End of Year Report
Throughout this report, you will be reminded of many of the outstanding athletic accomplishments of our student-athletes and our teams during the 2020-21 season, most of which will be familiar to you as loyal and engaged supporters.
What may not be as well-known is the success of our student-athletes in the classroom and the community, and I invite you to share in the pride these results inspire in all Seminole fans.
While our dedication to being national leaders in all three areas (athletics, academics, community service) in 2020-21 never waned, it is worth noting that we maintained our exacting standards while enduring two of the most challenging years in intercollegiate athletics history due to the pandemic.
Likewise, the support of Seminole Boosters - your support - for our athletics program and our beloved institution never waivered despite the impact of the challenges of 2020-21 on each of us.
I sincerely thank all of you on behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff for your generous support of FSU Athletics and the Seminole Boosters. We repeat it often but it is the simple truth, Seminole Athletics would not and could not be among the best programs in the country without your support.
Thank you, again, for everything you do for all of us every day, and GO NOLES!
Michael Alford Vice President & Director of Athletics, Florida State UniversitySTEPHEN PONDER
President & CEO
Seminole Boosters, Inc.
Each year, our organization has the distinct privilege to share our fundraising success with those directly responsible for making it happen. One of the great opportunities of being able to do what we do every day is seeing the fulfillment of support that allows special moments throughout the year to happen. Moments like competing for national titles, first-generation student-athletes walking across the stage at commencement, sharing a meal with teammates at a coach’s house, learning important life lessons through defeat, and team building on a road game trip.
As you know, philanthropy is about changing lives for the better, not just for the immediate generation but for generations to come. Your support provides the opportunity to create lifelong relationships and memories supporting over 500 student-athletes chasing a dream, gaining a valuable education, and competing for championships as they represent Florida State University. Quite simply, you help fund the mission of Florida State Athletics by providing scholarships, elite facilities, personal development opportunities, and a world class education to each student-athlete the moment they step foot on campus. It is truly remarkable.
Being relatively new to Seminole Boosters and now serving as President and CEO, I am humbled for the opportunity to work with our Board of Director’s, staff, and donors across the country as we advance the mission of the university while competing with the nation’s elite. Today, I is my pleasure to share with you the 2020-2021 financial update. Enclosed you will find an overall summary as well as a campaign update for the fundraising year, which includes endowment, facility, estate planning, annual fund, and Coaches Clubs. We hope this report displays the impact your contributions have on our program.
On behalf of the entire athletic department, including coaches and student-athletes, as well as Seminole Boosters, thank you for your loyal support. Go Noles!
Stephen Ponder President & Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Boosters, Inc.Mission
Provide opportunities for students to develop in strength, skill, and character through supporting the financial needs of Florida State University Athletics by cultivating relationships within the FSU community.
Vision
To build personal, long lasting relationships with every student, fan, and alumni while inspiring the success of the entire Florida State community through Athletics.
Values
Bold
To continually seek new opportunities to improve, innovate, and take risks.
Integrity
Lead ourselves with transparency, honor, and respect for our constituents and the Florida State University brand.
Teamwork
Collaborate respectfully with donors, coworkers, and the university to solve problems, and enhance the performance of others, and support the team goals.
Excellence
Uphold a high standard of professionalism by developing a daily process through attention to detail, attitude, approach, and appearance.
Service
Creating an outlook that focuses on loyalty, trust, and value, and puts the needs of our staff and constituents at the forefront of the organization.
Principles GUIDING
Be the personal connection to fans and donors to FSU Athletics through service and stewardship
Promote and protect the long-term prosperity of Florida State University
Explore multiple points of view both internal and external to the University
Provide opportunities to allow students to pursue their educational and athletic goals
Steward the resources provided by our constituents
Respect others, make every effort to understand each other, take responsibility, and do our best to create mutual trust
Compete, win, and be champions
Student-Athlete Academic Success Summary
FALL 2020 AND SPRING 2021 DEAN’S LIST
FALL 2020 - 136 SPRING 2021 - 125
PRESIDENT’S LIST
FALL 2020 - 44 SPRING 2021 - 43
NUMBER OF TEAMS ABOVE A 3.0
FALL 2020 - 14 SPRING 2021 - 14
NUMBER OF STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH 3.0 OR ABOVE
FALL 2020 - 342 SPRING 2021 - 333
2020-2021
ACC HONOR ROLL – 312
61% of all student-athletes in 2020-2021
GPA
3.178
DEPARTMENT GPA CUMULATIVE/TERM
FALL 2020
3.181 TERM
3.175
CUMULATIVE
SPRING 2021
3.175 TERM
3.200
CUMULATIVE
Year in Review Financial Statement Summary
Overall, Seminole Boosters, Inc. provided more than $16.3 million in cash to the athletics department to help fund scholarships and operations, plus funded $10.7 million on athletic facilities on behalf of the department. Please note, the revenue numbers expressed on this include pledges and do not reflect cash collected during this time.
