“I was born and raised in a disenfranchised neighborhood where most people I knew rarely had second chances,” recollects Derrick St. Fort. “Too often, their mistakes overshadowed their entire existence. I wanted to change that.”
Gabrielle Dybalski, a graduate student in Florida State University’s master’s clinical social work program, brings a wealth of experience from her nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she rose to staff sergeant (E6) as an intelligence specialist.
Her time at FSU has been defined by her commitment to service and involvement with the FSU Student Veterans Center, which she credits for easing her transition from military to academic life.
“I grew up in a very musical family,” recalled Brianne Rucker. “So I always knew music would be a big part of my life.”
Rucker began playing the saxophone at the age of six and performed in ensembles throughout her childhood and into adulthood. While she was always fascinated by psychology and human behavior, her love of music and the joy of sharing it with others led her to pursue a career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee State University, a historically Black college/university (HBCU).
The College of Social Work at Florida State University hosted its 2025 Scholarship and Awards dinner, honoring distinguished alumni with six awards and more than 90 student scholars.
More than $109,625 in scholarships were provided to undergraduate and graduate social work students with interests in areas including child welfare, social policy, international social work, social work practice and military veterans.
This year, Dean David Springer was selected as a National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Social Work Pioneer. The program honors members of the social work profession who have made significant contributions to the growth and enrichment of the profession, as well as their exceptional dedication, commitment and determination to improve social and human conditions.
Stephanie Barca’s journey to a career in social work took many twists and turns. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she continued her education by earning a law degree. She went on to practice law for thirteen years in a variety of areas, including criminal defense.
Matthew (Matt) Walsh (MSW ’21) was appointed on August 13, 2025, as the secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
Photo: (Top) Jennifer Collins, Bob Sasser, Terrence Williams Jr., Leslie Webber and James “Chef” Barlow. (Middle) Lauren Albaum, Larry Hogan, Mary Katherine “Cricket” Mannheimer, Eduardo Pérez and Andrea Friall. (Bottom) Delores Spearman, Guy Spearman, Ashlee Fontes, Zach Heng and Kenneth Cagnolatti.
Florida State University will recognize 15 outstanding alumni during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 31–Nov. 2.
After twenty-four years as a faculty member of the FSU College of Social Work, Dr. Dina Wilke will retire at the end of the summer 2025 semester.
Throughout Dr. Wilke’s tenure, she served in numerous leadership positions at the college, including as associate dean for academic affairs from 2007 until 2014. She has also been a long-standing faculty affiliate of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW).
