“I haven’t been back since the 10-year,” Rick Detrio says, referring to the 10-year alumni celebration he attended at FSU 15 years ago. “It’s so interesting to see all the things that keep changing and what looks just like it did 25 years ago.”

Since graduating with his Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Criminology 25 years ago, Rick Detrio has gone on to thrive in multiple successful career fields. Unlike many who receive a degree merely for its own sake, Rick Detrio put his to full use. Starting with a 14-year journey with the DEA, Rick Detrio used everything his education gave him to become a successful, highly-lauded agent. With assignments all over the country and even overseas, he dedicated himself to serving his country, and was responsible for many high-profile prosecutions. By the end of his time with the DEA, Rick Detrio was in Tampa, Florida, training new field agents to show the same level of pride and dedication that he did.

Rick Detrio works for the Morgan and Morgan law firm now, another career path that puts his degree to good use. As an investigator for the firm, Rick Detrio must sift through facts and evidence to discover the truth of whatever cases the firm is currently working on.

Rick Detrio attributes much of his professional success to his degree. “There are a lot of people out there who think you don’t need to go to college to be successful,” he says. “And sure, that might be true, but only for a tiny percentage of the population. For me, going to college was one of the best decision’s I’ve ever made. I would never have gotten the jobs I did if I didn’t have the academic credential to back the position up.”

The celebratory weekend promises to be an exciting one. Rick Detrio, who has kept in touch with many of his friends from college over the years, is excited to be able to connect with them once again. Especially in the place where they all met so many years ago, exchanging stories and relearning the details of each other’s lives promises to be a rewarding, happy experience.