The Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) has bolstered its relationship with Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business through a major philanthropic investment that reaffirms its commitment to the college’s risk management and insurance program and its students.

FSLSO, a Tallahassee-based not-for-profit organization that monitors, educates and supports Florida’s surplus lines insurance market, recently gave $1 million to establish the Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Directorship in the Wertheim College’s Risk Management and Insurance Center. Charles “Chuck” Nyce, a globally renowned researcher and expert in catastrophic risk financing, assumes the distinction of the center’s first Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Director.

Mark Shealy, FSLSO’s CEO and executive director, said the endowed fund aims to support the center’s advancement of the risk management industry, especially initiatives related to surplus lines, a type of specialized insurance coverage that has experienced massive growth in recent years. It also underscores the organization’s steadfast support of FSU’s students, particularly those in its nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate RMI programs.

FSLSO hires three to five FSU students as interns every fall and spring semester.

“FSLSO’s investment in Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business is rooted in our commitment to helping build the next generation of surplus lines insurance professionals,” said Shealy, a Wertheim College alumnus. “By investing in FSU’s RMI students, we are investing in the future capacity, innovation and resilience of the insurance industry.”

Michael D. Hartline, dean of the Wertheim College, emphasized FSLSO’s record of support. In addition to helping students launch careers through internships, the organization remains a regular sponsor and partner in events such as FSU’s Insurance Days, a twice-yearly job fair for RMI students. In 2024, FSLSO collaborated with the Florida Surplus Lines Association to establish, through a gift, the Florida Surplus Lines Speaker Series, a biannual Wertheim College event that addresses regulatory issues, new product development and changing market conditions in the surplus lines market.

The organization also partners with FSU’s Risk Management and Insurance Center on research and funds student trips to London and other markets where they learn about “the global nature of risk,” as Shealy calls it.

“Mark Shealy and the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office continue to demonstrate their extraordinary commitment to our college and students,” Hartline said. “This new investment further solidifies their standing as champions of our world-class programs and research and especially our students, who consistently flourish as the global business leaders of today and tomorrow.”

The investment makes the Risk Management and Insurance Center the third of the Wertheim College’s seven centers and institutes to feature a named directorship. The college’s Real Estate Center and Organizational Effectiveness Institute have named directors, as does its Business Career Services unit.

Nyce, who joined the Wertheim College faculty in 2009, began leading the RMI center last summer after serving almost three years as chair of the Department of Risk Management/Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies. The department includes the No. 2-ranked Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliance’s Program in Risk Management and Insurance.

“It’s a great honor to be the first Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Director,” Nyce said, calling Shealy and FSLSO “terrific stalwarts” of the RMI program and noting a substantial growth in the program’s relationship with the organization since Shealy became executive director in 2023.

Nyce added: “These types of investments fortify the future of our program. They ensure that this leadership position will remain solid for future generations of FSU RMI students and industry leaders.”

Shealy said Nyce, an expert on the effects of natural disasters on homeowners’ insurance markets and one of FSU’s most widely quoted faculty members among global news organizations, has played an instrumental role in preparing “the next generation of insurance professionals.”

“He understands the importance of connecting students not only with the academic foundation they need, but also with real-world industry exposure, mentorship and career pathways,” Shealy said. “That kind of leadership is critical at a time when our ‘excess and surplus’ industry needs strong, knowledgeable professionals who are ready to meet increasingly complex risks.”

‘A vital relief valve’

The surplus lines market, also known as the excess and surplus, or E&S, market, provides coverage for unique or complex risks that the traditional market often doesn’t insure.

Brad Karl, the Wertheim College’s Dr. William T. Hold Professor of Risk Management and Insurance and chair of the Department of Risk Management/Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies, defines surplus lines as a market for “non-standard” risks that may fall outside the standard market’s guidelines or capacity.

In a recent panel conversation titled “Understanding Surplus Lines: A Primer for State Legislators,” produced by the Institutes Griffiths Foundation, Karl called the surplus lines market “a vital relief valve in that it is able to service and provide protection and insurance for risks that sometimes the standard market can’t pick up.”

