By Andy Miller
Fall, 2020
My parents Bob and Jan Miller, were among the first FSU students in the fall od 1948 and 1949. They were avid fans od FSU football. The team, with a newly adopted name, the Seminoles, with colors borrowed from FSCW, with no stadium or scholarships, finished the 1948 season 7-1 under newly appointed head coach Don Veller.
They were the best parents anyone could have, and they remain dyed-in-the-wool Seminoles. They backed the program in every way from the beginning, even before the program was fully formed.
I am their oldest son, born in 1951, the summer after FSU beat the Bobby Bowden-quarterbacked Howard College Bulldogs in their first season in the Seminoles' new stadium.
I grew up idolizing the legends like Steve Tensi, Fred Biletnikoff, the Seven Magnificents, Coach Pete and Sammie Seminole. I couldn't wait for the time I would actually be able to enroll at FSU. There was never any question that I would follow my family and become a Seminole, and that my younger sister and brother would follow.
Getting an early start in the summer of 1969, I had my best semester at Florida State. I joined a fraternity and immersed myself in college life. Through our fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, I was introduced to my lifetime friend and professional collegue, the multitalented Charlie Barnes. Charlie was a legend at the Pike House. Our budding relationaship was put on hold when he was shipped to Vietnam, but I knew then that one day we would be reunited. I stood on the tarmac at the old Tallahassee airport to welcome him back to FSU in the fall of 1971.
Charlie and I had two more years together, working to build our fraternity and having more good times than should be allowed. He went to work for Proctor and Gamble and I was hired by Motorola.
I received a call from FSU. The Chairman of the newly-reorganized Seminole Boosters at that time was Doyle Pope, a Quincy native. Doyle knew my family in Havana. They were seeking someone with local ties and the FSU connection, so I was invited to apply.
I was reluctant at first. I had my sights on what I thought were bigger and better opportunities in business, but my Dad convinced me to take the interview. To my great surprise, I was offered the opportunity to lead the Boosters. Despite my hesitation, I realized that my love for the University, and the chance to build something truly worthwhile, was an offer too great toresist. In May of 1975, I became the Executive Director of Seminole Boosters.
My first year in the Boosters was a learning experience, bitter-sweet but valuable nonetheless. I witnessed the ugly side of the business when support for Coach Darrell Mudra deteriorated and financial support collapsed. Fortunately, a dynamic leader was in the wings and was recruited to save the program. George Langford was that man. I cannot say enough good things about 'The General.' He was inspirational, energetic and as good a mentor as a young aspiring man could have.
In 1976, our third choice after Lou Holtz and Johnny Majors was hired. Bobby Bowden, if not the greatest coach of all time, is certainly the greatest program builder. COach Bowden's personality, leadership and winning transformed our University and left a legacy unmatched in College Athletics. Tom Carlson, one of the best fund raisers I've ever known, said of Coach Bowden "There may be one day a better coach, but there will never be a better man." I think all Seminoles agree.
That same year, on my way to the office I was stopped in my tracks when I entered the Hecht House and my first sight was the continuing education's newly hired receptionist. She is a real beauty in every way, and she has been my wife for 44 years. Cindy is my perfect partner, always charming and willing to support (and endure) the lifestyle of a driven executive.
We were married in October of 1976. We had originally set the date for Saturday the 24th but received a call from my Dad advising us that date would not work due to the FSU's game at Auburn. We agree, and were happily married Thursday the 21st. We honeymooned in Destin and by Saturday we joined the family for the Auburn Game. That might have been Cindy's first introduction to the demands of collegiate athletics fundraising.
Together, Cindy and I have three terrific children, Shannon, Drew and Matt. We're blessed with fantastic in-laws in Khalid and Courtney, and four awesome grandboys: Hudson, Ryder, Colson and Noah. It's a 100% Seminole Family.
Charlie was my first hire and he became the face of Seminole Boosters. He worked the volunteer network, directed the Spring Tour and was as good a partner and friend as one could have. Always entertaining, Charlie made being a Booster fun and contributed greatly to our success.
There were many other members of the Boosters team whose contributions were of significant value. ALl have a great love for the University and the desire to see it reach the highest pinnacles of success. Among them are Joel Padgett, Tom Carlson, Billy Sexton, Mary Pat Deloge, George Brand, Karen Rich, Peggy Bazzell, Barbara Mason, Matt Behnke, Jerry Kutz, Edie Snowden, Patti Barber, Max Zahn, Sherri Dye, Mary Bailey, Debbie Derzypolski and the current Executive team including Greg Hulen, Mike Dasher, Eric Carr, JP Sinclair, Kari Terezakis, Ben Zierden, Derril Beech and Paul Phipps. While not an official member of my staff, Gene Deckerhoff and I worked together since my first day on the job and I will always value his contributions to FSU and our personal friendship.
