The Florida State Seminole Torchbearers
The Seminole Torchbearers is an organization comprised of Florida State University students and alumni who are exceptional leaders. A Seminole Torchbearer carries on the Legacy of Leadership – the difference that a leader makes in people’s lives – that was acquired while attending The Florida State University. It is this leadership legacy that is the foundation upon which our great university was built and is exemplified by a Seminole Torchbearer.
The Seminole Torchbearers in 1986 began formally recognizing those alumni who were student leaders during their time on campus. The Seminole Torchbearers is governed by a Board of Directors, made entirely of Torchbearer members from across the country. Board members continue this Legacy of Leadership by being prestigious leaders in their communities.
Every year Juniors and Senior students are nominated by their peers to join the Torchbearers. The Board reviews the nominations and chooses those only those that have been most influential to the University and Student body. These students will carry on the torch and instill the leadership Seminole values in their future endeavors.
I got nominated for what?!
It was the Fall of my Senior year at Florida State when I was scrolling through my email inbox looking for an assignment from my Senior Design class. As I skimmed my messages I noticed an email from the Seminoles Torchbearer Association. Slightly confused, I opened the message and read through the body. This congratulatory message extended me a bid to join to the prestigious organization and invited me to an induction ceremony later that week. I wasn’t sure what it related to, but little did I know that my good friend and roommate Ricardo Aleman had nominated me for induction; I was shocked. I did not consider my presence on campus influential enough to be part of the Torchbearers, much less for someone else to believe so. I was flattered to say the least.
After the Torchbearer induction ceremony with (from left to right): Mac Anderson, StephanieMCLellan, and Ricardo Aleman.
I proudly attended to induction ceremony on an October evening in 2014. A congregation of outstanding, driven individuals from different colleges and careers that came together to form the 2014 class on the Torchbearers; it was an awe-inspiring sight. The energy in the room was palpable and the drive heavily felt. From different backgrounds, of deferent colors, studying different fields, we all had something in common; we had made our presence at Florida State felt and we had left a positive mark on the University. These were going to be the Seminole Leaders of tomorrow.
During the ceremony, we were told about the values of being a Torchbearer. We were taught the importance of integrity and drive; to always push for excellence and bring those around you along with you. To this day, I am beyond flattered and eternally grateful to my friend Ricardo for taking the time to consider me and nominate me to this prestigious Association.
Want to learn more about this Seminole organization, their current involvement, and current events? Check out their home website by clicking the button below. Maybe you want to nominate someone? or you never know, maybe someone already nominated you...
“Special mention to Ricardo Aleman. Without your nomination, I would have never been able to be a Seminole Torchbearer. Thanks Ricky!”