James Call
The hot dogs were free, the National Champion soccer team was on hand, as well as the tournament-bound women’s basketball team, but the star of the midday gathering in the Capitol courtyard was Farhan “Ronny” Ahmed.
The 21-year-old Ahmed was shot three times and left paralyzed from the waist down when a gunman opened fire at the school’s library in November.
“I knew what had happened but I wasn’t sure I was going to get through it,” said Ahmed speaking to a FSU Day crowd of a couple hundred Tuesday.
Ahmed was transferred to an Atlanta hospital after the Nov. 21 shooting and plans on returning to FSU. John Thrasher was named FSU president shortly before the shooting and has made a “100%” commitment to Ahmed’s dream of earning a bio-medical engineering degree from FSU.
“I want to thank everyone in Tallahassee for their support … I’m getting stronger every day,” Ahmed said.
FSU is arranging for transportation and housing for Ahmed to continue his studies.
“I am so proud of your resolve,” FSU basketball coach Sue Semaru said to Ahmed before discussing her team’s upcoming march to a national championship tournament.
Most of the state universities hold a day at the Capitol during the legislative session so that administrators and alumni can “lobby” lawmakers to support their school. A handful of lawmakers were seen mingling with the crowd in the courtyard.
“I know it’s not wise to correct a Speaker,” said former House Speaker and FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Allan Bense. He was referencing a Thrasher remark that the school’s academic accomplishments are evidence that FSU is a good investment for state funding. Thrasher also is a former House Speaker.
“We’re the best,” Bense said to the delight of the audience. “The best.”
