Guest Book Submission | Karen Laughlin Legacy

38 submissions

Admin Approval	Email Address	Message	User	Created	Completed	Changed	Operations
No	df@gmail.com	dfg rhsgfdhsfghfghfghsfghsfg sdfghsfdghsfgh sgfhsgh sfgh	Anonymous	Tue, 12/16/2025 - 03:24 PM	Tue, 12/16/2025 - 03:24 PM	Tue, 12/16/2025 - 03:24 PM	View
Yes	mriley@fsu.edu	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	Anonymous	Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:05 AM	Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:09 AM	Mon, 11/08/2021 - 01:38 PM	View
Yes	fgilbert12@comcast.net	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.	Anonymous	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 12:28 PM	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 12:28 PM	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 01:03 PM	View
Yes	kcashin@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Wed, 10/20/2021 - 12:51 PM	Wed, 10/20/2021 - 12:51 PM	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 01:02 PM	View
Yes	ahockin@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Wed, 10/20/2021 - 10:45 AM	Wed, 10/20/2021 - 10:45 AM	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 01:02 PM	View
Yes	ckmartin@fsu.edu	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!	Anonymous	Tue, 10/19/2021 - 09:40 AM	Tue, 10/19/2021 - 09:40 AM	Thu, 10/21/2021 - 01:02 PM	View
Yes	tgraban@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Mon, 10/11/2021 - 07:52 AM	Mon, 10/11/2021 - 07:52 AM	Tue, 10/12/2021 - 12:25 PM	View
Yes	rose.laughlin@gmail.com	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.	Anonymous	Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:22 PM	Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:24 PM	Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:34 PM	View
Yes	chall@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:39 PM	Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:39 PM	Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:34 PM	View
Yes	ledwards@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Mon, 10/04/2021 - 11:01 AM	Mon, 10/04/2021 - 11:01 AM	Tue, 10/05/2021 - 09:35 AM	View
Yes	sfiorito@jmc.fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Sun, 10/03/2021 - 02:47 PM	Sun, 10/03/2021 - 02:47 PM	Tue, 10/05/2021 - 09:35 AM	View
Yes	jlengacher@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Wed, 09/29/2021 - 12:14 PM	Wed, 09/29/2021 - 12:14 PM	Thu, 09/30/2021 - 10:50 AM	View
Yes	rburnette@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Tue, 09/28/2021 - 04:56 PM	Tue, 09/28/2021 - 04:56 PM	Thu, 09/30/2021 - 10:50 AM	View
Yes	john.fogarty@med.fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Tue, 09/28/2021 - 03:48 PM	Tue, 09/28/2021 - 03:48 PM	Thu, 09/30/2021 - 10:50 AM	View
Yes		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!	Anonymous	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 09:54 AM	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 09:54 AM	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 02:29 PM	View
Yes	ag19bg@my.fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 08:57 AM	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 08:57 AM	Mon, 09/27/2021 - 02:29 PM	View
No	ahockin@fsu.edu	Hello: I previously submitted an entry for the Karen Laughlin guest book. I noticed it has not been posted and I'd like it to be deleted from the queue if possible. I don't like what I wrote and I would like to resubmit another comment at a later time.	Anonymous	Mon, 09/13/2021 - 08:12 AM	Mon, 09/13/2021 - 08:12 AM	Mon, 09/13/2021 - 08:12 AM	View
Yes	scott.nevitt@genmills.com	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.	Anonymous	Sun, 09/12/2021 - 12:42 PM	Sun, 09/12/2021 - 12:42 PM	Mon, 09/13/2021 - 09:53 AM	View
No	ahockin@fsu.edu	I was Karen Laughlin's assistant for six years. I remember the constant busyness of working in a dean's office, but I especially remember our occasional sushi lunches. Our conversations were always interesting, as she talked as well as listened. I wasn't the lowly assistant of a high and mighty dean. We were just two people enjoying lunch and a chat about life. That is something that cannot be overrated. I will miss her.	Anonymous	Thu, 09/09/2021 - 11:16 AM	Thu, 09/09/2021 - 11:16 AM	Mon, 09/13/2021 - 09:53 AM	View
Yes	joshea@fsu.edu	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.	Anonymous	Tue, 09/07/2021 - 04:51 PM	Tue, 09/07/2021 - 04:51 PM	Wed, 09/08/2021 - 09:34 AM	View