Florida State University Athletics
Seminole Boosters Launches Bowden Society Council, Honoring 13 Founding Members for Transformational Generosity
9/3/2026 4:03:00 PM | Athletics
TALLAHASSEE — Seminole Boosters, Inc. today announced the launch of the Bowden Society Council, the premier recognition level within the Bowden Society, Florida State Athletics' major gift program. The Council honors donors whose leadership commitments of $2.5 million or more over a five-year period reflect an extraordinary and lasting impact on Florida State Athletics and the Seminole student-athlete experience.
The Bowden Society Council will officially launch during Labor Day Weekend, September 6–7, 2026, as FSU Football hosts SMU. Its 13 founding members will be celebrated on campus with a weekend of exclusive, behind-the-scenes access and special gameday experiences.
Together, the 13 founding members of the Bowden Society Council have donated more than $50 million in support of Florida State Athletics over the last four years, representing the highest level of philanthropic leadership within the Bowden Society. These supporters have impacted facilities including Doak Campbell Stadium and the Dunlap Football Center, the Mental Health and Sport Psychology Program, student-athlete acquisition and retention efforts, and women's athletics.
The Council was established to elevate Florida State Athletics to greater heights to compete in the new era of collegiate athletics.
"What this founding class of the Bowden Society Council has made possible goes directly to the experience of our student-athletes," said Michael Alford, Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics. "From facilities to resources to the everyday support our teams rely on, this level of investment allows us to compete at the highest level while giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed on the field and in life. We are grateful for their leadership and for everything it means for the future of Florida State Athletics."
"The generosity of these 13 founding members is nothing short of extraordinary," said Stephen Ponder, President of Seminole Boosters. "Each of them made a leadership commitment of $2.5 million or more, and together they have given more than $50 million to Florida State Athletics. Their willingness to invest at this level, and to do so together as the inaugural class of the Bowden Society Council, sets a standard of generosity that will inspire our entire Seminole Boosters community for years to come."
About the Bowden Society
The Bowden Society is the major gift recognition program of Seminole Boosters, Inc., honoring supporters whose philanthropic leadership provides transformational support for Florida State Athletics. The Bowden Society Council, its premier level, recognizes donors who have made leadership commitments of $2.5 million or more over a five-year period.
About Seminole Boosters, Inc.
Seminole Boosters, Inc. is the official direct-support organization for Florida State Athletics, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing the resources that empower Seminole student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and in life.
The Bowden Society Council will officially launch during Labor Day Weekend, September 6–7, 2026, as FSU Football hosts SMU. Its 13 founding members will be celebrated on campus with a weekend of exclusive, behind-the-scenes access and special gameday experiences.
Together, the 13 founding members of the Bowden Society Council have donated more than $50 million in support of Florida State Athletics over the last four years, representing the highest level of philanthropic leadership within the Bowden Society. These supporters have impacted facilities including Doak Campbell Stadium and the Dunlap Football Center, the Mental Health and Sport Psychology Program, student-athlete acquisition and retention efforts, and women's athletics.
The Council was established to elevate Florida State Athletics to greater heights to compete in the new era of collegiate athletics.
"What this founding class of the Bowden Society Council has made possible goes directly to the experience of our student-athletes," said Michael Alford, Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics. "From facilities to resources to the everyday support our teams rely on, this level of investment allows us to compete at the highest level while giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed on the field and in life. We are grateful for their leadership and for everything it means for the future of Florida State Athletics."
"The generosity of these 13 founding members is nothing short of extraordinary," said Stephen Ponder, President of Seminole Boosters. "Each of them made a leadership commitment of $2.5 million or more, and together they have given more than $50 million to Florida State Athletics. Their willingness to invest at this level, and to do so together as the inaugural class of the Bowden Society Council, sets a standard of generosity that will inspire our entire Seminole Boosters community for years to come."
About the Bowden Society
The Bowden Society is the major gift recognition program of Seminole Boosters, Inc., honoring supporters whose philanthropic leadership provides transformational support for Florida State Athletics. The Bowden Society Council, its premier level, recognizes donors who have made leadership commitments of $2.5 million or more over a five-year period.
About Seminole Boosters, Inc.
Seminole Boosters, Inc. is the official direct-support organization for Florida State Athletics, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing the resources that empower Seminole student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and in life.
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