Been There – Florida State

Starbucks Been There Florida State is the third Campus Collection mug from Florida!
Florida State University (FSU) was founded in 1851 as the Seminary West of the Suwannee River, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Florida. It became a women’s college in 1905 and was renamed Florida State College for Women. In 1947, the institution returned to coeducational status and adopted its current name, Florida State University. Throughout its history, FSU has grown significantly in size and academic reputation, becoming a major research university and consistently ranking among the top public universities in the United States.

– The front of the mug showcases the Marching Chiefs, which is FSU’s prestigious marching band, founded in 1939. Known for their precision, musicianship, and high-energy performances, they are an integral part of FSU’s football games and other major events. With over 400 members, the Marching Chiefs are one of the largest college marching bands in the world and have earned the nickname “The Sound of the Seminoles.”

– Below the band we see the Westcott Building, an iconic landmark on FSU’s campus, serving as the centerpiece of the university since its construction in 1910. Originally built as the administration building for the Florida State College for Women, it now houses the Office of the President and other administrative offices. The Westcott Building’s distinctive red brick facade and copper dome have become synonymous with FSU’s identity and rich history.

– Dodd Hall (back of the mug), originally constructed in 1923, is a historic building on the Florida State University campus that formerly served as the main library. It is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate murals depicting Florida’s history, created by FSU art professors in the 1950s. Today, Dodd Hall houses the FSU Heritage Museum and serves as a popular venue for academic events and receptions.

– Osceola and Renegade are the official symbols of Florida State University’s athletic teams, representing the school’s connection to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. At football games, a student portraying Osceola, a Seminole leader, rides onto the field atop Renegade, an Appaloosa horse, and plants a flaming spear at midfield to begin the game. This tradition, which began in 1978, is performed with the blessing and support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and is considered one of the most dramatic pre-game rituals in college sports.