An emerging entrepreneur with a Florida State University connection was recognized on March 24 with a national award given to someone who has overcome adversity while demonstrating exceptional leadership, service and commitment to community.
Lewis Thurston II was honored as the recipient of the Michael Boyce Award at the inaugural Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) Entrepreneur Spotlight Speaker Series. The event was hosted by FSU's Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Thurston, a graduate of the LEAP program, served as the featured speaker.
The LEAP program in Tallahassee is part of the national Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network, housed at the University of Notre Dame, which spans more than 60 cities across the country. Each year, one entrepreneur from each city is selected for the Michael Boyce Award, which honors a founder who exemplifies Col. Michael H. Boyce's lifelong commitment to service, leadership and mentorship.
Thurston's Tallahassee-based company VEZ Productions provides music and entertainment services for a range of events, contributing to both the local business community and major initiatives such as FSU's Dance Marathon.
The conversation was moderated by Madison Miller (M.S. Entrepreneurship '26) and Samuel Kokales (B.S. Business Management '27), who previously worked with Thurston as student consultants at the LEAP program as part of a course-based experiential learning project.
It marks the first time a participant from FSU's LEAP program has received the award.
Following the panel discussion and Q&A, college leaders Susana Santos and Marina Lickson surprised Thurston with remarks recognizing his journey and contributions before presenting him with the award.
Rising from his roots in North Florida and South Georgia, Thurston built VEZ Productions from the ground up - often working for free in the early years until his talent and dedication were recognized by both the industry and the community - into a premier, full-service creative production company grounded in resilience, discipline and service. Like Col. Boyce's legacy, his path is defined not only by entrepreneurial success, but by a deep commitment to lifting others, mentoring emerging talent and strengthening the local community.
"Lewis, your journey reflects everything this award stands for," said Santos, associate professor of entrepreneurship. "You have overcome challenges, stayed committed to your vision and led with purpose - all while lifting others along the way. We are incredibly proud of you, not just for what you have built, but for who you are."
Lickson, director of Northwest Florida programs at the Jim Moran Institute, also emphasized Thurston's impact on the community.
"What makes you truly special goes beyond participation - it's the impact and kindness you bring to our community every day," Lickson said. "There is a generosity in how you show up for your clients, for your community and for all of us."
Thurston's story resonated strongly with attendees, offering both inspiration and practical insight. A central theme was the importance of community and giving back, as well as his perspective that "success is a never-ending moving party."
"I was really inspired hearing Lewis talk about his work with Dance Marathon and the events he's led across Tallahassee," said Miller. "Even in a short conversation, it was clear how passionate he is about delivering quality experiences while giving back to the community."
"It was amazing being able to see Lewis recognized for everything he has done with VEZ Productions," Kokales added. "Working with him as a student consultant in the LEAP program taught me so many things about entrepreneurship and inspired me to create my own business in the near future."
"It was amazing being able to see Lewis recognized for everything he has done with VEZ Productions. Working with him as a student consultant in the LEAP program taught me so many things about entrepreneurship and inspired me to create my own business in the near future."
– Samuel Kokales, Florida State University student
During the discussion, Thurston also shared his vision for the future of VEZ Productions, including plans to expand into additional cities across Florida and continue delivering high-quality entertainment experiences.
Upon receiving the award, Thurston reflected on both the recognition and the responsibility it represents.
"The award means there's still more work to do," Thurston said. "There are so many people counting on me to keep pushing forward and never give up. It also shows that people recognize the dedication and effort it takes to build something through entrepreneurship."
