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A Night to Remember: Celebrating Our CSU Banquet
By Jude Bogusz
Hi! I’m Jude, a rising senior in nursing school and the outgoing president of the Catholic Student Union at Florida State.
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Each year, we host a formal banquet to celebrate our community, honor our seniors, and close out the school year in gratitude and joy. This year’s banquet—held the Sunday before finals at the beautiful Women’s Club in Midtown Tallahassee—was truly one for the books.
Over 100 students filled the space, along with our staff, FOCUS missionaries, the Sisters, our Chaplain Father Luke, and even Bishop Wack himself. Everyone arrived dressed up and glowing, snapping photos around the venue space before sitting down to dinner.
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Throughout the evening, we recognized six students with St. Thomas More icons—quiet leaders who served powerfully behind the scenes. We also surprised our staff with tokens of appreciation. One of my favorite moments was presenting personalized potted flowers to those who helped our ministry flourish: each missionary, each Sister, Heath our seminarian, and Father Luke received a unique plant symbolizing the unique way they’ve helped our community grow.
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The most emotional part of the night came when we said goodbye to some of our most beloved members. Sister Bridget gave a heartfelt farewell as her time in Tallahassee came to a close, and Sister Solana moved the entire room to tears with a beautiful song as her parting gift. We heard a letter from Heath—full of grace and gratitude—and Father Luke shared powerful words of encouragement for the journey ahead. These were moments of tenderness, full of the Spirit and full of love, yet undeniably bittersweet.
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We also honored our Executive Board leaders, thanked the Sisters for their continued, graceful presence, and presented custom plaques to Sam Nunnally and Jeanette Edwards-- two of CSU’s guiding lights whose servant leadership has shaped the heart of our mission.
And then: the dance floor opened.
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Students from all corners of the banquet danced with joy and carelessness (finals were cancelled). Seniors were gifted handmade rosary bracelets crafted by one of our own students, and everyone left with a wooden photo board clipped with a CSU memory, a keepsake of the year we’ve shared.
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What stood out most was the spirit of our community.
As one student, Adrian C., shared:
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"The banquet really revealed Catholic Noles' ability to unite a group of people together for something greater—even through dark times. Despite finals week and a recent tragedy, this group of Catholic college students came together in such a vibrant and positive way."
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Another attendee, Teagan M., reflected:
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"It’s incredible to see how many students at CSU have hearts that desire to serve. Whether it’s hosting Bible studies, volunteering at shelters, or offering snacks after Mass, the people I saw at the banquet live for others and it made me smile to see those people recognized."
Though it’s hard to say goodbye to so many leaders, I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead. We're welcoming a new TOR Sister, a newly ordained priest to serve as our Chaplain, and new additions to our team of FOCUS missionaries ready to dive in. Banquet doesn’t just close a chapter but rather it opens a new one. I can’t wait to see how our new Student Ambassadors step up, using their talents and graces to serve this ministry and community we love.
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Thank you, CSU. Thank you for changing my college experience.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead, to grow, to serve, and to be loved in return.
