Florida State University will mark its 175th anniversary with an expanded Homecoming celebration Friday Nov. 20, featuring an extended parade route and a free carnival for the FSU and Tallahassee communities.

Florida State University First Lady Jai Vartikar said FSU’s milestone anniversary offers a special opportunity to bring people together through the traditions and spirit of Homecoming.

“Homecoming has always been about connection, and FSU’s 175th anniversary gives us an extraordinary opportunity to widen that circle of celebration,” Vartikar said. “We look forward to welcoming students, alumni, families and friends in the community to experience the traditions, energy and sense of belonging that make Florida State University so special.”

Students, parents, alumni, friends and community members are invited to be part of the parade and Seminole LIVE! 175. This year’s theme, “Tradition Takes the Spotlight,” will celebrate FSU’s legacy and Seminole spirit through a full lineup of events.

“Homecoming is a powerful reminder of what makes Florida State so special — our students, our traditions and the sense of belonging that connects generations of Seminoles,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Student life is at the heart of that experience, and we wanted to create more opportunities during Homecoming to build community and celebrate the pride that comes with being a Seminole.”

One of the most anticipated events of the week, the Homecoming Parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The proposed parade route will head north on Macomb Street, west on College Avenue, south on Copeland Street and west on Jefferson Street before turning south onto Varsity Drive and west onto St. Augustine, ending at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The parade will feature the world-renowned FSU Marching Chiefs, who will make history as the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027. In keeping with tradition, the FSU cheerleaders, student organizations, colleges and departments across the university will decorate floats and golf carts.

The FSU and Tallahassee communities are invited to line the parade route and be part of the Homecoming tradition. Community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade and register their entry. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.

Seminole LIVE! 175, a pep rally and carnival, will be held at the Main Campus Fields, 1001 St. Augustine St. Members of the Tallahassee community are invited to join students, faculty, staff and alumni for the festivities.

FSU’s weeklong events from Nov. 13-21 culminate with the Homecoming football game against NC State.

To learn more about FSU Homecoming, visit homecoming.fsu.edu.

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The Florida State Seminoles beat Wake Forest 42-7 during the 2025 Seminole Heritage football game on Homecoming weekend.

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Florida State University is proud to announce that all personnel from the FSU Police Department and Public Safety Department will be recognized as this year’s Homecoming Parade honorary grand marshals, represented by FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower (B.S. ’98) and Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Barbara O’Connor. 

Chief Trumbower, a 26-year veteran of the FSU Police Department, embodies the university’s tradition of service and leadership. A proud alumnus and former Seminole football player, he stepped into the role of chief earlier this year, bringing with him deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to the safety and well-being of the FSU community. 

O’Connor is a veteran police officer, who has served in both municipal and university police departments. She currently leads FSU’s public safety departments, including the FSU Police Department, Emergency Management and Campus Access and Security Systems.  

The selection of the FSU Police and Public Safety Departments as honorary grand marshals reflects the university’s gratitude for their steadfast service and dedication. Under Trumbower’s and O’Connor’s leadership, these teams represent the Seminole spirit through their commitment to excellence, collaboration and care. 

The parade, part of the university’s 2025 Homecoming celebration themed “Legacy in Every Frame,” will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The parade will travel north from the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center parking lot along Macomb Street, turn west on College Avenue, then head south on Copeland Street. 

“Legacy in Every Frame” invites alumni, students, parents and friends to unite for a week of spirited events (Oct. 24 – Nov. 2) designed to honor tradition, foster connection and celebrate alumni achievements. Signature festivities include Homecoming Live, the Alumni Awards, the Seminole Heritage football game and the parade. 

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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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