Tallahassee Celebrates First In-Person Graduation for FSU Student after Pandemic Disruptions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Friday at 2 p.m., Florida State University (FSU) will host its commencement ceremony at the Tucker Civic Center, marking a moment of joy for over 2,000 graduating students. Among them is Noah Schuring, a 23-year-old double major in marketing and risk management and insurance. This event holds a special significance for Schuring, as it will be his first opportunity to walk across the graduation stage due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic during his initial graduation year.
Who Is Noah Schuring?
Schuring, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, began his journey at FSU in the fall of 2020 when classes were primarily held online. Despite the unusual circumstances, he has made the most of his time at the university. With a passion for motocross racing that began at a young age, Schuring is excited to celebrate this significant milestone in his life.
A Unique Graduation Experience
“This week will be my first chance to actually walk across the stage during graduation,” Schuring explained eagerly. “I’m definitely excited for that.” He was unable to partake in a traditional graduation ceremony when he graduated high school, making this weekend’s event especially meaningful.
Preparation for the Future
FSU’s commencement will not only celebrate Schuring’s academic achievements, but also his accomplishments in motocross. Having raced for over 15 years, he has competed in numerous states, including California and Indiana. He expressed gratitude for the flexibility that online classes provided, which allowed him to continue racing while maintaining his studies.
Balancing Education and Racing
Schuring stated, “While I was going to school and also training for races, doing school virtually allowed me to have some flexibility in being able to travel around the United States and race at different events.” His late-night study sessions and weekend races have required discipline, but he views both aspects of his life as complementary.
Future Ambitions
After graduation, Schuring plans to return to Michigan to work at the Miller-Schuring Agency, a family-owned insurance business, while also pursuing a professional racing career. He hopes to use his education to eventually open his own insurance agency focusing on risk management for professional sports leagues.
A Mentor’s Perspective
Ray Woods, co-owner of the Georgia Practice Facility where Schuring trained, expressed pride in his student’s accomplishments. “When he decided to get an education while still pursuing motorcycle racing as a professional, we were more than willing to help out,” Woods said. He continued, “Now that he’s at the graduation stage, I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Recognition in Academics
Schuring’s dedication to his studies has not gone unnoticed. Paul Schriefer, an associate lecturer at FSU’s College of Business, noted Schuring’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic excellence. Schriefer stated, “In each course, Noah has impressed me with his intellectual curiosity, his keen interest in course subject matter, and his high level of academic achievement.”
Aiming High
As Schuring prepares to graduate, he reflects on his journey and the goals he has set for himself. “I set a goal a long time ago to go to school while I was racing and strived to be the greatest I can be through my education and through my racing career,” he said. With his professional license secured, Schuring is poised to compete in the AMA’s 2025 Pro Motocross series next year.
This weekend, as FSU celebrates its graduates, one of their own stands out as a true representation of resilience, ambition, and the balance of academic and athletic commitments.