Examples of these risks include liability for AI, autonomous vehicles and social media influencers, he said.

Karl hails Shealy and the FSLSO for their “terrific partnership” with the Wertheim College and the “insight and connections they provide our students on the E&S markets and the insurance industry in general.”

Karl said FSLSO’s latest investment will, through Nyce and the RMI center, “have a lasting impact on student development and on the pipeline of talent entering our industry.”

‘A fantastic career path’

Shealy, who joined Karl on the “Understanding Surplus Lines” panel, said FSLSO works with Florida regulatory bodies and broker associations on policy and compliance. The organization, created by the Florida Legislature in 1997, offers industry support, including education and advice for Florida residents, industry members and government agencies.

FSLSO also promotes the industry in general and as “a fantastic career path for our students,” Nyce said.

That includes internships at FSLSO, which employs about 45 people and has ranked in the Top 10 among small companies for three straight years in Florida Trend’s Best Companies to Work For in Florida. The organization earned the No. 1 spot among small businesses in 2024.

“We have been fortunate to hire, mentor and work alongside FSU students, and we have seen firsthand the value they bring,” Shealy said. Through the surplus lines market, he said, the organization aims to help students “see the meaningful career opportunities available in our industry and encourage more of them to build their futures here in Florida.”

Shealy graduated from FSU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1991, then embarked on a career in the insurance industry, starting as a financial administrator in the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. He gives back to the Wertheim College as a frequent speaker and as a member of the RMI Executive Council, an advisory board of industry professionals who advocate for the FSU RMI program.

He said FSLSO’s growing partnership with the Wertheim College helps him focus on three things that matter to him: his connection to FSU, his commitment to the E&S industry and FSLSO’s role in serving Florida.

“The ability to work with my alma mater and help grow talented students in Florida, for the benefit of our industry and our state, is a true passion point,” he said.

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Florida State University recorded the most successful fundraising year in its history during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and partners contributing a record $235.4 million.

The total surpassed the university’s previous fundraising record of $225 million, set in 2015-16, led by a $100 million gift from Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation.

The record-breaking total includes philanthropic support raised through the FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, Research Foundation, Alumni Association and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. These investments support FSU’s strategic priorities leading to FSU’s powerful impact across Florida and beyond.

“This record-setting year reflects our momentum and the exquisite support of Florida State University’s future,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “From Dr. Herbert Wertheim’s historic $65 million dollar gift to the over 41,000 donors who support Florida State each year, these gifts create new opportunities for students, accelerate groundbreaking research and advance initiatives that improve our lives. We are deeply grateful to every donor who is now part of our shared future.”

The record fundraising year advanced priorities across the university, from scholarships to faculty support, to improved healthcare, to research and capital projects.

The year’s largest gift came from visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Herbert Wertheim whose $65 million investment established the Herbert Wertheim College of Business and the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence. This is the largest endowment gift in university history and will transform the business of healthcare, create new opportunities for students and faculty and further strengthen one of the nation’s leading public business schools.

“We are deeply grateful to every donor who is now part of our shared future.”

– FSU President Richard McCullough

The university also received a $10 million gift from Bruce and Tracey Berkowitz and The Fairholme Foundation, the largest in the history of the FSU College of Nursing. The investment will expand undergraduate nursing education and innovation at FSU’s Panama City campus while helping address critical nursing workforce shortages across Northwest Florida.

“Every gift represents someone who believes in Florida State and the impact this university has on students, families and communities,” said Marla Vickers, vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation. “I extend my deepest gratitude to FSU’s donors and commend their commitment to supporting our university through philanthropy. Their remarkable philanthropy directly empowers our students, strengthens our academic programs and fuels the work of our faculty in truly transformational ways.”

This was also one of the most successful fundraising years in Seminole Boosters history. Philanthropic support helped the Boosters and Athletics open the renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, creating an enhanced experience for fans, donors and student-athletes, as well as the Dunlap Football Center to further enhance recruiting, development and student-athlete support.

