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You are the loving heartbeat of the FSU College of Law. Thank you for all you have done and will do in the future for the students. You are the BEST. John Frost

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Dean B with Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson and Judicial Assistant Blanca Delgado Chavez

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Thank you Dean Nancy Benavides for your extraordinary service and for the many lives you have positively impacted with your grace and generosity of heart.So happy to celebrate your professionalism, dedication and passion for developing great minds and attorneys at Florida State University College of Law these 26 years!

Leon County Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson and Judicial Assistant Blanca Delgado Chavez.

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Congrats on 25 years Dean B. Thank you for all you have done for not only the law school but for me personally. You are the best thing about the law school! I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will do in the future! Love you so much!

-Sydney Herring

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Congratulations, Dean B on such an amazing milestone! You are one of the best parts of FSU Law and have changed the lives of so many students who have walked through Roberts Hall. You played a huge role in my success and I appreciate that your doors were always open for my daughter an I. Here's to 26 more years!

- Caitlin Harden (c/o 2020)

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Dear Dean B,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you did for me during my time at FSU. You were so much more than a Dean — you were a friend, a counselor, a therapist, and an incredible career advisor. Your guidance and kindness had a profound impact on my life, and I carry your lessons with me to this day. I am truly grateful. ♥️

With appreciation,

Georgia Laurent

(formerly Georgia Evangelista)

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Dear Dean B,

Thank you for your dedicated service to FSU Law! I have such fond memories of my time there and truly appreciate how welcoming, kind, and supportive you always were. Wishing you all the best in the future!

Best,

Maureen Furino

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FSU Law is SO lucky to have you, Dean B - we are all better lawyers for having known you and learned from you. Thank you for all you have done for the school and its students, and especially for the Women's Law Symposium. I'll always remember having lunch overlooking Doak with you as our advisor! - Nora Bailey

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A photo of a photo I treasure in my office, always. 

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Dear Nancy,

Congratulations! It’s impossible to overstate the impact you’ve had on all of us and on me personally since I first walked through these doors in 2008. Your leadership, wisdom, and unwavering guidance have shaped not only the College of Law but the people within it. You’ve inspired generations of students, including me, to think deeper, work harder, and lead with heart and Nole spirit.

Thank you for the countless ways you’ve supported, encouraged, and challenged us to grow. Your legacy is woven into the very fabric of this place and into all of us lucky enough to have been inspired by you.

And of course, we can’t forget to celebrate the most consistent truth of all. No one, absolutely no one, has ever matched your on-point wardrobe game! Style, substance, and grace, you’ve set the bar high in every category.

With deep affection and admiration,
Katie Crandall

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Congratulations Dean B! Thank you for all of your hard work and support that you’ve given to students and faculty! Your non stop smiles and love for the law school has never gone unnoticed. I appreciate all of the support you have given whether it was a small or a big issue. Everyone who’s attended FSU Law knows who Dean B is because you are such an iconic person at this school. Congratulations and thank you again!

Veronica Porges c/o 2026

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Dear Dean B.,

Thank you for all that you do for FSU Law! Your kindness and dedication are unmatched and do not go unnoticed. Thank you for always lighting up our halls with your fun outfits and sweet smile! Happy 26 years❣️

Best wishes,

Maggie Newman

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Thank you so much for all that you’ve done for the law school over the last 26 years! You helped me get acclimated to law school very quickly and feel like I’d be able to get through it. Thank you again for all your help!

-Devin DeLuna

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Yay!!! 26 years!!! From Bar Exam to Bar Convention and all kinds of fun in between . . . Here's to being colleagues and friends for 20 years. Cheers! ~Becky Shepherd

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Dean B, congratulations on 26 years, and thank you for all you’ve done! My introduction to you during SUG is a large part of why I chose to come to FSU. I hope we see an anniversary sweater👀

Annalisa

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Congratulations, Dean B!

What an incredible milestone — 26 years of leadership, dedication, and service to the College of Law! Your vision and care have shaped generations of students, and your steady presence continues to make this community stronger, wiser, and more connected.

Thank you for everything you’ve done (and continue to do) to make FSU Law such a special place. Here’s to you — and to many more years of success, mentorship, and inspiration ahead!

