Student Senate Passes Proclamation Lauding FSU’s Ukraine Task Force

Florida State University’s 78th Student Senate recently passed a proclamation celebrating the school’s Ukraine Task Force (UTF). At their March 4th meeting, the student senate recognized the UTF’s outstanding dedication to supporting Ukraine throughout the four years of the full-scale invasion. 

“The Student Senate's support of this proclamation demonstrates to students that we notice and appreciate the ethical work performed within the university,” said Jose Collantes, who sponsored the proclamation. “It shows that we, as a university, hold the UTF's work in high regard because they model our best values at FSU. To pass this proclamation is to give them the honor that they deserve. It made me appreciate the community we have here at FSU and how crucial it is to come together and uplift each other whenever we can.”

"It is both inspiring and touching to know that our FSU students have taken to this initiative,” said UTF Director Dr. Vilma Fuentes. “Senator Collantes contacted me in February to share an earlier draft of his resolution and request input. I met him but didn't provide any edits. I wanted to be sure that this was a truly student-led initiative.”

Collantes, a student senator from FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored the proclamation and Ian Rodrigez, a student senator from the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, was the co-sponsor. Faith Parkinson, the president of FSU’s newly formed student club ‘The Ukraine Resilience Initiative,’ also spoke on behalf of the UTF’s impact. The proclamation highlighted the Task Force’s significant contributions to research, education and international collaboration with Ukrainian institutions. 

The proclamation also cited the outstanding character, academic pursuit and resilience exemplified by the UTF and its collective of inspiring, dedicated and considerate leaders who create opportunities for FSU and Ukraine alike amidst the duress of conflict.

“Initially, I had set out to recognize the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and to detail the extent of the psychological, physical and cultural damage inflicted upon Ukrainians in the war,” said Collantes. “What followed was a recommendation to reach out to stakeholders impacted by this conflict and I was led by peers to contact the Ukraine Task Force. It was then that I met Dr. Anna Romanova and heard her story and connection with the UTF. Upon hearing her and the UTF's level of dedication to Ukrainians and FSU alike, I knew I needed to not only recognize the conflict, but the amazing work the UTF has done to help students and researchers innovate, even as hundreds of miles separate them and conflict surrounds them.”

The UTF was established in 2022 by Dr. James Clark, FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee was charged with creating new educational partnerships with Ukrainian higher education institutions and exploring how these relationships could advance FSU’s mission of research, teaching, creative endeavors and service.

In 2025, the UTF engaged 30 Ukrainian universities and colleges, hosted 21 visitors from Ukraine, offered 17 educational events, submitted three grant applications and helped implement two International Visitor Programs for Ukraine. FSU faculty and staff participated in 13 lectures and conference events.

“I am especially touched by the recognition in their proclamation that the Ukraine Task Force has contributed to the academic development of students here at FSU and that our work creates opportunities for FSU and Ukraine alike amidst the duress of conflict,” said Fuentes. “What an honor to have our student government unanimously recognize and support our work."

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