®
A Pu b l i ca t i o n of t h e F l o r i d a S ta te Un i ve rs i ty A l u m n i Asso c i a t i o n Fa l l 2019 Vo l u m e 1 1 , I ss u e 1
The Marching Chiefs in FRANCE
for D-DAY 75
TV Producer CHIP VUCELICH’S road to winning coveted “Hollywood hardware” • J’TIA HART, an inextinguishable force in nuclear engineering • Remembering T.K. and SANDY
The Moment Friday, May 3, 2019 8:36 p.m. MAKING HISTORY: Florida State University celebrated a historic moment when the inaugural class of graduates from the new Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship walked across the stage at Spring 2019 Commencement. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 137 students from the school, which was made possible by a record $100 million gift by Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation in December 2015. At this moment, Jan Moran congratulates one of the school's first alumni, Trevor Butler (B.S. ’19). Photo by FSU Photography Services/Bruce Palmer
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VIRES
SEMINOLE SPIRIT: The “Unconquered” statue located outside the south entrance to Doak S. Campbell Stadium was created by artist Fritz White and symbolically portrays the unconquered spirit of the Seminole people. The bronze sculpture and its granite-covered pedestal base stand approximately 31 feet from ground level to the tip of the spear. Photo by Dana Sterneman (B.A. ’18)
VIRES is the first torch in the university seal and represents strength of all kinds: physical, mental and moral.
VIRES®
®
Fall 2019 Volume 11, Issue 1
A Pu b l i ca t i o n of t h e F l o r i d a S ta te Un i ve rs i ty A l u m n i Asso c i a t i o n Fa l l 2019 Vo l u m e 1 1 , I ss u e 1
The Marching Chiefs in FRANCE
for D-DAY 75
Cover: Shortly after arriving in France, the Marching
Chiefs performed at Trocadéro, an area in Paris just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. To read about this performance and others, including their participation as the only collegiate marching band in the D-Day 75 Memorial Parade in Normandy, see
TV Producer CHIP VUCELICH’S road to winning coveted “Hollywood hardware” • J’TIA HART, an inextinguishable force in nuclear engineering • Remembering T.K. and SANDY
“A Musical Salute in France” on Page 14. Photo by Julia Baumanis (B.M.E ’10, M.M. ’16, Ph.D. ’19)
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Contents
Departments
Features
Catching Up With University News Ten Questions Association News Seminoles Forever Class Notes In Memoriam Parting Shot
7 8 22 41 50 52 58 64
14
A Musical Salute in France
The Marching Chiefs made a momentous journey overseas to
perform at ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
24
Garnet & Golden
TV Producer Chip Vucelich received critical acclaim for his work
on “American Crime Story,” one of many career achievements
from his nearly four decades in Hollywood.
30
Nuclear Passion
Never intimidated, eager for a challenge and hypercompetitive,
J’Tia Hart is an inextinguishable force in nuclear engineering.
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THE FSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE THE NEWEST DIRECTORS OF ITS NATIONAL BOARD:
THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JAVIER BORGES (B.S. ’97)
SUSAN DELGADO (B.S. ’91, M.Acc. ’92)
CECIL HOWARD (B.S. ’81)
BENJAMIN MCKAY (B.S. ’91)
Edward E. Burr, Chair Mark Hillis, Vice Chair Maximo Alvarez Kathryn Ballard William Buzzett Emily Fleming Duda Jorge Gonzalez Kris Harper Jim W. Henderson Craig Mateer Bob Sasser Brent W. Sembler Evan Steinberg
THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee
COLLEEN DEAN MILLER (B.S. ’02)
ANNE SMITH (B.S. ’87)
JOE PAUL (B.A. ’02)
MARTHA WITTEVRONGEL (B.S. ’62)
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENTS SEPTEMBER 20
YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDS DINNER This evening, we recognize our Notable Noles and Reubin O'D. Askew Young Alumni Award honorees.
OCTOBER 25-27 HOMECOMING
Relive your Seminole memories during FSU Homecoming! Kick off the weekend with the Homecoming Parade live in Tallahassee or online via Facebook Live. Additional ticketed events held this weekend include the Emeritus Alumni Society Reunion honoring the Class of 1969, the inaugural Alumni Awards Gala and the Black Alumni Reunion.
Visit alumni.fsu.edu/events for all upcoming alumni events. 4 Vires
Sam Ambrose, Chair Max Oligario, Immediate Past Chair B. Dan Berger, Chair-Elect Scott Wiegand, Vice Chair Jeanne Curtin, Treasurer Dazi Lenoir, Secretary Tom Jennings, Vice President for University Advancement and Foundation President Julie Cheney, Association President and CEO Kyle R. Doney, Board of Trustees Chair Designee Maura Hayes, At-Large Jeanne M. Miller, At-Large Kevin Adams Les Akers Melinda Benton Javier Borges Chris Bosler Jeffrey D. Boykins Stephen T. Brown Staci Cross John M. Crossman Colleen Dean Susan Delgado Michael G. Griffith Ritesh A. Gupta Jennifer M. Guy-Hudson Zachary Heng Cecil Howard Clay Ingram Altony Lee III Jalaycia Lewis Benjamin McKay Bruce W. McNeilage Rose M. Naff Joe Paul Laura C. Russell Anne Smith Joshua Tyler Charee L. Williams Martha Wittevrongel Allison Yu
VIRES
®
A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 1030 West Tennessee Street Tallahassee, FL 32304 850.644.2761 | alumni.fsu.edu
PUBLISHER Julie Cheney EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelli Gemmer DESIGNER Jessica Rosenthal COPY EDITOR Susan Ray EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Dana Sterneman CONTRIBUTORS University Communications Brian Hudgins Jennie Kroeger Zachary Boehm ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF Lindsey Alligood Mark Bejar Julie Cheney Sean Collins Valerie Colvin Keith Cottrell Anna Cruz Meaghan Eckerle Beth Edwards Kelli Gemmer Scott Gerber Cristian Gonzalez-Mendez Adam Kabuka Chance King David Overstreet Whitney Powers Jessica Rosenthal Angie Standley Dana Sterneman Jennifer Tobias Aimee Wirth
FROM THE PUBLISHER Over the last six months, I’ve had the chance to travel and meet our alumni where they live. What an opportunity to hear from you and share the FSU story. With 358,000 alumni, the sun never sets on FSU. Alumni across the country and around the world are staying connected through online mentoring, small and large gatherings, and just now, I am certain someone passed a traveler at an airport with an FSU shirt on and yelled, “Go Noles.” Currently, our 90 Seminole Clubs® and Chapters are getting ready to welcome alumni and friends for gamewatching and volunteer activities. If you know a new graduate, encourage them to find their local alumni club. Our soon-to-be alumni are returning to Tallahassee in full force. Florida State University welcomes 7,000 incoming freshmen this fall. You read that correctly, this is the largest incoming freshman class in FSU history. Remarkably, 23 percent of these students are the first in their family to attend college. The engagement of our alumni members will be an important component to the success of the Class of 2023. FSU has also become the largest institution in the country to require students to have an experiential learning element as part of their educational experience. This means that students will be able to embark on a transformational internship, conduct research or shape a global view through study abroad. You are encouraged to invite students to mentor, job shadow, intern or start their career with you. Your story and path to where you are today helps students craft a vision for themselves they might not have thought possible. Julie Cheney
Since our last issue, FSU lost two beloved former presidents – T.K. Wetherell (B.S. ’67, M.S. ’68, Ph.D. ’74) and Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte. The collective legacy they left is astounding for any university, and we are indebted for their service and leadership to FSU, our state and region. We are better because of them. In this issue, you will learn about your membership and the impact you have made this year on scholarships, programs and more. Your membership matters and its impact is felt every day. Thank you for your investment in FSU and the students who will soon join the alumni ranks. I hope you will get back to campus soon and often, volunteer, apply for a leadership role, nominate a deserving graduate for an alumni award and share your feedback with us. FSU alumni are the best in the world – and the sun never sets on the FSU Alumni Association’s desire to continue your Florida State journey. Go Noles,
Julie Cheney President & CEO FSU Alumni Association
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
VIRES is a registered trademark of the Florida State University Alumni Association. All rights reserved. © 2019
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The Florida State University Alumni Association partners exclusively with Liberty Mutual to help you save $509 or more a year on auto insurance.1
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For a free quote, call 800-668-6301 or visit LibertyMutual.com/FSUAA Client #6803 This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program. Average annual savings based on countrywide survey of new customers from 8/1/15 to 8/1/16 who reported savings from prior premiums when they switched to Liberty Mutual. Savings comparison does not apply in MA. 2 Based on Liberty Mutual Insurance Company’s 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey in which more than 81% of policyholders reported their interaction with Liberty Mutual service representatives to be “among the best experiences” and “better than average.” 3 For qualifying customers only. Accident Forgiveness is subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines. Not available in CA and may vary by state. 4 With the purchase of optional Towing & Labor coverage. Applies to mechanical breakdowns and disablements only. Towing related to accidents would be covered under your Collision or Other Than Collision coverage. 5 Optional coverage in some states. Availability varies by state. Eligibility rules apply. 1
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MOKGWEETSI MASISI (M.S. ’91) President of Botswana
“When you look at campus, compared to what it looked like 28 years ago when I was here, it’s remarkably different, but it still has that unique sparkle of FSU,” said Masisi. He attended Florida State after meeting a number of “really sharp, interesting, pleasant” FSU faculty members who led the Junior Secondary Education Improvement Project, a joint effort between Botswana and the U.S. government. The project aimed to increase student access to basic education and to improve the country’s capacity for measurement, evaluation, testing and objective development.
As a curricular specialist, Masisi worked to develop a social studies curriculum, textbooks and teacher’s guides. Under the project, FSU created a master’s degree program for Batswana educators that helped education officers better prepare for their roles as educational leaders. After he graduated from FSU, Masisi worked as a high school teacher and later at UNICEF in Botswana. He rose through the political ranks of the Botswana Democratic Party beginning in 2003. He was first elected to Parliament in 2009 and served in various cabinet positions including vice president. On April 1, 2018, he was sworn in as the president of Botswana.
Photo by MONIRUL BHUIYAN/AFP/Getty Images
Mokgweetsi Masisi, who earned a master’s degree in social sciences education from Florida State, is the fifth president in the history of the Republic of Botswana, a country in southern Africa that gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1996. His Excellency President Masisi made a stop in Tallahassee in fall 2018 to visit his alma mater while stateside for a United Nations General Assembly session. His first time back since he graduated from FSU nearly three decades ago, Masisi was greeted by President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) while the Marching Chiefs played “Seminole Uprising” and Botswana’s national anthem on the steps of Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
During his campus visit, Masisi lauded the knowledge he gained at Florida State, joking that the next president of Botswana should enroll in FSU soon. “A lot of what I picked up at FSU, particularly in the Stone Building and courses I took at the Bellamy Building and the business school – and the work I did at Strozier Library – enabled me to do what I’m doing.” Vires 7
UNIVERSITY NEWS
FSU AT A GLANCE Highlights
$774,979
Thanks to FSU supporters across the country, FSU’s Great Give — the annual 36-hour online giving campaign spearheaded by the FSU Foundation each March — surpassed its $500,000 goal, raising $774,979.
RAISED in 36 HOURS
Alumni Association members donated over $400,000 of the funds raised, accounting for more than 50% of the giving total.
$233.6 million FOR RESEARCH
FSU researchers received a record level of funding from federal, state and private sources in the 2019 fiscal year, bringing in $233.6 million to support investigations into areas such as health sciences, high energy physics and marine biology.
of the DECADE
Alumnus Barry Jenkins’ film "Moonlight," 2017 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, was named Best Movie of the Decade by IndieWire.
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U.S. SCHOLARS RECORD BREAKING ADMISSION APPLICATIONS With nearly 61,000 first-year applications submitted, FSU shattered its admission applications record for the second consecutive year.
Jenkins Photo by Jeff Minton
Best Movie
9 FULBRIGHT
FSU was named the No. 2 producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars among research institutions. Nine faculty scholars, a record for Florida State, were awarded Fulbright grants for 2018-2019.
28 GILMAN
SCHOLARSHIPS Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships were awarded to 28 FSU students allowing them to study or intern around the world. Stay updated: fsu.edu, news.fsu.edu
Leading student success Florida State becomes largest university to add experiential learning requirement Already a national leader in student success, Florida State plans to enrich the student learning experience by adopting an experiential learning graduation requirement for undergraduates. Upon implementation, FSU will become the largest and most diverse university in the country to have such a requirement. “At Florida State University, we are committed to immersing students in transformational experiences beyond the classroom,” said Myrna Hoover (B.S. ’83, M.S. ’84), director of the FSU Career Center. “These formative experiences not only broaden students’ professional networks with alumni and mentors who share their career interests, but also clarify their career goals and develop employability skills through experiences like job shadowing, internships, intercultural experiences, creative endeavors and research.” Experiential learning — also known as formative experiences in FSU’s curriculum — involves applying and strengthening knowledge and skills through “hands-on” experiences outside of the classroom that are evaluated by faculty or staff. This includes internships, service learning, undergraduate research or creative activity, international study and significant leadership experiences. The graduation requirement is effective for undergraduate students entering the university in summer or fall 2019. Qualified experiences will run the gamut — from studying abroad as an FSU Global Scholar to curating an art show to student teaching to conducting lab research.
About 75 percent of FSU undergraduates complete at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduation, according to the university’s graduating senior survey. The goal of the new requirement is to build upon the high participation in experiential learning and ensure every FSU undergraduate, regardless of family income or background, participates in these transformative, career-building experiences before graduation. Often, students with greater financial means are in a better position to take unpaid internships and travel abroad. While underserved students face cultural, financial and other obstacles that can hinder participation, research shows these students actually benefit the most from participating in these types of experiences. “We are going to level the playing field and make it possible for every student to have these transformative experiences,” said Joe O’Shea (B.A. ’08), assistant provost for Academic Affairs. “Our country needs to unlock the talent of its students, and our strategy will help FSU become a model for how higher education can fulfill more of its promise.”
and expanding peer, alumni and other mentorship of students. The effort includes the launch of a new online alumni and professional mentor platform, which has more than 2,500 active mentors. Hoover encourages alumni and friends to assist current students in their career development by registering as a mentor. “The student experience at FSU is a game changer for our students and you can join us in creating more formative experiences to help them succeed in 21st century careers.” Learn more: studentsuccess.fsu.edu Register as a mentor: career.fsu.edu/professionole-mentors Alejandra Betanco, a junior majoring in humanities from Miami, interned at the Office of University Communications in 2019 through InternFSU. “Getting job experience on campus is a great way to add to your resume and learn more about your university,” Betanco said.
The university will support more integration of experiential learning courses into its curriculum such as internship or service-learning courses, and will expand other low-cost opportunities. One example includes the InternFSU program, which supports university departments in hiring students for on-campus internships. FSU is also increasing promotion of experiential learning opportunities
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
RESEARCH Communication & Information
Biological Science Researchers discover protein degradation pathway A research team led by FSU alumna and current graduate student Bailey Koch (B.S. ’15) has uncovered how a type of protein that is embedded in the inner nuclear membrane clears out of the system once it has served its purpose. Koch, who is working in the lab of Associate Professor of Biological Science Hong-Guo Yu, said the findings may lead to better understanding of a class of human diseases including muscular dystrophy. Yu and Koch’s work is the first to shed light on this protein turnover pathway. Their work is published in the Journal of Cell Biology.
World’s first online polygraph
Bailey Koch, doctoral student in the lab of Associate Professor Hong-Guo Yu. Photo by FSU Photography Services
Read more: gonol.es/protein-pathway
Physics Stabilizing color of light in next-gen material A team of FSU physicists has found a way to stabilize the color of light being emitted from a promising class of next-generation materials. Researchers believe this discovery could be the basis for efficient and more cost-effective optoelectronic technologies that can turn light into electricity or vice versa. While color tunability has always been possible with this next-generation material called halide perovskites, FSU researchers discovered how to stabilize it. This research is published in Nature Communications. Read more: gonol.es/color-light
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Associate Professor Shuyuan Ho. Photo by
An FSU researcher is creating a revolutionary online polygraph to identify liars and truthtellers based on the words they write in electronic messages. College of Communication and Information Associate Professor Shuyuan Ho said this tool could have wide-ranging uses for online communities, social networks and online dating environments. Her latest research dove into the murky depths of internet deception where trolling, identity theft and phishing for credit card numbers snag an increasing number of online users. Results from the research study, published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, revealed a person could spot lies in messages about 50 percent of the time, while a machine-learning approach could identify deception 85 to 100 percent of the time.
FSU Photography Services
Read more: gonol.es/polygraph
Photo caption: Assistant Professor Hanwei Gao, MagLab researcher Yan Xin and doctoral student Xi Wang. Photo by FSU Photography Services
Nick Moore, assistant professor of mathematics, is the author of a new study on rogue waves. Photo by FSU Photography Services
Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science Seafloor variations create freak ocean waves Assistant Professor of Mathematics Nick Moore and FSU researchers have found that abrupt variations in the seafloor can cause dangerous ocean waves known as rogue or freak waves — waves so catastrophic they were once thought to be the figments of seafarers’ imaginations. Moore’s laboratory experiments were the first to examine the effect of abrupt seafloor variations on wave statistics. The research is published in the journal Physical Review Fluids, Rapid Communication. Read more: gonol.es/rogue-waves
Engineering
NFL safety A next-generation foam technology developed by engineers at FSU’s HighPerformance Materials Institute (HPMI) and optimized by the Florida-based company Auxadyne could soon be a key component in safer and more effective football helmets, thanks to a new grant from the National Football League’s Play Smart. Play Safe. health and safety initiative. The technology, called auxetic foam, was invented by Associate Professor Changchun Zeng at FSU, and is licensed by Auxadyne who received the NFL grant. Zeng said the foam’s advanced properties make it ideally suited to the critical and
complex demands of a professional football helmet. While support from the NFL represents an exciting new opportunity for the development and commercialization of the HPMI-developed auxetic foam, Zeng said this is just one of many potential applications for the technology. Read more: gonol.es/foam
Changchun Zeng, associate professor of engineering and researcher at HPMI. Photo by FSU Photography Services
UNIVERSITY NEWS Vires 11
Once a seminole
Always a seminole
10% discount for Alumni Association members* Alumni discount also applies at Bill’s Bookstore – BillsBookstore.com
FSU Bookstore | Seminole Sportshop ShopFSU.com
*See store for details. Restrictions apply.
Marine and Coastal
Reviving Apalachicola Bay Natural and man-made disturbances such as overfishing, disease and hurricanes have devastated Apalachicola Bay’s famous oyster population over the last few decades. The oyster industry has served as the central economic pillar of Franklin County, Florida, for centuries, and its collapse has created huge economic hardships for area residents. Florida State University is dedicated to reversing this trend through the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI), an effort funded in large part by a nearly $8 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit corporation created to administer funds recovered by the state for economic damages resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
researchers, led by the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory, will be working to understand the problems behind the bay’s decline and to develop a science-based action plan to move forward.” The 10-year project will be housed at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory in St. Teresa, Florida, and led by Scientific Director Sandra Brooke and Marine Lab Director Felicia Coleman. The initial stages of the work will include major data collection on different aspects of the bay and stakeholder interviews. “When the oysters go away, the ecosystem changes,” Brooke said. “So, we first need to understand what is going on in the bay, and then we can move forward with developing a restoration plan.”
Thanks to the generous funding by Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., FSU will be able to develop a plan with the agencies responsible for the management and conservation of the region, the stakeholders whose lives are tied inextricably to these waters, and the natural and social scientists whose research will help inform the resulting policy decisions. Read more: gonol.es/apalachicola
@FSUResearch Researcher Sandra Brooke will be the scientific director of ABSI and lead the research into what caused the collapse of the oyster fishery and how to move forward.
