Names: Morgan Carr, Vincenzo Libio
Ages: 21, 22
Years: Senior, Alumnus
Majors: Marketing and Communications, Sports Management
Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida
As our senior year at Florida State began, all we could think about was how much fun we were going to have and how we were going to make this one the best year yet. On the night of September 6, 2015, everything changed. Three beautiful souls were taken that night, and two of them were Morgan Carr and Vincenzo Libio. Both were friends, children, grandchildren, cousins, siblings, a fraternity brother, a sorority sister and soulmates.
We are more than blessed to have known such remarkable individuals whom we will never forget. When asked about Morgan and Cenzo’s character and personalities these are some of the answers I received.
Her Campus (HC): In a sentence or two, how would you describe Morgan?
Rose Parry (RP): Morgan was upbeat, laid back and genuine. Overall, she was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met at FSU.
Sam Harris (SH): Morgan was truly a ray of sunshine. She had a golden personality and a contagious smile.
Casey Wohrman (CW): Morgan was a beautiful soul and had a heart full of gold. She was so incredibly beautiful inside and out, and truly cared for every person she came in contact with. Her smile was so contagious.
Diana Rodolico (DR): Morgan was the type of girl who lit up any room that she walked into. Her laughter was infectious and always put her family and friends first.
Lauren Walsh (LW): Morgan, to me, was my best friend, my go-to and my blonde bombshell. She was the most genuine, loving and caring individual with by far the biggest heart.
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HC: What is your fondest/happiest memory of Morgan?
Jenna Palmeri (JP): Morgan and I shared many memories together the past three years, but there’s one memory that will always remind me of the friendship we shared. It was during Zeta Tau Alpha’s 2014 Race to Live, which is a 5k race benefitting breast cancer education and awareness that we hold annually. Our philanthropy meant a lot to both of us as we each had close members of our family affected by breast cancer. At the end of the race, as we saw the joy and accomplishment on each of the runner’s faces, we both began to cry. I’ll never forget her reaching over to hold my hand. I felt so blessed to have such a close friendship – we could feel and sense each other’s thoughts and emotions without even speaking.
SH: Morgan and I were able to share many memories together being apart of the same sorority family, but my all time favorite memory was Big/Little night. I was so caught off guard all week and when I turned around to see her there I couldn’t have been happier.
CW: Every memory with Morgan was a happy one; no matter what we were doing we always had a great time. Shopping, going out to the bars, hanging out with friends – it didn’t matter what we were doing. As long as she was there it was a guaranteed good time. My fondest memory of Morgan is always going to be the last time I saw her. It was this past weekend, the first football game of the Seminoles 2015-2016 season. She called me on Saturday to meet up with me and some of our friends to tailgate before we walked to the game. The game ended up being delayed because of the lightning, so we just sat outside the stadium at a table and talked about life, caught up on missed moments, reminisced on the past ones and spoke about what the future held for the both of us. I had just told her I was interviewing for a job in Tallahassee and she was so excited for me and wished that I would get it so that we could spend the year together until she graduated. Then we decided to walk to Mellow Mushroom and get some food while we waited out the rain. She was wearing these super cute, but extremely uncomfortable, booties and could barely walk. We were cracking up at her walking and said, “Take those off and walk in your socks Morgan, c’mon!!!!!” She finally gave in and actually did walk in her socks all the way to Mellow Mushroom. It was her first time ever at Mellow Mushroom and she ordered a buffalo chicken pizza to split with her friend Simone. After that we talked about memories of people in high school, where they were now and what they were up to. I closed out my check and said, “Are you guys coming to the game?” She replied, “No, my feet hurt so bad. I’m going to walk back to my apartment with Simone.” I texted her the next day to meet up with her and Cenzo and she said she was at Cenzo’s friend’s house and would text me what their next move was that day. I waited up for a text that I would never receive. The main reason for my visit was to see my brother and the Seminoles play. But, now I know that there was another reason I was up there, to see my beautiful angels one last time.
LW: My fondest memory of Morgan was the night her and Diana decided to go out my junior year, her sophomore year, and we just did not give a care in the world. We went to Pots, Painted, Phi Sig, and literally ran down College Avenue and just laughed so hard and blasted music the whole ride home. We woke up to pizza rolls all over the stove and with burnt tongues. I will never forget any little detail of any memory with her. She was my go-to, whenever and wherever.
