The Vires, Artes, Mores recognition society takes its name from the Latin words found in the university’s seal that mean strength, skill and character. The society recognizes the cumulative giving of Florida State's most generous donors.

The society honors individuals and organizations who have made $250,000 or more in cumulative gifts through five of the university’s Direct Support Organizations — FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, FSU Alumni Association, The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation and the FSU Real Estate Foundation. There are currently 639 honorees listed on the donor wall.

“Vires, Artes, Mores honorees have contributed more than $675 million to Florida State University,” said FSU President John Thrasher. “That remarkable number shows how much our supporters believe in the power of Florida State to transform the lives of our students and shape the future of our state and nation.” 

Vires, Artes, Mores honorees Dr. C. Raymond and Stella Cottrell of Tallahassee reflected on why they give to Florida State.

“We have supported many programs at Florida State, such as the FSU Alumni Association, Seminole Boosters and the College of Arts & Sciences,” Dr. Cottrell (’69) said. “We do this because we want Florida State, its students and faculty to succeed and continue to do great things.”

“Vires, Artes, Mores symbolizes the ideals and tenets that make Florida State great, and that is something we can all take pride in,” Stella Cottrell (’71) added.

The names of each honoree are etched into the donor recognition wall and classified by giving levels: Garnet Society, $250,000 to $999,999; Sapphire Society, $1 million to $4.9 million; Emerald Society, $5 million to $9.9 million; and Diamond Society, $10 million or more.

“We hope that Vires, Artes, Mores and this magnificent wall inspire supporters — maybe even current students — to have a transformational impact for Florida State in whatever way they can,” said honoree Barbara Coen (’74) of Naples.

“It is truly an honor to give back to such an outstanding university,” added Bill Coen (’74, ’79), who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FSU.

Following cocktails and hors’ d’oeurves at the Vires, Artes, Mores donor recognition wall unveiling, honorees of the recognition society enjoyed an evening of music and dancing at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.

For more information on Vires, Artes, Mores, please visit vam.fsu.edu.