ABSI seeks to gain insight into the extent of deterioration of the bay ecosystem, particularly the oyster reefs and the causes of their decline. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Florida State University to participate in a hugely consequential research and community endeavor,” said Vice President for Research Gary K. Ostrander. “Our
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American soldiers wading onto Omaha Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944. Photo from United States Coast Guard
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D-DAY 75 The Marching Chiefs on Omaha Beach after the D-Day 75 Memorial Parade on June 6, 2019. Photo by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98)
in FRANCE
A Musical Salute By Julia Baumanis (B.M.E ’10, M.M. ’16, Ph.D. ’19)
Florida State University’s world-renowned Marching Chiefs traveled overseas for the third time in the band’s 80-year history to perform in ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day in France. A three-time alumna recounts the Chiefs’ momentous journey after traveling alongside the band for her final role as a member of the graduate teaching staff.
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Anyone who has ever attended an FSU football game has heard, “And now, the University College of Music proudly presents the world-renowned Florida State University Marching Chiefs!” These words said by David Westberry (B.S. ’80), the current voice of the 420-member Marching Chiefs, reference the international trips made by the band in its 80-year history. They first earned the “world-renowned” monicker in 1974 on their tour of the Middle East when the band traveled to Syria as guests of the U.S. Department of State to perform at the International Trade Fair and then in a command performance for Jordan’s King Hussein in Amman, Jordan’s capital. In 1997, the Chiefs traveled to London to perform a halftime show for the World Football League’s London Monarchs. This summer, the Chiefs made their third trip overseas as students, alumni and staff embarked on a weeklong trip to France as the only collegiate band invited to participate in the D-Day 75 Memorial Parade in Normandy on June 6, 2019. The parade marked the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion and honored the brave soldiers who liberated Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. “It was a huge honor to represent FSU and the United States at the D-Day 75 Memorial Parade,” said Director of Bands Patrick Dunnigan, who also led the Chiefs to London in 1997. “When you think about all the soldiers who fought in France, what a big difference they made in the war and the thousands of young men who never returned home, it’s overwhelming.” ———
Above: After a newspaper survey sponsored by the University Student Government Association in 1949, the marching band officially adopted the title, Marching Chiefs. Here, members of the Marching Chiefs’ reed section are seen performing on the steps of Owen F. Sellers Music Amphitheater on campus in 1950. Photo courtesy of Heritage and University Archives, FSU Libraries. Bottom left: A Marching Chiefs performance in London's Trafalgar Square in 1997. Photo by Robin McLaurin (B.S. ’97). Bottom right: A group of Chiefs pose with the London Monarchs flag after performing in the halftime show of a World Football League game in London. Photo by Robin McLaurin (B.S. ’97) 16 Vires
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The excitement and palpable FSU spirit following the announcement of the trip was electric. However, an incredible amount of planning and fundraising had to be done to make it possible. Director of Athletic Bands and Marching Chiefs’ Co-Director David Plack (B.A. ’92, M.M.E. ’95, Ph.D. ’06) noted that it traditionally takes two years to organize a trip of this magnitude, but it was done in six months thanks to help from the university, alumni and friends. A major source of funds came from FSU’s Great Give, a 36-hour online giving campaign held each March to support academic programs, scholarships and student activities at Florida State
University. Tom and Dana Ando, whose son plays trombone in the band, matched the $75,000 raised by hundreds of donors bringing the total funds raised for the trip to more than $150,000. This substantially lowered the out-of-pocket cost for students, which enabled 385 members of the 420-strong Marching Chiefs to participate. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that there was a substantial amount of non-musician donors that gave towards this trip,” said College of Music Dean Patricia Flowers (Ph.D. ’81). “To me, that means that this organization and opportunity is important to all people connected to the FSU community, not just those who were once in the band or who have children in the Chiefs.” Additionally, more than 100 Marching Chiefs alumni, parents and family members traveled alongside current Chiefs on a “shadow” tour. The shadow tour was arranged with support from the Marching Chiefs Alumni, an organization composed of former Chiefs devoted to supporting FSU band programs through scholarships, recognition of achievement and financial support for projects. “With only 100 spots available, we had to create a waiting list,” said Curtis Falany (B.S. ’69), fundraising and scholarship committee chair of the Marching Chiefs Alumni. “We were shocked to see the level of interest, only expecting 30 to 40 Chiefs alumni to be able to make the trip.” ———
Above left: Dr. Patrick Dunnigan at the Parc André Citroën for the Chiefs’ last performance in France. Photo by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98). Above right: Dr. David Plack (B.A. ’92, M.M.E. ’95, Ph.D. ’06) in a moment of silence at the American National Cemetery in Normandy. Photo by Steve Hearn (B.S. ’79). Left: Chiefs take in the sights of Paris on a boat tour down the Seine River. Photo by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98). Below: Shortly after arriving in France, the Chiefs perform at Trocadéro in Paris.
———
During the trip, current Marching Chiefs performed several concerts and were exposed to many of France’s cultural highlights, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles. The first performance took place in Paris at Trocadéro, an area just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. The still jet-lagged Chiefs brought the same energy and sound they bring to every home football game, ending the performance with the “FSU Fight Song” and the “Hymn to the Garnet and Gold.” “My most memorable moment is singing the ‘Hymn to the Garnet and Gold’ at the Eiffel Tower,” said Marching Chiefs alumna Judy Baker Pate (B.M. ’67), part of the shadow tour group. “During the hymn, we always wrap our arms around each other, sway, and sing, because it is felt in the heart, and you can’t buy that. This is a tradition that connects old and new Chiefs.” Vires 17
Below: Col. (Ret.) Arnald Gabriel bows to the audience after he leads the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band (USAF HOAB) to play “Stars and Stripes Forever” during a USAF HOAB 75th Anniversary Band Concert at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Virginia on Oct. 1, 2016. Photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson, U.S. Air Force
For their first performance in Normandy, the Marching Chiefs played the U.S. national anthem at the 29th Infantry Division Memorial, with 94-year-old Col. Arnald Gabriel in attendance. Col. Gabriel, conductor emeritus of the U.S. Air Force Band, served as a machine gunner for the U.S. Army’s 29th Infantry Division that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. During the Chiefs’ performance, Col. Gabriel rose from his wheelchair, saluted and cried as a wreath was laid at the foot of the memorial.
Top right: Col. Arnald Gabriel, a machine gunner in the U.S. Army, at Buffalo Airport in January 1943. No copyright infringement intended. Above: Drum Majors Alex Arbeiter, Emilia Addeo and Katie Olney (B.S. ’19) looking on at the 29th Infantry Division Memorial as 94-yearold Col. Gabriel watches the wreath laying from his wheelchair.
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The group was struck by the weight and gravitas of the moment when they arrived in Normandy in a fleet of chartered buses. Previously chatty and excited, the Chiefs fell more and more hushed as street signs signaled their pending arrival to Omaha Beach. The surrounding villages were covered with French and American flags, and D-Day re-enactors waved as the buses drove past. The students listened intently as the tour guides gave an abbreviated history of the events of D-Day 75 years prior and their respect was evident in the moving performances.
In the parade, the Chiefs marched along Omaha Beach to “March Militaire Francaise” by French composer Camille Saint-Saens. This composition paid homage to France and the music the country has contributed to the world. Unlike in America, the audiences in France didn’t sit on the sidelines to watch the band pass. Instead, they marched alongside the group from beginning to end, taking photos, waving French and American flags, clapping and singing all through the mile-and-ahalf route. “The parade was difficult in some moments because we were all torn between feelings of celebration and feelings of loss,” said Emilia Addeo, assistant drum major. “I’d look out onto the water and just reflect on what that day must have been like. It was surreal.”
“I’d look out onto the water and just reflect on what that day must have been like. It was surreal.”
– Emilia Addeo, FSU senior majoring in instrumental music eduction
Above: The Chiefs, the only collegiate band invited to participate in the D-Day 75 Memorial Parade, march along Omaha Beach. Left: Proud shadow tour participants consisting of Chiefs alumni, parents and family members march behind the band. Photos by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98)
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Left: A Chiefs brass ensemble plays patriotic marches at the American National Cemetery in Normandy. Photo by Steve Hearn (B.S. ’79). Below: Members of the Chiefs’ brass section perform at the Parc André Citroën conducted by Head Drum Major Alex Arbeiter. Photo by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98). Bottom: A group of Marching Chiefs gather around Col. Gabriel after the American hero conducted their performance of the U.S. national anthem. Photo by Frank Maggio (B.A. ’98)
The gravity of their surroundings continued at the American National Cemetery in Normandy at a wreath laying ceremony amongst the gravestones. To honor the intimacy and solemnity of the event, a Chiefs brass ensemble played rather than the full band, giving a moving performance of “Amazing Grace” that brought many to tears. Dunnigan was among them. “Growing up in a military family, I have witnessed and understood the sacrifices made by those who serve our country and have long appreciated our military history,” he said. “To stand there on those beaches, to walk around the American National Cemetery in Normandy, was a profound experience.”
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During each performance of the trip, audience members cheered loudly. The coach drivers and tour guides sang and danced along with the music, as well. Though many of them did not speak English, they shared the universal language of music and became the Chiefs’ biggest fans. Many of the students gave their Marching Chiefs baseball caps to tour guides at the end of the trip as thank you gifts. Some took pictures with each other and became social media friends so they could keep in touch.
“It was thrilling to see MY band marching in honor of all of those soldiers who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom.” – Mike Pate (B.S. ’68)
At their last performance in France at the Parc André Citroën, the Chiefs had the incredible opportunity to perform the national anthem under the direction of Col. Gabriel. “To have had the opportunity to meet, perform for and be conducted by this American hero was without question one of the highlights for our students,” said Plack. “Having a D-Day veteran, someone that 75 years ago to the day was right there where we were standing, who happened to also share their love of music, tied the experience together into one they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
Mike Pate (B.S. ’68), one of the founders of the Marching Chiefs Alumni, reflected on this once in a lifetime trip in France: “The emotions I felt watching the Chiefs come down the hill on the beaches of Normandy and marching along Omaha Beach was one of the most powerful moments of my life. It was thrilling to see MY band marching in honor of all of those soldiers who gave their lives in the pursuit of freedom. I can’t imagine anything more special than that.”
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Tallahassee Mayor and FSU alumnus John Dailey was the featured speaker at the 2019 spring commencement ceremony held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 3, the first of four commencement ceremonies that semester. Photo by FSU Photography Services 22 Vires
TEN QUESTIONS J
ohn
Dailey (B.S. ’96, M.P.A. ’99)
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey was heavily involved on the Florida State campus as a student leader. He was president of the Student Government Association (SGA), served on the Greek Life Board/Council and was a member of Torchbearers, Burning Spear and the Sigma Chi fraternity. Now as mayor of Tallahassee, we asked this two-time alumnus 10 questions.
What do you love most about the city of Tallahassee? We are a premier Southern city that offers a quality of life that is second to none! We have unparalleled natural beauty; combined with a young, vibrant, highly-educated workforce and our diverse cultural amenities, we have a unique hometown!
Why did you choose FSU? I have always loved Florida State. My parents graduated from FSU and I have fond memories of growing up in Tallahassee attending FSU events. Both my brother and sister attended FSU, as well. It was the perfect fit for me.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome? Though it’s not something you overcome or get over, the death of my father was difficult because I was a young man. But I carry the values he instilled in me and my siblings, and every day I try to live up to his legacy as a loyal and hardworking public servant, husband and father.
What is your most memorable FSU experience? Wow! I have so many both inside and outside of the classroom. The most memorable has to be meeting my wife Ginny (B.S. ’96, J.D. ’99) and together being elected SGA president and vice president. We got married after undergraduate and will celebrate 22 years together this December! What led you to pursue public service and government as a career? Both Dean Charles Cnudde and President Sandy D’Alemberte played an important role in my life as mentors and as examples of the nobility of a life in public service. Together with my parents’ example, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in public service. How did being SGA president prepare you for your career? SGA gave me so many life lessons — learning conflict resolution, learning to disagree with people in a civil manner, and learning the power of hard work and cooperation to make changes in our community. These lessons have been a strong foundation throughout my career. What is a typical day like as Tallahassee mayor? Very busy! But it all begins with breakfast with the family. You spoke at spring 2019 commencement. What was that experience like? Electric and humbling. Learning of the accomplishments and original research of our faculty and students was inspiring. The future of our community is in great hands.
What’s your advice for students pursuing leadership roles? Get out of your comfort zone and try new experiences. Also, try to understand others first, and then to be understood (the advice of many great philosophers). Finally, learn to disagree agreeably with others. What makes you most proud to be an FSU alumnus today? I continue to be inspired by the FSU community. Our student body, faculty and graduates have an impact on the world every single day through their scholarship, generosity and service. FSU sets the bar high and I’m proud to represent Nole Nation in the mayor’s office.
A page from Renegade 1995, FSU’s official yearbook, shows the Student Government elections for president and vice president that took place in spring 1995. Dailey’s campaign banner can be seen above: “Florida State Needs DAILEY Attention.” Dailey met his wife Ginny Cambre (B.S. ’96, J.D. ’99) at FSU in undergrad, where Cambre, far right, studied business and Dailey, center, political science. Together they served as SGA president and vice president from 1995-1996. The couple stayed at FSU for graduate school and then moved to England, where Dailey attended the London School of Economics. After spending time in Washington D.C., they returned to Tallahassee. The two recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary and have two young sons.
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Chip Vucelich in his home next to three of his industry awards. Photo by Dawn Bowery Photography
CHIP
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GARNET &
Golden TELEVISION PRODUCER CHIP VUCELICH R EC E I V E D C R I T I CA L ACC L A I M FO R H I S W O R K O N “A M E R I C A N C R I M E S T O R Y,” O N E OF MANY CAREER AC H I E V E M E N TS F R O M H I S N E A R LY FOU R D ECA D ES I N H O L LY W O O D. By Stephanie Vivirito (B.A. ’15) Producer Chip Vucelich (B.S. ’80) has been honored with two Emmy® Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and countless other industry honors. In his 39 years in Hollywood, he has earned over 50 screen credits and that number continues to grow. From his humble beginnings as an intern on the South Florida set of “Smokey and the Bandit II” to his first screen credit as a set production assistant on “The Cannonball Run,” Vucelich has done everything from managing productions to producing them. Vires 25
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BUILDING LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS 1. Vucelich joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity to network and meet people. He made lifelong friends with fraternity brothers Bruce Helbig and John Siddens (B.S. ’80, B.S. ’82). Pictured at the 1979 Fall Social learning the fraternity’s traditional hand signs from left are Siddens, Helbig and Vucelich. Photo by Bob Knight Photo. 2. Siddens, left, and Helbig, right, joined Vucelich as his guests at the 2018 Emmy® Awards.
His lengthy resume includes production manager credit for over 20 shows, producer credit for 17 and a dozen other production management roles on television shows including “Without a Trace,” “JAG,” the original pilot episode of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and seasons one and two of the critically acclaimed series “American Horror Story.” Along the way, Vucelich adapted and learned new skills to accommodate whatever the role required. “I always reinvented myself,” he said. “I think everyone should do that.” The hard work culminated in recent Emmy® and Golden Globe wins for his producing role on the FX “American Crime Story” series. But Vucelich might never have landed in Hollywood if he hadn’t fallen for FSU’s campus.
Scene ONE Vucelich took a circuitous route to FSU. After receiving a two-year degree in business administration from Broward Community College, he transferred to Florida Atlantic University (FAU). While attending FAU, he visited Tallahassee for a long weekend and immediately fell in love with FSU’s campus. He spoke with an academic advisor that day and transferred the following semester. The College of Motion Picture Arts, FSU’s film school, had not yet been established when Vucelich set foot on the Tallahassee campus in 1978, so he joined the College of Communication as a mass communication major. “I’ll never forget sitting with a hundred kids in the auditorium in Diffenbaugh 26 Vires
and listening to Dr. Ungurait’s lectures,” Vucelich recalled. “He had such a way of empowering and inspiring students.” Donald Ungurait served on the College of Communication’s faculty as a professor from 1968 to 2003, introducing students like Vucelich to multimedia techniques that were ahead of their time. In the late 1980s, Ungurait went on to work closely with the Florida Legislature and governor’s office to create the College of Motion Picture Arts. “Looking back, it was my good fortune to have been a student of Dr. Ungurait. He was special,” said Vucelich. Capitalizing on the opportunities FSU afforded, Vucelich took advantage of an unexpected internship opportunity offered to his film class by guest speaker Toby Ross, a TV commercial producer and NFL cameraman from Miami. Ross, frustrated by the number of students who graduated without any hands-on experience, proposed a program where students could gain that experience by working in the offices of companies like his. With encouragement from Ross, Vucelich and two fellow students worked with the Florida Film Commission in Tallahassee to establish a program that connected students to internship opportunities throughout the state. It was Vucelich’s own internship experience on the South Florida set of “Smokey and the Bandit II” starring former FSU football player Burt Reynolds that gave him the connections to make it in California. Vucelich mostly stayed quiet and out of the way during the shoot, until one day, someone in the assistant directing department
handed him a walkie-talkie and asked him to help out. When production ended, the second assistant director told Vucelich that they would be producing “The Cannonball Run” next and to look up the production company if he ever made it to California. In 1980, one month after graduation, Vucelich moved to California where he found that same second assistant director on the set of “The Cannonball Run” in Redondo Beach. Happy to see Vucelich, the director told him to accompany two cast members back to base camp. Vucelich opened the back door of a Rolls Royce to find Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. This was Vucelich’s introduction to California. “I was very lucky to have crossed paths with kind people in the beginning and all along the way,” said Vucelich. Vucelich made valuable connections during those first months in Hollywood. He became friends with a man named Karim Baskh with whom he
shared the same barber and whose sister happened to be the wife of Michael Caine. One afternoon at Caine’s house, Vucelich was playing tennis with Caine, Baskh and Roger Moore when Burt Reynolds stopped by with Loni Anderson. The two alumni talked about their ties to FSU and Tallahassee. It was a meaningful moment for Vucelich. “I remember that afternoon fondly,” he said. “I told Burt I didn’t know if I should thank him or blame him for helping me get into show business, which produced that iconic head-back Reynolds laugh.”
“I was very lucky to have crossed paths with kind people in the beginning and all along the way.” – Chip Vucelich
Scene two Taking jobs wherever he could get his foot in the door, Vucelich prioritized making personal connections over making money. During that first year in California, he worked a variety of jobs in TV that paid next to nothing but gave him more experience and opportunities to network. Eight years later, Vucelich became a member of the Directors Guild of America.
Above: Vucelich looks through the script for his next project. Photo by Dawn Bowery Photography
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70TH PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS 1. Vucelich and his guests attended the 70th Primetime Emmy® Awards held September 17, 2018. “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” was nominated for 18 Emmy® Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. They paused to take a photo on the “red carpet,” which was colored gold to celebrate the 70th anniversary. From left, John Siddens (B.S. ’80, B.S. ’82), Chip Vucelich (B.S. ’80), Bruce Helbig, Laura Martin (B.M. ’80) and Lauren Siddens. 2. Producer Ryan Murphy and members of the cast and crew, including Vucelich, accept the award for Outstanding Limited Series. 3. Vucelich watches as the personalized name wrap is engraved on his Emmy®. 4. A close-up of the name wrap on Vucelich’s award. 5. Vucelich holds his Emmy® at the Governors Ball, the official after party held steps away from the ceremony at L.A. Live. 6. Vucelich poses for a picture with Judith Light, award-winning actress on season two of the anthology.
