History of FSU
The Florida State University is one of the largest and oldest of the eleven institutions of higher learning in the State University System of Florida. The Legislature of the State of Florida in 1851 provided for the establishment of the two institutions of learning. On February 7, 1857, the first meeting of the Board of Education of the State Seminary West of the Suwannee River was held, and the institution began offering postsecondary instruction to male students.
The West Florida Seminary; founded in 1851, began operating in 1857, only twelve years after Florida achieved statehood. It was located on the hill where the Westcott Building now stands, which has been the site of an institution of higher education longer than any other site in Florida.
In a 1905 reorganization of Florida’s educational system by the Legislature, six state institutions of higher learning were consolidated into two when the University of Florida in Gainesville was established and designated a men’s school and the Florida State College became a women’s school called the Florida Female College. In 1909 the name of the college was changed to Florida State College for Women; an institution which grew to become the third largest women’s college in the nation during the 1930’s.
The year 1947 saw many changes. Demand by returning World War II veterans had brought men back to Tallahassee and on May 15, 1947, the Governor signed an act of the Legislature returning Florida State College for Women to coeducational status and naming it Florida State University. The student body, numbering 4,056, chose a new alma mater and selected the Seminole as their symbol. The Flying High Circus was born, and football was started again when the first home game since 1905 was played in October.
In each succeeding decade, Florida State University has added to its academic organization. It has expanded from the original few acres and facilities to over 350 buildings on nearly 1200 acres, including the downtown Tallahassee main campus of 346 acres, a farm which for many decades supplied the Florida State College for Women with food, the Seminole Reservation-- a recreational facility, the Marine Laboratory on the Gulf Coast, the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering facility, the University Computing Center and Division of Research at Innovation Park, and the branch campus in Panama City, Florida. Florida State University currently has a student population of over 36,000 and recognition as a major graduate research institution with an established international reputation.
Taken From: Anonymous. (2006). 2.1 History of Florida State University. Retrieved January 18, 2006, from Florida State University, Faculty Handbook Web site: http://www.fsu.edu/~dof/Faculty-Handbook/Ch2/Ch2.1.html
Seminole Tribe
Before adopting the Seminoles as FSU’s official symbol in 1947, FSU students did not have anything to identify themselves with. The football team actually played two football games during the 1947 season without a mascot before the students demanded the University agree upon one. There are many different stories behind how the Seminole Tribe became the official symbol for Florida State University but the most common belief is that a student body poll was taken. The Florida Flambeau reported that “Seminoles” won by 110 votes over other contenders such as: “Statesmen”, “Rebels”, “Tarpons”, “Fighting Warriors”, and “Crackers”.
Throughout the years Florida State has endured many critics that have complained that the use of the Indian symbol is derogatory and should be changed. The faculty, staff, administration, and students of Florida State have much respect for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and it has never been their intention to use the name in a disrespectful way.
Over the years, Florida State University has worked closely with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure the dignity of the various symbols used by the University. FSU has carefully cultivated a strong and positive partnership with the Seminole Tribe that remains intact today. The University is honored to have the Seminoles as the official symbol and the relationship that exists with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Osceola & Renegade: A Tradition of Tribute
One of the most unique and spectacular traditions at Florida State University happens in Doak Campbell Stadium before the kick off of each home football game. Chief Osceola rides onto the field on Renegade and plants a flaming spear into the center of the field. The portrayal of the Florida State mascot is a memorable sight and a beloved tradition of tribute that is held in high esteem by students, alums, and faithful fans.
The tradition of Chief Osceola and Renegade was actually the idea of FSU alum, Bill Durham. Mr. Durham had the idea when he was a sophomore at FSU and part of the Homecoming committee of 1962. Even though Mr. Durham did not initially receive much support until 1977 when he gained the backing of new football coach Bobby Bowden. After gaining the approval and support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Chief Osceola and Renegade made their debut during the 1978 season opener against Oklahoma State.
