This spring the FSU Alumni Association held an event to commemorate the latest recipients of the Grads Made Good Awards, co-presented by the Alumni Association and the Seminole Circle of Florida State University’s Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. The awards were established by Omicron Delta Kappa in 1974 to honor FSU alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their community or chosen field.

Recipients of the 2022 Grads Made Good Awards included

• Lisa, J. Balskus (BSW 1984), College of Nursing,
• José B. Fernández (BA 1970, MA 1971, PHD 1973) College of Arts and Sciences,
• Jocelyne (Josie) Fliger (MSW 2015) College of Social Work
• Sean Pittman (AA 1989, BS 1990, JD 1994), College of Social Science and Public Policy and College of Law

“I am so honored to have been thought of for this award from Florida State University. I am proud to be part of the legacy of Florida State and to represent the incredible work social workers do in communities all over our nation.”

College of Social Work graduate Josie Fliger is the CEO of Elder Care Services in Tallahassee, Florida, a leading senior services organization in the Big Bend region of Florida. Josie navigated the organization through the impacts of COVID-19, revamping the Meals on Wheels program and delivery methods to safeguard the seniors they serve, created online events, and rallied volunteers to call clients as social touchpoint during the pandemic, and established a monthly LGBTQ+ senior support group. She also served the organization as its director of volunteers and engagement prior to stepping into the role of CEO in 2020.

During her time at the College of Social Work pursuing her master’s degree, she worked full-time at 2-1-1 Big Bend, a local crisis hotline organization, and became an on-call victim advocate at Florida State. The Big Bend Victims Assistance Coalition awarded her with the Charles Morris Victim Advocate of the Year Award for her efforts in supporting students after the Strozier library shooting. She is currently the co-chair of the United Partners for Human Services DEI Committee.

“Josie is a wonderful example of someone who has taken her passion and innovative spirit and combined it with an FSU MSW education to address critical needs within her community,” said Craig Stanley, interim dean for the College of Social Work. “It is gratifying to see the FSU Alumni Association recognize her for her stellar achievements that have made a difference in so many people’s lives.”

Josie has received many accolades for her dedication and service to the Tallahassee community.  She was named a “Woman to Watch” by Tallahassee Woman Magazine and received their “Women on Fire” award in the Service category. The Tallahassee Democrat also recognized her as one of the “Top 25 Women You Need to Know.” Josie represents Florida State nationally as the President of the AmeriCorps Seniors Professional Network and as a representative on the National Association of Social Workers' Aging Specialty Practice Section Committee.