Following his work as second-second assistant director on “Road House” Vucelich returned to television where he honed his assistant directing skills for three years on the award-winning ABC series, “China Beach.” He recalled the remarkable talent on that show from the writers and actors to the directors, including actress Diane Keaton who directed an episode. “That was a very special group of people,” said Vucelich. “From the director of photography on down, that crew made an impossible situation seem manageable. That was a true learning experience that stayed with me.” At the start of his assistant directing career, Vucelich met Lindsley Parsons III, a thirdgeneration producer. Parsons is known for producing “Thirty Something,” “Secret Life of an American Teenager,” “7th Heaven,” “Seaquest” and more. Parsons III’s willingness to share his vast knowledge with Vucelich made a lasting impression. “He’s my go-to phone call; everyone should have someone like that.” 28 Vires
Parsons III’s mentorship inspired Vucelich to be that go-to phone call for up-and-coming producers and production managers. “You have to offer your wisdom to the next generation,” Vucelich said. He tries to mentor young professionals with hands-on experience as much as he can, but if his schedule does not allow it, he tries to either employ them or recommend them to others. “There are several producers out there who have worked under me in one capacity or another,” Vucelich said. “There are five I can think of who were production office coordinators for me who I either promoted to production supervisors or rose to that position shortly after working for me. I understand that some of them say they are graduates of ‘Chip’s Boot Camp.’”
Scene Three Vucelich has worked with esteemed producer Ryan Murphy, creator of the television shows “Glee” and “American Horror Story,” on several projects. “He’s been a tremendous source of inspiration to me and he’s not afraid to take chances,” Vucelich said. “Whenever I work with him, I know whatever we’re doing will be special.” Vucelich worked as a co-executive producer with Murphy and others on “American Crime Story,” an FX anthology series about infamous crimes, which was hailed by critics as meticulously crafted and powerfully resonant.
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The first season released in 2016, “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” earned 22 Emmy® Award nominations in 13 categories and won nine including Outstanding Limited Series. It also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film.
6
“Recreating a tragic event that occurred not so long ago in the place it happened is very surreal,” Vucelich said. “We aren’t re-enactors, but we’re committed to telling an authentic story. Filming the scene of Cunanan shooting Versace at the entrance to the villa exactly where it took place was sobering. We also found the spot where Cunanan’s houseboat was, rebuilt the exterior and shot scenes exactly where they happened.” This installment of the series was nominated for 18 Emmy® Awards, winning three including Outstanding Limited Series. It received four Golden Globe nominations as well, the most in the television categories, and won two. Vucelich’s role in the production that season, earned him five of the Emmy® and Golden Globe nominations and two wins.
Early in his career and throughout his time in Hollywood, Vucelich has crossed paths with many influential individuals, including John Travolta, left, and Cuba Gooding Jr., right, actors on “The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story,” pictured here with Vucelich after the show won Best Miniseries or TV Film at the 74th Golden Globe Awards held Jan. 8, 2017.
The second season, subtitled “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” was released in January 2018. It tells the tragic story of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace's murder at the hands of Andrew Cunanan. Securing Versace’s former home in Miami Beach for filming was one of Vucelich’s many contributions to the production. The mansion, Villa Casa Casuarina, now operates as a boutique hotel.
Additionally, Vucelich received two Producers Guild Awards for the anthology. “It is surreal and incredibly gratifying, for sure,” Vucelich said of the honors. “But in the grand scheme, the awards are meaningless. The real award is enjoying the fruits of your labor throughout life in general.” The journey from his early days of making Hollywood connections to his prominent roles in the production of critically acclaimed shows that earned him a collection of glittering “Hollywood hardware,” have reminded Vucelich that hard work and perseverance are the keys to success in both business and life.
®© ATAS/NATAS Vires 29
NUCLEAR PASSI N Never intimidated, eager for a challenge and hypercompetitive, nuclear engineer J’Tia Hart’s journey from the shores of Miami to intelligence briefings in Washington, D.C. was shaped by unforgettable experiences forged in unusual environments. By Zac Howard (B.A. ’14)
Some epiphanies are prompted by time spent on the water, but for J’Tia Hart (B.S. ’02), one of her life changing realizations came during time spent under the water, from the inside of a nuclear submarine.
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J'Tia Hart at Argonne National Laboratory where she currently works as a program lead. Photo by Christopher K. George Vires 31
In 1999, Hart toured the submarine as a 15-year-old freshman at FSU through her involvement in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. An overachiever at a young age, she skipped a grade in elementary school and graduated from high school in three years. “I knew she was going to be successful,” said Lisa Mendelson (B.S. ’99, M.B.A. ’04), an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister who was a junior when she met the precocious teenager. “She’s a driven person; that, off the bat, is obvious.”
Above: Hart participates in Argonne National Laboratory’s 2019 Earth Day celebration recognizing the lab's commitment to green technologies, conservation and recycling. Photo courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory
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Although she considered other schools, Hart had strong ties to Tallahassee with several relatives who were FSU alumni, including her mother. Like many undergrads, her initial inklings for an ideal major were inspired by pop culture, leading her to think business might be a good fit. “At that time, Melrose Place was on and the leading lady wore a suit and worked in the business field. I was like, ‘I think I could be good at that.’” It never occurred to her to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “Even though I was taking math and science classes and really loving and excelling in them, I
never made that connection because I didn’t see engineers and I definitely didn’t see women as engineers,” she said. But her mother did, so she promised Hart a car if she majored in engineering. That did the trick. Additionally, the joint FSU and Florida A&M University engineering school added an extra level of comfort by helping her gain a sense of belonging. “To have people there that look like you helps you feel like you’re supposed to be there,” Hart said. The intensive environment within the engineering field suited her well. “I started applying myself because the material was a bit more challenging,” she said. “It was like a competition and that sparked something in me, sitting in Chemistry 1045 with 300 other students. They would post the test scores on the wall and I always wanted to be number one.” Of course, topping the bulletin board rankings was a temporary goal and though Hart had discovered her major, she needed a career. She remembered what is was like to be enclosed within the thick plates of steel on the submarine hundreds of feet below the surface, awestruck by the sheer power around her. “I just thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever done in my life,” she said. And she understood the submarine’s potential for both good and evil.
Left: On February 27, 2019, the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity hosted a celebration for National African American History Month held at DOE headquarters. Hart, executive briefer at the DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence at the time, participated in a panel discussion alongside Johnathan Holifield, executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs), and Njema Frazier, director of the Office of Experimental Science at the DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration. Moderated by Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity James E. Campos, the panel discussed the critical role of HBCUs and how access to education for African Americans has benefited the country as a whole. Photo by Donica Payne, DOE
From left, Campos, Hart, Frazier and Holifield
“The thing that I found amazing about submarines was that on this unique vessel, you have a source of looming energy, propulsion and power. Who is going to tread that line?” she said. “Who is the person who makes sure it’s used for a good thing? That’s a nuclear engineer and I was like, ‘Okay. I can do that. I can help keep us safe and make sure we use this wisely.’” Hart’s academic mentor Patricia Stith, former director of retention studies at FSU, helped her chart the path to becoming a nuclear engineer. Impressed by Hart’s grades, Stith encouraged Hart to pursue a Ph.D., which would open doors of leadership that would allow Hart to run her own projects. “I just thought about being able to solve these big, unwieldy problems, when you have to put all these things together — I really enjoyed that,” Hart said.
MODERN MARVEL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING After graduating from FSU, Hart earned master's and doctoral degrees in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She held high-level internships while in school and ultimately landed a job working for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) — which Hart calls the “brass ring” for engineers.
Currently, Hart oversees new technology and governmental partnerships as a program lead at Argonne National Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory located just outside of Chicago. Prior to that, she was the executive briefer for Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, as well as other senior advisors in D.C. The journey to her current job included many stops along the way in national labs in the Southwest, Northwest and Midwest regions of the U.S., as well as shorter stays in the U.K. and Thailand for projects and fellowships. Those who know Hart say working at the DOE is a perfect fit for her personality. “She has this natural curiosity of always wanting to try and learn new things,” said Tiana Carter, a business executive Vires 33
Below left: Hart, top row second from right, with her Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority sisters at the President’s Picnic in 1999. Below right: Hart, top row second from right, poses with a group of her AKA sorority sisters on the steps of Moore Auditorium in the Ogelsby Union in 2001.
who met Hart at a networking conference eight years ago. “Because of the field she’s in, it’s ever-changing, so it allows her to maintain that curiosity. It’s almost like every project she’s on is a completely new adventure.” Hart’s latest project? Using her science and technology expertise at Argonne National Laboratory to strengthen national security. The project requires a nuanced understanding of the STEM fields and the intelligence community to identify U.S. national security threats and provide technical expertise to national security missions. “Argonne has the Advanced Photon Source, which is a synchrotron ring that shoots high energy light particles and bends them so precisely with magnets — that’s the holy grail,” Hart said. “First of all, who thought of this? And then, who are the people who actually put this into practice? It’s literally a modern marvel of science and engineering. That’s the kind of thing we do at the DOE and it’s pretty awesome.”
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“I firmly believe you can’t be what you can’t see,” said Hart. Growing up in Miami Gardens, a working-class neighborhood, inspired Hart to encourage others in similar circumstances to overcome barriers to STEM careers. “We need to make sure we encourage ladies and Latinos, African Americans and other people from underrepresented groups and let them know it’s for everybody.” And she means everybody. “People make it seem like being in a STEM field or even having a Ph.D. is this mystical thing when it’s not. It’s very attainable. It’s not like only superheroes or people who are insanely smart do this. No, you can learn how to do this. You’ve just got to build your skills and work toward it.” “One thing that we really need in the STEM fields and in all fields is diversity of thought,” she continued. “It takes a lot of people to create things and think outside the box.”
‘YOU CAN’T BE WHAT YOU DON’T SEE’
While Hart hopes to see a stronger representation of women and minorities in her field, she is encouraged by the changes that have taken place since she graduated. “I think we’re getting there,” she said. “We’ve just got to keep moving forward.”
Carter said the resolve Hart developed during her formative years has played a big part in her career success. “This is the magnificent quality that comes from growing up without a silver spoon in your mouth,” said Carter. “When you grow up and you have to exert grit and determination and you’re faced with hardships and seeing other people in your community not reach their potential because of social constraints or access, when you are given that chance, you seize it and you maximize it.”
Hart credits her leadership skills to her undergraduate experiences at FSU. She was involved in numerous student activities including Greek life, student government, the Black Student Union and homecoming court. “All of those experiences helped me to be who I am today,” she said. “Whether that’s leading a team or working in government, those were all really microcosms of things we had at Florida State.”
Carter said Hart knows how to work with people from all walks to life. “She knows how to meet people where they’re at. Her ability to move through different groups of people is because she’s likable. She can have a normal conversation with you and distill down in laymen’s terms the complexity of all the science and technology she’s working on into a way that’s meaningful for folks who are not in that field.”
COMPETITIVE, FEARLESS, UNDAUNTED
“YOU CAN’T TELL A STORY ABOUT J’TIA AND NOT INCLUDE THE WORD COMPETITIVE.”
Hart’s drive and competitive nature have led her into all kinds of environments, including television — she was a contestant on “Survivor: Cagayan,” which aired in 2014. “Anybody can tell you, I love a challenge,” Hart said. “I’ll jump in with both feet. I want to be in there, I want to figure it out. I might fail, but I don’t find a lot of things daunting.” Despite an early departure from the reality series, Hart has no regrets. “Sometimes I lose, but I feel like I win even if I lose because I was in the fight,” she said. “I was trying to do my best and make things better. What more can you do in life than to try to do your best and make things better?”
- LISA MENDELSON (B.S. ’99, M.B.A. ’04)
Working in a demanding field, down time can run scarce, something Hart acknowledges can be draining. Still, Carter said Hart prioritizes her relationships with loved ones. “At the end of the day we all just want to be good people and do a good job in our life,” said Carter. “Not only is she fantastic professionally, but she’s an extraordinary friend and she’s an excellent mom. There are not many folks who’ve figured out the recipe to balance all those things.”
Far left: Hart was a contestant on “Survivor: Cagayan,” which aired on CBS in 2014. Left: In addition to being a nuclear engineer and contestant on “Survivor,” Hart is a wife and mother. Pictured from left are her husband Graeme, one-year-old son Harrington, and three-year-old daughter Aashna. Vires 35
THE NUMERICAL RANKING >> Keynote Speaker Nancy McKay (B.S. ’78), CEO of Nest Fragrances and FSU Foundation Board of Trustees member, acknowledged the innovation and inspiration that filled the room. Photo by Colin Hackley
SEMINOLE 100 CELEBRATION RECOGNIZES THE FASTEST-GROWING FSU ALUMNI-OWNED COMPANIES Alumni from Florida State University are responsible for some of the most innovative and profitable businesses in the world. The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at the FSU College of Business in partnership with the FSU Alumni Association and EY honor these incredible entrepreneurs through the Seminole 100 awards program. Seminole 100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned businesses at a celebration on campus each year. Below are the 2019 Seminole 100 honorees. Each company is ranked by growth rate and was revealed at the celebration event on March 2, 2019 at the University Center Club.
THE NUMERICAL RANKING: Indicates FSU Alumni Association Life Member
James “Chef” Barlow is pictured with FSU President John Thrasher moments after his company, Blue Air Training, was named No. 1. Photo by Colin Hackley 36 Vires
Indicates FSU Alumni Association Member
1. Blue Air Training
5. Vale Food Company
James “Chef” Barlow (B.S. ’95)
Sunny Ilyas (B.S. ’14)
2. Social Catering and Events
6. Chop Barbershop
Matt Thompson (B.S. ’99, M.S. ’00), Angela Walker (B.S. ’08), Amanda Morrison
Sarah Bolinder (B.A. ’00, J.D. ’04)
3. Boomerang Transportation
7. Orlando Project Controls Scott Collins (B.S. ’87)
Jon Novak (B.A. ’10)
4. SimpleNexus Ben Miller (B.S. ’04)
8. Asset Engineering Charles Reed (B.S. ’01)
Juan Diaz (B.S. ’98), Thomas Nolan (B.A. ’98)
10. Imagine Media Consulting Shantel Khleif (B.S. ’10)
25. ReliaQuest
41. Cores & Associates
Brian Murphy (B.S. ’00, B.S. ’00)
26. Peterson Foods
42. Resonant Sciences
Bill Peterson (B.S. ’78)
Micah North (Ph.D. ’04)
11. Wilcox and Hackett
27. Williams Law Group
Andrew Wilcox (B.S. ’96)
Allison Williams (B.S. ’98, M.S. ’00)
12. LandSouth Construction
28. ROI Healthcare Solutions
James Pyle (B.S. ’82)
James Haddad (B.S. ’97),
Amy Cores (B.A. ’97, M.A. ’00)
Bill Starks (B.S. ’98)
43. All Seasons Wealth Jeff Hausinger (B.S. ’98)
44. CFO Alliance Brooke Evans (B.S. ’97)
13. Curaytor
29. Connect Agency
45. JLA Sports
Chris Smith (B.S. ’02)
John Ream (B.S. ’00)
Jonathan Aponte (B.S. ’09)
14. Visiture
30. Kupanda Capital
46. First GREEN Bank
Ron Dod (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’12)
15. Top Tier Blake Carter (B.S. ’16), Taylor Gaynes (B.S. ’15), Jesse Morgan (B.S. ’15)
Bobby Pittman (B.S. ’97)
THE NUMERICAL RANKING >>
9. Providence Technology Solutions
Ken LaRoe (B.S. ’81)
31. Ardent Eagle Solutions Joe Albano (B.S. ’06, B.S. ’06)
47. iMobile3 Chad Corbitt (B.S. ’09), David Ward (B.A. ’12, J.D. ’15), Bob Leonard (B.S. ’85)
32. Avion Insurance Agency 16. Chanco Schiffer Law
48. Fiore Communications
Scott Langevin (B.S. ’95)
Douglas Chanco (B.S. ’01)
Dave Fiore (B.S. ’86)
33. Veteran Energy 17. Square Peg Technologies
Rich Blaser (B.S. ’91), Stephen Madden (B.S. ’97)
49. Morris Retirement Advisors
18. A-LIGN
34. Cayer Behavioral Group
50. Convert IT Marketing
Gene Geiger (B.S. ’97, M.Acc. ’98), Scott Price (B.S. ’97, M.Acc. ’97)
Krista Cayer (B.A. ’96)
Paul Rubenstein (B.S. ’99)
Jacquay Henderson (B.S. ’02, M.S. ’04)
35. AgileThought 19. Owenby Law
Adam Anderson (B.S. ’05)
51. Insurance Specialty Group
Joy Owenby (B.S. ’93)
Ryan Dorrell (B.S. ’95), Jeff Alagood (B.S. ’94)
20. Lucky Goat Coffee
36. Tampa Bay Wave
52. TopCat Markets
Ben Pautsch (B.S. ’91), Brooke Pautsch (B.S. ’92)
Linda Olson (B.S. ’92, M.Acc. ’94)
Cody Lewis (B.S. ’08, M.B.A. ’11)
37. Aerospace Quality Research & Development
53. Urban Catalyst Consultants
21. PlayBig Therapy & Recreation Zone Kelley Hutto (B.S. ’87), Rachel Scharlepp (M.S.W. ’08)
David Romine (B.S. ’96),
Bruce Harrell (B.S. ’73, M.Acc. ’75), Stephen Harrell (B.S. ’06)
William Colbert (B.S. ’10), Sean Marston (B.S. ’96)
Suresh Narayanan (B.S. ’08)
54. Infotainment.com 38. Taylor Financial
Doug Indrunas (B.S. ’06)
Adam Taylor (B.S. ’04)
22. Southeast Forensic Consultants Travis Gourley (B.S. ’09), David Wesolowski (B.S. ’15)
39. HomeCare Connect
23. American Meetings
Richard Montgomery (B.S. ’85), Teresa Williams (M.S.W. ’90)
40. Diverse Computing Stuart Norman (B.S. ’97)
Andrew Elekes (B.S. ’06, M.Acc. ’07)
56. Premiere Computer Solutions
Andy McNeill (B.S. ’91)
24. GMF Steel Group
55. Total Professional Association Management
Brian Rode (B.S. ’07)
Dan Percy (B.S. ’96, B.S. ’97), Anthony Pun (B.S. ’97), Craig Gibbens (B.S. ’98) Vires 37
THE NUMERICAL RANKING >>
“The remarkable success of these business owners reflects well on the university, and we are incredibly proud they are Florida State alumni.” - Melissa Roberts, managing director of operations for the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
57. Prime Meridian Bank
67. Silver Productions
Richard Weidner (B.S. ’66), Randy Guemple (B.S. ’73, M.B.A. ’74), Kathleen (Whitaker) Jones (B.S. ’78), Sammie Dixon (B.S. ’96)
Joel Silver (B.S. ’93)
68. Convergence Consulting Group Brian Rimes (A.A. ’96), Sam Powell (B.S. ’99)
70. Kerigan Marketing Associates Jack Kerigan, Jr. (B.S. ’90), Dana Kerigan (B.S. ’01)
71. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo Dan Moisand (B.S. ’89)
58. Autumn Beck Blackledge Autumn Blackledge (B.A. ’98, B.S. ’98, J.D. ’01)
59. ReEmployAbility
69. Axis Management Group Holdings
72. Southwest Georgia Oil Company Mike Harrell (B.S. ’84), Glennie Bench (A.A. ’83)
Mike Smith (B.S. ’84)
Debbie Livingston (B.S. ’87)
60. Synergy Wood Products Douglas Potchen (B.S. ’81)
61. AK Consulting Group Amy Karimipour (B.S. ’89)
62. Smith Family Chiropractic Patrick Smith (B.S. ’98), Kelli Smith (B.A. ’00)
63. Allied Instructional Services Karen Walker (B.S. ’87, M.S. ’88)
64. Lalabye Baby Melissa Huynh (B.S. ’04), Tony Huynh (B.S. ’03)
65. Demirel International Bugra Demirel (B.A. ’10, B.S. ’10)
66. Hadjo Media Rob Rogers (B.S. ’92)
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Seminole 100 attendees share a toast to all the honorees in attendance. Photo by Colin Hackley
THE NUMERICAL RANKING >>
73. Sunbrite Outdoor Furniture
84. Manausa Law Firm
Will Andrews (B.S. ’85)
Danny Manausa (B.A. ’92, J.D. ’95), Kyle Shaw (J.D. ’08)
94. Partners in Association Management Bennett Napier (M.S. ’02)
74. Tal Search Group John McFarlain (B.S. ’97)
85. Information and Computing Services Jorge Morales (B.S. ’70)
75. Florida Event Decor Valorie Karter (B.A. ’97, B.A. ’97), Eric Karter (B.S. ’96)
Kevin Little (B.S. ’92)
86. Assurance Financial Group 96. Southern Proper Hospitality
Chris Payton (B.S. ’91)
76. Stone, Glass & Connolly Mike Glass (B.S. ’91)
77. Marmer Construction
95. Accountable Healthcare Staffing
87. Deep Blue Yacht Supply Ryan Charles (B.S. ’97, B.S. ’99), Justin Hof (B.S. ’99)
Merideth (Kiler) Whol (B.S. ’02, M.Acc. ’03)
Chris Hadermann (B.S. ’94), John Piemonte (B.S. ’94), Michael Evertsen (B.S. ’91)
97. Coton Colors by Laura Johnson Laura Johnson (B.A. ’84)
88. McKee Insurance Agency 78. Southern Home Consultants
98. Taylor, Day, Grimm & Boyd
Raney Oven (B.S. ’76)
Chad Gardner (B.S. ’00), Ian Clark (B.S. ’06), Patrick McKee (B.S. ’00), Grover McKee Jr. (B.S. ’65)
79. Global Sales
89. Venture Medical
Jeff Collins (B.S. ’86)
John Pritchard II (B.A. ’96)
99. Madison Social
80. Harvard & Associates
90. Johnson and Blanton
Matt Thompson (B.S. ’99, M.S. ’00), Brian McKenna (B.S. ’98, M.S. ’00)
John Harvard (B.S. ’98, B.S. ’02)
Travis Blanton (B.S. ’95),
81. Liberty Partners of Tallahassee
91. Rambana & Ricci
Jennifer Green (B.S. ’94)
Neil Rambana (B.A. ’92, M.A. ’96), Elizabeth Ricci
82. Gulf Beach Weddings
92. Kraft Nissan
Brandon Wheeler (B.S. ’06)
83. Tasty Pastry Bakery Mark Cross (B.S. ’79)
Christopher Boyd (B.S. ’89, J.D. ’92), David Gagnon (B.S. ’97, J.D. ’00), Christopher Mueller (B.S. ’01)
Jon Johnson (B.S. ’88)
Chris Kraft, Sr. (B.S. ’11), Peter Kraft (B.S. ’85)
93. Taylor White Specialized Staffing Services Jim Bassil (B.S. ’81), Anthony Linguanti (B.S. ’83)
100. PremierMED Family & Sports Medicine Adam Langley (B.S. ’02, M.D. ’07), Gary Visser (B.S. ’03, M.D. ’07)
Save the date for the next celebration Feb. 22, 2020. To learn more about Seminole 100 or view past honorees, visit seminole100.fsu.edu. Vires 39
• Digital membership card • Find a Seminole Club or Chapter • Seminole Savings near you
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
The FSU Alumni Association serves the university’s more than 358,000 alumni, including our 24,000 members. Our annual events and recognition programs do more than bring alumni together to share memories and good times. They strengthen our university’s traditions and the Seminole spirit that resides in every graduate of Florida State University.