“This was among the strongest fundraising year in Seminole Boosters history, and it happened because our supporters don’t just give to Florida State, they are part of the Seminole family,” said Stephen Ponder, president and CEO of Seminole Boosters. “Their generosity strengthens our student-athletes, advances the university’s mission and demonstrates what’s possible when our community comes together behind Florida State.”

The university’s record fundraising year reflects the generosity of thousands whose investments are helping Florida State expand opportunities, advance discovery and prepare tomorrow’s leaders. As the university’s comprehensive campaign continues, those partnerships will play a vital role in shaping Florida State’s future.

To learn more about supporting Florida State University, visit give.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University President Richard McCullough has appointed Susan Glenn interim vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation.  

Glenn begins the interim role immediately, succeeding Marla Vickers, who stepped down earlier this summer after serving as vice president since 2022.

“Susan Glenn brings deep advancement experience, steady leadership and a strong understanding of Florida State’s fundraising priorities to this interim role,” said President Richard McCullough. “She has already made a meaningful impact through her work with our colleges, schools and units, and I am confident she will provide thoughtful leadership during this transition. I also want to thank Marla Vickers for her service to Florida State and her contributions to our advancement efforts over the past several years.”  

Glenn, an advancement leader with more than 30 years of experience, has served as associate vice president of Advancement for Colleges, Schools and Units since December 2023.  

As interim vice president, Glenn will lead the university’s advancement and alumni engagement efforts. She will oversee fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement and communications initiatives that support Florida State’s academic, research and student success priorities while providing executive leadership to the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Glenn has spent her career focused on higher education, academic health and health systems fundraising. She currently oversees major gift teams and operations across 23 colleges, schools and units and partners closely with academic leaders and deans to set and exceed annual fundraising goals. She also has played a key role in developing campaign goals and priorities for FSU’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign. 

Before joining FSU, Glenn held advancement leadership roles at the University of Central Florida, Rock Valley College, Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, Duke University School of Nursing and other not-for-profit organizations. 

Throughout her career, she has led major, annual and planned giving programs, developed fundraising strategies and partnered with deans, faculty and institutional leaders to advance campaign priorities. 

Glenn earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Northern Illinois University. 

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Altony “Tony” Lee III began serving as chair of the FSU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors on July 1, bringing to the role more than two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit development and alumni engagement.

Lee’s appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to Florida State University as both an alumnus and volunteer leader. Through his service to the Alumni Association, including his role as vice chair, he has helped strengthen connections between alumni and the university while advancing initiatives that encourage lifelong engagement with Florida State.

“As a first-generation student, Florida State University provided me with a preeminent college experience and education,” Lee said. “I am honored to serve as chair alongside alumni who are deeply passionate about preserving our rich alumni traditions while embracing new ones.”

Beyond his service to Florida State University, Lee is interim chief of staff at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he works closely with President Marva B. Johnson, executive leadership and the Board of Trustees to help carry out FAMU’s strategic priorities. In this role, he guides presidential initiatives and helps translate the president’s vision into action across the institution.

Before joining FAMU, Lee served as associate vice chancellor of public affairs for the State University System of Florida, where he helped secure increased investment in higher education. He also strengthened engagement between state policymakers and university leaders, helping ensure Florida’s public universities had a strong voice in decisions affecting higher education.

Throughout his career, Lee has served in advancement and development roles at Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Radford University and Zoo Tampa. Across those organizations, he helped secure millions of dollars in philanthropic support while building public and private partnerships that further their missions.

“Tony’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of both higher education and the lasting value of an engaged alumni community,” said Marla Vickers, vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation. “His ability to build relationships and lead with purpose will guide the board as it builds on the Alumni Association’s strong tradition of service and engagement.”

Lee previously served as the board’s vice chair, and he will work alongside fellow directors to help guide the association’s strategic priorities and support its long-term vision.

Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University in 2002, a master’s degree in global and strategic communications from Florida International University and a doctorate in applied learning sciences from the University of Miami.

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Florida State University Vice President for University Advancement and President of the FSU Foundation Marla Vickers will step down from her position this summer.