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HC: What is one of Morgan’s traits that you wish to embrace in your own life to keep her memory alive?
JP: I have and will always admire her humbleness and ability to be positive in every situation. If she was upset, you’d probably never know it because of the permanent smile she wore. If I was down, she always reminded me that it could be worse. She embraced all that she had with a positive attitude and never took a thing for granted. She chose to live this life to the fullest by practicing forgiveness rather than dwelling on issues or arguments. It was her positive, loving and forgiving attitude that permeated her entire being. I will carry her in my heart always as a reminder to be thankful for each day because we are not promised tomorrow. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
SH: Morgan was the most selfless person I have ever met. Without a doubt, she would put someone before her instantly. I wish to embrace her golden personality and selfless kind heart in order for her legacy to live on.
RP: Morgan was outgoing… and a great listener. She was fun… and intelligent. She was a hard worker… and laid back. She was the complete package and an all around great person. I will forever carry that with me and just hope that I can leave half the positive impact she left on people’s lives.
CW: Happiness. She never stopped smiling. She was the happiest girl I have ever met in my life and I will cherish that forever.
DR: Her selflessness is a trait that I wish to embrace. At my lowest of times, she was always by my side and always went out of her way to make sure I was okay and happy.
LW: I want to embrace Morgan’s character and love for everyone. She never would get mad or angry and hated confrontation. I kid you not, our roommate Alexa and I would push her to confront Cenzo sometimes in little arguments but she refused because she is truly the sweetest individual I have ever been lucky to have in my heart. I will forever hold her in my heart and that trait. She was truly the most loving individual and I will forever carry that on to this world.
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HC: In a sentence or two, how would you describe Cenzo?
Gino Novacco (GN): Cenzo is the most positive person to influence my life so far. It was impossible to be in a bad mood when he was in the room.
Sean Taggart (ST): Cenzo was the most genuine person in the world. He had an infectious happiness about him that would light up a room.
Chris Barber (CB): A fun, loving, charismatic individual that cared tremendously about his family and friends. He wanted nothing more than to do the right thing and to make sure the people around him were always in good spirits. That’s why I love him.
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HC: What is your fondest/happiest memory of Cenzo?
GN: My best memory of Cenzo was when we all squaded from Campus Park to happy hour. It was my first time hanging out with him and he made it crazy fun.
ST: A ZTA date function where we spent most of the time together hanging out and having fun when I didn’t know anyone else on it. He made it fun.
CB: Too many to mention. He’s been a brother to me since we were 8-years-old. From countless Marlins games on his birthday – it was tradition; to state tournaments for little league baseball, watching our Cowboys be average and going to his Nonna’s house for Christmas dinners. He never attended a public school until high school yet he managed to befriend everyone. Went off to Florida State together and joined the same fraternity freshman year. We shared a lot of great times, but I think my fondest memory of Vincenzo will always be his smile because that is the only way I remember him. Never met someone as optimistic as he was. His positive energy was just radiant and touched everyone.
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HC: What is one of Cenzo’s traits that you wish to embrace in your own life to keep his memory alive?
GN: I hope to be able to make an impact on everyone’s life as Cenzo did. His contagious smile is a trait I wish to have with me forever.
ST: Never take anyone for granted and go out of my way to make other people’s days and lives better.
CB: No matter who you are, regardless if he just met you for the first time, Vincenzo would treat you as if you were family. He was very open-minded and didn’t judge anyone. He accepted you for who you are. We need more people like that in today’s world.
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We come up short with reasons to justify how something this tragic could happen to two individuals whom have had such a positive impact in our lives. Through this experience we can learn to appreciate the lives we have and the people in it. As we go through our daily lives, we can reflect on the memories we have shared with these two people. We can continue to grow knowing they will forever be watching over us. Rest easy, Morg and Cenzo. You are both so loved and missed.
Thank you Jenna Palmeri, Rose Parry, Diana Rodolico, Lauren Walsh, Casey Wohrman, Gino Novacco, Sean Taggart, Chris Barber and Sam Harris.