With deep appreciation and warmest congratulations,

Henry

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Dear Nancy,

Congratulations on 26 years of extraordinary service to the FSU College of Law! I’ve been lucky to witness how your thoughtful efforts—big and small—transform students’ lives. What a joy to celebrate you today!

With admiration,

Kim Parsons

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Nancy, While Pat and I are unable to be there to celebrate your 26 years, we add our congratulations. You’ve been, and are, a model of dedication, support, and guidance for thousands of students. And, near-and-dear to our hearts, all your great work, leadership, and innovation in the Weidner Summer for Undergraduates Program has truly helped shape the future for so many.

Enjoy the celebration; the College of Law is very fortunate to have you.

Wayne and Pat

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Congratulations on 26 years and thank you for everything you do, Dean B! From pre-law support and mentoring to your role(s) at the law school, you have had such a tremendous impact on so many FSU students, myself certainly included. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. Enjoy this celebration and please know how grateful for you the FSU Law community is!

Very best,

Hannah Robinson

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Dear Dean B --

Congratulations on 26 years with FSU Law! I'm so grateful for your calm, kind guidance and support during my years at FSU COL (and beyond)! You are who I think of when I think of FSU Law; you epitomize the heart and soul of the school. Thank you!

Maria (Dawson) Torsney, c/o 2008

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Nancy, congratulations on 26 years with FSU College of Law. Yolanda and I had the awesome pleasure of getting to know you while I was in law school, and Christopher and Savannah had the pleasure of getting to know you during their FSU Law years. You are a tremendous asset to the FSU Law community. I will not be able to be there for the celebration as I am in Orlando this week for the Bar Fall Meeting, but we all wish you the very best on your continued service to FSU Law. Congratulations and thank you. - Terry Hill (FSU Law 2005).

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From Debra Henley

Nancy, you are in large part responsible for our law school's outstanding "quality of life" ranking. A 1 L student told me yesterday that had Disney created a law school, it would be just like FSU Law. Many thanks for adding the "magic" and for helping students make their dreams come true.

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When I say I could not have survived law school without you, that is not lip service. You were the calm in the storm—the steady hand who somehow solved every problem before it became a crisis. You were supportive, present, and endlessly kind. And still, you managed to attend every event, dream up beautiful themes, and bring them to life with your signature joy and creativity. We were so incredibly lucky to have you in our corner. You are FSU Law. Thank you, and cheers to 26 years! -Dayna Maeder

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We are beyond blessed that you made the choice to come to FSU College of Law 26 years ago! You have impacted so many lives in your time at the COL, including mine. The legal profession, FSU, and Florida are better because of YOU! Cannot wait to celebrate with you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

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Congratulations on over 25 years of public service to FSU College of Law! I am grateful for all the support you gave me throughout my law school journey and continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity you bring every day. FSU is lucky to have you! Wishing you continued success and happiness.

Alissa (Blank) Meyers

Class of 2003

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Thank you for the countless memories and the thoughtful guidance you’ve shared throughout the years. Your dedication to Florida State and to supporting law students has made a lasting impact. Congratulations on 26 years!! - Meaghan Maus

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Congratulations, Dean B. on 25 years at FSU COL!! You truly made my time in Florida unforgettable. There is truly no one else like you and we are so lucky to call you ours. Here's to many more!

-Katie Jens Class of 2024

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When I learned I was pregnant in law school, I felt equal parts joy and worry. Dean Nancy Benavides met me with instant support. She asked what I needed and then made room for me to thrive. She checked in, cleared paths, and reminded me I could do this. She gave me strength when I had none left, guidance when I felt lost, and steady love and affirmation. She welcomed my daughter, Susannah, as a joy, not a hurdle. Thank you, Dean B, my tireless champion and fiercest advocate. You showed me that being a mother and a lawyer can rise together. Because of you, we crossed the stage together. Because of you, FSU Law will always feel like home - Madison '21

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FSU is so incredibly lucky to have you here and how amazing that you have been here for 26 years. Your impact on students and the legal profession as a whole has been so significant. I truly believe that we have more professional lawyers practicing because of all the work you do to support students and help them find their path. From my time as a student to today, you have always inspired me to be my best self. Thank you so much for all you do! -Rima

