Top Criminology and Criminal Justice Program Recognizes Eight Individuals for Professional Accomplishments, Service

October 9, 2014
criminology seal

On Friday, October 3, 2014, in front of family, friends, and patrons of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University (FSU), the Alumni and Friends of Criminology (AFC) Advisory Board inducted William S. Cheek of Swisher International, Inc., Dr. James D. Sewell of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (retired), and Jesse C. Vance of North American On-Site, LLC into its Hall of Fame. Dr. John Dussich, Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fresno; Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight; Margaret Pugh, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections (retired); and Charles Reusing, Department of Corrections (retired) were recognized as Distinguished Alumni. Larry Bourdeau of the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy received the Distinguished Service Award. Together, these individuals add years of expertise in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, victimology, workforce management, and security to the list of accomplishments held by honorees.

Established in 2010, the AFC Hall of Fame recognizes and honors the numerous professional and personal achievements of FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice graduates. AFC Hall of Fame inductees demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments, serve the College, FSU, community and/or professional organizations and embody the strength, skill, and character of FSU. This recognition is usually reserved for alumni or friends of the College for a career of accomplishments.

The Distinguished Service Award serves to recognize the crucial link between students at the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a faculty, staff, or college partners whose strong ties to the student body serve to ensure a future alumni population eager to stay connected to the College.

In 2014, the AFC Board of Advisors created the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes graduates who have a record of outstanding professional and personal accomplishments and may be awarded at anytime during one’s career.

Brian Stephens, Vice-Chair of the AFC board notes, “It was an honor for us to be able to recognize this distinguished group of alumni. The individuals recognized represent the type of visionary and community leaders that come from Florida State University and impact the areas of criminology and criminal justice. ”

About Alumni & Friends of Criminology Advisory Board

The Alumni & Friends of Criminology Advisory Board plays a significant role in the growth and direction of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. Through targeted philanthropic activities, it builds upon the national prominence of the College to secure opportunities and support for its students and faculty. For more information, please visit