In the past year, YOUR MEMBERSHIP: • Supported a network of Seminole Clubs® and Chapters throughout the nation that hosted more than 115,000 people at local events and recorded 2,150 hours of volunteer service. • Funded $127,500 in Legacy Scholarships and programs designed to enhance alumni engagement with future alumni. • Recognized and honored outstanding alumni through programs and events like Notable Noles, Inspire Awards for FSU Women of Distinction and Circle of Gold. • Supported Alumni Networks whose efforts keep our alumni connected and engaged through unique programs that celebrate diversity and inclusion. • Served future alumni by supporting our Student Alumni Association.
To renew your membership or encourage non-members to join, visit alumni.fsu.edu. “ADVANCING our university’s GREATNESS while ENRICHING the LIVES of the Seminole family.” FSU Alumni Association Mission Statement
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Alumni Networks Networks strengthen alumni bonds, offer opportunities to give back By Brian Hudgins An alumni association at a major to university might sometimes seem serves be an intimidating monolith that e, the needs of only the most hard-cor ensure To s. uate grad school-color-bleeding a ains rem that Florida State University FSU welcoming place for all alumni, the ed rter cha 11 has tion Alumni Associa groups an Alumni Networks that give niche life and the additional point of entry into activities of the university.
icine Since the first FSU College of Med an beg and 5 students graduated in 200 farr their individual residencies, thei ge flung locations presented a challen . FSU to ted nec con to keeping them s “Sixty-five to 70 percent of our grad says ,” cies leave Florida to do their residen irs Doug Carlson, director of public affa ege Coll the for ions and communicat ni of Medicine. “The FSU Medical Alum n sicia regularly share news about phy rmation searches and distribute that info specialty. to alumni based on their practice also but , them s We not only hope it help tate of-s outhope it may bring some of the alumni back to practice in Florida.”
Social The first steps to getting College of involved p Work alumni connected to the grou letters and a lot of social media, in addition to n us other phone calls. “Social media has give to a tion rma info avenues to disseminate student ap, broader base,” says Meredith Mills for the and alumni engagement coordinator College of Social Work. made, Now that initial contact has been G David L. Albright, chair of the SWA bers mem rd boa r othe and Executive Board, e mor ting crea have become drivers for p’s opportunities to increase the grou ni locally visibility. “We are connecting alum creating and nationally and also working on ni alum een betw s mentoring opportunitie and students,” Albright says.
assisted living ad
blished At FSU, the oldest and most esta ni, Alum k of these networks are the Blac fs Chie g the Emeritus Alumni, the Marchin Alumni and the Circus Alumni. local For FSU Black Alumni, a series of chance brunches recently gave friends a and to talk about their careers, families . “In ents stud FSU as memorable moments e sam the on 12 cities, we hosted brunches ni Alum day in conjunction with the Young . ’06), (B.S s iam Will ree Cha Council,” says had “We ni. Alum k Blac president of the FSU bers mem our 600 people. The majority of on the are in the Southeast, Northeast and West Coast.” how Such gatherings are an example of nities for Alumni Networks provide opportu of miles their members who live hundreds r othe with t nec from Tallahassee to con ted nec con local FSU graduates and stay that to the university. “For those groups but also are not only far from Tallahassee ork netw they , ntry spread all over the cou (B.S. er Mill i Torr by doing local events,” says ator rdin ’06), the Alumni Association’s coo ni had of Alumni Networks. “Black Alum s, which tion loca ral their brunches in seve .” cess was strategic and a huge suc
t for Considering that student loan deb ls six tota n medical school graduates ofte rams figures, developing scholarship prog has been a goal for the FSU Medical ship Alumni. “We have awarded a scholar lsea Che and will continue to do so,” says ager for Shackelford, alumni relations man the College of Medicine. to share The FSU Medical Alumni are eager acity their experiences in an advisory cap students. with current College of Medicine orking etw ed-n spe MED Connect, a virtual ni alum tate series, is one way for out-of-s ent curr to connect with and give back to want they w kno ents stud students. “Our says. lson Car ns,” to be practicing physicia cy den resi a “They have to match up with Our m. program and pass the licensing exa the alumni have been through that, so we can g thin any ate students really appreci do to get them together.”
Social The newest Alumni Network is the h was whic G, SWA Work Alumni Group, or tion ocia Ass approved by the FSU Alumni The il. National Board of Directors in Apr and ter’s mas r’s, helo bac ts group represen , ners titio prac with g doctoral alumni, alon ed mitt com are clinicians and advocates who rs. othe of to making a difference in the lives
as the For newer Alumni Networks, such TQ+ LGB the and Asian American Alumni lishing omp acc Alumni, gaining visibility and effort by early goals is the result of a team ociation. the group and the FSU Alumni Ass affiliated For the Alumni Networks that are Alumni FSU with an individual college, the e working Association has developed a clos from those relationship with staff members of Social colleges. “Whether it’s the college gnize reco all Work, Medicine or Nursing, we age eng d that keeping alumni involved and tion and benefits both the Alumni Associa . says er Mill ,” the individual college tiple Many alumni are eligible to join mul is not to networks. For Williams, the push ourage enc to but focus on one network, ociation Ass ni people to join the FSU Alum us meet and expand from there. “Many of FSU,” our spouses or our best friends at gs that thin of y orit Williams says. “The maj We want . FSU at are important to us started of the you to have a sense of ownership hassee. development in and around Talla ea mad and here t You put your footprin mark here.” Read more: gonol.es/Networks
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ASSOCIATION NEWS THE INSPIRE AWARD FOR FSU WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
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The Inspire Award recognizes alumnae who have distinguished themselves as leaders within their industries and whose hard work and determination serve as an inspiration to alumni and current students. 1. The 2019 Inspire Awards, sponsored by the FSU Alumni Association, The Women for FSU and the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando, honored four alumnae Thursday, March 28, 2019. They are, from left: Anne Hamilton (B.S. ’79), vice president of global travel, The Walt Disney Co.; Jennifer N. Hanson (B.S. ’01), national sales director of direct to consumer sales and corporate sponsorships, GolfNow; Naomie Baptiste (B.S. ’06), international subcontract program manager, Lockheed Martin Corp.; and Heather Pinder Rodriguez (B.A. ’95, B.S. ’95, J.D. ’98), circuit court judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. 2. Hanson, surrounded by her Boys & Girls Club mentees and event guests, holds up her Inspire Award. 3. Charee Williams (B.S. ’06), president of the FSU National Black Alumni, with Shont’a McCord (B.A. ’06) and Taylor Williams (B.S. ’17). Read more: gonol.es/InspireAward
CIRCLE OF GOLD The FSU Alumni Association’s Circle of Gold recognizes worthy individuals who, through their service and achievements, personify the university’s tradition of excellence. 4. The FSU Alumni Association inducted four new members into the Circle of Gold on Friday, April 12, 2019. They are, from left: John Crowe (B.S. ’69, M.S. ’71), retired, Buckeye Technologies; Kathleen Daly (B.S. ’82), associate vice president for University Relations, FSU; Jesse Wexler (B.A. ’06), owner/developer of VenueMash; and Brian Swain (B.S. ’80), owner, Swain Realty Corp. (not pictured). 5. Abigail Engleman, an FSU doctoral candidate in marine biology and biological oceanography, accepts the 2019 Alumni Ambassador Award from Alumni Association President Julie Cheney at the Spring 2019 Circle of Gold ceremony. 6. FSU President John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72) shares a laugh with FSU President Emeritus Sandy D’Alemberte, who passed away just weeks later. Read more: gonol.es/CircleofGold
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ASSOCIATION NEWS SEMINOLE CLUBS® AND CHAPTERS 3
The Alumni Association’s network of Seminole Clubs® and Chapters offers year-round programming and alumni engagement opportunities throughout the country. Volunteer-driven and alumni-oriented, they provide FSU alumni and friends the opportunity to engage with one another and stay connected to the university. 1. FSU President John Thrasher speaks with Max Oligario (B.S. ’99), immediate past chair of the FSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, after briefing Seminole Club® leaders at Leadership Weekend held in Tallahassee, April 11-13, 2019. 2. Seminole Club® and Chapter leaders discuss new ways to reach and engage alumni in their communities at the Leadership Weekend Conference. 3. Scott Gerber (B.S. ’11), FSU Alumni Association staff member, outlines Seminole Club® and Chapter programming including game watching parties, networking events and tournaments. 4. Director of Clubs Keith Cottrell (B.S. ’00, M.S. ’02), left, interviews Florida State Football legend Peter Warrick (B.S. ’99) during the FSU Clubbies, the Alumni Association’s recognition program for outstanding Seminole Clubs® and Chapters. 5. FSU Alumni Association President and CEO Julie Cheney snaps a photo with Cottrell, left, and Warrick, center. Read more: gonol.es/clubs
SEMINOLE SERVICE DAY Members of 63 Seminole Clubs® and Chapters across the country served their communities as part of the eighth annual Seminole Service Day in March 2019. This year, Noles from South Florida to Northern California participated in projects ranging from beach cleanup to feeding the homeless.
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6. The Manatee Seminole Club assisted in a replanting project at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota on March 2, 2019. 7. At Second Harvest Heartland, the Twin Cities Seminole Club packed over 11,000 pounds of food to distribute to the hungry on March 12, 2019.
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In cooperation with the Alumni Association, chartered affiliate groups called Alumni Networks help connect fellow FSU alumni through shared interests and identities. These volunteer-led groups plan reunions, mentor students and enrich the ties between FSU alumni and friends. 1. Alumni at the All Alumni Luncheon honoring Emeritus on March 9, 2019, at Gulf Stream Park in Broward County, Florida. 2. FSU Black Alumni hosted National Brunch Day on July 14, 2019, where groups gathered at locations around the country, including Atlanta, to participate. 3. Stewart Moore (B.A. ’07) and Alisia Adamson-Profit (B.S. ’05, J.D. ’08), holding future Noles Ronan Moore and Lauryn Profit, hosted the National Brunch Day in Orlando, Florida. 4. Members of the FSU Young Alumni Council, who assist the Alumni Association in engaging recent graduates, gathered before Young Alumni Weekend held July 19-20, 2019, in Atlanta. 5. The inaugural Young Alumni Weekend kicked off with a welcome reception at Bad Axe Throwing as a fun and engaging way to fuel connections between event attendees. 6. Alumni Association President and CEO Julie Cheney with Emeritus Alumni Society Board Members Bridget Chandler (B.A. ’48), left, and Yvonne Hutto (B.S. ’60), right, at the All Alumni Brunch honoring Emeritus in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 26, 2019. 7. Guest speaker Bill Durham (B.S. ’65), center, founder of the Osceola and Renegade program at the Emeritus Alumni Society Coffee Chat on Aug. 1, 2019, engaging with Emeritus Alumni Society members.
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Own the state. Get the plate! Scholarships from the FSU Tag help young scholars to develop into leaders who create a lasting impact. For more info please visit mytag.fsu.edu. All proceeds go to student scholarships!
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ASSOCIATION NEWS NOLES IN NEW YORK Noles in NYC, May 6-9, 2019, celebrated the fine and performing arts at FSU while providing networking opportunities in the Big Apple for alumni and friends.
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1. Event attendees enjoyed a Times Square style welcome courtesy of Maura Hayes (B.S. ’82), director of operations at Times Square Studios. 2. The week kicked off with a rooftop Networking Reception at Park Lane Hotel overlooking Central Park. 3. Alumni attended a matinee performance of the musical comedy “Tootsie” followed by a post-show chat with its Director Scott Ellis and cast members, music theatre alumni Leslie Donna Flesner (B.S. '08) and Harris Milgram (B.S. '10). 4. Closing out the week was the President’s Reception attended by, from left, Vice President for University Advancement and President of the FSU Foundation Tom Jennings, Alumni Association Board Member Kevin Adams (B.S. ’94), FSU President John Thrasher and WNBC New York Chief Meteorologist Janice Huff (B.S. ’82). 5. Also in attendance, Alumni Association Executive Board Members Dan Berger (B.S. ’89), left, and Maura Hayes (B.S. ’82). 6. Alumni strike a pose in their 3D glasses for FSU Graduate School Dean Mark Riley at the reception.
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NOLES IN NAPA The Alumni Association brought Seminole spirit to Napa Valley, California, at Noles in Napa, held June 20-22, 2019. Alumni and friends toured internationally renowned wineries and enjoyed the region’s culinary delights while meeting and reconnecting with fellow Noles. 7. The weekend’s events kicked off at a welcome reception and wine tasting held at Silenus Winery managed by alumnus Jeremy Carter (B.S. ’06). 8. Current and former Alumni Association board members in the barrel room at Chimney Rock Winery. 9. Kristof Anderson, winemaker at alumni-owned Gargiulo Vineyards, leads a winery tour. 10. Alumni and friends in the vineyards at Chimney Rock Winery.
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MEET YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD: The National Board of Directors is the chief governing body of the FSU Alumni Association, representing the interests of the association’s members and constituents. The Board of Directors, led by the Executive Committee, has the responsibility to ensure the success of the association through the approval of an annual budget, setting policy, following the Strategic Plan, and providing input, guidance, oversight and expertise.
MAX OLIGARIO (B.S. ’99)
SCOTT WIEGAND (B.A. ’90)
Immediate Past Chair, Tampa, Florida
Vice Chair, Las Vegas, Nevada
Max Oligario, senior vice president of Global Commercial Banking with Bank of America, is focused on enhancing and maximizing enterprise value for domestic and multinational corporations in West Florida. Max has obtained several performance awards over his banking career including the Chairman’s Circle, the Pinnacle Club and Peak Performer. He is past president of the Tampa Bay Seminole Club and under his leadership, the club was named Seminole Club of the Year in 2015 and raised over $200,000 for scholarships. Recognized by the FSU Alumni Association for his service to Florida State, he is a 2016 recipient of the Circle of Gold, as well as a 2015 recipient of the Unconquered Spirit Society Award, a distinction given to the Alumni Association’s top volunteers.
Scott Wiegand is an attorney in the Denver and Las Vegas offices of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, a large law firm with a leading casino gaming practice. Wiegand joined Brownstein after 15 years with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas. His practice focuses on the needs of gaming industry participants and new ventures, with much of his time over the past year spent assisting clients with new sports betting opportunities as states legalize sports wagering across the country. After receiving his B.A. in Music at Florida State, Wiegand attended Cornell Law School, graduating in 1993 with a concentration in business law and regulation, and then practiced law in Cincinnati, Ohio, before relocating to Las Vegas. Wiegand is originally from Lexington, Kentucky.
B. DAN BERGER (B.S. ’89)
JEANNE CURTIN (B.S. ’92, M.B.A. ’99, J.D. ’01)
SAMUEL AMBROSE (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’92) Chair, Plantation, Florida Sam Ambrose, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Encoda, has held leadership positions in marketing, sales, business development and multiple health care information technology companies. He attributes much of his professional success to the leadership skills that he learned while a student at FSU and during his tenure as advisor for the Student Alumni Foundation. As advisor, Ambrose was instrumental in converting the organization into the current Student Alumni Association. In recognition of his service to FSU, he was inducted into the FSU Alumni Association’s Circle of Gold in 2016 and received the FSU Alumni Service Award in 1991.
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Chair-Elect, Alexandria, Virginia B. Dan Berger, president and CEO of National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, brings more than 25 years of government relations and political affairs experience to his post. For 15 consecutive years, he has been listed as one of the most influential lobbyists in Washington D.C. by The Hill newspaper. Berger is a commentator on CNBC, Fox News and CNN, and is quoted regularly in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and numerous financial services publications. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. Berger also serves on the board of directors of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, a conservation organization.