REVENUES AS OF JUNE 30, 2021
$65,219,910
EXPENSES AS OF JUNE 30, 2021
$69,859,656
Contributions - $34,403,532
Consist of pledges made during the year towards Annual Fund, Capital Projects, Coaches Clubs and Endowments. Some pledges are going to be collected over multiple years.
Charges for Services - $3,419,485
Consists of revenues related to the operation of the University Center Club and Stadium Concessions.
Royalties - $3,011,625
Consist of revenues received for the sale of licensed products.
Interest Income - $2,642,408
Consists of interest and investment return received.
Investment Income - $8,957,304
Other Revenues - $7,037,947
Consist of revenues from the operations of Champions Hall, Burt Reynolds Hall, College Town III, and other events held during the year.
Skybox & Club - $3,897,609
Consists of ticket sales revenue for the Skybox Suites and Dunlap Champions Club for the 2020 football season.
Rent Income – Stadium Lease - $1,850,000
Consists of revenue received as part of the Lease Agreement with the Athletics Department.
Program Services - $41,895,834
Consist of transfers directly to FSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Operation of University Center Club, Champions Hall, Burt Reynolds Hall, and College Town III.
Support Services - $7,896,281
Consist of expenses paid for the operations of the Seminole Boosters.
Interest Expense - $6,869,452
Consist of amounts paid related to outstanding debt held by the Seminole Boosters from facility construction.
Other Expenses - $1,887,852
Pledge Write-Offs - $1,684,666
Consist of pledge previously recognized as revenue that we have determined are not collectible.
Loss on Acquisition - $9,625,571
During FY21, the reduction in net assets is related to the acquisition of College Town Phase II from outside investors.
2020-2021 Highlights
ANNUAL FUND revenue for 2021 is received gifts from received upgraded gifts from
ANNUAL FUND
to pledge goal new members for nearly members for more than
ANNUAL FUND 100% 2,081 850 $1 MILLION $1 MILLION
Annual Fund currently has 40% NON-SEASON TICKET HOLDERS which is the highest level in more than five years
Annual Fund has the HIGHEST NUMBER OF LEON COUNTY MEMBERS since 2017
Coaches Clubs
REVENUE HIT AN ALL-TIME HIGH with $2,761,150
Seminole Boosters
REVENUE
(CASH COLLECTED)
FOR ATHLETIC FACILITY PROJECTS was the most in the past 5 years at $10,180,679
TheUnconqueredCampaignconcludedtwoyearsearly
WHILE EXCEEDING OUR INITIAL $100 MILLION GOAL
SEMINOLE BOOSTERS
SEMINOLE BOOSTERS increased
beating the previous total social media engagement by
total revenue collected was an organizational record by more than 400% $1,000,000
Endowment Report
Florida State’s endowment is ever-growing and consists of 633 funds that ensure the financial stability of the Athletic Department. The contributions from those funds are invested collectively through Seminole Boosters, Inc., and a portion of the total earnings is transferred each year to help cover the cost of our athletic scholarships. These funds help Florida State Athletics maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top student-athletes and enable our programs to continue to grow and enrich the lives of all student-athletes who step foot on our campus.
2020/2021 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITMENTS
$328,683
2020/2021 SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS
$1,284,786
The chart above represents the fair market value of the endowment for each fiscal year over a five-year period. As of June 30, 2021 the Seminole Boosters, Inc. Athletic Scholarship Fund consisted of a total of 633 endowments. The total market value of the endowment accounts on June 30, 2021 was $74.12 million.
Total Endowment Activity Financial Statement
July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
2020-2021 ENDOWMENT HIGHLIGHTS
7/1/20 - 6/30/21:
The Seminole Boosters Athletic Scholarship Endowment decreased by $1.8 million to $74.1 million. Seminole Boosters provided a total of $10.5 million in 2021 for Athletic Department Scholarships, with $2.5 million coming directly from the Seminole Boosters Athletic Scholarship Endowment.