Since their premier, Chief Osceola, who is always dressed in authentic regalia designed by members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Renegade have opened every home game, appeared in many bowl games, and have become a symbol of Florida State University and the Seminole Tribes unconquered spirit.
War Chant
There are conflicting stories as to how the tradition of the war chant got started, but most believe that it started in the 1960s by the Marching Chiefs, FSU’s nationally respected marching band. They would chant the melody of a popular FSU cheer called the “massacre”. During an exciting game in 1984 against Auburn University, the Marching Chiefs started to perform the cheer, but this time students seated behind the band joined in and continued the war chant even after the band had stopped playing.
The chant was continued throughout the 1984 football season and during this season the now famous “chopping” hand motion was added to symbolize the tomahawk. By the 1986 football season the Florida State Seminole war chant became a stadium-wide phenomenon and one of the most recognizable chants and arm motions in collegiate sports across the nation. The “war chant” was later adopted by major league teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sod Cemetery
A very unique but lesser-known tradition at FSU is the “Sod Cemetery”. It started in 1962, when the captains of the FSU football team returned to Tallahassee with a piece of turf after beating the University of Georgia, in Sanford Stadium, 18-0. The turf was presented to Dean Coyle R. Moore, who founded and started the tradition of the “Sod Cemetery”. The turf was buried in the corner of the FSU practice field to commemorate the game.
Since the first burying of the sod, it has become a Seminole tradition to bring pieces of sod back from landmark FSU road and bowl game wins. Each new piece of sod is buried in the cemetery with a tombstone noting the game opponent, score, and date.
Flying High Circus
The circus was found in 1974 by Jack Haskin and is currently an extra-curricular activity under the Division for Student Affairs. Circus participation is open to all degree-seeking, registered students at Florida State University.
Even though there are no animal acts in the FSU’s circus, it still has a plethora of activities that students can participate in. A one semester credit hour elective course allows students to participate in basic circus activities such as, juggling, walking the high wire, aerial ballet, and high bars; with 18-22 circus acts there is a place for everyone. The students also sew their own costumes and have had the opportunity to perform in Europe, Canada, the Bahamas, and the West Indies.
The Florida State Flying High Circus generates its own revenue by hosting shows each April in Tallahassee under its own Big Top circus tent. It has also been selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in 1989, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. For more information about the Flying High Circus or to obtain tickets please call (850) 644-4874 or visit them HERE.
Westcott Plaza
Built in 1910, the Westcott Administration Building is the architectural centerpiece of Florida State University campus. It can be seen clearly from the center of town, just one mile to the east. The view down College Avenue towards Westcott gives the University a strong presence in the community. This Collegiate Gothic building was known originally as the Administration Building. In 1936, it was renamed James D. Westcott Memorial Building in honor of the Florida jurist who donated his entire estate to the Florida State College in 1887. In April of 1969, most of the interior was destroyed by fire. The renovation of the inside was completed in 1973; the exterior retains its original architectural integrity.
Westcott Gate serves as the main entrance to the University. It was built in 1916 and given to the University by the classes of 1916 and 1918. Until 1947, the iron arch between the main piers that now reads “Florida State University” read “Florida State College for Women.” More than any other structures on campus, Westcott Building, gate and fountain have come to symbolize Florida State University.
The fountain on Westcott Plaza was a gift of the classes of 1915 and 1917; the original fountain graced the main entrance to the campus for over 70 years. It was renovated in 1982 in remembrance of Professor Anna Forbes Liddell, 1959–1960 Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Philosophy. In the summer of 1988, when the supporting structure began to fail, the historic fountain was replaced with an exact replica. One of the most popular traditions among current students on campus is to be thrown into the fountain on their birthday. It symbolizes the strong bonds of friendship that are made by students on Florida State University’s campus.
Westcott Gate serves as the main entrance to the University. It was built in 1916 and given to the University by the classes of 1916 and 1918. Until 1947, the iron arch between the main piers that now reads “Florida State University” read “Florida State College for Women.” More than any other structure on campus, Westcott Building, gate and fountain have come to symbolize Florida State University.