MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Julie Decker

President & CEO, FSU Alumni Association B. Dan Berger (B.S. ‘89)

2020-2021 Chair, FSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors

Our fiscal year 2021 Annual Highlights publication demonstrates a labor of love, not only in the report itself but how it articulates the FSU Alumni Association’s zeal for, and focus on, staying connected during an uncertain year. Last year’s Highlights noted the Association’s resilience, solid foundation, and outstanding volunteers – all of which carried us through this year as well. While activities remained virtual for much longer than anticipated, they were engaging and purposeful, thanks to the alumni and faculty speakers who joined us.

The challenges of 2020-2021 were met head-on and seen as opportunities. From student engagement to Seminole Clubs® and Affinity Networks, leaders at every level worked together with our team and the university to follow guidelines and protocols to keep our students, alumni and friends safe. Our National Board of Directors and internal staff showed a deep commitment to progress, service, and creating a lasting effect on FSU. This year, we accomplished a lot and have much to celebrate: VIRES® won a “Grand Gold” CASE Award. The board established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and an FSU Alumni Association 1st Generation CARE Scholarship. We awarded 122 scholarships totaling $150,653 through our outreach and engagement activities. This is why we do what we do; to make a difference for our students and impact the future of Florida State.

We are thankful for our members who actively engage with the Association by attending events, mentoring our student leaders, sponsoring programs, and renewing membership year after year. With 377,000 alumni worldwide, we could not advocate for, support, and advance FSU without you.

The FSU Alumni Association is on an impressive trajectory, a journey you will not want to miss. We have some of our most transformational and exciting days ahead. We are committed to advancing Florida State through relevant programming and outreach, enhancing data to inform your involvement, and connecting you to what you care about most at FSU. Go, Noles!