Relay For Life at Florida State University has been recognized with two awards by the American Cancer Society (ACS) through the Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Awards, which recognizes college campuses and organizational leaders nationally.
Relay For Life at FSU was named the 2024 Campus Event of the Year. The award recognizes events that embody the passion, innovation and grassroots spirit of Relay For Life.
“It is such a tremendous honor for Relay For Life at FSU to be recognized for their work as a student organization,” said Stormy McGivern, program director with FSU Student Organizations and Involvement. “While these awards recognize the accomplishments of the organization in 2024, they truly acknowledge the passion, perseverance and dedication of the organization over several years. Their collaborative efforts have established them as national leaders among their peers. We are thrilled to have such a vibrant program as a part of the registered student organization community at FSU.”
Awards are chosen by the Nationwide American Cancer Society Fundraising Leadership Community and Campus Teams. In the nomination materials, Carlye Collison, FSU’s ACS staff partner, highlighted the students’ creativity, determination and relentless spirit in the fight against cancer.
In 2024, Relay For Life at FSU raised more than $123,000, surpassing its $108,000 goal. The student-led organization has consistently exceeded its targets, achieving 22% annual growth in fundraising.
Catherine Marshall, Relay For Life at FSU 2023-24 executive director, was also honored as the 2024 Campus Relayer of the Year. This honor recognizes volunteers who have shown exemplary leadership in their community or campus.
“Community was the greatest lesson I learned from my experience with Relay For Life,” Marshall said. “No matter what season of life you’re in or what you are going through, having a strong support system is essential to lifting you up and carrying you forward. It was a beautiful reminder to me that no one can do it alone. Because we worked together, we created such a wonderful impact. I will carry the lesson learned forward with me.”
The ACS emphasized Marshall’s leadership in creating innovative programming to increase fundraising efforts. A standout initiative of the season was the Power Hour Fundraising campaign, which raised $7,000 in one hour. The campaign contributed to a record-breaking total of $31,800 for day-of-event donations, doubling the previous year’s results at FSU.
Marshall joined the organization as a freshman at FSU and explained how she was to be the hope for people who need it most.
“My most favorite memory from my time with Relay For Life was my second visit to the Hope Lodge in Jacksonville,” Marshall said. “The Hope Lodge provides free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers when they need to travel away from home for treatment. As we were leaving, numerous people stopped us to tell their stories and thanked us profusely for our hard work. It was such a testament to the mission of Relay For Life and a great reminder of why we do what we do.”
This year’s Relay For Life at FSU signature 12-hour celebration will begin at noon on April 12 in the FSU Student Union Ballrooms. Community members are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit relayforlife.org/fsufl.
About Relay For Life at Florida State University
Relay For Life at Florida State University is a student organization that aims to educate FSU’s campus about the American Cancer Society’s mission and programs. Relay For Life at FSU strives to build a community of college students in participating in a national, regional and local cancer prevention effort to honor, support and recognize those individuals within our campus community who have directly or indirectly suffered from this disease.