In the past five years:
The Seminole Boosters Athletic Scholarship Endowment Asset Value increased by $11.1 million. Over the five-year period ending June 30, 2021, Seminole Boosters, Inc. provided a total of $56.1 million for Athletic Department Scholarships, with $9.2 million coming directly from the Seminole Boosters Athletic Scholarship Endowment.
Deferred Giving: This endowment report is reflective of current assets under management. Any deferred commitments towards the endowment are currently recognized in the Custodes Lampadis Society and will not receive endowment reports or be included in the endowment total until realized.
Real Estate: Endowment real estate was appraised during the 2021 fiscal year and all changes in value have been recorded.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS RELATED TO FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Market Value of Endowment: Value of the endowment at a point in time.
Total Gifts Received: The sum of gifts received for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Net Appreciation: The realized and unrealized gains and losses earned by the Seminole Boosters Athletic Scholarship Endowment Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Net Expenditures: The expenditures and Seminole Boosters, Inc. administrative fee paid for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
From July 1, 2020 until June 30, 2021, $328,683 was pledged specifically to help grow our endowment with $1.3 million in contributions collected. The following people have made significant contributions of $50,000 or more to our endowment program during the 2020-2021 fiscal year:
Kristopher P. Daniels
Dr. Teresa E. Fecteau
Facilities
To continue the quest for excellence both in the classroom and in competition, Florida State Athletics must further enhance facilities to meet or exceed the modern standards of an elite athletics program.
Following on the heels of the Unconquered Campaign, Seminole Boosters continues to place a strong focus on enhancing our facilities both for our student-athletes and fans. From enhancing the facilities that our student-athletes use every day, to elevating our suite holders experience on game day, to creating a first class sales experience to be used for years to come, our primary focus is to raise the bar for collegiate athletics facilities in its entirety.
2020/2021 FACILITY COMMITMENTS
$12,871,979
Track $1,863
Basketball $668,366
Baseball $306,373
Volleyball $20,000
Softball $435,004
Soccer $62,530
Golf $918,853
Swimming $100
PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY SPORT
2020/2021 FACILITY PAYMENTS
$10,180,579
Football $4,633,478
General Facilities
$3,134,012
In the past year, more than $12.8 million was pledged to make these and other facility projects happen, with $10.2 million in contributions collected. We thank our supporters who share a passion for these sports and helped us make this investment in current and future Seminoles. The following contributors have made significant investments of $50,000 or more specifically to facility projects during the 2020-2021 fiscal year:
Anonymous
Bill Bell
Shaun and Melissa Booth
Yvonne and Stephen T. Brown
The Bussey Family
Peter Collins
David & Diane Dodich
Carl Domino
Betsy Evans
Leon Fowler
Ethan A. Grabill
Bruce and Anne Harrell
Mark and Nan Casper Hillis
James M. Doss Charitable Foundation
The Jarvis Family
Chip and Susan Johnson
Richard S. Kearney
David and Holly King
Lawton and Beth Langford
James L. Lee
Matt and Danielle Leeds
Steve and Sherry Leonard
Brett and Cindy Lindquist
Michael R. Manley
Steve and Hillary May
Doug and Rebecca McCarron
Richard and Gwen McMullen
Max Milam
Richard W. Montgomery
Coyle Moore Family Trust
Joe & Terri Moye
Richard & Marie Oreair
Jim Owens
Tom and Betty Petway
Brian and Brandi Philpot
The Price Family
The Rechichi Family
Jim Rhodes
Riva Family
John and Janie Robinson
Rick and Donna Rodick
Kurt and Kara Schafer
Gene & Diana Stearns
The Stout Family
Lloyd and Nancy Sweet
Brian and Cortney Williams
John W. Williams
The Wood Family: Dennis, Lourdes, Jason, Kim, and Greg
John F. Zibrida
The following Seminoles have committed to leave a lasting legacy through their planned giving of at least $50,000 or more:
Unrestricted Giving
Unrestricted commitments are more important than ever before in helping to fund the priorities of the Athletic Department. Unrestricted funds provide the flexibility for FSUAA leadership to identify areas where they can have the greatest impact. Unlike facility or endowment gifts, unrestricted commitments are not earmarked for a specific designation and can therefore go to work immediately in core areas to support our student-athletes and coaches as well as the athletic facilities. They can also help to cover operating costs that are accrued throughout the academic year. By providing Florida State with a steady stream of discretionary monies, unrestricted dollars enable the Athletic Department to fund recurring costs and to address unforeseen challenges as they arise.