Treasurer, Tallahassee, Florida
Jeanne Curtin, director of Livable Communities at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, continues to share her time and talent with Florida State, bringing the perspective of an alumna, former professor, volunteer, donor and assistant dean for development for the university to the FSU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. Curtin serves on the Board of Visitors at the College of Law, and she is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class XXII. She served as chair of the inaugural Tallahassee Film Festival, is a former "Catalyst" with the Knight Creative Communities Initiative in Tallahassee, and also served as chair of the board of the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and on the executive committee of the Women for FSU.
Education (CASE), delivering numerous presentations at CASE conferences and serving on several boards and committees. A native of Delaware, Jennings earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from James Madison University in Virginia, and his Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Virginia.
first, at the Miami game on Labor Day 2005, was in response to the NCAA and their ruling to take away Native American “mascots” from universities. With the support of his Tribe, he is proud to be a Florida State University Seminole.
DAZI LENOIR (B.A. ’02, M.S. ’03) Secretary, Orlando, Florida
Dazi Lenoir, founding and managing partner of Lyons & Lenoir LLC, practices personal law and is licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia. Lenoir was selected as a fellow for the 2017-2018 Class V of the Florida Bar William Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy and the State Bar of Georgia Leadership Academy in 2017. She was selected a 2019 “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers/Thomson Reuters. Lenoir received the AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence for the second year in a row. She previously served as the secretary of the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando and as a member of its board of directors. While at FSU, she was the Homecoming Princess, a member of the Student Government Association President’s Cabinet, was named Member of the Year and vice president of the Garnet & Gold Girls.
MAURA HAYES (B.S. ’82)
JULIE CHENEY
Alumni Association President and CEO Tallahassee, Florida Julie Cheney has spent 19 years as an alumni relations strategist, having also worked in the alumni associations of the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina, and Coastal Carolina University. Her involvement with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) — the organization of university advancement and alumni professionals — includes service on the CASE District III Conference Planning Committee and as a judging coordinator and roundtable panelist. She was named a “Stellar Speaker” from 2012 to 2017. Cheney holds two degrees from the University of Georgia, in addition to doctoral coursework in organizational development and higher education.
TOM JENNINGS
At-Large, New York, New York Maura Hayes, director of Operations at Times Square Studios, began her career with The Walt Disney Co. as a dancer and singer, and then transitioned into film and television. She was honored with the inaugural presentation of the Inspire Award for FSU Women of Distinction and is a recipient of Disney’s Partners in Excellence Award. In 2011, Hayes was honored by the national Kappa Delta Sorority as a Woman of Achievement for success in her career and community. During her time at FSU, she helped start the Garnet and Gold Girls and was a member of the Golden Girls first dance team.
JEANNE M. MILLER (J.D. ’95)
Vice President for University Advancement and Foundation President, Tallahassee, Florida
At-Large, Jacksonville, Florida
Tom Jennings, vice president for University Advancement, leads the university’s fundraising and alumni relations activities, overseeing and partnering with the FSU Alumni Association, FSU Foundation, and the FSU Real Estate Foundation, and coordinating with the Athletics Department and the Seminole Boosters. He joined FSU in 2010 and led FSU’s eight-year fundraising campaign, “Raise the Torch,” which met and exceeded its $1B goal in 2018. With more than 30 years of experience at The University of Virginia, Washington & Lee University, Davidson College and FSU, Jennings has been a leader within the Council for Advancement and Support of
Jeanne Miller, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Civic Council, has held leadership positions on numerous state and regional non-profit boards of directors. An AV Preeminent rate lawyer, Miller is listed in the National Registry of Preeminent Women Lawyers. She was named an EVE Award nominee, a Woman of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal, and designated as one of Florida Trend magazine’s Legal Elite and as a Top Lawyer by 904 Magazine. In law school at FSU, she was associate editor and writing and research editor of the Law Review, and earned recognitions including the Citation of Honor & Meritorious Service.
KYLE R. DONEY (B.S. ’07)
Board of Trustees Chair Designee, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Kyle Doney, deputy executive director for the Seminole Tribe’s Native Learning Center, is a member of the Panther Clan in the Seminole Tribe of Florida. From a young age, Florida State University was always his first and only choice for school. As a Tribal member, he has had the honor of participating in the Tradition of Tribute for three games. The
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handbook of the 1948-49 Pow Wow, FSU’s student Excerpts from Mary Frances Tonello’s copy social and as a guide for the university’s academic at the time. Students used this handbook life on campus 70 years ago. regulations and is a portrait of student
A Legacy 70 Years in the Making When students of alumni families attend FSU, they not only become legacy students, but they also carry on a tradition of dedication to the university.
Times were very different when Mary Frances Tonello (B.S.’49) enrolled at Florida State College for Women (FSCW) in 1945. For example, she was required to attend etiquette practice with fellow students at monthly “tea times” held in residence hall common rooms. Her student handbook deemed that no social affair could be held during the week after 9 p.m. Student life dramatically changed after World War II with the arrival of men on campus and the institution’s subsequent transition to the coeducational Florida State University in 1947. Mary Frances so fondly remembers the transition and her time at FSU that she’s been sharing campus stories from that era with family members ever since. She never would have guessed the affect her nostalgic accounts of campus life would have on her family: The stories inspired nine family members over three generations to attend FSU. On May 4, 2019 — 70 years after Mary Frances graduated in front of Jennie Murphree Hall — her granddaughter Breanna Tonello (B.S. ’19) crossed the Civic Center stage at commencement. And though much has changed at FSU over the years, their memories aren’t so different. They both lived in Landis Hall, took classes in the same buildings and studied at the Sweet Shop. Now, it’s Breanna’s turn to ensure the legacy continues. She hopes her own stories will inspire her younger sister Sabrina to carry on the family tradition by enrolling at FSU in 2022.
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Thank You to Our New Life Members The following alumni and friends recently* became Life Members of the FSU Alumni Association. Their support creates opportunities for our students, alumni and members who are and will always be #SeminolesForever. Learn more about Alumni Association membership: alumni.fsu.edu/join. Donald P. Antonacio (B.S. ’88) and Sharon L. Antonacio Amanda J. Atkins (B.S. ’10) Fredric W. Baggett (J.D. ’70) and Lynn C. Baggett James A. Bax, Sr. (J.M. ’17) and Janie Bax Lilia R. Bell (J.D. ’98) Adam J. Besnard (B.S. ’96) and Mindee A. Besnard (B.S. ’96) David L. Bibb (M.S. ’73) and Rebecca T. Bibb Jeffrey S. Binkley (M.S. ’82) and Margaret W. Binkley (A.A. ’80) Kelly Blakely (B.A. ’94) and Brian Blakely Donna E. Blanton (J.D. ’92) and John C. Van Gieson Stephen F. Bolton (J.D. ’81) Ronald C. Braswell (M.S. ’68, D.B.A. ’73) and Mary Ann Braswell Harold A. Brock, Jr. (B.S. ’64) and Carol P. Brock Gary L. Brown (J.D. ’81) Carmel D. Buchanan (B.S. ’83) and Ivens Buchanan, Jr. Peter C. Burkert (J.D. ’77) and Connie Burkert Jason B. Burnett (J.D. ’88) and Leslie R. Burnett Mary H. Callaway (B.S. ’68) and Larry M. Callaway Anne L. Carr (B.S. ’08) Brandon G. Cathey (J.D. ’04) and Sarah B. Carlson Justin Caudell and Meagan Caudell Ki Woong Cho (Ph.D. ’17) and Keongsean Kim Agustin G. Corbella (M.P.A. ’96) and Tanya S. Corbella (B.A. ’90, M.P.A. ’97) Robert C. Cowdery (B.S. ’78, B.S. ’90) and Kathryn G. Cowdery (B.S. ’78, J.D. ’82) Billie K. Dambrauskas (B.S. ’99) and Paul G. Dambrauskas Kenneth S. Davis (B.S. ’85, B.S. ’87, M.Acc. ’88) and Julie L. Davis John W. Day, III (B.S. ’65, M.S. ’66) and Sally S. Day Nancy E. Dearolf (B.S. ’86) Jonathan R. DeCeglie Neil W. DeLapp (Ph.D. ’72) and Dianne M. DeLapp (B.S. ’64, M.S. ’69) Jerry L. Demings (B.S. ’80) and Valdez B. Demings (B.S. ’79) Andrew G. Diaz (B.S. ’86) and Robin P. Diaz (B.A. ’89) Robert M. Donnelly (B.S. ’71) and Clinnie S. Donnely (B.A. ’79)
Janice L. Dougherty (M.M.Ed. ’84) Laura A. Drinkwater (B.S. ’85) and Jean T. Watkins Ted E. Drum (B.S. ’60) and Katherine J. Molinet Herneshia S. Dukes (B.S. ’08) and Cornelius Dukes Charles L. Dumoulin, Jr. (B.S. ’77, Ph.D. ’81) and Shelley W. Dumoulin (B.S. ’78) Curtis D. Earp, Jr. (B.S. ’60, M.S. ’69) and Jaibun K. Earp Pamela H. Espenshade (J.D. ’77) and Thomas J. Espenshade Laura E. Faragasso (J.D. ’86) and Joseph V. Faragasso Donald G. Farr (Ph.D. ’14) David A. Finn (B.S. ’89) and Serena B. Finn (B.A. ’88) Christy A. Fowler (M.S. ’10, Ed.S. ’13) James L. Gant (Ph.D. ’71) and Gloria W. Gant Scott G. Givens (B.S. ’95) and Betsy E. Givens (B.S. ’94) Robert L. Glueckauf (M.S. ’79, Ph.D. ’81) Jennifer L. Gomer (B.S. ’97) and Paul A. Gomer (B.A. ’96) Harold E. Grant (J.D. ’74) and Katherine M. Grant Philip W. Griffitts, Jr. (B.S. ’93) and Laura Griffitts Emma Jeane Hackle (B.A. ’46) Danielle E. Hale (B.A. ’04, M.S. ’05) and Brian C. Hedge Maurice Harris (B.S ’10) Samuel S. Hayes, Jr. (B.S. ’78) and Michelle R. Hayes (B.S. ’78) William B. Heebink (Ph.D. ’79) and Maura A. Heebink John M. Hogan (M.B.A. ’84) and Margaret G. Hogan (M.S. ’81, Ed.S. ’81) Patrick W. Hogan (B.S. ’55) Janie L. Hollis (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’95) Michael D. Hook (J.D. ’80) and Patricia S. Hook John R. Hornbuckle (B.A. ’04, M.S. ’10) and Lindy H. Hornbuckle Jaimee L. Howard (B.S. ’07) Nicole M. Hutchison-Joslin (B.S. ’96) and Stephen J. Joslin Amanda E. Jessell (B.S. ’11) and John J. Jessell (B.S. ’13) Roland P. Jones (B.S. ’95) and Lynn S. Jones
H. Price Kagey (M.S. ’67) and Lynda F. Kagey Claire B. Kelly (B.M. ’67, M.M. ’70) David J. Kennedy (B.S. ’99) and Lindsey B. Kennedy Heather M. King (M.S.W. ’06) and M. Jason King Fran A. Kocsis (B.S. ’78) Christopher C. Koenig (Ph.D. ’75) and Felicia C. Coleman (Ph.D. ’91) Stephen R. Koons (B.S. ’70, J.D. ’73) Christina R. Kruger-Gruendyke (B.S. ’02) and Robert D. Gruendyke Eric M. Kuefler (B.S. ’92) and LeAnne S. Kuefler John T. LaVia, III (J.D. ’90) and Jennifer P. LaVia David F. Lee, Sr. (B.S. ’58) and Judith P. Lee Marcelo Llorente (J.D. ’01) and Cristina E. Llorente (B.S. ’01) Jane S. Love (B.S. ’80) Linda T. Lovins (Ph.D. ’02) and Robert A. Lovins James B. Macchio (B.S. ’03) Benjamin S. MacFarland, III (B.S. ’03) and Christina C. MacFarland Jeffrey J. Mandel (B.A. ’86) and Elizabeth Mandel Carole J. Martin (B.S. ’67) Benjamin J. McKay, III (B.S. ’91) Robert A. Moore (B.S. ’72) and Vicky G. Moore (B.S. ’72) Mary Ann Morgan-Burke (B.S. ’78, J.D. ’86) Gregory N. Morrison (B.S. ’84) and Kathleen B. Morrison (B.S. ’83) Maria A. Motes (B.S. ’73) and Carl D. Motes (B.A. ’71, J.D. ’74) Luke Newman (J.D. ’04) and Allison L. Newman Gjon N. Nivica, Jr. (B.S. ’86) and Erica K. Nivica Janice R. Okita (B.S. ’71) and Richard T. Okita Neal B. Osiason (J.D. ’87) and Sherri F. Osiason Seam Park (J.D. ’05) and Jennifer L. Shelfer (J.D. ’06) Nigel O. Parkinson, Sr. (M.S. ’75) Elizabeth V. Penny (B.S. ’98, J.D. ’06) and Mill Penny Bobby J. Pittman, Jr. (B.S. ’97) and Alicia M. Pittman
Diane S. Raines (B.S. ’76) and Donald L. Raines David A. Rancourt (B.S. ’88) and Regan E. Rancourt (M.S. ’95, Ph.D. ’01) Robert A. Ray (B.S. ’00) and Karen M. Ray (B.S. ’99) Derek D. Reid (B.S. ’01) and Shawna E. Reid Scott A. Remington (J.D. ’97) and Amie M. Remington (B.A. ’91, J.D. ’97) Ricardo A. Reyes (B.S. ’87, J.D. ’90) Curtis B. Richardson (B.S. ’78, M.S. ’83) and Nina N. Ashenafi Richardson (B.A. ’87, J.D. ’91) Chad B. Rogers (B.S. ’95) and C. Allison Rogers (A.A. ’95) Andre W. Roman (B.S. ’09) Jason D. Sato (B.S. ’01) and Lauren M. Sato (B.S. ’02, M.S. ’02) Dondi S. Schneider (B.S. ’00) and Matthew J. Schneider Floyd R. Self (B.S. ’77, J.D. ’86) and Eileen F. Self Margaret M. Shahnasarian (B.S. ’11) and Edward Shahnasarian (B.S. ’10) Paul V. Shimp (B.S. ’02) and Mia Cheyenna Yvonne Shimp Joseph C. Simmons (B.S. ’82) and Mary W. Simmons (B.S. ’82) David M. Singer (B.S. ’84) R. Lance Snipes (B.S. ’80) Samuel S. So (M.S. ’64) Gerald B. Sternstein (J.D. ’75) and Susan Sternstein Michael J. Sundquist (B.S. ’00) and Jennifer B. Sundquist Liberty E. Taylor (B.S. ’96, M.A. ’99, M.D. ’08) Sarah L. Turnage (B.A. ’95, M.A. ’99) and Thomas J. Turnage (M.S. ’07) Ronald M. VanOeveren (B.S. ’70, M.S. ’70) and Diana S. VanOeveren (B.A. ’67) G. Kevin Vaughn (B.S. ’86) and Brenda E. Vaughn (B.S.N. ’86) James C. Walton (B.S. ’95) Charlie Ward, Jr. (B.S. ’93) and Tonja H. Ward F. Palmer Williams (B.A. ’68, J.D. ’72) and Leslie S. Williams (B.S. ’68) Raymond A. Woodbury, Jr. (B.S. ’67) Christine O. Woodworth (B.S. ’93) *This list includes individuals who joined the FSU Alumni Association as Life Members between Oct. 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019.
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CLASS NOTES Indicates FSU Alumni Association Life Member Indicates FSU Alumni Association Member
1980s Kenneth R. Farrell (B.S. ’78) was promoted to president and CEO of First Chatham Bank in Savannah, Georgia. Mary C. Warshauer (B.S. ’78) was named the first vice president of National Garden Clubs Inc. (NGC), the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. Warshauer previously served as second vice president. As first vice president for the next two years, Warshauer will serve as liaison to NGC state presidents and region directors, and help guide the national organization’s work to promote civic and environmental responsibility and a love of gardening and floral design.
Kenneth A. Kiewra (Ph.D. ’82) wrote “Nurturing Children’s Talents: A Guide for Parents,” a book that provides steps on how parents can help their child develop talent in a variety of activities. The book looks at the experiences of Olympic athletes, award-winning artists and more.
EMERITUS Nancy Hill (M.S. ’66) was honored with the Florida State University College of Social Work’s Distinguished Emeritus Alumni Award. Hill’s 35-year career in social work includes a lifelong dedication to working with veterans, as well as a passion acquired later on for international social work and field supervision of social work interns. ▼ Mike Martin ▼ Anne Hamilton Anne Hamilton (B.S. ’79), vice president of global travel for The Walt Disney Company, was honored for her exceptional contributions to hospitality at the Meeting Planners International President’s Dinner at the World Education Conference.
Joseph Wessel (B.S. ’84) wrote “White Fang and the Golden Bear,” the story of how the game of golf crafted a special father-son bond. The book recounts a special round at Augusta National with Jack Nicklaus, a professional golfer known as “The Golden Bear.” Susan Graham Mayo (B.S. ’86) was selected as wealth management senior managing director for the Southwest Region of Wells Fargo. She has also been named one of the “30 Women to Watch” and earned a Pathfinder Award, both from Utah Business magazine.
Mike Martin (B.S. ’66) will be featured on the cover of the February issue of Baseball America, which will also include a feature article spotlighting Martin’s career and final season with the Seminoles.
1970s Perry “Ed” Anthony (B.A. ’71, M.S. ’73, Ph.D. ’76) retired in June 2018 from the U.S. Department of Education where he served as the deputy commissioner for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Anthony served for 30 years in the U. S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of colonel. Susan A. Gore (B.A. ’71) received the 2019 Oliva Espin Award from the Association for Women in Psychology. The award recognizes work in the areas of gender and immigration, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. 52 Vires
WE ARE RISING: Jessica Wallace McBride (B.S. ’93), an educator with a 25-year career spanning teaching from elementary to graduate school, presented at TEDxSavannah’s 10th anniversary event. In her TEDx Talk, she explored ways in which the South’s stereotypes have been challenged by current events after a colleague questioned why she did not have a Southern accent. In addition to being a lifelong teacher, she founded the Imani Dance Program for Youth Development, a nonprofit that teaches adolescents self-esteem through the performing arts, and is the author of several books.
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JOY JINKS (B.A. ’71, M.S.W. ’75) Joy Jinks jazzed up Georgia via local flavor and a dose of New York flair. Swamp Gravy, Georgia’s Official Folk-Life Play, presents stories of universal appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It has its roots both in Colquitt, Georgia, and New York, where Jinks met Richard Owen Geer at a conference in the early ’90s. Geer had a blueprint for a new type of theater — one of, by and for the community. Jinks carried that inspiration back home to create Swamp Gravy, which is both a play and an organization. Its mission? To involve as many people as possible in a theatrical experience that empowers the individual, bonds the community and strengthens the local economy while crossing the boundaries of class, race, economy and social class. The first show was in a school auditorium in October 1992, but Swamp Gravy took a hiatus the next year to build up funds to keep the effort going strong. Monica Jeffries Hazangeles (B.M. ’89) was named president and CEO of Strathmore, a nonprofit center for visual and performing arts in Bethesda, Maryland. Jeffries Hazangeles is only the second person to hold the top leadership position in the organization’s 37-year history. Jeffries Hazangeles played a pivotal role in growing Strathmore into one of the region’s preeminent performing arts centers.
