Criminology distance learning student Madalyn Sophie Gainey made her first visit to the Florida State campus to walk in Saturday morning’s commencement ceremony. Ms. Gainey earned her master’s in criminology completely online while serving as an active duty colonel in the U.S. Army and living in Seattle.

Ms. Gainey originally got into FSU when she was 18 but at the time was unable to attend her dream school. She was ecstatic to attend commencement and finally join her Seminole family.

“I have chills,” Ms. Gainey said, describing what it felt like to finally be on the campus in person. “I’m full of excitement, and I’m extremely humbled to be here. I’m a Seminole, full of garnet and gold at heart, and I feel so welcomed and like such a part of the university.”

Ms. Gainey has served in the military for 25 years and plans to pursue her Ph.D. in criminology after graduation.

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