Florida State University invites alumni, students, parents and friends to celebrate Homecoming 2025 from Friday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 2. The university will host a series of events, themed “Legacy in Every Frame,” to unite the FSU community in honoring tradition, fostering connections and recognizing alumni achievements.  

Signature festivities include Homecoming Live, the Homecoming Parade, Alumni Awards and the Homecoming football game against Wake Forest on Saturday, Nov. 1, which will also serve as FSU’s Seminole Heritage game. At halftime, the Homecoming Chief and Princess will be revealed, celebrating the university’s special relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.  

A full schedule of events is listed at homecoming.fsu.edu.  

Featured events include: 

FRIDAY, OCT. 24 

Chalk on Legacy Walk 

Noon | FSU Legacy Walk 

Chalk on Legacy Walk is a fall-themed celebration where student organizations will showcase their creativity by chalking designs along FSU’s Legacy Walk. They will be judged as part of the Homecoming competition. 

SATURDAY, OCT. 25  

Homecoming Live 

7-10 p.m. | Donald L. Tucker Civic Center 

Homecoming Live is the university’s largest student-run pep rally. This high-energy tradition kicks off Homecoming Week at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center with special guest artist R&B singer-songwriter Mariah the Scientist. Homecoming Live is an unforgettable display of Seminole spirit and tradition featuring performances by the FSU cheerleaders, Golden Girls and other student organizations. Doors open at 7 p.m.  

For tickets and more information, visit homecoming.fsu.edu/live. 

MONDAY, OCT. 27 

Bingo for a Cause 

5-7 p.m. | Student Union Ballrooms 

FSU is known for its involvement in community service, and Bingo for a Cause offers students a chance to meet organizations supporting meaningful causes. Explore ways to give back through sustainable service while enjoying a night of Bingo with a chance to win exciting prizes. 

TUESDAY, OCT. 28  

Spirit Night  

5:30-9:30 p.m. | Askew Student Life Center Courtyard 

It’s lights, camera, spirit! Come dressed in your best Garnet and Gold for an evening filled with live performances. Spirit Night is a vintage Hollywood-themed celebration with singing, dancing, improv and unique talents. Strike a pose on the red carpet, get crafty at activity stations and cheer on contestants in the Most Spirited Competition. Plus, meet your Homecoming Court, enjoy free food and exclusive merch. 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29  

Homecoming Chief and Princess Voting  

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Online 

Voting for FSU Homecoming Chief and Princess is open to current students and takes place online from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Odds and Evens 

4-8 p.m. | Main Campus Fields  

Gather a team or come dressed to impress — the Odds and Evens kickball and flag football tournaments offer energy and excitement as teams vie to be crowned champions. Show off your team’s most creative costumes for a chance to win Best Team Costume or compete for Best Individual Costume and stop by for competitive yard games, delicious food, free goodies and more.

THURSDAY, OCT. 30  

Homecoming Festival 

1 p.m. | Union Green 

Come out to Union Green for food, rides and games at the Homecoming Festival and enjoy an afternoon of fun with fellow FSU students. 

EXTRAV National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Step Show 

7-10 p.m. | Student Union Ballrooms 

NPHC member organizations compete through choreographed performances to showcase their creativity, rich tradition and community bond. 

FRIDAY, OCT. 31 

Emeriti Homecoming Reunion 

The Emeriti Alumni Society will kick off its Homecoming reunion weekend events with a welcome luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Beth Moor Lounge. The reunion allows graduates of 50 years ago or more to relive cherished memories, reconnect with classmates and enjoy campus tours, with VIP parade viewing. 

Homecoming Parade 

2-3:30 p.m. | Westcott Plaza 

The annual Homecoming Parade, organized by the Student Alumni Association, will travel north from the Civic Center parking lot along Macomb Street, turn west on College Avenue, then head south on Copeland Street. All personnel from the FSU Police Department and Public Safety teams will be honored as this year’s grand marshals, represented by FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower (B.S. ’98) and Assistant Vice President for Public Safety, Barbara O’Connor. Alumni, students and the Tallahassee community are invited to cheer on the Marching Chiefs, cheerleaders and decorated floats along the parade route.