More than 25 years later, theater is now done all year round in a state-of-the-art venue called Cotton Hall, bringing in some audience members from Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs. The large-cast, all-ages performances give performers flexibility to both perform and tend to family needs. “Some people say: ‘I’d just like a little part,’” Jinks said. “Every role is double or triple cast, so you don’t have to be obligated to every show for a month.” That timeframe has given parents and kids a chance to share the stage experience in the town 60 miles north of Tallahassee. FSU played its own part in this long-running show. Along with providing Jinks an avenue to a career as a social worker, her time at FSU gave her insight into the importance of community organizing, which she defines as getting people together to address problems. “Going to FSU after having three kids broadened my interests a lot,” Jinks said. “I never dreamed this would happen.”
Krewasky A. Salter (M.A. ’93, Ph.D. ’96) was named executive director of the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. Salter, a retired U.S. Army colonel with more than 34 years of experience, previously served as a senior staff officer at the Pentagon before retiring from the military in 2010.
1990s Matthew L. Garrett (B.M.Ed. ’93, Ph.D. ’09), associate professor of music education and coordinator of undergraduate studies in music and music education at Case Western Reserve University has been appointed director of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education.
Swamp Gravy has become a global model for community theater through its collaborative production philosophy consisting of over 100 volunteers. Information and tickets: swampgravy.com
John Casey (M.A. ’94) authored “RAW THOUGHTS,” a book that fuses poetry and black and white film photography. Casey was nominated for the 2019 National Book Award for Poetry administered by the National Book Foundation. Susannah Brown (M.S. ’95, Ph.D. ’01) was named National Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association for her work as an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. Paul J. Jagdmann (B.S. ’97) was promoted to mission manager for NASA's Launch Services Program, which manages the launch services for all of NASA's robotic and science missions across the agency. Jagdmann will manage the launch service for the upcoming Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission that will launch in mid-2021. Andrew “Drew” Aveling (B.F.A. ’98) launched Siitch (short for “situation”), a company that helps people save time and money and reduce food waste for their events.
▲ Krewasky A. Salter Angela Santone (B.S. ’93) was appointed chief administrative officer at AT&T Services. She previously served as chief human resources officer at Turner.
Johanna G. Byrd (M.S.W. ’98) was honored as the Florida State University College of Social Work’s Distinguished Alumni in Social Work Policy and Administration. Byrd has had a 17-year career working with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) starting with an internship with the Florida chapter. She worked in several roles for the chapter and is currently the executive director of the NASW Pennsylvania chapter.
▲ Matthew L. Garrett Vires 53
CLASS NOTES Jon Michael Dasher (B.S. ’99), senior vice president of development at Seminole Boosters, is leading the major gift team for Seminole Boosters that has received over $70 million for the Unconquered Campaign.
▼ Jennifer McKee
Donald “Andre” Holland (B.F.A. ’03) played the title role of Othello in a highly successful run at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. ▲ Donald “Andre” Holland
2000s Carla Williams (Ph.D. ’00), athletic director at the University of Virginia, became the first African American woman to hold the position of athletic director and win an NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Previously, she served at the University of Georgia for 13 years as a deputy director of athletics and was the first female African-American to hold such a position in a Power Five Conference institution. ▲ Carla Williams
Jennifer McKee (B.A. ’01, M.S. ’06) was promoted to associate director of Outdoor Programs and Facilities at FSU Campus Recreation. She has worked with the department since 2002 when she began as a coordinator of aquatics. Thomas Palermo (J.D. ’01) was appointed to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Palermo previously served as an assistant United States attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa.
Jordanna Sheermohamed (B.S. ’03, M.S. ’05), Leela Watson (M.S. ’03, Ph.D. ’06), and Michael Watson (B.S. ’02, M.S. ’05) created InitWeather LLC, a woman-owned Florida business, to improve weather forecasts using artificial intelligence. InitWeather received a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Phase I award in 2016.
RITESH GUPTA (B.S. ’98), ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER A major blessing contained a massive challenge for Ritesh Gupta. Gupta was chosen to tell the story of recently retired Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade through a 4-minute tribute video — but he had less than four weeks to produce it. “Normally, something like this takes three or four months,” Gupta said. “But his (Wade’s) season and career had an end date.” The outcome was the viral video, “This Bud’s for 3.” In the video, Wade’s family members and basketball fans flocked to see a montage of Wade swapping jerseys with his peers in the National Basketball Association. Then five more people greet Wade in person on a basketball court.
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None of those five had ever played a second of professional basketball. First, the sister of a Parkland shooting victim gives Wade her late brother’s basketball jersey. Next, Danny Arzu (B.S. ’17), tells Wade how he inspired Arzu to pursue both a degree
at FSU and a career. Then a young woman tells Wade she was the recipient of a full scholarship from him. She gives Wade her graduation cap and gown. A mother whose family lost their home to a fire thanks Wade for taking them on a shopping spree. Finally, Wade’s mother Jolinda walks in. She talks about their mother-son relationship and how Wade’s contributions to her life and others are bigger than basketball. Gupta, head of content for Vayner Productions based in New York City, told the story of a basketball player far beyond what happens in a professional sports arena. The video, created and produced by the alumnus, won three awards at Cannes Lions, the global benchmark for effective creative marketing communications. “FSU made me as much as my parents did,” Gupta said. “The things I am doing now are an extension of FSView and Seminole Productions.”
CLASS NOTES Heather Thompson (B.S. ’05, M.S.W. ’07, Ph.D. ’13) was honored with the FSU College of Social Work’s Distinguished Social Work Educator Award. Thompson is an assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) with a track record of dedication as a mentor for her students, alumni and adjunct teaching professors. She also serves as the BSW Program coordinator and director of the Child Welfare Institute at FAU.
Veronica L. Anderson (B.A. ’07, M.A. ’10) joined the All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health as a press officer and marketing specialist. Vanessa Kelly (B.S. ’08) won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Digital Daytime Series (“Giants”) during the 46th annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Beth Wrinkle Nahlik (M.S. ’08) was promoted to assistant dean of student success and director of Title III at Illinois College.
2010s Jose Da Silva (B.S. ’10, M.S. ’12) was selected as vice president of Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois.
▼ Joshua Solow
Kristy Davies (J.D. ’10), associate at Harris Lowry Manton LLP in Atlanta, was named a 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Joshua Solow (B.S. ’03) was named global sales and key account team manager of Allyn International at the Fort Myers headquarters. Solow will also serve as key account team manager for one of the professional services firm’s biggest clients. Rolanda M. Jackson (B.S.W. ’04, M.S.W. ’06) was honored as the Florida State University College of Social Work’s Distinguished Alumni in Social Work Practice. Jackson’s dedication and service to the Gadsden County, Florida, community where she was born and raised has made her a valued and respected member of the community. Along with countless volunteer hours caring for and empowering others, she serves as a school social worker with the Gadsden County School District.
▼ Sonja Ardoin Sonja Ardoin (M.S. ’06) was named a 2019–2021 American College Personnel Association Emerging Scholar. The honor recognizes individuals who are early in their student affairs career. Ardoin also won the 2019 Socioeconomic and Class Issues in Higher Education KC Outstanding Service to NASPA Award. Additionally, Ardoin recently published a book, “Straddling Class in the Academy.”
Tengming Shen (Ph.D. ’10) was one of 64 employees recognized for technological innovations at the Fermilab Inventor Recognition Ceremony, which celebrated employees who earned patents and submitted records of invention during 2018. Angela Alvarado Coleman (Ed.D. ’11) won the Outstanding HBCU/Minority-Serving Institution Professional in Region III award from NASPA, one of the leading organizations for student affairs administrators in higher education.
MATTHEW BUCK (B.S. ’06, M.D. ’10) A typical five-minute work commute for Matthew Buck became a 90-minute march in October 2018. Buck, a physician who provides general pediatrics care for residents in Decatur County and beyond, made it to work thanks to a chainsaw that enabled him to dodge downed trees. That was his first indication of the destruction inflicted upon Bainbridge, Georgia, by Hurricane Michael. “Our entire county was without power and our hospital was on backup generators the first day,” said Buck. “Thank God there were no catastrophes, medically speaking.” Other obstacles quickly surfaced. How would patients get to a doctor’s office or a hospital? Pharmacies were closed. Buck had to do a lot of improvising. He counseled some patients over the phone; others met
him at a hospital or in superstore parking lots. “You are forced to learn things and use every resource you have when the normal ones go away,” Buck said. “It kept me on my toes.”
Dr. Matthew Buck with a young patient
Tree removal crews and power company workers came from as far as Missouri. “People from all over creation were here to help,” Buck said. Crops and farming equipment also took a beating. “Even 100-year-old trees haven’t seen that much wind before. Pecan orchards were trashed with every single tree on the ground.” Bainbridge is roughly 120 miles away from where the storm made landfall. “I have never seen damage like that so far inland,” said Buck. While Bainbridge has recovered physically, the financial recovery is a work in progress.
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CLASS NOTES Dylan Hamilton (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’13) was named executive director of Rugby Pennsylvania. Hamilton was a standout member of the Florida State rugby team during his time at FSU. He lends his expertise in the sport to help promote the game of rugby throughout Pennsylvania. Kali Hammond (B.S. ’11) was appointed account supervisor at Poston Communications’ Orlando, Florida office. Hammond is responsible for providing strategic communications guidance to professional services clients to drive their businesses forward.
Christopher J. Collins (B.S. ’13, M.S.W. ’14) was honored with the Florida State University College of Social Work’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Collins stood out while pursuing his degrees at Florida State where he received a Social Work Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award and was voted the 2014 Patricia V. Vance MSW Student of the Year. He is now a licensed clinical social worker at Tallahassee Primary Care Associates. ▼ Christopher J. Ray
▼ Yeman Brown Yeman Brown (B.F.A. ’14) will debut on Broadway this fall in “Jagged Little Pill” at the Broadhurst Theatre.
Joi Walker (Ph.D. ’11), assistant professor of chemistry at Eastern Carolina University, received the 2019 Dean’s Early Career Award for exceptional performance by tenure-track assistant professors.
Joshua D. Gabel (B.S. ’14) was named regional director for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) for the Capital Area Regional Office handling constituent services, military academy nominations and staff briefing.
Andrew Mannheimer (M.S. ’12, Ph.D. ’16) was presented the 2019 Phil Prince Award for Innovative Teaching by Clemson University. Mannheimer is completing his third year on the faculty of the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department at Clemson. Daria Willis (Ph.D. ’12) was named president of Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. Willis was also a 2018 recipient of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges’ “40 Under 40” award.
Christopher J. Ray (M.M. ’13) was appointed resident conductor for Opera San José. As resident conductor, he will conduct two performances of each production, act as principal coach and oversee chorus preparation.
Kim Reid (M.S. ’14, Ph.D. ’18) won the Best Dissertation award from the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Study Abroad and International Students Special Interest Group at the CIES annual conference in San Francisco, California. The annual award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. or Ed.D. dissertation work and focuses in particular on originality, the rigor of research and subject matter.
MIKAELA BENDER (B.A. ’19) When Mikaela Bender’s readers were anxiously awaiting the next developments in “Expiration Date” … she was right there with them. Bender’s novel, the first in a four-part series, has been chosen by Syfy to be adapted into a digital pilot, taking the story to life on the screen. It is new ground in a growth process that saw Bender begin “Expiration Date” a few hundred words at a time on Wattpad, an online community for writers to self-publish works. “There was something exciting about not knowing what I was doing with it,” Bender said. “It made me feel like a reader — getting to read my own story and see what would happen next. I really got to explore the characters.” When readers started commenting on the storyin-progress, that gave Bender a chance to evaluate what worked well and what didn’t within the story. She was able to take those opinions into consideration and fine-tune “Expiration Date.” Mikaela Bender in front of Heritage Fountain. Photo by Carsyn Lee Durrett 56 Vires
Bender’s journey in writing started at age 14. She always had a book in her hands, but never thought
being an avid reader would lead to writing. “I would read constantly,” she said. “That really helped me know the audience and style I was going for.” With her bachelor’s degree in Editing, Writing and Media in hand, Bender is going through the next steps in conjunction with Wattpad and Syfy. Depending on the feedback and shares on SyfyWire, “Expiration Date” may be picked up past the pilot. In the meantime, Bender has spent several weeks at New York University participating in the Summer Publishing Institute. Bender did have an opportunity to exhale after taking the call where she found out “Expiration Date” had been chosen by Syfy as a pilot program. “I knew ‘Expiration Date’ had been chosen, but I didn’t know Syfy (was the destination). I was pacing around the room on the phone. I immediately called my mom and was finally able to freak out.” “Expiration Date” currently has 19.6 million reads. It was the fourth-most read book on Wattpad in 2016, and can be viewed at syfy.com.
CLASS NOTES SAVING THE OCEANS: This World Oceans Day, two FSU alumnae cleared more than 300 pounds of trash from Siesta Key Beach, Florida, to raise awareness of ocean conservation and plastic pollution on a local level. Yasmin Parsloe (B.A. ’12) and Tara Caguiat (B.S. ’15) run Beach.com, a travel website with a focus on sustainable travel to beach destinations. The World Oceans Day Beach.com Cleanup is the first of many cleanups they plan to host as part of their mission to give back to communities that depend on tourism. More than 300 locals attended the beach cleanup, which included sunrise beach yoga, live music, a raffle with prizes including a free diving certification, marine biologist presentations and other fun activities. "It's so important that we teach our youth about the impacts of consumption and plastic pollution,” said Parsloe. “It was great to see so many young families out with their kids, teaching them how to live and travel responsibly."
From left, Tara Caguiat and Yasmin Parsloe Abigail Hallett (B.S. ’15, M.S. ’15) and Amanda Lewis (B.S. ’14, M.S. ’14) won a Division on Autism & Developmental Disabilities’ (DADD) 2019 Teacher of the Year Award. DADD is a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The award is given to those who have reached the highest standards as an educator. Corey Kirkwood (J.D. ’15), associate at Matis Baum O'Connor in Pittsburgh, was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2019.
Derrick Mitchell (B.S. ’15, M.S. ’18) joined Washington State Athletics as a member of their student services staff. Mitchell was a defensive tackle for FSU football during his time here; ESPN rated him the number 18 defensive tackle. Spencer Scruggs (M.S. ’16), a disability specialist at FSU, was named incoming chair of the Coalition for (Dis)Ability with ACPA-College Student Educators International. Christian Williams (M.S. ’16), coordinator of extended orientation and transition programs at the University of Delaware, was named the winner of the Outstanding New Professional Award from the NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community. Daniel DeShazo (B.S. ’18), junior leadership program teacher at Caloosa Middle School, was named the 2019 New Teacher of the Year by the Lee County School Board. DeShazo served in the Marines for five years before deciding to become a teacher. Jason Guilbeau (Ph.D. ’18) was named executive director of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), which promotes higher education as a field of study.
▼ Jesse Marks Jesse Marks (B.A. ’16), a current graduate student at University of Cambridge, Fitzwilliam College, was named a Schwarzman Scholar, one the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships.
Monique Ositelu (Ph.D. ’18) received a 2019 Dissertation of the Year award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. The selection committee described Ositelu’s dissertation about NCAA Division I academic reform as “field shifting.”
▼ Kiara Gilbert Kiara Gilbert (B.F.A. ’19) was awarded a Humanity in Action Fellowship in Berlin. Fellows participate in intensive four-week educational programs in cities across Europe then return to their own communities to develop and implement action projects to address social justice issues.
t h e A lu m n i m en ts w it h h s li p m o c c a ou t S h a re y ou r ve t o h e a r a b on es , lo ld ou w e W A s s oc i a t i on ! c a re e r m i le st en ts s uc h a s m e ev i h c a r y ou , et c . w a r d s / h on o r s a , s on i t a c li p ub , vi s it r C l a s s N ot es t h e fo s w e n r ou To s ub m it y an d f i ll ou t / c l a s s - n ot es du e . u a tu re d i n s f . i n m a lu a t e m ay b e fe an n e ls . d up r ou Y . on li n e fo r m l me d i a c h on s an d s oc i a i t a do es c li ub p U FS s , s ub m i s s i on z i n e . on i t a it m li e c a ga D ue t o sp a in VIRES M on i s lu c n i ee n ot g u a r an t Vires 57
IN MEM O RIA M 1930s Vera M. (née Williams) Walker (B.S. ’32, M.S. ’46) Martha (née Godard) Conely (B.S. ’37) Lucy (née Mikell) Dinkins (L.I. ’38) Margaret (née Kennedy) Lewis (B.S. ’39, M.S. ’61) Gibson (née Dey) Wright (B.A. ’39)
1940s Muriel (née Rowley) Haines (B.S. ’40) Elizabeth (née Ezzard) Cunningham (B.S. ’42) Martha (née Brandon) Reeder (B.A. ’42, M.A. ’49) Sue (née Chaires) Boynton (B.A. ’43) Jean (née Cheaney) Collins (B.S. ’43) Katheryne (née Allison) Pryor (B.S. ’43) Jean (née Kennedy) Curran (B.A. ’44) Mary R. (née Walker) Napolitano (B.S. ’44) Leila (née Seay) Oughterson (B.S. ’44) Mary C. (née Riggins) Branan (B.S. ’45) Helen (née Miller) Lester (B.A. ’45) Mildred (née Crawford) McTureous (B.M. ’45) Jean C. Yothers (B.A. ’45) Pauline E. Council (B.A. ’46, M.S. ’65, Ph.D. ’71) Elaine (née Keller) Flatto (B.A. ’46) Lola (née Sparkman) Frieze (B.A. ’46) Eugenia (née Gregory) Hoffman (B.A. ’46)
1. Flowers surround Wetherell’s statue on Westcott Plaza after his passing. 2. No. 28, Wetherell in action during an FSU football game. 3. Wetherell during his service as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida. 4. A jubilant graduate shakes hands with President Wetherell at commencement.
