FSU Traditions

Westcott Fountain

The Westcott Fountain was a gift from the Classes of 1915 and 1917. It is the most frequently photographed site on campus and a symbol of the Florida State University’s proud legacy. The fountain is also the site of one of the most enjoyable Florida State traditions: getting thrown in on your 21st birthday. This has been a longstanding tradition on campus. It’s said that you’re not truly a Florida State Seminole until you’ve been tossed into the Westcott fountain.

Integration Statue

The Integration Statue celebrates students who pioneered integration at FSU. Sculpted by W. Stanley Proctor in 2003, the statue depicts Maxwell Courtney, the first African American to graduate from FSU, Fred Flowers, the first African American to wear an FSU athletic uniform, and Doby Flowers, the first African American homecoming queen dressed in traditional homecoming attire for 1970.

University Seal

The origins of the seal date back to the late 19th century and the West Florida Seminary, which is the oldest predecessor to what is now The Florida State University. An owl was chosen to represent the wisdom the school would impart to its students, but as the college changed so did the seal. In 1909, the university adopted a similar version of our current seal, incorporating three torches to symbolize Vires, Artes, and Mores, which are a Latin translation of strength, skill, and character. The seal has since been updated with a more modern appearance, but its strong traditions have not been compromised

Marching Chiefs

The FSU Marching Chiefs were deemed by Sports Illustrated as the “band that never lost a halftime.” Today, the Marching Chiefs are one of the largest college marching bands in the world and their membership is comprised of students from almost every academic department within the university. Before each home football game, The Chiefs hold their

Unconquered Statue

Constructed in 2003, the Unconquered Statue was designed to capture the indomitable spirit of the Seminole people and those who have adopted that spirit as a symbol for their university. It is a striking bronze sculpture designed and crafted by Fritz White that depicts a spear-brandishing Seminole astride a rearing horse. At sunset the night before each home game, the spear is ignited and burns until sunrise the morning after the game. Lightings also occur to commemorate other major section cheers, and gives the audience a sneak preview of the upcoming halftime