7 minute read
Unconquered Campaign Report
The Campaign for Athletics Excellence
2019 End of Year Report
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Photos By MIKE OLIVELLA, ROSS OBLEY AND RYALS LEE
INTRODUCTION
It has been an exciting second year for the five-year Unconquered Campaign as it continues toward its goal of $100 million in support of Florida State athletics. We are pleased to report over $89 million has been committed with gifts totaling $14 million+ to the campaign as of December 31. This has been an unbelievable testament to the vision and support of the entire Seminole family.
FUNDING OVERVIEW
Total Pledged $89,000,000
Received $14,000,000
In 2020, thanks to generosity of our donors, the Seminole Legacy Golf Club, significant improvements to Dick Howser Stadium and the construction of a new sunshade at the softball stadium will be completed. These show the impact the Unconquered Campaign is already having on the FSU campus.
As a donor to Seminole Boosters, we want to share this exciting update with you. The next 12 months is going to be a great year for our student-athletes; we hope to see you on campus soon and supporting our ‘Noles!
Go Noles!
I N V E S T I N G I N T H E FUTURE OF SEMINOLE FOOTBALL
It is a time for excitement about the future as new Head Football Coach Mike Norvell was introduced in December. Fresh off an AAC Championship, he brings energy and excitement to our football program. This extends to our continued progress toward the $60 million investment in football operations. To date, over $37 million has been committed to this initiative with $6 million given.
The next step for the project will be to receive the input of Coach Norvell regarding the existing proposed plans and his vision for Seminole football. With the football staff going through recruiting and spring practice in the current space, they will have the perspective to determine where the greatest needs exist in our physical infrastructure. It is our goal to make a strategic investment that will serve all aspects of our football program for the next 20+ years. This will include enhancements to strength & conditioning, recovery, rehabilitation and dining.
Leading the way for this effort has been Al & Judy Dunlap of Ocala, Florida. The Dunlaps made the lead commitment to the Unconquered Campaign with a $20 million pledge in 2018. Sadly, Al Dunlap passed in 2019. With this new project, the legacy of Al and Judy supporting Florida State Football will have an exciting new chapter that will benefit generations of future Seminoles.
Total Pledged $37,300,000
Received $6,000,000
SEMINOLE FOOTBALL RENAISSANCE
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. Letters were mailed to select donors by President John Thrasher to ask for their consideration in being one of 20 donors to commit a leadership gift.
To date, over $15 million is pledged in support of this effort. This will play a key role in funding the hiring of Coach Norvell’s staff while not negatively impacting the pursuit of comprehensive excellence for our other 19 sports.
A second phase of the Renaissance Campaign was launched also in 2019 with a focus on increased annual giving. It is serving as an important part of Seminole Boosters’ ability to meet its financial obligations during the 2019-20 fiscal year. To date, annual fund donors from 2019 have increased by their commitment for 2020 by over $670,000.
The response of our donors to the Renaissance Campaign has been incredible. Our university enjoys many loyal and generous friends, and they certainly have stepped us to help put football back on the right path with Coach Norvell and his staff.
Pledged $15,000,000
Received $3,700,000
Construction is completed at the FSU softball stadium with the new sunshade structure that debuted on February 7th at the Joanne Graf Classic. The $1.6 million project provides comfort to attendees via its roof covering and enhances the look of the stadium. Funding for the project came entirely from donor commitments to the Unconquered Campaign and the Softball Coaches Club.
“This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of our fans and administration for the continued championship level success for our program,” said Head Coach Lonni Alameda. “I am excited about its completion and look forward to developing the long-term plan for our softball facility. My entire staff is committed to bringing more titles home to Tallahassee.”
Total Pledged $1,560,000
Received $832,000
BASEBALL
The first phase of the master plan for Dick Howser Stadium has been completed with the addition of new lighting. The lighting, which cost approximately $1.3 million, is providing safer playing conditions for the team and greater flexibility for game scheduling. Funding for the project came solely from donor gifts to the master plan and the baseball coaches club.
These improvements are part of an overall planned investment of $16+ million to renovate the 37 year-old stadium. Future enhancements will be determined by additional donor funding and the highest needs as identified by Coach Martin and his staff.
Total Pledged $1,600,000
Received $558,000
The Seminole Legacy Golf Club will open to the FSU community with its grand opening on Saturday, March 7th. As the nation’s first Nicklaus Legacy Course, it is another connection between the Jack Nicklaus family and Florida State University. The club will serve as a day-to-day home for the men’s and women’s golf teams and an asset for the university that will a destination for all golfers.
Total Pledged $5,200,000
TUCKER CENTER
The final phase of planned improvements for the Tucker Center is the new team lounges to be located above the locker rooms. These lounges will provide a place for our student-athletes to hang out before and after games and serve an important role in hosting recruits and their families on game days. The anticipated cost of the project is $4 million and design and construction can begin upon the identification of donor funding.
Total Pledged $1,400,000
Received $374,000
Received $1,800,000
Unrestricted commitments play a key role in helping to fund the priorities of the Unconquered Campaign while provide the flexibility to allow FSUAA leadership the ability to identify where they can have the greatest impact.
Total Pledged $2,000,000
Received $252,000
STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIPS
For the Unconquered Campaign, a goal of $9 million in new scholarship funding was set. This will allow Seminole Boosters to continue to provide educational opportunities for FSU student-athletes while also providing long-term sustainability for FSU Athletics.
The funding for this goal comes from two sources. First, donors who make an active pledge to create a scholarship endowment. This is typically fulfilled over a five-year period. The other is those who include Seminole Boosters in their estate plans with a designation to create a scholarship endowment.
Total Pledged $25,200,000
