Showcase of Westcott Events
Westcott Legacy Society Luncheon—February 16, 2012
Inclement weather did little to dampen spirits at the sixth annual James D. Westcott Legacy Society luncheon held February 16 at the Alumni Center Grand Ballroom at Florida State University. A record 120 attendees were present to honor the dual gift left by Mary Tilley Bessemer. Mrs. Bessemer’s bequests have greatly benefited both the Ringling Museum of Art and the College of Business.
Jake Lemon, senior director of Planned Giving, welcomed guests and introduced President Eric Barron, who addressed guests with comments regarding the importance of estate gifts to the future of the University. “Planned giving demonstrates incredible trust and faith in the University and ensures that exceptional opportunities will continue to exist for students and faculty forever,” he stated. Steven High, executive director for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, spoke of Mrs. Bessemer’s largesse in funding the Ringling Museum Department of Academic Affairs, which has created residencies for visiting scholars and student internships, as well as enhanced the museum’s programming. Caryn Beck-Dudley, dean of the College of Business, addressed the impact the gift has had on the ability for the college to fund faculty development that will support the student business incubator, annual entrepreneurial boot camps for veterans and their families and the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.
Prior to the luncheon, guests enjoyed a presentation by Associate Curator Matthew McLendon on the Ringling Museum’s contemporary art collection. Guests were then treated to a lunchtime performance by Kirsten Mitak, a pianist and Ph.D. candidate in the College of Music. Following the event, guests were invited to tour the College of Business, where they spoke with students and viewed renderings for the new state-of-the-art building that will house the college.
View other Westcott event photos:
|