FSU Alumni Awards 

6-9 p.m. | Goodwood Museum & Gardens 

The FSU Alumni Awards ceremony will honor recipients of the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni, Inspire, Circle of Gold and Bernard F. Sliger awards.  

For details and registration, visit gonol.es/alumniawards2025. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 1 

Grads Made Good Awards and Homecoming Breakfast 

8:30-10:30 a.m. | Bricks & Brass 

The 2025 Grads Made Good awards, presented in partnership with the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, recognizes alumni who have made a significant impact through outstanding success in their fields. 

For details and registration, visit gonol.es/GMG2025.  

Homecoming Tailgates 

Alumni and friends are invited to connect at several alumni network tailgates before the Homecoming football game. The Veterans Alumni Network and Women for FSU will offer tailgates with food, fun and spirit.  

SUNDAY, NOV. 2 

Homecoming Weekend concludes with the Emeriti Alumni Society Induction Brunch and Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Dodd Hall’s Heritage Museum. Members of the Class of 1975 will be inducted into the society and receive a signature 50-year medallion. The celebration will also honor the accomplishments and enduring legacy of five remarkable Emeriti honorees. 

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Florida State University will recognize 15 outstanding alumni during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 31–Nov. 2. 

“Our 2025 honorees exemplify what it means to be a graduate of Florida State University,” said Julie Decker, associate vice president for University Advancement, Alumni Engagement and president of the FSU Alumni Association. “They inspire our students, uphold the values of leadership and excellence that define the Seminole spirit and embody the lifelong bond shared with FSU. Through their achievements and dedication, these alumni continue to strengthen our university and make it better every day.” 

The FSU Alumni Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 31, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens. The event will honor 11 distinguished alumni, including recipients of the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni, The Inspire, Circle of Gold and The Bernard F. Sliger awards.  

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the FSU Homecoming Breakfast, presented in partnership with the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), will celebrate four recipients of the Grads Made Good award at Bricks & Brass.  

For more information and to register to attend the Alumni Awards and Homecoming Breakfast, visit gonol.es/alumniawards2025 and gonol.es/GMG2025, respectively. 

FSU Alumni Awards — Friday, Oct. 31

The Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award honors alumni age 35 or younger whose achievements exemplify outstanding professional success and a commitment to service. The 2025 Askew Award honorees are: 

• Lauren Albaum (B.M. ’11) serves as vice president of student affairs at Florida Southern College, overseeing more than 100 staff and 15 functional areas. A Notable Nole, she is recognized nationally for transformative leadership in higher education and widely honored for her civic engagement, including leading literacy initiatives and serving as president and CEO of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. 

• Kenneth Cagnolatti (B.S. ’21) is a private wealth client performance analyst at Wells Fargo Advisors, where he has worked with ultra-high-net-worth clients managing billions in assets. A Certified Financial Planner™, he also is deeply committed to mentoring and community engagement, having founded Invest A Nole and led service programs through Kappa Alpha Psi and Progressive Black Men Inc. 

• Terrence Williams Jr. (B.S. ’13, MPA ’14) is director of contracts at GE Aerospace, where he leads negotiations on multimillion-dollar defense programs supporting global security. A first-generation graduate of FSU’s CARE program, he has excelled as a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow, mentor and motivational speaker, continuing to inspire future leaders through service and professional excellence. 

The Inspire Award recognizes graduates who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their professions while serving as role models for current and future students. The 2025 Inspire Award honorees are: 

• Ashlee Fontes (B.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’24) is a groundbreaking leader in the global soccer industry and an advocate for women in sports. She was the first woman of color to lead a U.S. professional sports franchise, co-founded the Girls Academy and served as president of United Soccer Coaches, the world’s largest coaching organization. At FSU, she has taught sport management courses, mentored students and established partnerships to expand professional opportunities for future leaders. 

• Delores Spearman (B.A. ’98, M.A. ’08) has dedicated her career to service and philanthropy, impacting both her community and Florida State University. A founder of Project Hunger through the United Way of Brevard, she has helped provide meals to more than 1,600 children weekly during the summer months. At FSU, she has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Seminole Boosters Board and Presidential Search Committee, and with her husband, Guy, established the Guy and Delores Spearman Endowed Professorship and supported multiple scholarships and facilities. 

