Guest Book Submissions View | Karen Laughlin Legacy

Sign the Guest Book for President and Mrs. Thrasher

Karen was such a wonderful help to me when I stepped in unexpectedly as interim Dean of the Graduate School. She was always encouraging and willing to share her Jedi wisdom on all things. I appreciated every conversation with her and every interaction was fun, see photo LOL! She was such a fantastic champion for the students and accomplished so much for them as Dean. She is greatly missed by us all but her legacy of care, empathy, love and devotion to students at FSU will live on forever!<3

Mark Riley

It was a pleasure and a true blessing to know Karen. It was an honor to serve with her on the Undergraduate Development Council. Her love and her commitment to the students was evident in all she did for FSU and the many programs she led. She was an intelligent, kind, funny, and compassionate person and is greatly missed by all who knew her. I am grateful to have known her and to count her as a friend. It is still hard to believe she is gone. RIP Karen.

Fran Gilbert

I first met Karen (Dr. Laughlin to me then) when I decided to return to school for my Ph.D. It was my great fortune that during the time I was unsure about continuing my education, I took one of my first classes with her. We know her as a great leader; diplomatic, encouraging, and respectful. She was also one of the best professors I ever had. I think if I hadn't taken her class, my future would have been vastly different. Her impact was university wide, but also on the personal level.

Kathryn Karrh Cashin

I was Karen Laughlin's assistant for six years. She took me to lunch on my birthday every year and I remember the interesting conversations we had on those lunches (usually sushi). She always listened as well as talked and it was nice to take an hour off of focusing on our busy work days and just chat about anything and everything. Back at the office, though, she was always focused on helping students succeed and she was very good at it. I admired her very much and will miss her.

Angela Hockin

In the fall of 2018, I was asked to cover for Averi, Karen’s Executive Assistant, while she was on maternity leave. I was very concerned about the potential of letting the Dean down and in turn, letting down the person who recommended me. A few days in, Karen asked me how I was doing with it all and I said that I was trying to keep up. She responded, “trust me, some days I can’t even keep up with myself”. She had the gift of putting anyone at ease and I was so grateful for it!

Cheryl Martin

Karen Laughlin was tremendously fair, consistent in her observations and her judgments, a great judge of character, and the consummate diplomat. She was generous, invitational, and uncompromising in things that mattered to her. When she spoke, people listened—not because she consumed all of the oxygen in the room, but because she gave the conversation well-reasoned, well-seasoned, compassionate responses. Where some might feel the need to say the most the loudest, Karen never did.

Tarez Samra Graban

Karen was my beloved aunt and my mentor. She taught me about the fragility of life, the beauty of art, literature, and travel, and how to leave a positive impact on the world. She dedicated her life to helping others and worked tirelessly to ensure every student was afforded an opportunity to excel. She brought so much love and joy to this world, empowered those around her and always did it with a smile. Life felt richer, more vibrant, and as if there was music in the air when she was around.

Rose Laughlin

Dr. Laughlin was a professor in the English Department when I started working here many years ago. Even though she went on to become Dean in another area, she always participated in English activities when it mattered. When time permitted, she'd make it a point to stop by my office & ask about my family and we'd share stories of what everyone was up to. She was the type of person I could call up and ask any random question. If she didn't know the answer, she'd find someone who did. I miss her.

Carolyn Hector Hall

Karen was a valued member of the English Department. She was a kind and supportive mentor there, and I remember her bringing her humor and leadership to our department as well as to her work as a university administrator. Her contributions to FSU made a difference to her students and colleagues.

Leigh Edwards

Karen was a gentle and caring soul. It was truly a blessing to have known her yet the time was too short. I learned patience and tenderness from her at meetings and on the too few occasions that we were able to squeeze some time for lunch or a tea. She enriched people's lives and she was indeed a gift to our students. Her thoughtful, manner and gentle smile were infectious and unassuming. Yet, she was brilliant and a deep and careful thinker. I think of her often and miss her deeply.

Susan Fiorito

I had the privilege of working for Dean Laughlin for a little over two and half years in her office. She was kind, wise, a good listener, funny. and a phenomenal leader. She brought out the best in those who worked with her. She allowed others to excel in their respective areas and celebrated their achievements. She was truly a class act and I will remember her always with great fondness.

