Florida State University’s College of Business hosted an exclusive “Toast and Tour” event on November 14 to showcase its new Legacy Hall facility. The event brought together donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners who contributed to the $160 million project.
Legacy Hall, which took more than 20 years to complete, is set to open for classes on January 7. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on January 6. The building is now the largest academic structure in FSU’s history.
FSU President Richard McCullough addressed attendees in the building’s atrium. “There have been so many generous people who have contributed to helping us build this building,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough.” McCullough acknowledged the support from alumni, friends, faculty, staff members, students, community partners, and the State of Florida. He highlighted that the project generated 1,700 jobs and $260 million in economic output.
“And it will make an even greater impact in the future,” McCullough added.
College of Business Dean Michael Hartline also spoke at the event: “Here’s to Legacy Hall. Here’s to our amazing family. Here’s to our donors who made it happen. Here’s to our past, our present and our future.”
McCullough described Legacy Hall as a symbol of FSU’s continued progress and noted its potential to further elevate both the college and university. He pointed out FSU’s No. 11 ranking among public universities and the College of Business’ No. 3 ranking among public business schools and No. 10 overall by Niche.
“This building is a symbol of Florida State’s continued rise to preeminence,” McCullough said. “It’s a cutting-edge building, and we’re going to do cutting-edge things here.”
More than 500 people attended the event, including current and former members of the Board of Trustees and College of Business Board of Governors; representatives from architect Goody Glancy; construction manager Culpepper Construction Company; and members of the college’s Student Leadership Council.
Bethany Schenk, a 2024 College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame inductee whose name appears on a meeting room in Legacy Hall and who provided initial artwork for the facility, commented after the event: “What an honor to be here celebrating this milestone event that has been years in the works.” She added: “It has been magical watching boards, donors, the faculty, the community, Culpepper, all the people involved come together. It’s an unbelievable thing to be a part of.”
Peter Collins, chairman of FSU’s Board of Trustees and a benefactor whose name appears on Legacy Hall’s colonnade area as well as a 2021 College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame inductee said: “My heart is full for Florida State… My heart is full for the College of Business.”
Dean Hartline credited his predecessors Melvin Stith and Caryn Beck-Dudley for starting fundraising efforts for a new facility during his remarks: “Friday [was] a day of gratitude, a day of reflection and most importantly a day of recognition for all you who helped us achieve this vision.”
The celebration began earlier in Dodd Hall with an unveiling ceremony for a stained-glass window depicting Legacy Hall alongside references to FSU School of Business’ founding in 1950. The college then hosted a farewell pizza party at Rovetta Business Building—its home since 1958—and staged an aerial photo marking its 75th anniversary.
At Friday evening’s main event Dean Hartline concluded by inviting guests to raise their glasses: “Dear friends… Here’s to Legacy Hall… Here’s to our amazing family… Here’s to our donors who made it happen… Here’s to our past, our present and our future. Cheers.”
