The Committee of 30 is a group of men and women whose purpose is to promote excellence in women's athletics by building a tradition of support and philanthropy at Florida State University. Its goals are to increase philanthropic support, through its scholarships and facilities; to expand its support network; to increase visibility; to provide information on past, current, and future activities, and to increase fan support.
It began on January 21, 1998 as a group committed to excellence in women's athletics at FSU. The Seminole Boosters, with the assistance of the FSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, had asked Mary Ann Stiles and Barbara Palmer, two members of the Booster's Board of Directors, to identify several people who might be interested in starting a group to help promote women's athletics at FSU. Those in attendance at the organizational meeting were Frances Cannon, Daisy Flory, Dave Hart (former athletic director), Joel Padgett (Seminole Boosters), Barbara Palmer, Kim Record (Assistant Athletic Director), and Mary Ann Stiles. The initial name of the group was Ladies First, but it was decided at that meeting to call itself the Committee of 30, in recognition of the 30th year celebration of women's intercollegiate athletics at FSU. Over time the Committee was to be enlarged to no more than 30 members, comprising all age groups, geographic locations, and representing all sports.
As the number of members increased so did the Committees' projects and other activities. When the group was formed there were only 14 FSU women's scholarships valued at $600,000. It was felt that alumni and others needed to know the commitment the Athletic Department and Boosters were now giving to the women's program. The Committee's first project was to begin area meetings with FSU alumni and interested persons. The first reception was held in Miami in 1998, followed by annual receptions in Tampa and Jacksonville.
There are two major events held annually. "Champions Beyond the Game" brunches are held each year during Homecoming honoring two former athletes and recognizing donors to the scholarships. This activity exposes current FSU women athletes to former women athletes who have excelled in life after collegiate sports. Women's Sportsfest is held in February each year during which all former women athletes are asked back to campus to meet the current athletes, attend sporting events in progress, and learn current activities in the women's athletic program.
From the guide to the Committee of 30 Scrapbooks, 1998-2004, (Repository Unknown)
