Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, a two-time FSU alumnus, reflected on his time as a member of the FSU family during his remarks.
“I’ve walked on a lot of campuses, and when I walk on FSU’s campus, it’s just different,” Collins said. “We have a different ethos, a different vibe across campus, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We’re changing Florida State a lot, but the core of Florida State is going to stay the same.”
Many students participated by signing a wall labeled “What makes you proud to be a Nole?” Their responses varied widely, mentioning family, community, campus traditions, and even the famous campus cats.
Kennedy Wharton, a Dedman College of Hospitality student and Marching Chiefs member, noted how special the celebration was for her as a legacy student.
“It’s so special to be a part of something as big as the 175th birthday of our school,” Wharton said. “Both of my parents went here, and they were both on the Marching Chiefs, where my sister and I now carry on that legacy.”
Many students participated by signing a wall labeled “What makes you proud to be a Nole?” on Legacy Walk Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Matthew McConnell/Florida State University)
Gracey Messingschlager, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, was excited to participate in the celebration.
“I walked out of class and saw all the amazing things going on like cupcakes, shirts and custom buttons,” Messingschlager said. “All of my cousins attended FSU, so I have a family legacy here, and it is crazy to see the differences from then to now.”
Evan Eisenstark, a social media specialist in the Division of Student Affairs, said the celebration reminded him of where we began as a university.
“Hitting 175 is such a big milestone,” Eisenstark said. “Being able to see our history in person is amazing, and you get to see the growth that constantly happens. One of my favorite things is to look at old photos and see what used to be here and what has stayed the same throughout those 175 years.”
The ceremony ended with the university community joining the band to sing “Happy Birthday” to Florida State, marking the official start of the yearlong festivities.
For more information about FSU 175, visit 175.fsu.edu.