Like the graduates sitting before her, 2017 Florida State University commencement speaker Judy Schmeling was transitioning into the next chapter of her life. She had just stepped down as chief operating officer of HSN Inc. and president of HSN’s Cornerstone Brands, and finally had time to reflect on her successful 23-year career at the retailing giant and to map out a new direction.

“As I was leaving HSN, I began to think about how I’d gotten to where I was, how I’m going to get to where I’m going, and what I want to do with my time,” said Schmeling, a 1982 accounting graduate. “For now I’ve decided to focus on, among other things, corporate board work and giving back to the College of Business, because I realized the impact my education has made on my career.”