Florida State University’s Faculty Senate honored five members of the university community with Torch Awards in recognition of their contributions to the university’s academic excellence during a ceremony held Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Heritage Museum.
“These individuals have contributed to the academic excellence of our university in myriad ways,” President Richard McCullough said during his remarks. “They believe strongly in our mission and care deeply about our faculty, staff and students. Put simply, they love Florida State University.”
Provost James Clark presided over the ceremony while FSU Trustee and Faculty Senate President Eric Chicken presented the awards.
The Faculty Senate Torch Awards were established in 1996 as a way for faculty to honor those friends of Florida State University who have made sustained and significant contributions to the university’s ability to fulfill its academic mission. To date, 102 people have been recognized with Torch Awards.
Awards are named for the three torches depicted in the FSU seal. The three categories of Torch Awards are: Vires, representing moral, physical and intellectual strength; Artes, conveying an appreciation of aesthetics and the beauty of intellectual pursuits; and Mores, symbolizing respect for customs, character and tradition.
This year, the Faculty Senate bestowed the Vires award to alum Patricia Martin (M.A. ’64 Sociology; Ph.D. ’69 Sociology).
Martin is one of the country’s most distinguished gender scholars and is known worldwide for her scholarship on violence against women and on the dynamics of employment discrimination.
She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology from FSU, then joined the faculty as an assistant professor, rising through the ranks to earn a named chair and become an internationally renowned scholar. Martin has written scores of influential articles and several award-winning books and is known for being a supportive colleague, generous adviser and mentor to countless students.
Martin also made a profound impact through her history of remarkable activism at FSU. She was a trailblazer in the push to end employment discrimination against women at FSU. In her drive for equality, she served on university committees where she fought for equal funding for women’s athletics and equal inclusion in leadership.
Also a philanthropist, Martin’s donation of coastal property has helped FSU further its goals. She also helped found and financially support the city’s domestic violence shelter.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients!