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Horizons Unlimited Conference

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Register for the Keynote

This full-day conference for Florida State University students will share insights, resources and strategies for success in college and beyond. Conference participants will connect with fellow first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and university leaders.

Leave motivated and empowered, with new contacts and a community of supporters to cheer you on to unlimited horizons.

Schedule & Sessions

Participants are invited to engage in this year’s conference, with the option to attend the entire event or select specific sessions that align with their interests. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with distinguished speakers and network with peers.
Content subject to change.

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Student Resource Expo
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center

Explore the Student Resource Exposition, where various campus organizations and community members will be showcased. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the resources available to support academic success, personal growth, and career development. Engage with representatives, gather valuable information, and make connections that will enhance your university experience.

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch – Table Talk
First Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 108

Join fellow students and university professionals for an interactive networking lunch designed to spark meaningful conversation and connection. Through guided table discussions, participants will expand their campus and professional networks in a supportive setting focused on future success. Participants will enjoy a Chick-fil-A lunch and foster relationships and build a network for success.

Register for Lunch

12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Success through Adversity: Strategies through Athletics
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Leadership and success often mean encountering adversity and finding opportunities to make the most out of any situation. Learn from student-athletes and coaches as they share their experiences and lessons learned through the lens of elite athletic competition.

Register for General Session 1

1:45 to 3:00 p.m.

Building Your Professional Brand
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Join Dr. Jason Harle, communications expert and career coach, for an engaging session on developing a strong and authentic professional brand. Participants will explore career readiness strategies, strengthen critical thinking around the job search process, and identify the essential interpersonal skills that position them for success. He will be joined by Assistant Vice President for Career Services Rob Lidell and current FSU senior Ja’nasia Mangum for an interactive discussion.

Register for General Session 2

3:15 to 4:30 p.m.

What’s Holding You Back? Rewrite your story, take ownership, and move forward.
Second Floor, Turnbull Conference Center, Room 208

Join Dr. Laymon Hicks — FSU alumnus and former Student Body President — for a powerful and authentic session about turning setbacks into strength and purpose. Drawing on his own journey from adversity to academic and leadership success, this session will challenge students to rewrite their internal narratives, take ownership of their choices, and step confidently into their future. Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies for resilience, self-belief, and leadership in both academic and personal arenas.

Register for General Session 3

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Horizons Unlimited Keynote Address
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Westcott Building

The 2026 Horizons Unlimited Conference for First Generation Students Keynote Address features Florida State University Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins. He will share his inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and as a leader in his field and community.

Florida State University First Lady Jai Vartikar will open the event with current students Margeda Eugene, Justin Mohabir, and Duce Robinson. Coach Norvell will share his story and introduce Chairman Collins to deliver the keynote address. President McCullough will then lead a fireside chat with Chairman Collins before opening up a questions and answer session to the audience.

Register for the Keynote

2024 Horizons Unlimited Conference

The inaugural Horizons Unlimited Conference, Held on February 26, 2024, was proposed by FSU First Lady Dr. Jai Vartikar and organized by first-generation students.

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Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement

CARE provides preparation, orientation, and academic support programming for students who are among the first in their families to attend college and may face unique challenges in college because of educational or economic circumstances.

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Transfer Student Services

Transfer Student Services provides personalized guidance, academic advising, and tailored resources to ensure the success of transfer students at FSU. From credit transfer assistance to integration into campus life, TSS helps students thrive.

Learn More