On February 12, 2025, FOSSI touched down in Tallahassee, Florida, for a visit to Florida A&M University (FAMU), home to 40 FOSSI scholars.
The FOSSI team, scholars, sponsors, and FAMU faculty gathered on campus at the Hansel Tookes Student Recreation Center for a day of networking, inspiring discussions, and professional development. The event included a special recognition of the first FOSSI college graduate and a chance for students to have professional headshots taken by noted Tallahassee photographer Natalie Everett.
Words of wisdom from Dr. Yaw Yeboah
Distinguished professor and former Dean of the College of Engineering at FAMU/FSU Dr. Yaw Yeboah welcomed guests and addressed the scholars with an encouraging message about perseverance in STEM. He commented, “STEM is rewarding and not difficult. It is difficult only to those who do not put in the time and effort. Remember the 6 Ps: Plentiful Practice Prevents Painfully Poor Performance. You cannot become a good driver watching others drive…These companies are investing in your education because they and we, FAMU, believe in you. Your part is to focus, go to class, manage your time wisely with plentiful practice, graduate, and the sky will be the limit for you.”
FOSSI’s impact: a message from Tanya Foreman
Tanya Foreman, FOSSI champion and Education Initiatives Manager at Eastman, provided FAMU faculty and staff with a brief history of the FOSSI program and motivated scholars to make the most of their college years. She reminded students, “You have a tremendous opportunity to start a career at one of these amazing FOSSI companies. Be diligent in your studies because four years will flash by before you know it.”
Celebrating the first FOSSI graduate
Foreman also recognized Elijah Hodges, a May 2024 FAMU alumnus and the first official FOSSI graduate, who expressed gratitude for his scholarship and shared inspiring remarks on how his academic journey, combined with a rewarding FOSSI experience, created a path toward an exciting job at CSX. He encouraged fellow scholars to “take advantage of all the opportunities that FOSSI offers, particularly the mentors, because they will help you succeed now and after you graduate.”
Engaging round-robin with industry leaders
The program concluded with a dynamic round-robin session featuring sponsors from Eastman, Apotex, Univar, LYB, and Pure Cycle. Each sponsor shared a brief overview of their company and exciting career opportunities, leading into an energetic Q&A with scholars. Topics ranged from effective networking and résumé building to standing out in interviews, conflict resolution, and securing jobs and internships.
See more photos from the event below and on Flickr!
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.