VIRES

Spring 2023 Volume 15, Issue 1

An award-winning biannual publication of the Florida State University Alumni Association. Named after the first torch in the university seal, VIRES represents strength of all kinds: physical, mental and moral.

A SPECIAL LETTER FROM President Richard McCulllough

PUBLISHER

Julie Decker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Janecia Britt (B.A. ’17)

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Nia Michel (B.A. ’22)

DESIGNER

Lindsey Masterson

CONTRIBUTORS

Anna Prentiss (B.A. ’09)

Ashlee Barrett (M.A ’13)

Brenna Miller

Emily Clemons MacMillan (B.A. ’17)

Jaime Rager (M.P.A. ‘16)

Jessica Comas (M.F.A. ’04)

Kelli Gemmer B.A. ’14 M.S. ’18)

Lily Chailosky (B.A. ’22)

Marina Brown

Nikki Morse (B.A. ’16, M.A. ’19)

Ola Wlusek

Quentin England (B.S. ’21)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bill Lax (B.S. ‘90)

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On the Cover

In this issue, we invite you to look inside the frame of FSU and see the creativity, joy and power of its arts programs, faculty, students and alumni.

Cover artwork by Lindsey Masterson alumni.fsu.edu

Pictured above, the “Unconquered” mural sits at the north entrance of Seminole Hall on the FSU Panama City campus. Painted by artist Taylor Shaw, the art is a proud representation of the spirit, creativity and dynamic energy of FSU’s students and faculty. The murals are a product of beautification efforts spearheaded by admissions officer Mia Bennett (B.S. ‘20).

Kelli

(B.A. ’14, M.S. ’18)

Clothes That Tell a Story

PAGE 50

Inside the Costume Shops that help bring FSU’s Theatre, Opera and Dance performances to life.

By Marina Brown

Spaces of Expression

PAGE 57

From Tallahassee to Sarasota, a look at the FSU museums and galleries that both educate the public and embrace and support student expression.

By Janecia Britt (B.A. ’17), Quentin England (B.S. ’21), Nia Michel (B.A. ’22)

I’m so pleased to introduce this special issue of Vires, which is devoted to Florida State University’s excellence in the arts. FSU’s rich tradition in the arts dates to the late 19th century when the West Florida Seminary — now FSU — offered classes in music, drawing, and painting. Today, our programs in dance, film, music, theatre, interior architecture and design, and the fine arts are among the best in the world, offering arts education comparable to leading conservatories. Our faculty include worldrenowned scholars, creators, and educators, and many of our students go on to become leaders and visionaries in the arts world.

Among the highlights:

• The College of Music is the third largest university based music program in the nation with one of the most comprehensive programs of study in music.

• The College of Motion Picture Arts ranks No. 14 on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the Top 25 American Film Schools.

• The College of Fine Arts is home to nationally ranked programs:

› The Department of Interior Architecture and Design program consistently ranks in the Top 10 in the nation.

› The School of Theatre ranks No. 19 in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 drama schools worldwide.

› The School of Dance houses the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography — the first national center for choreography in the world located at a major research institution — and operates from one of the premier dance facilities in the United States.

FSU also has long played an important role in sharing the performing arts with the community. In 1921, the Florida State College for Women began an Artist Series that has evolved into what we now know as Opening Nights. This year, First Lady Jai Vartikar is serving as honorary chair of Opening Nights as the performing arts series celebrates 25 years of bringing world-class artists to FSU, connecting diverse audiences, and enriching the entire community.

In addition to Opening Nights, FSU hosts a wide variety of performances, recitals, exhibitions, and events on campus that showcase the power of the arts. We are home to several museums and galleries on campus and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, which, as the State Art Museum of Florida, houses one of the most preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States. Our longstanding relationship with the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota produces some of the country’s most highly regarded professional artists through the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

The First Lady and I have always had a deep appreciation for the arts, and we are so proud of Florida State University’s reputation for excellence in both the arts and the sciences. We recognize the importance of promoting and celebrating this university as a place of innovation and discovery as well as profound scholarship and artistic creation.

In this edition of Vires, you’ll read about FSU’s artistic influence abroad and meet alumni who are award-winning interior designers, artists, authors, and sculptors. You’ll get an inside look at FSU’s theatre, dance, and opera costume shops as well as exciting updates from Dean of the College of Music Todd Queen and Opening Nights Director Jennifer Wright.

Please enjoy this special issue, and I encourage you to take in a show or exhibit the next time you visit. I appreciate everything you do to support the arts at FSU and all of our outstanding programs. Your generosity, commitment, and engagement through alumni networks and other activities have helped FSU become one of the Top 20 public universities in the nation. Together, we can lift this university that we all love even higher.

Thank you and Go Noles!

Richard McCullough President, Florida State University

all of your

Ira Handelsman (B.S. ’84) in response to a New York Times article about Rhodes Scholar, former Florida State football player and current Harvard neurosurgery resident, Myron Rolle (B.S. ’08, M.D. ’17).

FSU President Richard McCullough @PresMcCullough

“One of the best parts of being president of FSU is meeting our amazing students. To kick off my second year, I’ll be sharing some of my #FSUPicsWithPres. I enjoyed meeting FSU students Elle Schutte and Caylie Bussey on Westcott Plaza!”

See more #FSUPicsWithPres by following President Richard McCullough on Twitter @PresMcCullough

@fsuchiefs

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What a night. What a game. What a win for @ fsufootball against the Gators. All capped off with two ‘game balls’ from @coachnorvell caught by senior Nicholas Lohse and junior Connor Stross, both members of our baritone section. Thanks Coach and congratulations on the BIG win. #MCATDT facebook.com/fsualumniassociation

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