2020/2021
UNRESTRICTED COMMITMENTS
$2,401,482
2020/2021
UNRESTRICTED PAYMENTS
$2,330,232
The following contributors have made significant investments of $50,000 or more specifically to the unrestricted fund during the 2020-2021 fiscal year:
Anonymous
Bruce and Anne Harrell
E. Cantey Higdon, Sr.
Suzy Ho
McIntosh Foundation
Shawn and Jacqui McIntyre
Parrish and Cat Owens
Annual Fund
In 2021, former Seminole Boosters CEO Michael Alford positioned the annual fund to become the organizational fundraising priority. We implemented a strategy of personalization with increased outreach, phone calls and visits to share the message of the impact of annual fund support, as well as increased our media presence as part of an elevated communication plan. The 2021 annual fund campaign had three main objectives: Increase the number of non-season ticket members, increase the number of members in Leon County, and increase the average number of new members who join in one year. We have achieved many of the goals surrounding the campaign including overall pledges, new members, upgraded members and new season ticket members.
WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES:
SCHOLARSHIPS SPORTS MEDICINE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING NUTRITION EQUIPMENT
246.2 scholarships for 500 student-athletes across all 20 sports
COST: $11.6M annually
Comprehensive anatomical health, plus injury prevention and rehabilitation program for all teams.
COST: $3.5M annually
NUMBER OF DONORS WHO ARE ALUMNI
6,285
11,981 TOTAL MEMBERS
Complete performance based strength and speed program for all teams.
COST: $650K annually
Total nutritional program geared towards performance goals for all teams.
COST: $675K annually
All the tools needed to achieve peak performance for all teams.
COST: $1.2M annually (pluscontributionsfrom Nikeperourcontract)
NUMBER OF NEW DONORS IN 2021
2,081
$16,120,761 TOTAL PLEDGES
TOMAHAWK AT 2,589
LEVEL WITH MOST MEMBERS
TOTAL MEMBERS BY LEVEL
TOTAL DOLLARS BY LEVEL
Directed Giving and Coaches Clubs
The Seminole Boosters Coaches Clubs provides alumni and fans of Florida State Athletics an exclusive opportunity to direct their financial support to the head coach and team of their choice. At the Coaches Clubs, we believe that it’s “Your Team. Your Choice.” Every dollar given to the Coaches Clubs is immediately directed to the program of your designation in order to provide funds for urgent needs not covered in the team’s annual budget.
Funds from the Coaches Clubs are a major component in helping every program at Florida State compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics. Coaches Clubs helps develop elite talent into championship student-athletes both in the classroom and in competition. Some of the pressing needs of our programs that our Coaches Clubs members provide support for are:
• Purchasing state-of-the-art training equipment to provide enhanced student-athlete safety and overall performance. Cutting-edge technology enables us to remain amongst the nation’s top Division I programs.
• Providing summer school opportunities for deserving student-athletes.
• Facility enhancements and upgrades.
• Supplemental funding for “Team Impact Trips” that are critical for recruiting and enhancing the overall FSU student-athlete experience.
The following contributors have made significant investments of $50,000 or more specifically to Coaches Clubs or other restricted funds during the 2020-2021 fiscal year:
Anonymous
Jimmy and Lisa Graganella
Jeff and Sonya Hartley
Myron and Judy Hayden
Herb and Mary Jervis
Mark McIntosh
Jim Owens
Parrish and Cat Owens
Bob and Pam Sasser
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
FOOTBALL
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S TENNIS
SOCCER
SOFTBALL
CHEER & DANCE
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING/DIVING
TRACK / CROSS COUNTRY
VOLLEYBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S TENNIS
COACHES
The Unconquered Campaign
THE CAMPAIGN FOR ATHLETICS EXCELLENCE
The overall goal for the Unconquered Campaign was met in just three short years, two years sooner than originally scheduled. Overall, Seminole Boosters was able to receive over $111.7 million in commitments to the campaign, with over $34.1 million received in cash and real estate as of June 30, 2021. Seminole Boosters will be laser focused to continue fundraising for priority capital projects as established by the Department of Athletics.