I N ME MO R I A M
T.K. WETHERELL (1945–2018) (B.S. ’67, M.S. ’68, PH.D. ’74) FSU PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Dorothy S. (née McCurdy) Lamb (B.A. ’46) Marianne M. (née Smith) Mabie (B.A. ’46) Barbara (née Holt) Merck (B.A. ’46) Anne W. (née Widerquist) Raulerson (B.S. ’46) Sidney (née Conner) Ashley (B.M. ’47) Alice (née Spiers) Davis (B.S. ’47) Nell (née Clark) Gillis (B.A. ’47) Lena (née Harding) Holloway (B.A. ’47) Marion E. (née Moorhead) Painter (B.A. ’47) Connie (née McCall) Alford (B.A. ’48) Esther (née Hill) Beavers (B.S. ’48) Gloria (née Wells) Broadfoot (B.A. ’48) Mary Ruth Miller (B.A. ’48) Emily (née Chancy) Walker (B.S. ’48, M.S. ’60) Gloria A. (née Cummings) Crahan (B.S. ’49) June (née Dyer) Davis (B.S. ’49) Velma R. (née Wilkie) McDonald (B.M. ’49) Angie (née Castellano) Messina (B.S. ’49) Mary (née Jackson) Valentine (B.S. ’49, M.S. ’54) Jeannette (née Rudd) Warnock (B.S. ’49, M.S. ’60) Alvany (née English) Wilson (B.S. ’49) Margaret (née Pettis) Yelvington (B.A. ’49)
1950s Anne (née Lomax) Billy (B.S. ’50) Fernie K. Clark (B.S. ’50) William S. Earle, Jr. (M.S. ’50)
{
Elise (née Thomas) Ewart (B.S. ’50) Helen K. Hobbs (B.S. ’50) Marian (née Marotta) Mullen (B.S. ’50) Jesse C. Mullis (B.S. ’50, M.S. ’59) Anna (née Fernandez) Noya (B.A. ’50) Joyce (née Hinson) Williams (B.S. ’50) Aileen (née Murphy) Broome (B.S. ’51) Walter B. Granger (B.S. ’51) Everett A. Kelly (B.S. ’51) Sylvia (née Miller) Maddalena (B.S. ’51) Guy M. Maddox (B.S. ’51) Roberta R. McAtee (B.A. ’51) Betty W. Neet (B.S. ’51) Patricia A. Shaar (B.S. ’51) Ellis R. Smith (B.S. ’51) E. Ray Solomon, Sr. (B.S. ’51, M.S. ’58) Sarah (née Haire) Barnhill (B.S. ’52) John C. Bowman, Jr. (B.S. ’52) Frances (née Mitchell) Dooley (B.S. ’52) Norma (née May) Eddins (B.M. ’52) Nancy (née Mueller) Mook (B.S. ’52) Mae (née Gilbert) Pierce (M.M. ’52) Zenia (née Davis) Spencer (M.A. ’52) Ethel (née Shorter) Springer (B.A. ’52) Charles E. Smith (B.S. ’52) Lorna (née Cowle) Wass (B.A. ’52) Walter R. Wynn (B.S. ’52)
“It’s hard to grasp the thousands of lives T.K. touched through his work at Daytona Beach Community College, Bethune-Cookman, TCC and FSU. And that is T.K.’s true legacy — the countless Floridians who are better off because of the battles he fought, the legislation he passed, the students he taught and mentored, and the institutions he led.” - John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72), president of Florida State University 4
1 3
1963
Arrives at FSU as a scholarship football player
Wetherell's Service to FSU
1963 1980
A champion for Higher Ed
2
58 Vires
1980–1992
Serves in the Florida House of Representatives
2003
Wetherell is appointed FSU President
1992 2003
Billye Clyde (née Wade) Yates (B.S. ’52) Louis J. Calderoni (B.A. ’53) Gladys (née Tinkler) Calvetti (B.S. ’53) William H. Cutler (B.A. ’53) Martha J. (née Wilson) Hayford (B.S. ’53) Alvin H. Hecht (B.S. ’53, M.S. ’54) Arnold E. Houston, Jr. (B.S. ’53) Dwight W. Lambe, Jr. (B.S. ’53, M.S. ’57) Barbara (née Fryer) Marsee (B.S. ’53) John M. McCorkle (B.S. ’53) Joe D. Mills, Sr. (M.S. ’53) Thomas T. Rogero (B.S. ’53, M.S. ’54) Mary (née Elder) Yadon (B.S. ’53) James G. Dalafave (B.S. ’54) Ernest A. Jones (B.M.E. ’54) Laverne (née Jennings) Kebert (B.S. ’54) Virginia (née Musselman) McDonald (B.S. ’54) Bette (née Srygley) Walker (B.S. ’54) Harold E. Bergman (M.A. ’55) George W. Brown, Jr. (B.S. ’55) Nancy (née Sossamon) Buck (B.S. ’55) David G. Cobb (B.S. ’55) Anne (née Morgan) Conn (B.A. ’55, M.A. ’75) Janet (née Hamrick) Dickson (B.S. ’55) Phyllis E. Dye (B.S. ’55, M.S. ’61) Joan (née Mikesell) Eddy (B.S. ’55) Rosanne (née Hagadorn) Erhardt (B.S. ’55)
Anita (née Kant) Fleet (M.A. ’55, Ph.D. ’61) Henry S. Holley (B.S. ’55) Oscar J. Locklin, Sr. (B.S. ’55) Mary (née Davis) Morrison (B.A. ’55) Janelle (née Hull) Parrish (B.S. ’55) Wallace A. Reichert, Jr. (B.S. ’55) Richard D. Slade (B.S. ’55) Crystal (née McRae) Allen (B.A. ’56) Walter D. Anderson (B.S. ’56) Barbara (née Bachman) Chazal (B.S. ’56) George T. Christian (B.S. ’56, M.S.’63) Carole (née Harris) Miller (B.S. ’56) Elwood B. Parker, Jr. (B.S. ’56) Robert C. Stuke, Sr. (B.S. ’56) Richard N. Thierry (B.M. ’56, M.M. ’57) Sara E. Tornay (B.M. ’56) Hulon E. Whitton (B.S. ’56) Joan (née Cundiff) Allen (B.S. ’57) Sondra (née Golden) Bass (B.S. ’57) Suzanne (née Lally) Carnell (B.S. ’57) Josiah B. Gould, Jr. (M.A. ’57) Janet Hale (B.A. ’57) Herbert K. Hathcox (B.S. ’57) Arthur E. Hempel, Jr. (B.S. ’57) Anita P. Mengason (B.S. ’57) Norman F. Olson (B.S. ’57, M.S. ’58) Madge (née Parker) Pickens (B.S. ’57)
Paul L. Redfearn, Jr. (Ph.D. ’57) Jean (née Dawson) Roat (M.S. ’57) William E. Stanley, Jr. (B.S. ’57) Richard L. Sweetman (B.S. ’57) Lawrence M. Zuber (B.S. ’57) Avery D. Baker (M.A. ’58) Warren E. Becker (Ph.D. ’58) Leighton G. Brown (B.S. ’58) James R. Bruner (B.S. ’58, M.S. ’68) Rebecca (née Blount) Buxton (B.S. ’58) Eleanor W. (née Graveley) Fleming (B.A. ’58) Priscilla (née Moss) Greenfield (B.A. ’58) Charles W. Haynes (B.S. ’58, M.S.’63) Margaret (née Roberts) Hill (B.S. ’58) Loretta Lewis Holliday (B.A. ’58, M.S. ’71) Alice L. Jensen (B.S. ’58) Richard L. Kantack, Sr. (M.S. ’58) Darryll G. Mahoney (B.S. ’58) Charles Y. Massey (B.S. ’59) DeWitt Mathers (B.S. ’58) Donald E. North (B.S. ’58) Richard L. Puckett (B.S. ’58, M.S. ’60) Catherine A. Smith (D.M.A. ’58) Susie (née Tyler) Stone (B.S. ’58) Frank B. Tillett (B.S. ’58) Richard R. Underhill (B.S. ’58) Ralph E. Waterman, Jr. (B.S. ’58)
5. At a Tribal Council meeting in 2005, Wetherell presents then Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Mitchell Cypress with a framed cast of the FSU seal following the tribe's historic vote in support of FSU’s use of the Seminole name. 6. Former FSU football coach Bobby Bowden and Wetherell at a Seminole Tribe Hall of Fame event in 2006. 7. Wetherell and his wife Ginger pose in front of the newly constructed President’s House in 2007. 8. The stage of Ruby Diamond Concert Hall set for an orchestral performance. Photos by FSU Photography Services, unless otherwise noted
Thomas Kent Wetherell, who died Dec. 16, 2018, at the age of 72, was the first Florida State University alumnus to serve as president of the university. Known among friends, colleagues and fellow Seminoles as “T.K.,” this threetime alumnus and champion for FSU arrived on campus as a scholarship football player in 1963.
additional faculty members, significant investments in graduate-level programs and $800 million worth of new construction and renovations across the university. His visionary leadership helped propel FSU into the top echelon of American public universities, and his affable spirit of cheerful good humor made him a beloved figure on campus and across the state.
He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1980–1992 including terms as appropriations chair and house speaker where he worked unrelentingly to advance higher education in Florida. Guided by his experiences as a legislator, Wetherell’s 2003–2010 tenure as FSU president was defined by dramatic forward progress. At FSU, he launched the Pathways of Excellence initiative that included hiring
After serving as president, Wetherell remained a staunch advocate for higher education as a tenured professor in the College of Education and director of the Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Innovation. His resolute devotion to Florida State helped thousands of its students pursue their goals and realize their dreams, and the far-reaching fruits of his life’s work continue to benefit the university today.
2005
2010
Launches the Pathways of Excellence program
5
Completion of $33-million renovation of Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
Nurtures a closer relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida resulting in a historic resolution supporting the university’s use of the Seminole name
6
Establishes the Office of National Fellowships resulting in three Rhodes Scholarships in four years: Garrett Johnson (2006), Joe O'Shea (2008) and Myron Roll (2009)
7
2010
2007 2007
Completion of the stately President’s House, a gracious symbol of the university's heritage
“Of all the classes that were a part of the higher education master’s program, the three with Dr. Wetherell were the most impactful, influential — and most importantly — enjoyable.”
8
2018
2005
Retires from the presidency and becomes a professor in the FSU College of Education and the director of the Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Innovation
- Leslie Mille (B.S. ’95, M.S. ’15), associate director of the FSU Career Center
Vires 59
John N. Belitz (B.S. ’59) Ann (née Welsh) Cole (B.S. ’59) Gerald L. Commander (M.S. ’59) Guido Controni (M.S. ’59) Max N. Davis (B.S. ’59) Edwin A. Herrin, III (B.S. ’59) Diana Holroyd (B.A. ’59) Robert D. Johnson (B.S. ’59) Linda (née Brinkley) Lindsey (B.A. ’59) Roy McCollum, Jr. (B.S. ’59) Anita K. Oser (M.A. ’59, Ph.D. ’94) Roy W. Philemon, Jr. (M.A. ’59) Wade O. (née Schlott) Rucker (B.S. ’59, M.S. ’64) Stephen K. Wilson (B.S. ’59)
1960s Evelyn P. Anastasiou (B.A. ’60) Tamsy (née Fain) Armstrong (B.S. ’60) Marian H. (née Hensley) Gomez (B.S. ’60, M.A. ’62) Henry J. Hughes (B.S. ’60) Robert F. Leicht (B.S. ’60) Roland T. Martin, III (M.A. ’60) James H. McNeil, Sr. (B.S. ’60) Clyde V. Myers (B.S. ’60) Robert L. Shannon (Ed.D. ’60) Marjorie (née Williams) Smith (B.S. ’60) Curtis Westbrook, Jr. (B.S. ’60, M.Acc. ’63) James D. Adams (B.A. ’61) William E. Augsburger (B.S. ’61) Joseph O. DeLage, Jr. (Ph.D. ’61) David D. Durrett (B.S. ’61) Patricia (née Kelley) Durward (B.S. ’61) Harriet L. L'Engle (B.S. ’61) Sybil (née Warren) Lewis (B.S. ’61) Charles D. Lowery (M.A. ’61) John A. Gillrup (B.S. ’61) Kenneth W. Helms (B.S. ’61) Kary (née Inlow) Jones (B.S. ’61) Henry Ray Kent (B.S. ’61, M.S. ’73) Mr. Roy E. Mathis (B.S. ’61) Robert W. May, Sr. (B.S. ’61) Robert P. Miller (B.A. ’61) William A. Phillips (B.S. ’61, M.S. ’75, Ph.D. ’79) Ms. Barbara (née Youmans) Probst (B.M.E, ’61) Robert J. Reynolds (B.S. ’61) Richard E. Tomlin (B.S. ’61) William L. Yancey (B.S. ’61) Peggy (née Row) Bazzell (B.A. ’62) Joe M. Berchey (B.S. ’62, M.A. ’63) W. Thomas Blackshear (B.S. ’62) Virginia (née Burch) Blount (B.S. ’62) Roy C. Brand (B.S. ’62) Frederick H. Burkey (B.S. ’62) Sue (née Jones) Burrow (B.S. ’62) Barry A. Cohen (B.S. ’62) Myron Farb (B.S. ’62) Ralph Gabriel (Ed.D. ’62) Dennis L. Hale (M.A. ’62, Ph.D. ’77) Sabra (née Hooks) Hambleton (B.S. ’62) Charles W. Holmes (M.S. ’62, Ph.D. ’65) Theodore J. Klingen (Ph.D. ’62) Charles H. Landau (B.S. ’62) Stanley O. Lewis (B.S. ’62) Robert L. Nabors (B.S. ’62) Lewis A. Raulerson (Ph.D. ’62) 60 Vires
Elizabeth (née Walker) Rohrer (B.M. ’62) Mary N. (née Jernigan) Russ (B.S.W. ’62, M.S.W. ’84) Odessa L. Smith (B.S. ’62) Ronald E. Swaine (B.S. ’62) Robert L. Thomas (B.S. ’62) Charles W. Wade (B.S. ’62) Edith (née Fuller) Wilson (B.S. ’62) Charles W. Bauermeister, III (B.S. ’63) Letitia (née VanLandingham) Dragoo (B.S. ’63) Dorothy (née Stephens) Gardner (B.S. ’63) Russell K. Gifford (B.S. ’63) Alice (née Barron) Grow (B.A. ’63) Cordell H. Harrison (B.M.E. ’63) Ellis W. Hitzing (B.A. ’63, M.S. ’66, Ph.D. ’68) Kenneth L. Hornsby (B.S. ’63) Felix A. Johnston, Jr. (B.S. ’63) Joseph W. Marshall (B.A. ’63) Sarah (née Reese) Parker (B.S. ’63) Linda (née Dorsey) Pendleton (B.S. ’63) Esther L. Perry (B.A. ’63) Jane N. (née Bradshaw) Saladin (B.M. ’63) Kenneth A. Sibal (M.S. ’63) Patricia (née Millspaugh) Stringer (B.S. ’63) Nancy L. (née Turner) Welch (B.A. ’63) Dudley C. Brewton, Jr. (B.S. ’64, M.S. ’71) Stephen C. Botts (B.S. ’64) James A. Carter, III (B.A. ’64, M.A. ’65, Ph.D. ’69) Art G. Ereckson (B.S. ’64) Sylvia (née Reeder) Gavlak (B.A. ’64) Thomas O. Gay (B.A. ’64) Don E. Grantham, M.D. (B.A. ’64) James A. Hart (B.S. ’64, M.S. ’66) Barbara A. (née DeValerio) Holmes (B.S. ’64) Francis J. Marcotte (B.S. ’64) Sue (née Bragg) McCartney (B.S. ’64) Peggy (née Bass) Musgrove (B.S. ’64) Paul W. Norton, Jr. (B.A. ’64) Diane (née Tinker) O'Cain (B.A. ’64) Merry (née McKenna) Parent (B.S. ’64) Norma J. Prater (M.S. ’64) Carol E. (née Bishop) Rivenbark (B.S. ’64) Wade O. (née Schlott) Rucker (M.S. ’64) Robert E. Smith (M.S. ’64) Su (née Wei) So (M.S. ’64) Joseph A. Tomberlin (M.A. ’64, Ph.D. ’67) Craig R. Wilson (B.S. ’64) John C. Adams, Jr. (Ed.D. ’65) Laura (née Griffin) Brewer (B.A. ’65) William L. Bouknecht (B.M. ’65) Henry M. Butler, III (M.S. ’65) William J. Byrd (B.S. ’65) Denis W. Day (B.S. ’65) James W. Eaves (B.S. ’65) Polly (née Snell) Ellinor (B.S. ’65) Cindy (née Brock) Fitzgerald (B.S. ’65) David A. Garbrick (B.A. ’65) Lou (née Cone) Ginn (B.S. ’65) Sutton G. Hilyard, Jr. (B.A. ’65) Linda (née Dunlap) La Londe (B.S. ’65) Robert W. Minnick, Jr. (B.S. ’65) Mike K. Mugharbel (M.S. ’65) John R. Overchuck (B.A. ’65) Joseph L. Pecci (B.A. ’65) Lester W. Poggenburg (B.S. ’65)
Linda (née Gossett) Robertson (B.S. ’65) Craig E. Zachlod (B.S. ’65, M.S. ’66) Andrew W. Zintel, Jr. (B.A. ’65) Florence (née Lambert) Baria (B.A. ’66) Robert M. Bartram, Sr. (M.S. ’66) Jan T. Berryman (B.S. ’66) JoAnna Conte (M.S. ’66) Patricia (née Patton) Cravey (B.A. ’66) William E. Driver, Sr. (B.S. ’66) Karen R. (née Roessler) Gray (M.A. ’66, Ph.D. ’74) Dianne (née Sharman) Jenkins (B.S. ’66) Duane F. Johnson (M.S. ’66) Thomas H. Neil (B.S. ’66) Rae M. (née Lombard) Parker (B.A. ’66) Gordon L. Phifer (B.S. ’66) Nelson L. Shively (B.S. ’66) Joyce (née Wardlaw) Strickland (B.S. ’66) Susanne (née Eastwood) Taranto (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’76) Mary-Lee (née Krumm) Banek (B.S. ’67) Sandra (née White) Berryman (B.A. ’67) Edwin F. Blanton (B.S. ’67, J.D.’70) Karl F. Daniel (Ph.D. ’67) Donald L. Davis, Sr. (B.A. ’67, M.B.A. ’70) Maria (née Nieves) Edmonds (M.S. ’67) Walter S. Gainey (B.S. ’67) Fred Hartsfield, Jr. (B.S. ’67) William T. Henry, Sr. (M.S. ’67) Leroy E. Jackson, III (B.S. ’67) Stella D. (née Densmore) Johnston (B.S. ’67) Rodney R. Letchworth, Sr. (B.S. ’67) Jane (née Kohlbecker) Lononaco (M.A. ’67) Hazel (née McColm) McClain (B.S. ’67) Erland H. Pulsifer (B.S. ’67) S. Russell Tedder (B.S. ’67) James W. Walch (M.S. ’67) T.K. Wetherell (B.S. ’67, M.S. ’68, Ph.D. ’74) Martha M. Christison (M.S. ’68) Leobardo F. Estrada (M.S. ’68, Ph.D. ’70) Martha R. (née Anderson) Fields (B.S. ’68) Barbara (née Shoemaker) Fonte (B.S. ’68) Charles C. Fuchs (B.S. ’68) Della (née Hutto) Glenn (M.M.E. ’68) Margaret M. Harrison (M.S. ’68) James B. Hinnant, III (B.S. ’68) Dean K. Hoffman (Ph.D. ’68) William B. May (B.S. ’68, M.S. ’69) Bennie D. Middaugh (D.Mus. ’68) Joyce A. (née Queen) O'Brien (B.S. ’68) Judith (née Wagner) Scanling (B.S. ’68) John F. Schmidt (B.S. ’68) Charles E. Vickers (B.S. ’68) Barbara (née Walker) Vickery (B.S. ’68) Stephen M. Auerbach (M.S. ’69, Ph.D. ’71) Patricia E. Barry (M.S. ’69) Ronald N. Benson (M.S. ’69) Clara B. Cooper (Ph.D. ’69) Leonard I. Cottom, Jr. (B.S. ’69, M.B.A. ’70) James S. Cox, Jr. (M.A. ’69, Ph.D. ’70) William R. Denison, Sr. (Ph.D. ’69) Janet (née Herndon) English (B.S. ’69) Marvin L. Floyd (B.S. ’69) Rita (née Saunders) Hannigan (B.A. ’69) Richard W. Hobbs (B.S. ’69)
James R. Jensen (B.S. ’69) Herman E. Jones, Jr. (B.A. ’69) Dallas A. Lambert, Jr. (B.S. ’69) Jere M. Latimer (B.S. ’69) Steven L. Menard (B.A. ’69) Edwin V. Odisho, II (M.S. ’69) Jack L. Poitinger, Jr. (B.S. ’69, M.S. ’70, J.D. ’73) Samuel K. Rogers (Ph.D. ’69) Donald R. Stewart (B.S. ’69)
