Student Shines as 2025 Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year for the College of Social Work
Claire Sciandra, a senior and BSW student, was the College of Social Work's Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year. The honor is awarded annually and emphasizes Florida State's responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the public good.
Each academic college selects its Humanitarian of the Year and these students are recognized at an award ceremony hosted by the FSU Center for Leadership and Service. From among these humanitarians, one student is selected as the university's overall Humanitarian of the year.
"I've truly poured my heart and soul into what I've done throughout my time at FSU and I'm a big proponent of - if you do something with passion, others can tell and are more likely to become inspired and moved to be passionate about that thing, too," Claire said about the recognition. "It's been a blessing to see all of my hard work pay off and it also makes me feel extremely grateful to have my efforts be recognized at a larger level. That said, it is important to note that without my mentors and community believing in me, my efforts at FSU would not have been nearly as successful."
This year, Claire was nominated by BSW Program Director Dr. Carol Campbell Edwards to represent the College of Social Work for her humanitarian contributions across campus.
"Claire is a natural leader," said Dr. Edwards. "She has been such an energetic presence on campus and at the College of Social Work with an enthusiasm for service that is infectious."
From North Carolina, Claire was drawn to Florida State for its beautiful campus and the rich opportunities for growth and balance offered through its campus life, academics, athletics and the beautiful weather.
Diving into campus life, Claire joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority in the fall of her first year, where she later served as the VP of Philanthropy in 2024. She oversaw large-scale events of 500+ people, fundraisers, and community service aimed at awareness efforts with a particular interest in bringing attention to intimate partner/domestic violence issues.
"The support I have received from the incredible women who have believed in me during my time at Florida State has shaped me into the resilient leader and woman I am today," she reflected. "As someone who didn't always have consistent and stable female relationships prior to college, joining Alpha Chi Omega changed everything for me my freshman year."
In 2024, she surpassed Alpha Chi's previous fundraising records for their annual spring fundraiser, "Pizza Pie and Puppies with Alpha Chi, raising more than $19,600. "Through these funds, many survivors have received access to transportation, shelter, mental health services, and other essential services that benefit and help build up survivors seeking aid at Refuge House," Claire shared.
Adding: "I love being a positive role model and leader for the other women in my chapter."
Claire has also stepped into broader leadership roles on FSU's campus, working with the Student Government Association. She was part of the Outreach Committee on the Mental Health Council. In this role with the council, she championed awareness and support of mental health resources and events across campus.
She has also been recognized as a member of FSU's 1910 Women's Honorary, which inducts esteemed leaders on campus who identify as women or support women's issues. Claire served as Assistant Director for the honorary for two semesters in 2024. In this role, she planned and executed events like new member pinning ceremonies, new member retreats, tabling events, senior recognition events, etc.
Her efforts have been recognized across campus with several awards and honors. She's also been inducted into Garnet and Gold Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honor society at FSU, along with the Order of Omega, which honors leaders in the Greek community. She was also welcomed into Torchbearer 100 in 2024, recognizing the most outstanding students at FSU for their service and leadership, whose legacy will continue after graduation. She was also recognized with a "21 Under 21" philanthropy award from the FSU Student Foundation.
"Representation matters, and being surrounded by strong, inspirational women who saw my potential, often before I saw it in myself, has empowered me to chase my dreams fearlessly and with tenacity," Claire enthused." Now, as a senior in the College of Social Work, constantly surrounded by influential, fierce female leaders, I often find myself even further inspired to be a positive role model for women and girls younger than me."
She hopes to pursue her licensure in social work to become a therapist and eventually establish a nonprofit to support vulnerable women and girls or those with chronic illnesses.
"For those looking to get more involved in their communities, my advice is simple: start small and focus on what you're passionate about," she emphasized. "The fear of stepping into something new can be daunting, but investing in your community through volunteering and leadership is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. When you pour into others with authenticity and heart, the impact you create, both in your life and those around you, can be truly transformative."
