Q&A with Andy Miller

Q&A

Boosters President Andy Miller

SEMINOLE BOOSTERS: How has the coronavirus (COVID-19) affected Florida State University, Athletics and Seminole Boosters? ANDY MILLER: The entire athletic family – student-athletes, donors and administration -- have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. While it saddens all of us that our very-dedicated supporters aren’t able to gather to watch our hardworking student-athletes in competition, the health and wellbeing of our entire FSU community – student-athletes and fans -- must come first.”

SB: Upon the best advice of federal and state health experts, many conferences including the ACC cancelled all spring sports activities including competition, practices, recruiting and events, including the Seminole Boosters Spring Tour. Would you comment? AM: The health concerns, along with the uncertain logistics of planning a tour where thousands of our supporters in multiple cities would attend, left us with no choice but to cancel.

SB: Does the virus affect the Boosters ability to raise money for athletics? AM: We choose to be sensitive to best-practice health recommendations. In addition to suspending gatherings, we will limit fundraisers travel to protect our donors and staff. Our focus will be on outreach by phone and email and by providing members with regular updates and features on our website (unconqueredmagazine.com) and with other technologies.

SB: What is the focus of the current campaigns, Unconquered and Renaissance? AM: Before we talk about those campaigns, I want to remind our readers Seminole Boosters raised $325 million during the University-wide, seven-year, Raise the Torch Campaign which ended June 30, 2018. On the heels of that massive effort, the Boosters launched the Unconquered Campaign in the Fall of 2018 with an emphasis on Capital Projects including Football Operations, Baseball and Softball Stadium enhancements, the new Seminole Legacy Golf Club and Basketball facility improvements at the Tucker Center. Additional priorities were included in the campaign to address support for women’s athletics and the scholarship endowment.

Already $90 million has been committed in pledges toward the $125 million campaign. The Legacy Golf Club will open formally in March with additional fundraising ongoing. The baseball lighting project and softball roof project are complete and the goals for women’s athletics are being achieved.

SB: How did the Renaissance start? AM: Following the Miami game last year, it became apparent a change was needed in the direction of the football program. It was a tough call for leadership. The cost of making a change was significant. However, the cost of staying the course was uncertain and considered a much riskier proposition.

The coaching change was made and the priority was placed on finding the best possible head football coach for Florida State University.

Seminole Boosters launched the Renaissance Campaign, with a focus on providing the new head coach with the staff and operational support needed to return Florida State University’s Football program to it’s former glory.

The first phase of the campaign was to secure twenty leadership gifts. This elite group of donors are referred to as “The 20” and to date $15 million has been committed. The second phase of the Renaissance Campaign focuses on the Seminole Boosters’ Annual Giving Program.

Existing donors, from our Iron Arrow members ($70) to our Legacy Chiefs ($25,000), are asked to go up to the next level of giving or to consider a 20 percent increase in how much they give. The results are not yet final but so far, they have been dramatic.

SB: Why do you think the campaigns have resonated with donors? AM: There are a number of factors, including these: It’s due to loyalty! Our supporters want what is best for FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY!

Andy Miller with Ben Gantt

It’s because of leadership. Our supporters believe in the direction of the program and appreciate the efforts and commitment of President Thrasher, Chairman Burr, David Coburn and the Seminole Booster Board of Directors.

It was the messenger! Our donors appreciate President Thrasher reaching out to them personally asking for their support.

It was the message! They like the vision and commitment to excellence.

They like the hire! Coach Norvell has clearly demonstrated he has the right stuff.

SB: The campaign is named “Renaissance,” which is exactly what our football program needs in most of our member’s mind. How do you feel about the state of the football program? AM: Because of our recent downturn in football, I was concerned we were losing our relevancy as a national player. We were not being discussed in the media and while recruiting was still holding up, clearly we were losing ground. When Coach Norvell spoke to a group of our supporters at the Sun Bowl, he told us his entire life has been dedicated to achieving the goal of becoming the head football coach at a school like Florida State University, which he said is widely recognized by his peers as one of the iconic brands in College Athletics. He believes with all his being that we will once again win championships and once again be showcased on the national stage. That conversation and everything he has shown me since has clearly validated my belief in him and the program. The rebirth of the football program is underway. I have every confidence it will be successful. The next few months and years of being a Seminole is going to be exciting and I’m thankful for all of our members who will be a part of it. Florida State University and Seminole Boosters, Inc. recognize the following donors for their selfless generosity by contributing $50,000 or more to athletic scholarships and facilities. It is because of these gifts that Florida State University remains UNCONQUERED.

John and Betty Crowe Dr. Blanche W. Evans FSU Football Equipment Managers Club Alfred Cope Garrett Jimmy and Lisa Graganella Jim and Carole Henderson Lucy M. Ho William T. Hold Lawton and Beth Langford Legacy Toyota Craig Mateer Greg and Michelle Michaud Danny Miller DeVoe and Shirley McEwan Moore Brian and Renee Murphy Charles and Amy Newell Roger Overby Tom and Betty Petway Dr. Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers Richard Rodick Jason and Lauren Sato Gerri and Bill Shephard Guy and Delores Spearman Lloyd and Nancy Sweet Mark Taul Dr. David L. Tedrick Gary and Cumi Walsingham Jerry Weil Brian and Cortney Williams