FSU Trustees to rename University Center for DeVoe Moore

Florida State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday voted unanimously to name the prominent architectural centerpiece of campus known as the “University Center” in honor of one of its most generous and involved alumni, businessman and philanthropist DeVoe L. Moore of Tallahassee.

“DeVoe and Shirley Moore are so important to the greater work of the university because of their splendid example of giving and active involvement,” said Florida State University President Eric Barron. “All Florida State alumni should draw inspiration from the Moores. Our enduring strength depends on the loyalty and devotion of those who love this institution.”

“It is very appropriate that the University Center carry DeVoe Moore’s name,” said Seminole Boosters President and CEO Andy Miller. “He has distinguished himself in his support of all areas of the university and is the very best example of a loyal and dedicated alumnus.”

Moore attended Florida State in the late 1950s, studying business. After a remarkable career as an entrepreneur and a crusader for the American spirit of free enterprise, his first major gift of $5 million established The DeVoe L. Moore Center in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, dedicated to increasing knowledge and public understanding about the role of government in a market economy and to supporting and promoting student entrepreneurs. Subsequent gifts established the DeVoe Moore Eminent Scholar Chair in Economics as well as additional economics professorships.

In 2005, DeVoe and Shirley Moore crafted a $25 million gift to fund athletic and academic scholarships.

“I have the pleasure of knowing DeVoe and Shirley through their involvement with so many different areas of the university’s work, and especially the DeVoe Moore Center in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy,” said FSU Foundation Interim President Steve Evans. “Economics education at Florida State has been significantly enhanced by their generosity.”

“DeVoe and Shirley Moore’s long and generous support of Florida State has enriched a wide range of academic and athletic programs,” said Seminole Boosters Senior Vice President Tom Carlson, a long-time Moore family friend, “and their involvement in the university continues to be enthusiastically supported by the families of their daughters, Katherine and Brewster Caldwell and Tiffany and Russell Hosford, including their six grandchildren.”

The measure now will be forwarded to the Florida Board of Governors for final approval.