$110,790,000 COMMITTED
FUNDRAISING FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS WERE AND CONTINUE TO BE ADDRESSED:
Football Operations
FSU will make a significant investment in the day-to-day support space for the Seminole football team. Included in this will be new training, weight, and team meeting rooms.
Nicklaus Redesign of the Don Veller Golf Course
After 2 years of being open, Seminole Legacy Golf Club continues to receive national recognition and serve as the proud home of Seminole Golf.
Dick Howser Stadium Renovations
Investments to improve the infrastructure and fan experience at Howser Stadium including team weight room, new team building and permanent grandstands in left field.
Phase II of the Donald L. Tucker Center Renovations
Continuation of renovations at the Tucker Center including new team lounges for men’s and women’s basketball.
Softball Facility Renovation
The addition of a canopy to shade the stands and bullpen at JoAnne Graf Field was completed for the 2020 season.
Student-Athlete Scholarship Endowments
In support of student-athlete scholarships and long-term sustainability.
Renaissance Fund
Renaissance Campaign: Added to the campaign in late 2019, the Renaissance Campaign is a focused effort by the entire university to raise commitments to support the transition to Coach Mike Norvell’s football staff.
Unrestricted Facility
Unrestricted commitments allow Seminole Boosters to fund the highest and greatest facility needs of FSU athletics.
Senior
Staff
Stephen Ponder
President & CEO
Derril Beech
Sr. Vice President of Marketing & Annual Giving
Paul Phipps
Chief Marketing Officer
Chris Wilson
Sr. Vice President of Development
Katie Pugh
Director of Trademark Licensing
Executive Committee
Charlie Dudley Chair
Parrish Owens Vice-Chair
Clif Curry Secretary
Anne Hamilton Treasurer
Richard McCullough, Ph.D. University President
Peter Collins
Board of Trustees Chair
Michael Alford Vice President & Director of Athletics
Board of Directors
Jorge Azor Hayesville, NC
WO Bell Tallahassee, FL
Peter Boulware Tallahassee, FL
Mike Brady Tallahassee, FL
Garrison Burr Tampa, FL
Eleanor Connan Tallahassee, FL
Marilyn Cox Tallahassee, FL
Brad Crenshaw Lakeland, FL
Jeri Damasiewicz Tallahassee, FL
Scott Darling La Canada, CA
Craig Dewhurst St. Augustine, FL
Betsy Evans Atlanta, GA
Ericka Franz Tampa, FL
Evans Adonis
General Manager, Legends Hospitality
JP Sinclair Chief Financial Officer
Kari Terezakis
Sr. Vice President of Stewardship & Fundraising Advancement
Ben Zierden
Sr. Vice President of Operations
Mark Cameron Sr. Director of Membership
Beth Langford At-Large
Warner Peacock At-Large
Philip Troyer At-Large
Richard Welch At-Large
Barry Vaughn At-Large
Jimmy Graganella Immediate Past Chair
Rich Heffley Tallahassee, FL
Gina Hill Jacksonville, FL
Mark Hillis Tallahassee, FL
Christopher Iansiti Tallahassee, FL
Nick Iarossi Naples, FL
Moises Issa Ft Lauderdale, FL
Mike Kosloske Tampa, FL
Pete Law Atlanta, GA
Dazi Lenoir Saint Cloud, FL
Brett Lindquist Longwood, FL
Bill Lloyd Bradenton, FL
Scott Madden Atlanta, GA
Trey McCarley Tallahassee, FL
Richard McMullen Tallahassee, FL
Teri Miller Jupiter, FL
DeVoe Moore Tallahassee, FL
Brian Murphy Tampa, FL
Andy Norman Lakeland, FL
Rick Oreair Jacksonville, FL
Craig Ramsey Alpharetta, GA
Mark Shelnutt Ocala, FL
Jeff Stoops Delray Beach, FL
Mike Summey Asheville, NC
Sheri Thomson Dothan, AL
Jerry Williams Tallahassee, FL
Scott Witt Jacksonville, FL
“Being a student-athlete at FSU is awesome. It’s a prestigious university and I love every minute of being able to represent my last name and my dad’s legacy. I trust the process and the plan with the coaches and everything here at FSU. My major is International Social Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Urban Planning, and my mom is a teacher so education is very important to me. I would like to thank the donors on behalf of my teammates across all sports. It means a lot. We appreciate you and your support that provides us with everything we receive as student-athletes.”