of Social Sciences & Public Policy. Madelyn is minoring in History. Madelyn has been recognized as an inductee to the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society. She has also received the Arabic Exceptional Student Service Award and the FSU Global Citizen Award. As an FSU Presidential Scholar, Madelyn has been recognized as an “Outstanding Senior Scholar.” After graduation, Madelyn plans to work in refugee advocacy and humanitarian policy.
Mary Ayers, College of Social Work
Mary Ayers is a junior majoring in Social Work within the College of Social Work. Mary has been recognized by the Asian American Student Union with the Reputation Award. Mary dedicates her service to the alleviation of oppression, experienced by marginalized communities. After graduation in 2023, Mary will be continuing her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in social leadership.