Florida State University (FSU) held its Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence on April 6 at the FSU Alumni Center, honoring graduate students for their exceptional achievements in securing 135 national fellowships and grants during the 2025-2026 academic year. This number surpasses last year's total of 131 and reflects the strength of FSU's graduate programs. The event, sponsored by The Graduate School and the Congress of Graduate Students, also recognized faculty mentors for their contributions to student success. Keynote speaker Carrie Cooper, dean of FSU Libraries, highlighted the critical role library resources play in supporting graduate research. With over 10,500 graduate students enrolled, FSU's graduate programs have gained national recognition, with 16 programs ranked in the Top 25 among public universities by the 2026 U.S. News & World Report. The celebration included various awards, such as Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards and the Graduate Student Leadership Award, showcasing the students' dedication to teaching, mentorship, and research. The event also marked the beginning of Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, which focuses on professional development and community connection.