TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State University class of 2025 is poised to make history as it prepares for graduation, marking the largest graduating class in FSU history.
The campus, however, is still grappling with the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting that occurred on April 17, claiming two lives and injuring six others.
Phoenix Ikner, 20, is accused of being the shooter and is currently recovering in the hospital after he was shot by law enforcement during the attack.
MORE: Complete coverage of FSU mass shooting
Police say Ikner killed Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father and executive for food service vendor Aramark.
Chabba, who lived in Greenville, S.C., was on a work trip at FSU when his life was taken.
FSU senior and former WJXT intern Kaitlyn Walsh reflected on the emotional weight of her upcoming graduation ceremony on Saturday.
“It’s changed how we feel about things,” Walsh said. “A lot of people, [I] think, in the senior class at least, are feeling that way.”
FSU President Richard McCullough sent an email to students outlining the graduation schedule, with each ceremony beginning with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the shooting.
A heavy security presence will also be in place around campus during the events.
In his message, McCullough wrote, “These ceremonies will be a powerful reminder of what we share as a community: strength, compassion, and hope for the future. I look forward to celebrating with you to mark this important moment.”
Walsh said the FSU community has rallied together in the wake of the tragedy.
“It’s a very solemn time right now on campus, but also, with all the vigils and memorials that are being put up, the outpouring of support from students has been beautiful to see,” Walsh said.
The graduation ceremonies at FSU are scheduled as follows:
- Doctoral hooding ceremony: May 2 at 9 a.m.
- Undergraduate and graduate ceremonies: May 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; May 3 at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
All ceremonies will take place inside the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.
Click here to watch the graduation ceremonies.
