Florida State University marked the start of its 175th anniversary Wednesday with a day of celebrations stretching from the Florida Capitol to the heart of campus, launching a yearlong observance that honors the university’s past while looking firmly to its future.
The day began with FSU Day at the Capitol and concluded with a celebration hosted by New Student and Family Programs outside the Student Union to mark the university’s 175th birthday, which is officially Jan. 24, 1851.
The date — Jan. 24, 1851 — is when the Florida Legislature signed into law the establishment of the Seminary of Learning West of the Suwannee. The West Florida Seminary in Tallahassee began operating in 1857, only 12 years after Florida achieved statehood.
FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, who is leading the anniversary planning, noted the university’s growth from its 1851 beginnings into a world-renowned institution.
“The last 175 years have been an amazing evolution,” Vartikar said. “We’re going to make this year an opportunity for all of us to come together and have a lot of fun, but also to honor our shared traditions, reflect on our storied past, and dream about our bold future.”
Vartikar announced that the celebration would extend far beyond a single day, including historic building tours, a special homecoming and 175th-anniversary competitions for each of FSU’s 19 varsity sports.
“FSU is truly a special place,” she said. “There is so much to celebrate, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with all of you, this great university that we love together.”
FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the students, faculty and staff, noting that the university has never had more momentum. He highlighted FSU’s recent rise to No. 51 among all national universities in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
“It’s truly an honor, and I’m humbled to serve as the president of Florida State University at this moment,” McCullough said. “It’s been 175 years of history, and all of you are the future of Florida State University… We strengthen our nation by providing amazing future leaders like yourself.”
Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, a two-time FSU alumnus, reflected on his time as a member of the FSU family during his remarks.
“I’ve walked on a lot of campuses, and when I walk on FSU’s campus, it’s just different,” Collins said. “We have a different ethos, a different vibe across campus, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We’re changing Florida State a lot, but the core of Florida State is going to stay the same.”
Many students participated by signing a wall labeled “What makes you proud to be a Nole?” Their responses varied widely, mentioning family, community, campus traditions, and even the famous campus cats.
Kennedy Wharton, a Dedman College of Hospitality student and Marching Chiefs member, noted how special the celebration was for her as a legacy student.
“It’s so special to be a part of something as big as the 175th birthday of our school,” Wharton said. “Both of my parents went here, and they were both on the Marching Chiefs, where my sister and I now carry on that legacy.”
Gracey Messingschlager, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, was excited to participate in the celebration.
“I walked out of class and saw all the amazing things going on like cupcakes, shirts and custom buttons,” Messingschlager said. “All of my cousins attended FSU, so I have a family legacy here, and it is crazy to see the differences from then to now.”
Evan Eisenstark, a social media specialist in the Division of Student Affairs, said the celebration reminded him of where we began as a university.
“Hitting 175 is such a big milestone,” Eisenstark said. “Being able to see our history in person is amazing, and you get to see the growth that constantly happens. One of my favorite things is to look at old photos and see what used to be here and what has stayed the same throughout those 175 years.”
The ceremony ended with the university community joining the band to sing “Happy Birthday” to Florida State, marking the official start of the yearlong festivities.
For more information about FSU 175, visit 175.fsu.edu.