Julia Lengacher

When Karen joined the Recruiting and Retention meetings, she recognized that Larry Abele wanted to lead with data. Although she demonstrated a strong grasp of data, she approached me one day and asked what it took to move the retention rate 1 percentage point, I illustrated that if we bring in 6,000 freshman, then 60 would be 1 %age point. More importantly, 6 students would constitute 1/10th of a point - enough to round up. That changed the equation and she said any office can save 6 students.

Rick Burnette

I enjoyed going to the undergraduate honors convocations each year, both the W. E.B. DuBois and Oscar Arias Sanchez honors programs because Karen always spoke at these events with great passion and enthusiasm. She was clearly proud of each of her students for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. She always introduced the Deans in attendance, encouraging the honorees to be sure and speak to us to explore their interests and dreams. Karen was an amazing advocate for students.

John P Fogarty, MD

I had the pleasure of being part of Karen’s team in various capacities for over 16 years. She valued how I advocated for the team and the students we all served. Karen embodied grace in her actions and words in any environment. I recalled travelling to a conference with Karen. On that trip she shared the joys in spending time with her grandchildren and family. Karen was a great supervisor, advocate, and compassionate person that believed in the good of all people. Her legacy will live on!

Rose-May Frazier

Dean Laughlin's commitment to students was evident every single day of her career. I met Dean Laughlin through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) where I quickly learned how much passion she had for our mission and programs. She held us so close to her heart and made it a goal of hers to aid our growth in any way possible. She was the kindest, sweetest, most committed woman to student advancement. Dean Laughlin, you are thought of and missed every day. CARE loves you.

Ashley Gonzalez

Karen radiated energy and optimism across the Florida State University campus through everyone that she engaged and interacted with. Karen ensured that all individuals were provided opportunities to achieve their full potential as she worked to remove obstacles and barriers that were inhibiting growth and development. Karen collaborated with the campus community and other advocates to rally support for all undergraduate students, enhancing their experience at Florida State. We honor her legacy.

Scott M. Nevitt

It is the greatest honor of my life to serve in the role Karen held for much of her career. Karen was a mentor, friend, and visionary--and every day I am grateful for the ways she shaped FSU. I miss her daily, and I still feel her commitment to students. Her legacy lives on through all of us as we continue her work of building a world-class learning environment for every student.

Joe O'Shea

Karen was my paternal aunt. She was consistently as kind and loving as anyone I've ever known. Whenever I spoke with Karen, I felt more at peace than before. I will miss seeing her and talking on the phone. Such a positive person who did so much for others and her second home; FSU.

Love you Aunt Karen!!!

Seth

Seth Laughlin

Karen was a compelling communicator and great listener. She led with equanimity and humor. She was never small. She had confidence in those of us who worked with her and gave us support and room to grow so we could be the best we could be. Lessons Karen exemplified: Life is richest if balanced. Life is uncertain; embrace people you encounter with passion and kindness. Life is a gift; open it with care and joy every day. I miss her but my aspirations to continue her legacy sustain me in my grief.

Annette Schwabe

I first met Karen about 10 years ago when she shared all the wonderful things FSU was doing with their Undergraduate Study programs. Her love for the students and FSU were evident just by her smile as she described her work. Research Symposiums, dedication of the Honors and Scholars Building, ballgames in the President's box, meeting with the Presidential Scholars and all our council meetings were filled with her contagious passion. She was a dear friend, forever missed, always a part of my FSU.

Jim Lee

While I did not work closely with Karen, I worked under her leadership during her last several years as Dean of Undergraduate Studies. I remember a question she asked me during my first interview with her: "What book are you currently reading?" Out of all the questions I have ever had in a professional interview, I remember this one the most. Karen recognized the potential and power of human growth and development, and made it clear that she was an advocate of this for everyone.

Delilah Thomas

I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Karen for almost 20 years. She was so much more than a supervisor....she was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate for all of us. She lit up any room she entered and her laugh was contagious. I always marveled at how easily she could handle the most intense situations with her Zen-inspired calmness and positive outlook. She was warm, caring and genuine to everyone she met. She was a beautiful soul and we are all better for having known her!

