Florida State University Over the Years

(I wrote this in 2013, but, other than Dorman not existing anymore, it’s still true. My son is a grad student now, but still at FSU).

October 14, 2013 — I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Communications in the 1980s. As fate would have it, my eldest son is currently a student at FSU. I guess that makes me a “legacy.”

His birthday was this weekend, so we drove up to see him. I am always amazed when I visit Florida State University at how much it has changed. The changes are for the better and I must say, I am bit envious I’m not a student there now.

It’s hard to realize that the road in front of Diffenbaugh building (where I spent the bulk of my time) is no longer a road. It’s funny because I got a ticket from the FSU Police on that road for having an expired tag on my car. Actually it was an antique license plate from the 1960s on the front. Expired? Well, yeah, I guess you could say it was. I paid.

Then, of course, there’s the student union (Oglesby). Back in my day, our only restaurant was called “Vending Machine.” Now, there is a sushi bar, Chili’s, Subway, and even a Chik-fil-a nearby. Adding on that Freshman Fifteen is a piece of cake now! Glad to hear the Downunder still blaring out music paradise pro.

Good Times at the Flambeau.

I used to work at The Florida Flambeau, an independent newspaper that was housed in the student union. Now, they have “FSView.” Pretty much the same thing, but I must say, it looks darned good.

Walking past Strozier Library I saw students with their laptops and iPhones, of course, but attached under the tables were power outlets. How cool is that! Nearby a bunch of kids were playing some sort of medieval foam-sword fighting game. They wore kilts. I have no idea.

Woodward Ave. is no longer a thoroughfare, it gets blocked off and routed around a pedestrian circle. The place looks great. Back in my day, the campus was bit dreary and worn-out. I lived off-campus on Tharpe Street, so I missed out on that true college experience. But, now, I wouldn’t even dream of living off-campus. Everywhere you look there are activities going on, notices about more activities, the band playing, ROTC marching, people biking, running, long-boarding. I guess they still go to class.

Traditionally Traditional Traditions.

My son lives in a newly built dorm called Traditions. The moment I walked in there I wanted to live there myself. Not the leaky, musty dorms of yesteryear (or Dorman today). This place is like a regular apartment, with AC, separate rooms, fully equipped kitchen, you name it.

Florida State University has a done a great job of keeping up with the times and making improvements (it seems construction is endless). I’m sure most colleges are doing the same thing. But, having lived there myself and seeing it in the present is such a stark difference, I’m just stunned every time.

Good job, Florida State University. Go Noles!