Florida State University fraternity members have completed their ambitious effort to create a team collaboration lab in the future home of the College of Business.
Representatives from six fraternities demonstrated their philanthropic spirit Thursday when they presented the final check to College of Business Dean Michael Hartline to establish the lab in Legacy Hall.
With this latest contribution for $22,731, the fraternities fulfilled a commitment made two years ago to raise $50,000 for the lab. It will be named for the six fraternities that coordinated the fundraising: Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Sigma Kappa, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Phi Kappa Tau.
“All of us at the College of Business are so grateful for this very generous contribution,” Hartline said. “I’m also impressed these students, regardless of which college they call home, understand the importance of Legacy Hall to the entire university community. I’m extremely proud of all of them and honored they chose the college as a beneficiary.”
The check was presented by College of Business junior finance major Robert Hicks and senior economics major Dana Keller. They co-directed “Line Dance: Showcase of the Arts,” a major fundraising event sponsored by the fraternities at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center this spring.
“We take pride that every dollar goes to the FSU community,” Hicks said. “Anytime you can give back to an organization that has given so much to you is great, but what makes it exceptional for us is that we could give back for the benefit of our fellow Seminoles.”
Line Dance, the largest annual Greek-run philanthropic effort at FSU, drew more than 4,000 student participants this year. It included members of 17 Panhellenic organizations who competed for cash prizes with choreographed performances.
The event was the capstone of the fraternities’ fundraising efforts over the past three months. In addition to garnering the sponsorship of 30 Tallahassee businesses, the fraternities held a barbecue, a carnival, share-the-profit events with local restaurants and sold T-shirts.
This year alone, the fraternities raised more than they expected — $72,000 — and were able to distribute proceeds among several FSU organizations. The largest portion went to the College of Business. Other beneficiaries included the Collegiate Veterans Association, the Veterans Student Union, the Student Veterans Center and the Victim Advocate Program.
About Legacy Hall
Legacy Hall will be built in the heart of Tallahassee’s business and government communities near the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. That area is transforming into the new gateway to Florida State’s campus, the Madison Mile and the new Arena District. The state-of-the-art facility is projected to cost $84 million with the state of Florida contributing half. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2019.
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. The College of Business is proud of its international reputation, as well as the individual attention faculty members give students who hail from around the world. 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.