Four new members will be inducted into the Florida State University College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame April 6 at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center. The four will join 43 other individuals inducted since the Hall of Fame was created in 2003 to honor alumni who have excelled in their careers and made significant contributions to the mission of FSU and the College of Business.
“We are so proud of these highly prominent alumni,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “They have distinguished themselves in their fields, communities and among peers and are excellent role models for our students and young graduates.”
The new inductees are:
- Douglas Dunlap (Accounting, ’74) of Tallahassee, Fla., a recognized leader in the defense and commercial engineering and manufacturing industry, is majority owner and president of Syntech Systems Inc. An avid supporter of FSU, he is a frequent keynote and classroom speaker. Dunlap also generously funded the Syntech Systems Student Business Incubator Suite in Legacy Hall — the college’s planned new home — and is a Vires, Artes, Mores donor recognition society honoree.
- Clifford Hinkle (Business Administration, ’71) of Tallahassee, Fla., founder, chairman and CEO of the Tallahassee-based investing firm Flagler Holdings Inc., will be inducted posthumously. A highly respected member of the investment community, he was a member of the college’s Board of Governors and on the boards of the FSU Foundation, the FSU Research Foundation, Seminole Boosters Inc. and the FSU Alumni Association. The Cliff Hinkle Executive Boardroom in Legacy Hall is named in his honor, thanks to a generous gift from his wife, Lee Hinkle.
- Stuart Lasher (Accounting/Finance, ’81) of Tampa, Fla., noted entrepreneurial leader and dynamic investor, is founder, chairman and CEO of the thriving private investment firm Quantum Capital Partners Inc., which invests in restaurants, retail, service, software communications and other industries. He has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the college, funding an auditorium in Legacy Hall and serving as a frequent guest speaker.
- Thomas McAlpin (Accounting/Finance, ’81) of Parkland, Fla., a recognized leader in the cruise industry, is president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, a cruise line founded in 2014 and owned by Richard Branson. His career in domestic and international ship management and operations spans 30 years. He is on the Board of Trustees for the FSU Foundation and a former member of the college’s Board of Governors. An avid FSU advocate, he generously funded the Tom & Yvonne McAlpin Interview Room in Legacy Hall.
To be eligible for the College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame, nominees must have:
- Graduated from Florida State’s College of Business (any degree)
- Displayed an exceptional career
- Received significant professional recognition (industry/association awards)
- Community involvement and recognition
- Been of service to the College of Business and Florida State University
About the FSU College of Business
Founded in 1950, the Florida State University College of Business is one of the nation’s youngest business schools, yet its reputation for excellence has helped it become one of the largest. Consistently ranked as a top business school by U.S. News & World Report, several of its programs rank among the nation’s Top 10. Florida State University is ranked one of the most efficient national universities by U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes and Kiplinger rank Florida State one of the best values by combining outstanding education with economic value.
The College of Business is proud of its international reputation, as well as the individual attention our faculty members give students who hail from around the world. Our faculty members are recognized worldwide and serve as visiting professors and lecturers at other prestigious institutions. The college takes pride in its alumni, who are respected corporate leaders and entrepreneurs making their mark on the global marketplace.