Florida State University announced on Apr. 22 that it will confer an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on alumna and entrepreneur Sara Blakely during its spring commencement ceremonies, scheduled for May 1-2. Blakely, the founder of Spanx and Sneex, will also serve as a commencement speaker at two ceremonies.
The university said the recognition highlights Blakely’s impact as an inventor and philanthropist. She is credited with revolutionizing the shapewear industry after launching Spanx in 2000 with $5,000. In addition to her business accomplishments, she has donated millions through charitable foundations and programs supporting women’s empowerment.
Blakely graduated from Florida State University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She will address graduates from several colleges including Arts and Sciences, Dedman College of Hospitality, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Applied Studies, Medicine, Motion Picture Arts, Fine Arts, Communication & Information, and Social Work.
Other speakers for the spring ceremonies include Lt. Gen. Sean M. Farrell—deputy commanding general of U.S. Special Operations Command—and Daniel Perez—Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives—both FSU alumni. Farrell will speak at ceremonies for engineering-related disciplines and business graduates; Perez will address students from social sciences-related colleges.
President Richard McCullough is set to preside over all events at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. The university expects about 7,190 graduates to participate out of more than 8,900 degrees being awarded this spring across undergraduate and graduate levels.
Additional ceremonies are planned for doctoral candidates on May 1; law school graduates on May 3; and Panama City campus students later that day.