Dr. Vickers, an FSU alumna and the first woman to serve in the role, joined Florida State in October 2022 and has led the university’s advancement and alumni engagement efforts during an important period for the institution.

She has overseen fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement and communications initiatives supporting Florida State’s academic, research and student success priorities while also providing executive leadership to the FSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

During her tenure, Dr. Vickers helped launch and lead Florida State’s new comprehensive fundraising campaign and guided major philanthropic initiatives from a national model of excellence.

Among the most significant milestones during her leadership was Anne Spencer Daves’ landmark gift to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, resulting in the renaming of the college in her honor. The designation marked the first time an FSU college was named for an alumna and established the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, known as Anne’s College, as the first named education-related college in Florida.

Dr. Vickers also helped advance Dr. Herbert Wertheim’s $65 million investment in the College of Business, the university’s largest endowment gift in its history, which named the Herbert Wertheim College of Business and the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence. She worked closely with donors, alumni, volunteers and university leaders to strengthen philanthropic support across the university and expand engagement with the FSU community worldwide.

“Marla has provided exceptional leadership for University Advancement and the FSU Foundation during an important period for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “Her leadership was instrumental in advancing our comprehensive campaign and supporting transformative investments such as the renaming of Anne’s College and the Herbert Wertheim College of Business. As a Florida State graduate, she brought a deep understanding of this university and a genuine passion for its future. We are grateful for her service to Florida State and wish her all the best.”

For Dr. Vickers, the opportunity to return to her alma mater and help advance the university’s mission through philanthropy and engagement made her tenure especially meaningful.

“Returning to Florida State to serve my alma mater has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Dr. Vickers said. “I am deeply grateful to President McCullough, our alumni, donors, volunteers, my team and colleagues throughout the university for their partnership and support. Together, we have strengthened the foundation for Florida State’s future, and I will always cherish the opportunity to be part of the university’s continued growth and success.”

Before joining Florida State, Dr. Vickers served as associate vice president of Advancement at Emory University, where she directed fundraising and alumni and constituent engagement efforts for eight academic schools and units. She also held advancement positions at Yale University, the University of Chicago, George Washington University, Duke University and Georgetown University.

Dr. Vickers earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree from Florida State University, an MBA from George Washington University and a doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University.

Florida State University will launch a national search for its next vice president for University Advancement and president of the FSU Foundation. Information regarding interim leadership will be announced in the coming weeks.

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The 15th annual FSU’s Great Give on March 4 raised more than $1.5M, thanks to the generosity of more than 5,500 donors who contributed during the 24-hour event.

With more than 113 projects benefiting the Florida State University community, donors from all over the world reaffirmed their commitment to excellence by investing in FSU.

“Each year, FSU’s Great Give reminds us just how powerful the university community truly is,” said Sadiki Perry, associate director for digital and social giving. “Seeing thousands of Noles stand together and give so generously is inspiring. As pioneers in this space, FSU’s annual day of giving shines a spotlight on the power people have when they unite for a common cause. Thank you to all our donors.”

If you missed FSU’s Great Give this year, you can still make a gift online at give.fsu.edu. FSU’s Great Give will return in March 2027.

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Florida State University will be kicking into high gear for its 15th annual day of giving on Wednesday, March 4, with FSU’s Great Give. Over the past decade-and-a-half, Seminoles around the world have come together each year to support FSU and ensure its future remains bright.

During the 24 hours of giving, FSU’s Great Give aims to raise at least $1 million to support students, faculty and staff, alumni, programs and groundbreaking research. Gifts made during FSU’s Great Give help FSU remain ranked among the nation’s top universities while offering students unique experiences, both on and off campus.

“FSU’s Great Give is more than a day on the calendar — it’s a celebration of the way Seminoles show up for one another,” said Sadiki Perry, associate director for digital and social giving. “Each gift helps create meaningful experiences in and out of the classroom, supports world-class faculty and ensures that our university remains a place where students can dream big and achieve more.”

Gifts can be made online at greatgive.fsu.edu beginning at midnight Wednesday, March 4.

