Nine class of 2025 standouts have been inducted into Florida Gulf Coast University’s Hall of Fame, the highest recognition awarded to students.

The Hall of Fame honors individuals who demonstrate superior leadership, integrity and achievement through activities, service, scholarship and academic excellence.

From collaborative research to service work, this year’s honorees exemplify intellectual curiosity and a passion for global impact. Four of the nine describe themselves as first-generation college graduates. Five are part of the Honors College.

“This prestigious honor is awarded annually to exceptional students who have not only excelled in leadership, service and academic endeavors, but have contributed to FGCU in extraordinary ways, led meaningful efforts with powerful impacts and demonstrated excellence beyond the walls of FGCU,” said Jessica J. Rhea, senior director of experiential learning and career development.

This year’s inductees shared highlights of their activities, accomplishments and aspirations.

Alexandria Amunategui

Alexandria Amunategui, an Honors College student from Merritt Island, Florida, graduated with a degree in environmental studies from The Water School.

She volunteered at Koreshan State Park, ECOFGCU and with the Lee County Homeless Coalition. She completed an internship at the Wonder Gardens, founded the student organization Keep It Green, was vice president of the FGCU chapter of the American Water Resources Association and served as Student Government director of sustainability. She works as a senior campus naturalist and as a program specialist for Lee County Parks and Recreation.

Her academic pursuits include launching a research project involving retention ponds, organizing and leading an environmental education conference and developing a research project using geospatial technologies to examine access to Southwest Florida green spaces in relation to socioeconomic factors. She received a Work in Scholarly and Experiential Research grant to support the research and presented her findings at Eagle X.

Amunategui will pursue an environmental law degree at Pace University in White Plains, New York.

Jacqueline “Jaci” Carpenter

Originally from Dublin, Ohio, Jacqueline “Jaci” Carpenter graduated with a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and double minors in education and interdisciplinary studies.

Carpenter served as president of the FGCU and ASUN Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. She co-created See Her Soar, an FGCU Athletics program that provides professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities for female student-athletes. A four-year member of the beach volleyball team, she concluded her athletic career with over 70 wins, ranking in the top five for most wins in program history.

She served as a representative on the Hazing Prevention Team, a peer mentor for the Office of Adaptive Services and a student assistant for the Eagles Club. She interned with FGCU Athletics, chaired the FGCU chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society and participated in the bone marrow donor registration drive. Most recently, she contributed to planning the 2025 Women’s Herstory Brunch.

Carpenter will begin a graduate assistantship in student-athlete development at the University of Tennessee in June, where she will pursue a master’s degree in sports management.

Joshua Carson

Joshua Carson graduated summa cum laude with degrees in political science and communication with a concentration in public relations. A member of the Honors College, he is originally from Tampa, Florida.

Carson worked in the Center for Academic Achievement as a student office assistant and as a writing consultant for undergraduate and graduate students.

He served as chief justice in Student Government and participated in the 2025 FGCU Day at the Capitol, advocating for the university’s legislative priorities. He interned with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Carson will attend Florida State University’s College of Law on a full scholarship.

Catherine Gonzalez

Catherine Gonzalez graduated with a double major in psychology and criminal justice and a minor in forensic studies. A member of the Honors College, she conducted research on the psychology of terrorism and violent extremism and interned with the State Attorney’s Office Cold Case Homicide Unit.

Gonzalez held roles in Student Government and served on committees for homecoming, alumni relations, internal communications and governmental relations. She worked as an orientation leader and currently serves as a campus tour guide.

Gonzalez plans to return to FGCU to pursue a master’s in criminal justice and aspires to become a professor, inspired by her academic mentors at the university.

Gustavo Hernandez

Gustavo Hernandez graduated with a double major in political science and history. A member of the Honors College, he is a first-generation college student from Felda, Florida.

Hernandez held leadership roles in Global Medical Brigades and the Dominican Republic Outreach Program. He completed over 550 service-learning hours and served as president of Project Narrative, mentoring students at Immokalee High School through the college application process.

Hernandez served on the President’s Strategic Plan Steering Committee. He was named Honors College Undergraduate Student of the Year and an Excellence in Civic Engagement Scholar. He worked as a research assistant, presented at academic conferences and was lead editorial assistant for Aquila and the Florida Undergraduate Research Journal. He participated in leadership and policy programs at Harvard Kennedy School and Carnegie Mellon University.

He plans to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs and development, focusing on climate impacts in the Global South.

Jemmo “JJ” Joseph

Jemmo “JJ” Joseph will graduate this fall with a degree in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in computer science. The Bradenton, Florida, native is a first-generation college student.

Joseph has served in multiple leadership roles at FGCU, including as a senator and director of student opportunity in Student Government, president of Sigma Lambda Beta at FGCU and secretary of the Order of Omega Greek honor society. He participated on the FGCU Hazing Prevention Team and worked as a resident assistant, a math tutor and on FGCU’s University Help Desk. He interned with the city of Palmetto’s Community Redevelopment Agency.

Joseph also participated in alternative spring break, a service-learning initiative that sends students to communities outside of Southwest Florida to engage in service work and apply their experiences locally.

After graduation, he plans to pursue an MBA.

Alba Lako

Alba Lako graduated with a degree in bioengineering and a minor in chemistry. She co-founded and served as vice president of the Albanian American Student Organization, which promotes Albanian culture on campus.

Lako was an Honors College mentor and served as an ambassador for the U. A Whitaker College of Engineering and the Honors College. She worked as a teaching assistant for engineering courses, a student assistant in the Work Management Center and a data assessment intern for Housing and Residence Life.

She worked on multiple faculty-led bioengineering research projects, presented at Eagle X and the FGCU STEM Symposium, and is currently preparing a paper on integrating microfluidic devices with optical fibers.

Following graduation, Lako will begin a master’s in biomedical engineering at the University of South Florida, where she will work as a research assistant focusing on biosensors.

Brandon Leon

A first-generation college student, Brandon Leon graduated with a degree in accounting.

The Fort Myers native completed three accounting internships, which led to a full-time job offer prior to graduation. As president of the Accounting Society, he worked to connect students with firms and supported peers in preparing for internship opportunities. Leon serves as president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and helped his chapter raise more than $50,000 for the David Lawrence Centers.

Leon founded the First-Generation Organization at FGCU. The group provides peer support through workshops and open forums, while also extending outreach to local high school seniors navigating the college application process.

Leon will remain at FGCU to pursue an MBA and plans to earn his CPA license.

Vanessa Lopez

Sebring, Florida, native Vanessa Lopez is a first-generation college student who graduated with a degree in bioengineering.

She served as president of the Biomedical Engineering Society and as a Learning Hub mentor lead. She worked as an outreach assistant for the engineering college and contributed to faculty-led projects as a research assistant.

Lopez will continue her academic journey at the University of Connecticut, where she will pursue a master’s in bioengineering with a concentration in clinical engineering.