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Thank you for taking such good care of all of us all these years. I couldn't imagine the College of Law without you. No one knows us better and you always know exactly what our students and faculty members need to stay afloat. Thanks for everything! -- Kelli

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Nancy, we are so lucky to have you! Here's to many more years of having you as our colleague. Thank you for being a tireless source of support, dedication, and inspiration for all of us at the College of Law. Our halls are warmer and our work is stronger because you’re here! -- Nadia

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Thank you for being such an impactful positive culture-maker at FSU Law! It's a joy to be your colleague and see the difference you make on campus. ~ Denise H.

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Nancy,

Congratulations on 26 years!! I know the Law School is a better place and is where it is today due to your dedication to the students and to the College.

Happy Anniversary,

Karol Bickett

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Nancy, I've been amazed at your energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the law students and the College of Law over the years. The students are very lucky to have you behind them all the way to graduation and beyond. Here's to many more years at the COL! Congratulations!-Shirley

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Congrats on 26 years of service!!!!! Love every minute I get to work with you!

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Congratulations to us on 26 years with you as our heart and soul! I'm so grateful the kindness and care with which you treat all of the people who rely on you daily. It's no wonder that our students consistently score among the happiest with you as their Dean B. Cheers to you!

Erika

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Hi Dean B.,

Thank you for everything you do for the law school and being such a true Noles fan.

Joseph U. ‘26

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Congratulations on twenty-six years of service Dean B! We are so grateful to have you. I look forward to three more years of your daily wisdom and fabulous outfits!

Warmly,

Katie Sullivan '28

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I'm so lucky to have experienced your guidance as both a student and now as a colleague. Twenty-six years is an incredible milestone, and your endless energy and dedication to our students are inspiring. When we talk about there being 'something special in the water' here, we're talking about you. Happy Anniversary! -Chris

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Dean B, congratulations on 26 incredible years of service to FSU Law! Your commitment to the students and the impact you've made on the school are clearly evident. You made such a positive difference to my time at FSU- I'm so grateful. I've always said- when I grow up, I want to be Dean B! Cheers to you!! Sincerely, Kiersten Denny

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There's a reason FSU law get such high ranks for student experience.

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There's a reason FSU law get such high ranks for student experience.

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Congratulations, Nancy, on 26 years at FSU law! And congratulations to FSU law for the wisdom of holding on to you for 26 years. There's a reason we get such high ranks for student experience - it's because of the culture you have built and sustained over all these years! You have touched so many lives. We are all so grateful for everything you bring to our community. :) - Erin (Ryan)

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Congratulations. I hate to miss such a well-deserved celebration. Your presence and efforts at FSU are irreplaceable. And you are, of course, univerally loved among students and faculty. Thank you for your help over the years.

Sincerely,

Michael Bartnick

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Congratulations on 25 years at FSU COL! You have been a rock and inspiration to me and many others, including faculty and students.

All my best,

Jo

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Phil and Carol Taylor here.  Hope You are well and congrats on the 25th.

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Phil and Carol Taylor here.  Hope You are well and congrats on the 25th.

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Congratulations, Dean B! You have such a special gift for making all students feel welcome and supported at the law school. You've touched countless lives and I'm grateful that you were there during my time at the school. It's impossible to think of FSU Law without thinking of you!

- Crystal Anderson '10

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Dean B,

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to FSU College of Law. You have touched the lives of SO many people over the years. We love an appreciate YOU! Congratulations on 25 years!! -

Marquita Green ('09)

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Thank you for all your service to FSU Law, Dean B! It would not have been as amazing of an experience for myself & countless other alum if it weren’t for your dedication, compassion, and bright light 🫶🏼 Tara Bagherlee

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FSU and its students are so lucky to have you spend your career here. You are everything that makes this law school what it is. Congratulations on this great anniversary and best wishes for your continued success!

Phil Blank

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Dean B,

Congratulations on 26 years! You make FSU College of Law feel like home. I am so grateful for your leadership and mentorship. Thank you for all that you do for our community.