Support FSU’s Great Give on social media using #FSUGreatGive and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X for real-time updates.

For those submitting gifts via check or phone before March 4, please make sure to include “FSU’s Great Give” in the memo line along with your fund designation(s).

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Photo Gallery

Florida State University began 2026 by celebrating a new era of world-class business education with a grand opening of the Herbert Wertheim Center for Business Excellence on Tuesday, commemorating its new home on West Gaines Street.

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Florida State University celebrated an incredible FSU’s Great Give on March 5, raising more than $2.2 million during its 14th annual day of giving.

In a remarkable show of support, 4,342 donors from around the world helped fund over 100 projects across 30 colleges, schools and units.

“FSU’s Great Give exemplifies the boundless spirit and generosity of the Seminole community,” said Sadiki Perry, assistant director for digital and social giving for FSU’s Division of University Advancement’s Annual Giving team. “Year after year, we are amazed by the ever-growing support that empowers our university to reach new heights.”

Looking ahead, FSU’s Great Give will return in March 2026. To give to Florida State’s academic initiatives, visit give.fsu.edu or call (850) 644-6000.

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Two-time alumnus Granville L. Larimore honored Florida State University through a $9.5 million estate gift this fall. The gift has the potential to enhance student success and research opportunities across 30 departments and more than 200 programs of study.

The funds will be evenly distributed between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy as an unrestricted gift, which allows the deans of each college the discretion to apply the funds to the areas of greatest need, including faculty and student support.

Larimore, Larry to his friends, earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in economics from FSU in the early 1960s. After graduation, he moved to Atlanta and ultimately secured a position with the Environmental Protection Agency, from which he retired in 1997. Larimore’s passion for history lasted a lifetime, and, from Switzerland to Egypt, he spent his retirement traveling abroad with his sister, Lila. Larimore died in February at age 86, leaving the gift as part of his estate.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, just over $3.5 million will establish the Granville L. Larimore Endowment for Excellence in Arts and Sciences. The remaining $1.2 million will be immediately put to work.

“As we stand in celebration of Granville Larimore’s and his family’s generosity, we are beyond pleased with this gift,” said Sam Huckaba, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “With its size and flexibility, the Larimore endowment will have spectacular and lasting impacts on the college and benefited departments. We will use it wisely, track it carefully, and never lose appreciation of its source.”

Similarly, the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy will use just over $3.5 million of the funds to establish the Granville L. Larimore Endowment for Excellence in Social Sciences, which will allow for creation of new faculty and student support opportunities and a program to recognize faculty and staff excellence. The remaining $1.2 million will support programming and events aimed at enriching the lives of students and alumni.

“This gift from Granville Larimore and family will have lasting impacts within FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy,” said Tim Chapin, dean of the college. “These funds will be invested in our world-class faculty and students, as well as yield expansions to our programming, all in alignment with Mr. Larimore’s belief that higher education can play a key role in making a better world.”

Charitable bequests, such as Larimore’s, are gifts made through a donor’s will or trust that support FSU’s mission and make a lasting statement about what matters most to the donor. According to Nancy Smilowitz, assistant dean of advancement and alumni affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences, charitable bequests are the result of trust built over time between a donor and FSU and allow donors to establish a legacy at FSU.

“Flexible gifts of this degree make transformational impacts at the college level,” Smilowitz said. “Building trust over the course of a lifetime affords donors the confidence that the university’s deans will apply their funds to the areas of most need, which retains and enhances the health of FSU’s academic units.”

For more information about philanthropy at FSU and to learn how to make the university part of your philanthropic priorities, visit give.fsu.edu.

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In a significant show of support for their alma mater, Florida State University alumni Scott and Suzi Brock recently announced a $3 million charitable bequest that underscores the couple’s enduring appreciation for FSU Athletics, gives back to the College of Business and honors Scott Brock’s late father, a northwest Florida native who dedicated his life to public service.

Their gift includes:

• $1.5 million to support Seminole Boosters, which financially assists FSU Athletics.
• $1.4 million to establish the Scott and Suzi Brock Endowed Professorship in Accounting and the Scott and Suzi Brock Endowed Scholarship in Accounting in the College of Business.
• $100,000 to create the Hurdis A. Brock Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Public Administration in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.