The Circle of Gold honors alumni and friends of the university who, through their service and achievements, personify the university’s tradition of excellence. The 2025 Circle of Gold inductees are: 

• Jennifer Collins (B.S. ’93, J.D. ’06), a two-time FSU graduate, is an accomplished attorney and dedicated alumna. She co-founded and chaired the FSU Parent & Family Advancement Council and serves on the International Programs Council, helping foster a culture of philanthropy that strengthens the university community. Collins began her legal career as an assistant attorney general in Tallahassee before moving into private practice as a complex commercial litigator, where she earned recognition for her strategic insight and leadership. Her professional achievements and commitment to Florida State reflect a career defined by excellence, service and lasting impact. 

• Andrea Friall, M.D. (B.S. ’93) is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, physician leader and dedicated advocate for medical education. She was the first female physician at North Florida Women’s Care and now serves as vice president and chief medical officer at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Her numerous roles at FSU include service on the Foundation Board of Trustees and presidential and dean search committees. She also established the Walter T. King Scholarship for aspiring physicians. 

• Zach Heng (B.S. ’07) is a visionary HR executive, nonprofit board director, entrepreneur, community advocate and speaker. He has been a driving force in building the FSU Asian American Alumni Network and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Recognized nationally for his leadership, Heng continues to advance diversity and community engagement while supporting students and alumni as a mentor and advocate. 

• Mary Katherine “Cricket” Mannheimer (BFA ’81, M.S. ’94) has devoted nearly four decades to elevating FSU’s School of Dance. As co-founder and longtime leader of Friends of Dance, she helped establish the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography and has created opportunities for students, faculty and the arts community. 

• Bob Sasser (B.S. ’73), former CEO of Dollar Tree, guided the company’s growth into a Fortune 200 business. A member of the FSU College of Business Hall of Fame, former FSU Board of Trustee member and generous benefactor, Sasser has made transformative investments in Legacy Hall and student success. 

The Bernard F. Sliger Award, the Alumni Association’s highest honor, is named for FSU’s 11th president and recognizes a lifetime of service to the university. The 2025 honoree is Guy Spearman. 

• Guy Spearman (MSW ’75) is the founder and president of Spearman Management in Cocoa, Florida. Early in his career, he was recruited by Governor Reubin Askew to serve as an aide in his office. Spearman went on to build a respected government relations firm that has served clients across industries for decades. Spearman has dedicated much of his life to advancing Florida State University, serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Seminole Boosters Board and the College of Social Work Advisory Council. With his wife, Delores, he established the Guy and Delores Spearman Endowed Professorship and has supported scholarships, facilities and athletic programs, ensuring opportunities for generations of students. His leadership, philanthropy and loyalty to FSU embody the spirit of the Bernard F. Sliger Award.

FSU Homecoming Breakfast—Saturday, Nov. 1

The Grads Made Good Award recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their fields. The 2025 Grads Made Good Award recipients are: 

• James “Chef” Barlow (B.S. ’95) is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and entrepreneur who transformed military training. He founded Blue Air Training Corp., which pioneered the use of contracted pilots and aircraft to train joint terminal attack controllers and fighter pilots, creating a new global industry. The company has executed more than 45,000 airstrikes, trained allied forces worldwide and saved taxpayers more than $1 billion. Under his leadership, Blue Air Training earned repeated recognition on the Seminole 100 list and merged with Top Aces Inc. to become the world’s leading provider of contract air services. 

• Larry Hogan (B.S. ’78) served as governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023, and he is recognized as one of the most popular bipartisan leaders in America. He cut taxes for eight straight years, turned a $5.1 billion deficit into a record surplus and chaired the National Governors Association, where he led national responses on infrastructure and the COVID-19 pandemic. Hogan was also chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and co-chair of No Labels.  

• Eduardo Pérez (B.S. ’89) is a marketing innovator and entrepreneur. He co-founded PM3, a nationally recognized Hispanic advertising agency acquired in 2021, and has been a leading voice in multicultural marketing. He now invests in startups, including EQUIHEMP, an emerging leader in hemp-based animal health products. Pérez serves on advisory boards for FSU’s College of Communication and Information and the Center for Hispanic Marketing. A lifelong athlete and passionate Seminole, he remains committed to advancing entrepreneurship and diversity. 

