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Florida State University’s First Lady Jai Vartikar joined hundreds of students, alumni and campus leaders Wednesday, April 22 for the inaugural Legacy Tea, an event that honored the university’s roots as a women’s college and recognized the impact of female leaders.

Hosted by the Panhellenic Association in the Student Union Ballrooms, the event was part of the university’s yearlong 175th anniversary celebration.

The program featured remarks from student, faculty and university leaders, including Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht, history Professor and Department Chair Jennifer Koslow, Panhellenic President Emma Clark and this year’s featured speaker FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar.

Vartikar said the event reflects a central truth about Florida State’s history: “When we talk about the legacy of Florida State University, we are talking about the legacy of women.”

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For more than 75 years, Florida State University has been proudly connected to the Seminole name. The relationship has evolved far beyond athletics into a decades-long collaborative partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, built on consultation and mutual respect.

“Florida State University’s most cherished relationship is with the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said President Richard McCullough. “Built on friendship, mutual respect and support for one another, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper over the years as we continue to explore new ways to work together for the benefit of the university and Tribe, as well as our state and nation.”

“Built on friendship, mutual respect and support for one another, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper over the years as we continue to explore new ways to work together for the benefit of the university and Tribe, as well as our state and nation.”

— President Richard McCullough

As Florida State University celebrates its 175th anniversary, this relationship remains central to the university’s identity and responsibilities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our longstanding relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, who is leading the yearlong anniversary celebration. “We are honored to call ourselves Florida State Seminoles, a responsibility that is shared by our entire university community to represent the name with dignity and respect. This revered tradition is an important part of our history.”

Origins

After FSU became coeducational in 1947, students selected the name “Seminoles.” At the time, the decision was made without consultation or permission from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Over the past 80 years, however, the relationship has developed into one of the university’s most significant partnerships.

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FSU launches yearlong festivities to honor its remarkable history and embrace the future

Florida State University is commemorating a rare and historic achievement, marking 175 years since its founding. This milestone celebrates the university’s longstanding tradition of excellence and highlights its continued growth and significance as a leader in higher education.

“As we mark Florida State University’s 175th anniversary, we honor a legacy of groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and an outstanding track record of student success that built FSU into one of the Top 25 public universities in the nation,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “While we celebrate our past, we are also experiencing unprecedented momentum. From posting record graduation rates and research expenditures to launching FSU Health and receiving transformative philanthropic gifts, every day we are building upon our great traditions and past achievements to propel Florida State University to even greater heights.”

Founded in 1851 as the Seminary West of the Suwannee River, just 75 years after the United States gained independence and six years after Florida became a state, FSU began with a clear mission: to educate the young people who would help shape and civilize the Florida frontier. The original site, where the iconic Westcott fountain now stands, lays claim as the oldest continuous location of higher learning in Florida.

Over the past 175 years, the institution has evolved through different names and purposes, growing from a modest few acres to a sprawling campus with 390 buildings on 1,810 acres across the state, including 216 buildings on 487.1 acres on the original main campus in Tallahassee. Today, FSU encompasses 17 colleges, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the FSU Panama City campus, The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, a branch campus in Panama City, Panama, and international study centers in London, Florence and Valencia.

FSU’s 175th anniversary committee, chaired by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, is planning a yearlong commemoration of the university’s history and achievements.

“This year is more than a commemoration, it is a heartfelt invitation for every member of the FSU family to come together, celebrate our outstanding achievements, honor our vibrant traditions and dream boldly about the next chapter.”

— FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar

“As First Lady of Florida State University, I am truly honored to lead the planning of this milestone celebration,” Vartikar said. “This year is more than a commemoration — it is a heartfelt invitation for every member of the FSU family to come together, celebrate our outstanding achievements, honor our vibrant traditions, and dream boldly about the next chapter. FSU has always been defined by our spirit of connection and support — so let’s join hands, share our stories, and build an even brighter future together. I can’t wait to celebrate with you and make memories that will inspire generations to come!”

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are invited to join a spirited cupcake kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, hosted by New Student and Family Programs at the Student Union in celebration of the university’s 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.

Later this year, during Homecoming, students will gather on Landis Green for a celebration.

Throughout its evolution, FSU has played a pioneering role in education, adapting to the needs of its students and society. Its legacy of embracing change and fostering innovation has positioned the university as a vibrant hub for research, learning, and global engagement.

As the yearlong celebration unfolds, Florida State University invites all members of its community — students, alumni, faculty, and friends — to participate in this historic chapter.

For more information on FSU’s 175th anniversary, visit 175.fsu.edu. For questions about how you can get involved, contact Assistant Vice President for University Relations Jimmy Cole at jcole@fsu.edu.

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