In the late 1940s, Maggie Allesee was head cheerleader for the first
FSU cheerleading squad and earned the first varsity letter given to a
woman by Florida State. She is still one of FSU’s head cheerleaders and
can be seen almost ever year at Homecoming proudly wearing her
cheerleader's uniform. An avid Seminole fan and ardent supporter of her
alma mater, Mrs. Allesee has been a steady and generous donor to FSU. In 2004, Mrs. Allesee made a gift to FSU that
reflects not only her love for the University but also for the arts. This gift to FSU’s College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance created and
endowed The Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography.
Maggie Allesee is a 1949 FSU graduate in English, journalism and
education, who now lives in Detroit. She received a master’s degree in
education, guidance and counseling and a post master’s degree in
gerontology from Wayne State University. In 2011 she received an honorary doctorate from Oakland University.
A Word From Maggie
"I have been a continuing supporter of Florida State ever since I graduated in 1949. Back then I was aware of the Dance Department because I took tap dance for my phys ed class. Over the years, because of my love for dance, I have seen and helped it grow into one of the finest Dance Departments in the USA," said Mrs. Allesee.
"When I learned of the possibility of a National Center for Choreography, I thought what a perfect place for students to be offered to study alongside the finest dance makers in the world.
Through the experience in this Center for choreography, FSU offers a positive impact for developing outstanding dancers from all over the world. High levels of education are the finest gifts we can provide for our students today."
Maggie Allesee