• Leslie Webber (BSN ’99) is director of nursing for pediatric emergency services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where she oversees the emergency, ECMO and flex teams. She has been honored as one of the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida and received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Under her leadership, Wolfson’s emergency department earned the 2024 Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association, one of just 15 pediatric emergency rooms nationwide to receive the honor. A nurse for more than 25 years, Webber has advanced from bedside caregiver to executive leader while mentoring the next generation of nurses. 

About the FSU Alumni Association

The FSU Alumni Association works to create meaningful connections between alumni and Florida State University, strengthening the alumni network and supporting students on campus every day. All graduates of FSU are members of the FSU Alumni Association; no dues are required. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected through the Alumni Association’s career resources, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, travel benefits and more.

Learn more at alumni.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University invites alumni, students, parents and friends to the 2024 Homecoming celebrations from Saturday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 24. This year’s theme, “Tuned in to Tradition,” will bring a week of events filled with Seminole spirit and legacy.

For the first time this year, there is an opportunity to meet the Homecoming Court at a caricature station, drawn by the court itself, on Friday, Nov. 15. Attendees can help create a banner during Paint the Groove that will be showcased during the Homecoming parade.

Some of the time-honored festivities include the Homecoming Live pep rally, alumni events and Friday’s Homecoming parade leading up to the Homecoming football game against Charleston Southern on Saturday, Nov. 23. Adding a touch of tradition to the game day atmosphere, the Homecoming Chief and Princess will be revealed during halftime.

A full schedule of events is listed at homecoming.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University alumnus Bert Kreischer, a celebrated comedian, actor and podcast host, will serve as the university’s Homecoming Parade grand marshal, FSU’s Alumni Association announced Wednesday.

Celebrated as Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Number One Partier in the Nation,” Kreischer has since become one of the top-grossing stand-up comics in the industry. He also has starred in the major motion picture, “The Machine,” from Sony Pictures. In March of 2023, Kreischer released his fifth stand-up special, “Razzle Dazzle,” and recently shot his sixth special for Netflix in his hometown of Tampa, Fla., selling out all six shows in one day.

Kreischer’s connection to FSU runs deep. He is a 1998 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, where he studied creative writing in the English Department. In 2021, he returned to Tallahassee and performed stand-up at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. He began his career with stand-up comedy sets at Potbelly’s, a Tallahassee nightclub, during his time as a student.

Hosted by the FSU Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association (SAA), the Homecoming Parade will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and will celebrate the 45th anniversary of SAA. With a vibrant display of school spirit, creative floats and a performance from the world-renowned Marching Chiefs, the parade is one of the week’s most anticipated events.

“The FSU Alumni Association honors Bert Kreischer as the 2024 Homecoming Parade grand marshal,” said Julie Decker, associate vice president of advancement, alumni engagement and president of the Alumni Association. “This ceremonial role has the honor of leading one of the best Homecoming Parades in the country. We proudly invite one of the top comedians in the nation and a member of our FSU alumni family. We can’t wait!”

In addition to the parade, Homecoming festivities will include activities to engage students, alumni and the Tallahassee community. From the FSU Alumni Awards to game day tailgates, there will be something for everyone.

Can’t make the parade in person? You can livestream the parade by accessing the FSU Alumni Association Facebook page.

For more information about the Homecoming events, visit gonol.es/Homecoming24.

For more information about Bert Kreischer, visit bertbertbert.com.

About the FSU Alumni Association

The FSU Alumni Association works to create meaningful connections between alumni and Florida State University, strengthening the alumni network and supporting students on campus every day. All graduates of FSU are members of the FSU Alumni Association; no dues are required. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected through the Alumni Association’s career resources, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, travel benefits and more. Learn more at alumni.fsu.edu.

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Alumni, students, parents and friends of Florida State University will come together to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Homecoming from Friday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 22.

With a “Light Your Legacy” theme, in-person festivities include alumni events, a street parade and the annual Homecoming Live pep rally. Festivities culminate with FSU’s Oct. 21 Homecoming game against Duke, at which the 2023 Homecoming Chief and Princess will be unveiled.