Nikki Raimondi

Karen was a sometimes steely, but always caring leader. There are some individuals that make things happen through passion, perseverance, and a generous smile. Karen was one of those; a real agent of good at FSU. I had the honor of working with Karen, and learned a great deal from her experience and expertise. We also shared our own personal stories with each other, celebrating life's ups with laughter and shedding tears over life's downs. I still miss her to this day.

Tim Chapin

Karen,

Thank you for all you have done for our university. Your impact positively affected each of our lives. You have been a blessing to me and every person who had the fortune to spend any time at all with you. You certainly are missed but will be remembered always.

Donald Farr

From my initial interview three years ago, I will never forget Karen's tender heart and warm approach. She was empowering, full of integrity, and I was only bolstered with confidence by simply being in her presence. She will forever be missed by many, and the lives she has touched will always attest to the determination and love she had for our institution, faculty & staff, and our students.

Aaron Tillman

From the time we met, Karen and I shared ideas and dreams for a program that would provide a unique FSU experience for a to be determined number of students. Many conversations led to the creation of Presidential Scholars. Not only is it Karen’s legacy, the program has attracted a stellar group of students whose leadership has impacted FSU on many levels. What an honor it has been to be involved from the inception of Presidential Scholars, a program that will live on and honor Karen’s memory.

Linda Lewis

I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to meet, know, and work for Karen. Her trust, sincere care, leadership, and humor are some of the many things I miss the most. I also miss our discussions regarding athletics and our battle of being fellow introverted extroverts. She was one of a kind and made us all feel special. Her ability to connect with everyone she met, was an incredible gift. Karen always put students first, and that is something we can all strive to do daily in our work.

Amy Haggard

Karen was one of the first people I had the privilege of meeting in Undergraduate Studies. I quickly noticed how calm, down-to-earth, and sincere she was. The conversations that we shared were uplifting and reassuring. As others have mentioned, she made sure to let us all know just how much we are appreciated and that we belong here. I was deeply saddened to hear of her loss, although I am grateful to have experienced her warm, gracious leadership during my first year in my current position.

Kestrel Strickland

My wife worked for Karen for a number of years, and she was always so nice to me when I stopped by. When I started working for Undergraduate Studies myself, I was always impressed by how much she clearly cared about Florida State University and its student population. My own personal memory of her is just one time she was passing through WJB and saw me, and we sat under the stairs on the ground floor and chatted about work and life. She was incredibly insightful and personable.

Shane Hockin

The day I met Karen changed my life. She added years to my life and brightness to my outlook.
She was so erudite, calm, confident and nice. We hit it off immediately. I have a million things to say about her but have to watch out for my mental health when it comes to Karen. Her death devastated me. I miss her terribly.

Andrew Myers

Karen was an amazing dean and leader, but one thing I valued most was her belief in people and her encouragement of all of us to grow into ourselves. She often spoke about Imposter Syndrome with students and colleagues alike. She reminded us that we belonged at FSU, that we were capable and our contribution valuable. Bearing witness to Karen’s accomplishments, her strength, and her kindness, it was clear that she was no imposter. I miss her and feel lucky to have known her and been her friend.

Susan Contente

Karen was my boss, mentor, and friend for many years. She was smart, gracious, funny, kind, had a great laugh and a ready smile -- she made everyone feel heard and appreciated. She valued differences of opinion to further her understanding and inform her perspective. She had a lovely way with words and carried herself with elegance. I miss her dearly but carry her spirit forward serving the undergraduates she loved so well.

Sara Hamon

In life, there are a few people who glow when they talk about their lives and beliefs. Karen Laughln was one of those people. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years in many capacities. She had an innate ability to identify how your strengths could contribute to the University success and could very persuasive in getting you to meet that challenge. I appreciate the lessons I learned from her and miss the opportunity to talk with her. I especially miss her laugh. Thanks, Karen.

Lynn Hogan

I had the pleasure of meeting her on several occasions. She was always calm and respectful. She always gave me her full attention and made me feel appreciated as a member of FSU staff. She will be missed by everyone who was fortunate to know her.

John Graves