By: Chelsea Shackelford Alicia Crew [first from left] with fellow attendees at Backstage Pass 2019. Women for Florida State University empowers and cultivates female philanthropists to make a difference in the future generation of Seminoles. Research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows when women feel valued and engaged, they tend to give more over consecutive years. Conversely, when they don't feel understood or connected, they give smaller gifts out of obligation. Florida State University recognized this trend, and through the Women for FSU, has made a conscious effort to strengthen connections with its female alumnae, faculty, staff and friends. The history of this great University cannot be told without recognizing the influence of its pioneering women. FSU's past, present and future are comprised of thousands of stories featuring unique, independent women that invest in the future of the Seminole network. In this issue, Alicia Crew, an FSU graduate and member of W4FSU among many titles, graciously spoke with us about the inspiration behind her philanthropic giving to the University and what it means to be for Florida State University. Q: How long have you been involved with Women for Florida State University? A: I became involved with W4FSU before the first Backstage Pass, around 2009. Q: Why did you decide to get involved? A: [I became involved because of ] our heritage as a historically outstanding women’s college, and I felt it was important to FSU, as the successor institution of the Florida State College for Women, to have women of today be involved and financially supportive. Q: What motivated you to support W4FSU financially? A: There were several reasons I was motivated to support W4FSU. One reason was and still is to support some of the outstanding programs and projects of the institution. [At Florida State], there are numerous areas in which everyone is able to find something that interests them and be proud of backing. The other important reason is to indicate and validate that the women of today have the interest, resources and ability to support FSU just as the men in our lives have done for many years. Women may have different interests in what they choose to support financially and their motivations toward philanthropy, but they also have the love and concern for the institution to also be donors. Q: Why would you encourage other women to support W4FSU? A: W4FSU invites all women who are for this University to join and get involved. You do not have to be an alumna. You just have to be for Florida State. In so doing, women can be a part of moving FSU forward, networking with other like-minded women and sharing their time, talent and treasure with others who care about our history and future. As a 1969 graduate of Florida State University, Alicia Crew made immense contributions to campus recreation as both an alumna and faculty member. She created a pathway to becoming the University’s first aquatics director, provided leadership as both associate director and director of FSU Campus Recreation and played a significant role in the creation of the Dr. Bobby E. Leach Recreation Center. Crew eventually retired after dedicating 35 years of service to Florida State, but she continues to follow her passion for championing the University by financially supporting nearly 50 campus initiatives, including W4FSU. Leave a lasting legacy for Women for Florida State University by becoming a member or making a gift today! Or find an academic program that speaks to you. 2019 Winter Newsletter Newsletter Articles Backstage Pass to the Very Best of Florida State 2020 Recognizing Women in Philanthropy W4FSU Regional Roundup W4FSU Welcomes New Leadership Women's Leadership Institute 2019