Florida State University’s Faculty Senate bestowed four members of the university community with Torch Awards in a ceremony Thursday to recognize their contributions in advancing the university’s academic mission.
Established in 1996, the Torch Awards are named for the three torches emblazoned on the FSU seal. The awards celebrate: Vires, representing moral, physical and intellectual strength; Artes, conveying an appreciation of aesthetics and the beauty of intellectual pursuits; and Mores, symbolizing respect for customs, character and tradition.
Since their inception, the Torch Awards have recognized 111 recipients.
This year, FSU recognized: Joe Torgesen, André Thomas, and the father-son duo Bill and Allen Durham, for their impact on the university and the broader community.
FSU President Richard McCullough opened the ceremony at the Heritage Museum in Dodd Hall by acknowledging the contributions of the honorees: “You embody the values that Florida State University holds dear, and we appreciate everything you have done to make the university what it is today.”
The 2024 winners are:
Joe Torgesen — Vires
Joe Torgesen, an FSU emeritus professor of psychology and education, received the Vires Torch Award for his groundbreaking work in literacy and reading disabilities.
Torgesen served as the W. Russell and Eugenia Morcom Chair of Psychology and Education at FSU until his retirement in 2008. He has authored or co-authored more than 230 publications, and his work has been cited more than 54,000 times. His pioneering research on reading disabilities and dyslexia has shaped the way educators and researchers understand and approach literacy education worldwide.
In 2002, at the request of Gov. Jeb Bush, Torgesen founded the Florida Center for Reading Research at FSU. The center has since become one of the world’s leading institutions in literacy research.
“Dr. Torgesen’s work has transformed the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy continues to inspire educators and researchers around the globe,” said FSU Provost Jim Clark during the ceremony.
André Thomas — Artes
André Thomas, professor emeritus and former director of choral activities at FSU, was honored with the Artes Torch Award for his contributions to the arts.
Thomas has dedicated more than 30 years to elevating FSU’s choral music program to international prominence. In addition to his leadership at FSU, he founded the Tallahassee Community Chorus by bringing together students and community members in a shared celebration of music.
Thomas has inspired generations of students and colleagues with his passion for choral music and mentorship. His work continues to resonate in music education, both nationally and internationally.
“His legacy is his exceptional mentorship of those in the College of Music and the vibrant community he has helped foster,” Clark said.
Bill and Allen Durham — Mores
Bill Durham, an FSU alumnus and Tallahassee businessman, and his son Allen Durham were jointly honored with the Mores Torch Award for their enduring commitment to Florida State University and their role in creating and sustaining one of FSU’s most iconic traditions: Osceola and Renegade.
In the 1960s as a member of the Marching Chiefs and the homecoming committee, Bill Durham conceived the idea of Osceola and Renegade. His dream was to create a dignified and respectful representation of the Seminole leader Osceola, riding an Appaloosa horse named Renegade, to symbolize the strength of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The tradition debuted in 1978 and has become a symbol of FSU’s spirit.
Now retired, Bill has passed the reins to his son Allen, a 1993 FSU alumnus, who has upheld the tradition. As the eighth FSU student to portray Osceola, Allen has coached students in this role since 1999. Under Allen’s leadership since 2007, the legacy of Osceola and Renegade has thrived and helped foster a strong bond between FSU and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Clark said their work represents the best of FSU’s values: respect for tradition, collaboration and a commitment to fostering cultural awareness.
The recent establishment of FSU’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Center further highlights the Durhams’ lasting impact, Clark said.
