Florida State University and FSU Libraries will honor former university President Robert Manning Strozier (1906–1960) by dedicating a statue on the steps of Strozier Library, the main campus library that bears his name.
The dedication will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at Strozier Library, 116 Honors Way.
The event will include a welcome by Julia Zimmerman, dean of FSU Libraries, and remarks by President John Thrasher. Several members of the Strozier Family will give remarks including his daughter, Anne, and sons Chuck and Bob Strozier. FSU students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community are also invited to attend.
The new bronze statue, designed by FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio, depicts Strozier sitting on a brick wall gazing at the front of the library with books under his left hand. FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio is responsible for creating many of the statues, stained glass windows and artistic structures found across campus.
Strozier became president of Florida State University in 1957 after 28 years as a faculty member and administrator at three Georgia institutions. He also served as dean of students and professor of romance languages at the University of Chicago.
He was known for his excellent academic credentials, levelheaded practicality and winning personality. Students appreciated him for his ready wit, and he possessed a great rapport with FSU faculty.
Strozier served as president of FSU until his unexpected death in 1960.
Strozier Library is one of the most popular spaces on campus and receives more than 1.2 million visits per year.