After a terrific start in his first five seasons, Coach Bowden's program slowed down. But 1987 was the transformational year, the first season of the Dynasty. It began a championship run still unequalled in collegiate football history.
Florida State University became a national brand, led by a charismatic coach and supported by prominent alumni in Hollywood and in the halls of state government. Burt Reynolds, Bob Urich, Herb Morgan, TK Wetherell, James Harold Thompson, Bo Johnson, Jim King, John Thrasher and the beloved President Bernie Sliger. Behind the scenes, and under extremely difficult conditions, the magic worked by Dr. Jim Pitts and current AD David Coburn must never be understated.
Florida State's stars seemed to be perfectly aligned. The faces of loyal Semnioles were prominent in the halls of power; FSU had a national icon as head coach, a highly popular President, and a 'Team Behind the Team' in Seminole Boosters, Inc. with the talent, smarts and determination to take advantage of all opportunities.
The DeVoe L. Moore University Center, once a pipe dream, became a magificent reality: the largest contiguous brick structure in the United States, adorned with gothic spires, 80,000 seats, modern amenities and 500,000 sqaure feet of University space.
In the early 90s, collegiate athletics was taking a decive turn. The arms race to expand and improve facilities was underway. To respond to the growing challenge, we were fortunate to hire a truly outstanding Athletic Director in Dave Hart. Dave worked with Seminole Boosters to develop the facility master plan. That plan led to the construction of the new Moore Athletic Center, Dick Howser Stadium, the Morcom Aquatic Center, the McIntosh Track and Field Complex, Smith-Stiles Soccer Softball Complex, the Don Veller Seminole Golf facility, and Donald L. Tucker Center. These projects and others were all developed, financed and constructed by Seminole Boosters.
Later, understanding the demands for game day amenities and new revenue streams, Seminole Boosters, Inc. developed CollegeTown. I cannot thank enough Will Butler, Alan Hooper, Andy Haggard, Morris Miller, Charles Gardner, and always present, DeVoe and Shirley Moore, who were catalysts in this very successful project.
Perhaps most important, I cannot say enough about the great leaders who served on the Seminole Boosters Board of Directors, and especially the Board Chairs. Three Booster Board Chairs served multiple terms. In all, there have been 43 Chairs since the reorganization of 1974. Each served honorably and well. Most Seminoles never will know the particulars of the circumstances from year to year, but our program can never repay the guidance of those whose strength cleared the way.
They have endured my phone calls at all hours of day and night, but we always shared the same energy, enthusiasm and enduring vision for the Seminoles continued prosperity.
Our impressive assembly of dedicated Booster Board volunteers has enriched the University beyond the ability to measure. A supreme tribute to the success of Seminole Boosters is that we lack the capacity here to include every detail of every achievement, of every struggle undertaken to complete the next step, and to overcome every challenge along the way.
I would also be remiss to not mention our most transformational donors, our MICCO's. Florida State Athletics is fortunate to have over 100 individuals and families who have committed over 1 million dollars each to our program. From our first MICCO in 1996 to our most recent advocates in the Renaissance Campaign to the well-known DeVoe & Shirley Moore and Al & Judy Dunlap, these people are the torchbearers of our University and have led the way during our capital campaigns over the years, always answering our call to action when needed.
I also want to thank our loyal supporters. Some continue to make impressive finacial gifts; others faithfully give what they can. We've been through hard times before and we know the truth that no amount is ever unimportant or unappreciated. Some of these loyal supporters - names and faces I will always be able to see in my mind - have passed on in the 45 years since I was given the opportunity to lead the Boosters. Four and a half decades have been filled with so many people who have given incredible support as volunteers, leaders, donors and heart-loyal fans. Some were active and involved before I arrived, and are active and involved still.
And to the Alumni and friends who continue to invest their time and financial resources as fans and loyal Boosters, I thank you. I know very well that the strength of an organization lies within its people. Florida State's family has always been our most powerful advantage. You have touched the lives of thousands of Student-Thletes, coaches and administrators and have made an impact that cannot be measured.
Thank you to Pi Kappa Alpha, my fraternity whose brotherhood has always been a great source of inspiration and support.
Four and a half decades ago, we did not know what was ahead of us. Much the same is true now. We can never be certain what is ahead. But now we know where our true strength lies. Now we have wonderful coaches, and programs, and facilities and we will overcome all the challenges and emerge stronger. We always have.
In closing let me thank you, my Seminole family, for allowing me to lead the Booster Program for the past 45 years; it has been my greatest honor.