I am pleased to inform you that Governor Charlie Christ proclaimed (pdf 51.46 kB) the week of March 30 – April 3, 2009 as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week in the State of Florida. As of Fall 2008 8,370 graduate and professional students were enrolled at the Florida State University. These student are central to our mission as a research university and through their varied backgrounds and interests contribute to the vitality of the institution. We will formally recognize the contributions of graduate and professional students to Florida State University on April 8, 2009 at the Celebration for Graduate Student Excellence from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Dodd Hall and at that time we will honor a number of outstanding students for their achievements in teaching, research, and service.