1970s Rosemary (née Woodham) Bonifay (M.A. ’70) Kermit T. Breen (Ph.D. ’70) Patricia (née Bunyan) Burgess (B.S. ’70) Martha C. (née Parker) Donaldson (M.A.S. ’70) Terry V. Graves (B.S. ’70) Sherry (née Eberhart) Lane (B.S. ’70, M.S. ’72) Nancy (née Russell) Little (B.S. ’70) Gordon “Randy” Logan (B.A. ’70) John Douglas Helms (M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’77) Richard K. Jones (B.A. ’70) William M. Miller (B.S. ’70) Christine (née Widdell) Morin (B.S. ’70) Doyle H. Peel (B.S. ’70) Kenneth A. Polcyn (Ph.D. ’70) Randy W. Ransom, Sr. (B.S. ’70) Pamela (née Wilson) Simpson (B.S. ’70, M.S.W. ’71) Phyllis (née Mulnick) Vaccarelli (M.S.W. ’70) Thomas H. Weekley (B.A. ’70) Paul F. Coburn (B.S. ’71) Nancy A. Dexheimer (B.M. ’71) L. Duane Dove (Ph.D. ’71) Joseph M. Hamm (B.S. ’71) Donna (née Smith) Johnson (B.S. ’71) Manohar L. Julka (M.S. ’71) James W. Payseur, Jr. (B.S. ’71) Daniel L. Randolph (Ph.D. ’71) Curtis B. Rhodes (B.S.W. ’71) Hugh W. Roberts (M.S. ’71) Jeffrey E. Tarr (B.S. ’71) Richard B. Benner, Sr. (M.S. ’72) Kathleen (née Hall) Butcher (B.S. ’72) Lucinda P. (née Payne) Collins (B.S. ’72) Edmund E. Edmonds (B.S. ’72) William H. Harrold, Jr. (J.D. ’72) Rebecca (née Dodd) Hollady (M.S. ’72) Ramsay O. Mead (B.A. ’72, M.A. ’73) Elizabeth A. Newnam (D.Mus. ’72) Theresa A. Perenich (M.S. ’72, Ph.D. ’73) Michael M. Switzer (J.D. ’72) Tonie J. Tiedeberg (B.S. ’72) William F. Ward (Ed.D. ’72) Dennis M. Woods (B.A. ’72) James C. Broughton (B.S. ’73) Rolland T. Carpenter (J.D. ’73) Mary L. (née Sudduth) Fowler (M.S. ’73) Deborah (née Lunsford) Kipp (B.A. ’73) Mr. Roger G. Lindley (B.S. ’73) John B. Mahan (B.S. ’73, M.S. ’76) Josette P. Marquess (M.S.W. ’73) Marlene R. Mason (B.S. ’73) Henry E. Palmer (B.S. ’73) Joe S. Payne (M.B.A. ’73) Joseph W. Quinsey (B.S.W. ’73)
Alicia M. Rojas (M.S. ’73, Ph.D. ’84) Ernest H. Stevenson (M.S. ’73) Ronnie B. Steward (M.B.A. ’73) Elaine R. Swain (B.S. ’73) Raymond E. Velboom (B.S.W. ’73) W. Daniel Whitehurst (B.S.W. ’73) Ronald S. Altman, Sr. (B.S. ’74) Kathleen F. (née Leon) Cleary (B.S. ’74, M.S. ’83) Jean (née Bickley) Cogburn (B.S. ’74) Susan E. Derrick (M.S. ’74) Catherine (née O’Donnell) Edwards (B.S. ’74) Edna J. (née Bauchspies) Farrell (B.A. ’74, M.S. ’76) Bibiana T. Golfin-Greer (Ph.D. ’74) Katherine (née Wilkinson) Gray (B.S. ’74) E. W. Growden (B.S. ’74) Egidio A. Melito (M.B.A. ’74) Anthony R. Reade (B.S. ’74) Stephen L. Sanders (B.A. ’74) Linda (née Aidman) Stroker (B.S. ’74) Robert J. Tirelli (B.A. ’74, J.D. ’77, B.S. ’87) Bonnie Leigh Walker (B.S.W. ’74) Ronald H. Warnock (Ph.D. ’74) Jamie-Ann Cochran (B.A. ’75) James E. Corbett, Jr. (B.S. ’75) Lorriann B. (née Willmer) Corry (B.S. ’75, M.S. ’76) Mary B. (née Wade) Culp (Ph.D. ’75) Robert W. Davis (B.S. ’75) Steven E. Hjelm (B.A. ’75) Dana L. Hotchkiss (B.S. ’75) Emmett J. Jacques (M.S. ’75) Thomas C. Padgett (D.B.A. ’75) Jennifer A. (née Weir) Sawyer (B.S. ’75) Rebecca (née Walker) Steele (Ph.D. ’75) Stephen G. Thigpen (B.S. ’75) William R. Thon (B.S. ’75, M.S. ’79) Nancy L. (née Scrivener) Tucker (B.S. ’75) Candace (née Wilson) Watson (B.S. ’75) Craig H. Witty (B.S. ’75) Ludvig C. Christensen, II (B.S. ’76) Dayne C. Garrison (B.S. ’76) Marlene T. (née Turner) Greenfield (Ed.S. ’76) Gerald W. Hughes (M.S. ’76) Linda K. (née Gregory) Sawyer (B.A. ’76) Harry C. Stafford (Ph.D. ’76) Linda M. Tanner (B.S. ’76) Dougal M. Buie, III (B.S. ’77) Nishma (née Ileri) Duffy (Ph.D. ’77) Susan G. (née Word) Kypreos (M.M. ’77) Gary E. Purdum (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’85) Mary (née Frey) Smallwood (J.D. ’77) Carole L. (née McAtee) Trachy (Ph.D. ’77) Charles D. Tucker (B.S. ’77) Gary W. Turner (B.S. ’77) Roosevelt Wilson (M.S. ’77) Daniel E. Beeman (Ph.D. ’78) Deirdre (née Sheil) Bray (M.S. ’78) Robert L. Carmody (Ed.S. ’78) Mr. James L. Colman, II (B.S. ’78) Charles B. Hall, III (B.M.E. ’78) Carrie (née Robinson) Jernigan (B.S. ’78) Maryanna (née Burton) Koziar (B.S. ’78) Garrett A. Masters (B.S. ’78) Pamela S. (née Hanson) Miller (M.P.A. ’78) Santos Serna, Jr. (B.S. ’78)
Marilyn B. (née McKinstry) Woodburn (M.F.A. ’78) Gary F. Cramer (M.M. ’79) Christian E. Davis (B.S. ’79) Lindsay F. Dodson (B.S. ’79, M.S.W. ’80) W. Brad Hamilton (B.S. ’79)
1980s Vanessa E. (née Wilkes) Dickens (B.A. ’80) Roger L. Gill (Ph.D. ’80) Deborah (née Dominey) Hatton (M.S. ’80) Barbara A. (née Chamberlain) Heburn (B.S. ’80, M.S. ’82) Faye (née Starling) Mayberry (Ph.D. ’80) William M. Rush, Jr. (M.S. ’80) Daniel S. Schwimmer (B.A. ’80) Katherine E. (née Sink) Somelofski (M.A. ’80, Ph.D. ’86) James D. Stephens, Sr. (B.S. ’80) Michael J. Stogner (M.S.W. ’80) William N. Allbritton (B.S. ’81) Robin (née Hagel) Cooper (B.S.N. ’81) Michael R. Jones (B.S. ’81) Kathryn B. Kelley (B.S. ’81) Cary E. Klein (J.D. ’81) Sharon C. Lett (B.S. ’81) Helen B. Lipscomb (Ed.D. ’81) Dannitte H. Mays, IV (B.S. ’81, M.B.A.’94) Mark S. Meseroll (B.S. ’81) Gayle B. Obranic (B.S. ’81) Art G. Odeneal (B.S. ’81) William J. Pehaim (M.B.A. ’81) John J. Spicola (B.A. ’81, M.S. ’84) Jeneice L. (née Williams) Smith (M.S. ’81) William E. Craig, II (B.S. ’82) Robert J. Fritz, D.C. (B.S. ’82) Brenda F. (née Montgomery) Gillis (B.A. ’82) Lee A. Grutchfield (Ph.D. ’82) W. E. Guy, Jr. (J.D. ’82) Patrick A. Mahoney (B.S. ’82) Mary E. (née Sherer) McCreary (B.S. ’82) Jeanette P. Mojica (B.M.E. ’82) Nancy Rosenberg Nicolson (Ph.D. ’82) Douglas E. Pickett, Sr. (B.S. ’82) Karl M. Scheuerman (J.D. ’82) William P. Smith, II (B.S. ’82) Gary B. Stone (B.S. ’82) Lorna M. Acoba (B.S. ’83) David S. Hebert (B.S. ’83) Patrick L. Lindner (M.S. ’83) John F. McLeod, III (M.F.A. ’83) Peter G. Munroe (B.A. ’83) Joe L. Sharit, III (J.D. ’83) Clifton C. Wyrosdick (B.S. ’83) David B. Aide (B.S. ’84) Anthony D. Berry (B.S. ’84) Darrell V. Couch (M.Acc.’84) Jeffrey C. Shaughnessy (B.S. ’84, M.S. ’86) Michael Leon Stokesbury (Ph.D. ’84) Jaunice I. (née Glover) Winchenbach (M.S.W. ’84) Robert P. Bergeron (B.S. ’85) Jeffrey L. Coffey (B.S. ’85) Karen D. (née Howard) Jessee (M.S. ’85, M.A.S. ’89) Maria C. (née Tessitore) Kruchten (B.S. ’85) Marie (née Strubel) Land (B.S. ’85, M.S. ’98) Vires 61
I N ME MO R I A M
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TALBOT "SANDY" D’ALEMBERTE (1933–2019) FSU PRESIDENT EMERITUS
“Sandy was an academic, a statesman, a brilliant lawyer and an international champion of human rights. For all of his notable accomplishments, his most significant impact was the one he had on each of us. Everyone can tell a story about how Sandy changed their lives in ways both big and small.” - John Thrasher (B.S. ’65, J.D. ’72), president of Florida State University 4
1
1994
D’Alemberte is appointed President of FSU
1966–1972
D’Alemberte’s Service to FSU
Serves in the Florida House of Representatives
3
1966
The embodiment of Vires. Artes. Mores.
D’Alemberte is appointed Dean of the FSU College of Law
2
Heritage and University Archives, FSU Libraries.
62 Vires
1994
1984 1984
1. Bowties and flowers decorate D’Alemberte’s statue located at the College of Law, overlooking the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. Photo by FSU Photography Services. 2. D’Alemberte at the Florida House of Representatives in January 1970. Photo by State Archives of Florida/ Fountain. 3. D’Alemberte in 1987 during construction of the rotunda at the College of Law, dedicated in 1988 and named in his honor in September 1992. The D’Alemberte Rotunda is frequently used to host guest speakers and networking events. Photo by FSU College of Law. 4. D’Alemberte and his wife Patsy on a tandem bike in the 1996 Homecoming Parade. Photo courtesy of
Initiates campus beautification campaign
David L. Mundy (B.S. ’85) Jack A. Nieland (B.S. ’85, J.D. ’88) Gloria (née Treadwell) Pipkin (M.S. ’85) Marian (née Siler) Sumner (M.S. ’85) Robert P. Hoff (B.S. ’86) Laura (née Blair) Lang (M.S. ’86, Ph.D. ’93) James A. Miles (B.S. ’86) Thomas L. Durham (B.S. ’87) Linna (née Ward) Marder (M.S. ’87) Marjean (née McLaughlin) Buckner (Ed.D. ’88) Rodney D. Flynn (J.D. ’88) Michael S. Haff (B.S. ’88) James K. McNutt (Ph.D. ’88) David M. Roe (B.S. ’88) Dencel R. Smith (B.S. ’88) Laura A. (née Kennedy) Begnoche (B.S. ’89) Mary P. Boutelle (B.A. ’89, M.B.A. ’90) Donald H. Hammond (Ph.D. ’89) Christian G. Payer (B.S. ’89, J.D.’92) Robert D. Peck (B.A. ’89) Beverly (née Arnold) Platt (B.S.N. ’89) Laura J. (née Widner) Talbird (M.S. ’89) Olga C. (née Cardenas) Vasquez (B.A. ’89) Christopher B. Williams (B.S. ’89)
1990s Frank M. Blandino (B.S. ’90) Anna M. Campbell (M.S. ’90) Melissa D. Dudley (B.S. ’90) Marie E. Halley (B.S. ’90) Jeanette (née Breland) Hull (M.S. ’90) Robert H. Kilian, II (B.S. ’90) Lorraine M. (née Wasiloski) Beckwith (M.S. ’91) Kathleen (née Real) Carter (M.S. ’91) Christopher L. Casault (B.S. ’91) Melanie P. Jordan-Lee (A.A. ’91) Eric J. Mann (B.S. ’91) Kristine M. (née Veskosky) Malegni (B.S. ’92) Millard E. Meyers, Jr. (B.S. ’92) Kenneth D. Richards, Jr. (B.S. ’92) Paul A. Loechelt (B.S. ’93) Hezekiah Ford, III (B.S. ’94) Patti K. Hall (Ph.D. ’94) James T. Northey (B.S. ’94) Robert C. Seal (M.P.A. ’94) Carl W. Tomberlin, Jr. (B.S. ’94) Patrick T. Troy (B.S. ’94) William C. Cameron (B.S. ’95) Kathryn M. Hildebrand (Ph.D. ’95) Theresa (née Stephens) Pankhurst (M.S. ’95) Lynn V. Ringhoff (M.S.W. ’95)
Bestows an honorary Degree of Humane Letters upon civil rights icon Rosa Parks
5
6
Rachel (née Payne) Whitesell (B.A. ’95, J.D. ’98) Joe B. Applegate (Ph.D. ’96) Gerald A. Guido (B.S. ’96) Ross D. Rutt (M.S. ’96) Sharon (née Robinson) Terry (B.S. ’96) Kevin W. Hunnam (B.S. ’97, J.D. ’00) Melissa R. Bailey (B.S. ’98) Joseph M. Campopiano, Jr. (B.S. ’99) Christel D. (née Parish) Tressler (B.S. ’99) Aimee G. (née Goulait) Wheeler (M.S. ’98)
2000s Thomas R. Wojciechowski (B.S. ’01) Sybil (née Gilliland) Plazarin (B.S. ’01, M.B.A ’03) Cristy L. Caserta (B.A. ’02) Rhett P. Whitley (M.S. ’02) Brandon A. Smith (B.A. ’03) Mark C. Williams (M.M. ’03) Christopher K. Dueno (M.S. ’04) Emily Porter (B.A. ’04) Franklin J. Bray (B.S. ’05) Lindsay M. Marano (B.S. ’05) Latoya A. Beckford (B.S. ’06) Lauren Brothers (B.S. ’06, J.D. ’14) Juana R. (née Cuellar) Careaga (M.S. ’06) Michael P. Murphy (B.S. ’06)
Tallahassee native and 12th president of Florida State University, Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte died May 20, 2019, at the age of 85. His connection to FSU ran deep. Both his mother and grandfather attended predecessor institutions of the university and his childhood home was just three blocks from campus. A revered lawyer committed to social justice, D’Alemberte’s career in public service began when he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1966–1972 and spanned more than 50 years. Unmistakable on campus thanks to his signature bowties, D’Alemberte served as dean of the FSU College of Law from 1984–1989 and as president of the university from 1994–2003. His dedication to FSU helped steer the university into a new chapter of growth and success. D’Alemberte
spearheaded a campaign of campus beautification that ensured new construction and renovation projects embodied the spirit of the university’s iconic collegiate gothic architecture. In addition, he was instrumental in championing a festival of the fine and performing arts, acquiring the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for the university after years of negotiation, founding FSU’s College of Medicine and establishing FSU’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. Since its establishment, lawyers, staff and students at the center have worked tirelessly to protect the human rights of individuals in more than 90 countries. Following his presidency at FSU, D’Alemberte remained in Tallahassee as a professor in the College of Law to impart his philosophy on equality, honed throughout his career in public service, to his students.
9 1999
Seven Days of Opening Nights debuts, bringing internationally renowned artists and performers to Tallahassee
7
2000
Acquisition of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the official State Art Museum of Florida Creates the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights Establishment of FSU College of Medicine, the first medical school in the United States in more than 25 years
8 Barbara J. Street (M.S.W. ’07) Lynsi N. (née Engelskirch) Farrell (B.S. ’08) Terry M. Kelley (B.A. ’09)
2010s David M. Lanham, Jr. (B.S. ’10) Keriann S. Shannon (B.S.N. ’10) Robert M. Pitt (B.S. ’11) Hunter J. Rothell (B.S. ’11) Gladys (née Caraway) Glaze (B.S. ’13) Kevin B. Neidorf (B.S. ’13) Tyler M. Clapp (B.S. ’14) Grant B. Ruffner (B.S. ’14) Gynell T. Langhorne (B.S. ’16) Patrick W. F. Osborne (Ph.D. ’18)
Faculty/Staff Kathryn A. Adamshil William P. Anthony Morris Benton Willie M. Blake Bill R. Brubaker, Ph.D. Dora E. Clark William E. Cooks Georgetta L. Crawford Frank J. Crimbley
James R. Crowell Talbot "Sandy" D'Alemberte Lorraine M. Danello James N. Daniels Janet F. Darrah John F. Davis Joseph E. Farrell Michael A. Fennell James A. Ferner Woodrow J. Gavin, Jr. John A. Gehrm, II Deirdre P. Greene Fred W. Hall, Jr. Nickolas Heerema John R. Hills Lillie R. Holden Kayli R. Hrdlicka James E. Humose Mark A. Koorland Lillie M. Landers Bruno Linder Ossie Lofton, Sr. Mary F. McKenna Charles A. McQueen, Sr. Leora E. Monroe Lucy M. Moore
2003–2019
Retires from the presidency and continues his service to the university as a professor in the FSU College of Law
2003
2019
1999
2000
“As a result of Sandy’s vision, thousands of FSU students have studied human rights in disciplines as varied as law, social work, religious studies, criminology, film, art and music therapy, and public policy. Sandy’s love of human rights and for Florida State University will remain his enduring legacy for decades to come.” - Terry Coonan, executive director of the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights
Eugene D. Nichols James H. Notley William I. Norsworthy, Jr. Dorothy A. Obrecht Allison E. Overholt Richard Powell, Sr. Jacquelyn D. Reshard Helen M. Revell Roger L. Richardson Ombra S. Sandifer Jan S. Simmons Nancy W. Skinner Heather E. Smith Timothy J. Smith Jack E. Steen Sidney H. Stringer, Jr. Thomas Tucker Robert W. Vaughan Thomas E. Warner Joseph J. West, Ph.D. Royce A. Whiteaker, Sr. Loyd D. Winkler Arthur K. Womble, Sr.
5. A stained-glass window, the focal point of the extensive renovation of the Werkmeister Humanities Reading Room in Dodd Hall, was installed in 1997 as part of D’Alemberte’s campus beautification effort. The spectacular, 22-foot tall and 10-foot wide window includes more than 10,000 pieces of glass. 6. D’Alemberte bestows an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks on Nov. 21, 1994. Photo courtesy of Heritage and University Archives, FSU Libraries. 7. Since its inaugural season in 1999, Seven Days of Opening Nights has evolved into Opening Nights, an annual festival of the fine and performing arts with offerings from fall to spring. Pictured here is a festival poster from 2005. Painting, “Bessie Mae” by Jonathan Green. 8. The first graduating class of the College of Medicine in 2005. Photo by FSU College of Medicine. 9. The grand courtyard at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, located in Sarasota, Florida. Photo by The Ringling.
Vires 63
64 Vires
THANK YOU, 11 FSU Baseball Coach Mike Martin (B.S. ’66) tips his hat in a bittersweet farewell to a crowd of over 4,000 at his last home game in Dick Howser Stadium where Martin led FSU to victory in a sweep of the Richmond Spiders. In a run that illustrated the remarkable consistency Martin achieved over the last 40 years, the Seminoles went undefeated in regional play on the road in Athens and again in the super regional in Baton Rouge. Winning 40 games for the 40th consecutive season, 11’s historic career ended in the only place it should have, with his 17th trip to Omaha and a spot in the College World Series. Photo by Ross Obley (M.B.A. ’78)
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