W4FSU Announces Exciting Changes Women for FSU is pleased to announce universal membership to our organization. 75 Years Under the Big Top with the FSU Flying High Circus By Cristie Chase, Melissa Powell and Chelsea Shackelford For over 75 years, The Flying High Circus has remained a special tradition at Florida State University. Backstage Pass Returned in 2023 for Another Successful Event By Melissa Powell In a vibrant gathering this past February, the Women for Florida State University united for our signature event—Backstage Pass to the Very Best of Florida State. Support, Family and Leadership Leads to Success with FSU Softball By Cristie Chase and Melissa Powell FSU Softball has been no stranger to success this past year; all of which is evident through their culture of family, leadership and women supporting women. LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Greetings! I hope this message finds you well. The Women for Florida State University would like to extend our warm wishes to all of you. I have had the pleasure of serving as chair of W4FSU since November 2022, and I am delighted to walk in the footsteps of immediate past Chairs Berneice Cox and Tena Pate. Learning from their leadership and sharing space with women who significantly impact our campus, students and the greater FSU community is truly an honor. I’m thankful for all who joined us for Backstage Pass in February. It was great to reconnect with long-time members and welcome new faces. The event truly showcased the best of the university and the spirit of friendship, community and philanthropy that defines W4FSU. As we look ahead, our Executive Committee will be focused on enhancing our engagement and visibility on campus and in six regions: Tallahassee, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Panama City, Tampa and South Florida. The newly established University Advancement model at FSU brings together the FSU Foundation and FSU Alumni Association under one umbrella, positioning W4FSU for even greater growth and impact. W4FSU began with the idea that women need a place where they feel connected to the university. Our leadership team is committed to fostering that notion by building collaborations and connections with other FSU entities. This will enable us to incorporate additional programming, events and philanthropic activities into our schedule for 2023-24. Another of our primary goals is to grow our leadership pipeline and recruit talented women from all backgrounds. As always, if you would like to participate in a leadership role, please reach out to a committee chair or contact me directly. I hope you enjoy this issue and would like to give a special thank you to Communications Committee Chair Cristie Chase and the W4FSU Executive Committee (listed below) for their contributions. I look forward to this upcoming year and am grateful to each of you for your part in accomplishing our mission. Fondly, Melissa Powell, Chair Executive Committee Laura Glenn, FSU Division of University Advancement Staff Liaison Berneice Cox, Immediate Past Chair Cristie Chase, Communications Chair Calla MacNamara, Program Planning Chair Joi Phillips, Student Engagement Chair Chelsea Shackelford, Regional Chair Sarah Schreck, Member at Large, Panama City Region Katee Tully, Member at Large