Dear FSU Black Alumni Legends,
To the black alumni at Florida State University who paved the say, words cannot express our gratitude. You opened so many doors for generations of students, and we are grateful. We recognize all of you as champions for learning, and we appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.
We thank you.
We honor you as academic ambassadors who have influenced growth and success for black students both on campus and in the world. Because of leaders like you, we have countless opportunities for learning. Importantly, we have a special place - the Black Student Union - a space dedicated to all who wish to access it and for all who deserve it.
We know that Florida State University would not be the exemplar of excellence in higher education that it is without your dedication, courage, and resilience as FSU's first black students.
Along with current students, generations of FSU Black Alumni honor all that you have gifted to FSU, and we celebrate your commitment and what it has meant to all of us over the years.
Yours in Strength, Skill, and Character,
FSU Black Alumni
The pioneering African American students who were admitted to Florida State in the 1960's were among the best and the brightest. They understood the hurdles before them, but heroically stepped up to the challenge in hopes of forging social change. Their talents, hard work and unwavering determination helped them achieve the ideal of total integration-academic, athletic and social assimilation into the university community.
Because of their courageous efforts, thousands of students of all races and ethnicities have made Florida State the great institution it is today.
Baccalaureate – Male:
Maxwell Courtney (1965 – Mathematics)
Baccalaureate – Female: Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker (1966 – Social Work)
Masters – Maxine A. Thurston-Fischer (1964 – Social Work)
Doctorate – Samuel N. Moseley and Robert L. Mitchell (June 13, 1970 – PhD in Chemistry)
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was the first Black Fraternity at FSU. The Chi Theta Chapter was established in 1967 and chartered on August 1, 1970.
Fred H. Flowers entered FSU in 1965. He was the first African-American athlete to wear an FSU uniform and earned his B.A. in 1969 and his M.S. in 1975.
Doby Flowers was the first Black Homecoming Princess in 1970. She earned her B.S. and M.S. from FSU in 1970 and 1973. She has a career in law practice management and consulting.
In 2002, former Florida State University President Talbot D’Alemberte commissioned a monument to celebrate the efforts of students at FSU who pioneered integration in the 1960’s. The monument, titled “Integration,” was unveiled during the Heritage Day Celebration on January 30, 2004. The monument consists of three figures standing approximately nine feet tall on a circular brick pedestal, and is based on the concept of “books, bats, and beauty.”
In 2012, Florida State University celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Integration. The pioneering African American students who were admitted to Florida State in the 1960's were among the best and the brightest. They understood the hurdles before them, but heroically stepped up to the challenge in hopes of forging social change. Their talents, hard work and unwavering determination helped them achieve the ideal of total integration-academic, athletic and social assimilation into the university community. Visit here for additional details.