A full schedule of events is listed at homecoming.fsu.edu.

Featured events include:

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

A cherished FSU tradition, Chalk on Legacy Walk kicks off Homecoming festivities and allows Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) to chalk a space on Legacy Walk that highlights their organization and the Homecoming theme. Banners painted by each participating RSO will be hung around the Student Union.

MONDAY, OCT. 16

Beginning at 7 p.m., Spirit Night is a talent show that displays the FSU student body’s diverse talents as well as a “friendly spirit competition.” FSU students are invited to come decked out in garnet and gold. Refreshments and exclusive homecoming merchandise will be available.

TUESDAY, OCT. 17

FSU Homecoming Council is bringing a new tradition to Homecoming with a new event, the Garnet & Gold Jamboree. This event, in the Student Union ballrooms from 2-5 p.m., takes a new spin on the concept of a jamboree, giving on-campus music and dance organizations the opportunity to perform and teach. After watching performances, students will be able to join the fun by taking lessons or joining “jam sessions” on the dance floor. They will also learn about opportunities to serve and give back.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18

The Homecoming Festival will offer thrill rides, food, exclusive homecoming merchandise and an opportunity to meet with Student Government Association agencies and learn about opportunities for involvement across campus. Join in the celebration from 1-5 p.m. on Landis Green.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

• A university tradition, Odds & Evens is a unique combination of past Homecoming Week events, with laid-back and structured games such as dodgeball, kickball, soccer and flag football on the Main Campus Fields from 5-8 p.m. The event will also include yard games, refreshments and exclusive Homecoming merchandise.
• Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council in the Union Ballrooms at 7 p.m. for an exciting step show from FSU’s historically African-American Greek letter organizations. For more information on the NPHC Extrav Homecoming Step Show, visit fsunphc.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

• The annual Homecoming Parade, organized by the Student Alumni Association, will begin at 2 p.m. Spectators can also experience a pre-parade festival with food and games at Westcott Plaza from 12-2 p.m. The parade will head north along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, turn west along College Avenue, then south onto Copeland Street. Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor Maxine Montgomery will serve as grand marshal. The parade features the Marching Chiefs, FSU cheerleaders and floats made by student organizations. As a virtual option, the event will be live-streamed at facebook.com/fsualumniassociation.
• The Florida State University Alumni Awards will celebrate the notable accomplishments of FSU’s alumni and take place at 6 p.m. at the Dunlap Champions Club. The event will honor the recipients of the Reubin O’D. Askew, Inspire, Circle of Gold and Bernard F. Sliger Awards. For details and event registration, visit gonol.es/FSUAlumniAwards.
• Homecoming Live is a pep rally featuring multiple student-performance groups and musical artists. Bryce Vine will be headlining the event. Bryce Vine presents a genre-bending, East Coast-meets-West Coast sound all his own, drawn in equal parts from the bass-heavy reality rap influence of his father, the bright, pop sensibility of his mother, and a childhood spent between New York and L.A. Free tickets will be available for FSU students, with general admission ticketing for the public. Doors open at 7 p.m., and performances start at 8 p.m. For more information, visit homecoming.fsu.edu/events/hc-live
• The FSU National Black Alumni will host their Homecoming reunion weekend, which includes their board meeting, awards, scholarship ceremony and more. The weekend of events aims to unify Black alumni from all decades, every college, school and Greek-letter organization, and connect them with current students and other constituent groups. For more details, visit gonol.es/BAReunion.
• The Emeriti Alumni Society kicks off their annual Homecoming reunion weekend, which includes a welcome lunch, campus bus tours, special parade seating and their induction brunch and awards ceremony celebrating the FSU Classes of 1972 and 1973. For event registration and a list of other Emeriti-related events happening during Homecoming, please visit gonol.es/EASReunion23.
• The Young Alumni Network will host a Homecoming Reunion Weekend to connect alumni ages 35 and under and enable them to network with other young professionals. The reunion weekend will feature multiple events, including a game-day tailgate and Young Alumni Brunch. For more details and event registration, visit gonol.es/YoungAlumniReunion.

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