Best,

Peter Chechanover

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Congratulations Dean B! Thank you for everything! -- Debbie

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Dean B,

I cannot thank you enough for everything that you did for me while I was in law school, let alone how amazing you have been to me even as an alumni! I have enjoyed every event we have worked together, every basketball game we attended together, and truly believe that FSU Law would not be the same without you. Your positivity, passion for community, and genuine love for Florida State, shines through to every student, and I believe is a major reason that the overall community at FSU Law is as great as it is! 26 years is quite the accomplishment, and I hope we have you for 26 more! Cheers to you Dean B, thank you for everything, and as always GO NOLES!!!

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Congratulations on 26 years! You are a true Seminole and are the heart and soul of The College of Law. Cheers to another 26 years!

Warm regards,

Carolyn Chinn Maly '04

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Congratulations to you, Nancy, on 26 years at FSU Law! You were an integral part of my growth as a law student (many years ago!) and I love seeing your updates regularly on LinkedIn and Facebook now!

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Congratulations on 26 years of top-notch support for our students! FSU Law is extremely lucky to have you. Your commitment to student success and wellbeing is inspirational for all of us. Enjoy celebrating this milestone!

All the best,

Darby

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Dean B, Congratulations on 26 years at FSU. As someone who only applied to FSU because I met you at the LSAC Forum in Boston in 2006, I can say from experience that you have touched so many lives at FSU and made your mark on so many students including myself. Thank you for all you do and hope you enjoy a little celebration in your honor.

Jennifer GC

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Adria Quintela

Congratulations Nancy! The students and the law school are so fortunate to have you. We are all so grateful for all you do!! Wishing you many more!

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Happy 25th anniversary, Dean B! You have made FSU Law a place of beauty and grace since stepping foot on campus. I am so grateful for your friendship. You are a queen worthy of a golden tiara. #FSULawGold <3 Rebecca Bandy

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Dean B, congratulations on your anniversary with FSU.

You are truly amazing and it has been such a pleasure to get to know you.

Thank you for all help and guidance throughout the years.

Alessandra Mousinho

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Over the years, you have made FSU Law a pleasure and a success for me and many other students. Thank you for your dedication and for just being you!

Respectfully,

Alan LaCerra

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Dean B,

Your tireless dedication to everything FSU is infectious. You have an innate ability to solve problems, weather basketball roller-coaster seasons, and inspire students to become amazing lawyers, and you do it with a giant smile. Congratulations on 25 (+) years of success, and thank you for all you do and have done.

Todd Engelhardt

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Congratulations on 26 years! You are the heart of FSU law and we are all so grateful for your uplifting, fun loving spirit! Thank you for everything - here’s to many more! - Sam Mayberry

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Nancy,

Congratulations on 25 great years at the law school and here’s to many more. It has been fun working with you and occasionally getting an extra tidbit on the FSU basketball team.

Terry and Linda Cole

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Congratulations Dean B! Your service to students is unmatched and so special. As a stressed out student with big dreams and goals, you made me feel seen and heard. What a special gift you are to FSU Law!

With love,

Beatriz (Benitez) and Steven Reardon

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Dean Nancy thank you for getting me through law school and letting me grow up. All the best to you!!! - James Argento

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What a wonderful choice you and Chuck made to come to Tallahassee 26 years ago. Chuck E

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Well, 26 years of enjoying seeing and talking to you Nancy, it is ALWAY a pleasure and always uplifts my day. You have meant so much to so many here, we all thank you and appreciate you tremendously! Larry

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Your commitment to student success is unparalleled! Congratulations on so many years of service to the College of Law, and cheers to many more! -Rachel

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Congratulations Nancy! for doing a great job with student for 26 years my you continue with your great work may God Bless! Belle

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Congratulations Nancy! for doing a great job with student for 26 years my you continue with your great work may God Bless! Belle

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Congratulations, Nancy! Your contributions to the law school have been invaluable and massive. It’s no coincidence that the school has made major strides over the past 26 years. Warmest regards, Nat

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Congratulations on 26 years of service to the FSU College of Law, Nancy!  I remember 1999, my first year here too, like it was yesterday.  Time flies!  Best wishes, Tahirih