As students at Florida State University, we’re very familiar with our beautiful campus. If you’re an upperclassman, you’ve probably already gotten lost in the labyrinth that is Dodd Hall, spent many late nights studying in Strozier, and hurried across campus trying to make it from Diffenbaugh to HCB in 15 minutes. Because of our busy schedules, we don’t always take the time to look around and appreciate our surroundings. Sure, we know exactly what shortcuts to take so we can get from Landis to the Union in record time, but do we really ever take a minute to stop and look at what’s around us? Many of the statues and buildings on campus are dedicated to important people who have helped shape FSU as an educational institution.
Francis Eppes Statue: Ever wonder who that guy is hanging out around Westcott fountain? He looks a little stiff, huh? That’s Francis Eppes, founder of Florida State University. Although the initial founding of the Seminary West of the Suwannee was a group effort, Eppes was the one who obtained state recognition for the school that eventually became FSU. Because of this, he was dubbed our founder. Eppes thought education was extremely important. He served on the Board of Education and was the president of the school for about eight years. Fun fact: He’s also Thomas Jefferson’s grandson.
Mina Jo Powell Alumni Green: This green area adjacent to the Longmire Student Alumni Building is dedicated to Mina Jo Powell, an FSU alum and major supporter of the university. Her generosity to Florida State helped start the College of Medicine and create a scholarship fund for students. She was also the first woman to serve on the Seminole Boosters’ Board of Directors. The green itself has been a meeting place for students since the 30’s. Ms. Powell worked to protect it when it was announced that there were plans to construct a classroom building on the site. In 1990, it was named after her in honor of her contributions to the university.
Rowena Longmire Student Alumni Building: Standing tall since 1938, Longmire now houses the College of Arts and Sciences’ advising office. I recently went inside for a grad check and became quite curious about the building’s history. It was named after Rowena Longmire, professor of English and founder of the Florida State College for Women Alumnae Association. She was a faculty member of the university for 32 years, and president of the Florida Education Association in 1924.
Dodd Hall: Gotten lost in here before? I know I have. Dodd Hall is named after William George Dodd, a former FSU English professor. He was also dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for more than 30 years. Dodd Hall was the location of FSU’s library before Strozier opened in 1956. The beautiful stained glass that makes this building unique was created by two other FSU alumni, Bob and Jo Ann Bischoff.