Scott Brock said the gift illustrates the family’s lifelong connection to Florida State University.

“This remarkable gift reflects the Brocks’ devotion to Florida State University and their belief in our students, student-athletes and faculty members,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “We are deeply grateful to Scott and Suzi for their foresight and the example they set for our FSU family.”

The family’s connection to the university started with Hurdis Brock, namesake of the planned graduate scholarship in public administration. Hurdis attended FSU, leading the way for Scott, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1981. Scott is now senior director of state government affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he has worked for 25 years.

“We’ve been blessed throughout our lives and careers,” Scott said. “As we developed our estate plan, we wanted to include a gift to Florida State University that would benefit faculty and students academically and athletically for generations.”

Suzi Brock earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1981 and added a degree in interior design in 1995. She owns a business, Suzi Brock, CKD, that designs kitchens and bathrooms.

Scott and Suzi each also followed an older sibling to the university, “contributing to why we attended FSU,” Suzi said. “I’m grateful to our alma mater and excited that we could make this bequest.”

Backing Seminole Boosters

The Brocks started attending sporting events at FSU more than 45 years ago when they embarked on their undergraduate degrees. As Tallahassee residents, they still do, tailgating before football games and attending various athletic events with classmates who became lifelong friends.

“We’re proud of Florida State University and always want to show our support,” Scott said.

Their pledge to Seminole Boosters will fully benefit FSU Athletics. Seminole Boosters, an FSU Direct Support Organization, provides funding for university athletic scholarships, facilities, operations and more.

“We genuinely appreciate the Brocks’ support of Seminole Boosters and Florida State University Athletics,” said Stephen Ponder, president and CEO of Seminole Boosters. “Such support allows our student-athletes to excel on and off the playing field, and this gift cements the Brocks’ legacy in FSU Athletics.”

Elevating Business

After graduation, Scott worked for two years in the accounting field before landing in government affairs in the pharmaceutical industry. He credits the college for launching his career and Dean Michael Hartline for raising the college’s profile nationally and globally. That includes Hartline’s leadership in fundraising and current construction of Legacy Hall, the college’s state-of-the-art future home.

“The College of Business helped me be successful in my career,” Scott said. “And it is great to see that Dean Hartline has been working diligently to create a new first-class facility for the college and to attract quality professors and students – improving not only the accounting department, which I’m fond of, but the entire college.”

Hartline said the pledge would “change lives, elevate our accounting department and college, and distinguish our students in their careers.”

“We genuinely thank Scott and Suzi for their extremely generous commitment to our preeminence,” he added.

Serving the Public Good

Scott said his father was a longtime friend of Reubin Askew, Florida’s governor from 1971 to 1979 and the namesake of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Askew School of Public Administration, which will oversee the new graduate scholarship.

“The college is honored by this investment by the Brock family in support of students with interests in public service,” said Dean Tim Chapin of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “Gov. Askew’s commitment to advance the interests of all Floridians is being upheld by the nationally renowned Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy.”

Scott salutes his father as the first in his family to attend college. Enrolling after service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Hurdis Brock became among the first attendees of the newly named Florida State University, where he met Askew. An influx of male WWII veterans prompted the name change, in 1947, from the Florida State College for Women.

Hurdis returned to active Army duty to serve during the Korean War, just one semester shy of earning a bachelor’s degree. Upon his return to the U.S., he embarked on a career in the automotive parts industry and later served nine years on the Fort Walton Beach City Council. He performed community service throughout his adult life, including as a member of the Lions and Rotary clubs.

“Growing up after the Depression, he knew that, for many, food was scarce, so he always had a passion to help those who did not have enough to eat,” Scott, the youngest of three sons, said of his father. “Public service was always a part of his life, and he instilled that in my brothers and me.”

For more information about Seminole Boosters, visit boosters.fsu.edu. To learn more about the College of Business, visit business.fsu.edu. For more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, visit coss.fsu.edu.

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